Page 24

Rachel

I text Lucas again, but he still doesn’t answer. When he left me last night, he convinced me everything would be fine and not to worry about what happened with Trent, but I just can’t relax this morning. Something feels off… Like something big is coming and I don’t know what it is. I felt the same way the morning of my first shift… restless.

There’s a soft knock on my door before Dallas says, “You coming out sometime today?”

“Dallas,” I hear Aubree scold as I shake my head, glad they can’t see me silently laughing at their antics.

Opening the door, I meet Maya’s eyes as Dallas and Aubree argue like only sisters can.

Maya’s honey-brown eyes are wide beneath her soft curls, her delicate fingers gripping her tablet like a shield. Dallas leans casually against the doorframe, her lightly tanned skin glowing in the morning light, dark brown hair pulled into a high ponytail that swings with every sarcastic jab she throws Aubree’s way. And Aubree, freckles, bold brows, and a too-cute puffball bun, has her arms crossed with all the fire of a drama queen mid-monologue.

“You wanted me out of my room to watch you fight with Aub? Is that really necessary?” I arch a brow, biting back a smile.

“Har, har,” Dallas says. “We’re going to the library today, remember? Maya didn’t want to leave without you, but of course she was too shy to knock on your door and disturb you.”

“You’ve been spending so much time with your mates lately, and I love that for you, but it’s time for a girls study date. Now hurry and get ready, let’s go to the library.” Aubree’s eagerness has me fighting a chuckle.

“Where’s the fire?” I arch a brow.

“In my stomach,” she says, dramatically flopping back onto the couch. “We’re stopping by the cafe first. I need a chocolate croissant and another iced latte or I will simply cease to exist.”

“You ate breakfast an hour ago,” Dallas snorts, shaking her head.

“Yes,” Aubree deadpans, “and now it’s time for second breakfast.”

“You’re a penguin shifter not a hobbit,” I mutter but I can’t hold back the smile tugging at my lips.

By the time we reach the library, Aubree is happily munching on her croissant and Dallas and Maya have both gotten brain freezes from how fast they consumed their frappuccinos. We find a table near the back corner, well away from everyone else and settle in.

“Alright,” Aubree says, clapping her hands together. “Let’s get to it.”

“To what?” I ask, unpacking my bag and pulling out my notes from math.

“Dallas has a dilemma,” Aubree answers with a smirk.

“It’s not a dilemma,” Dallas huffs, finally setting her drink down and beginning to unpack her bag. “I just can’t decide between taking Shifter Sexuality or Self-Defense next semester.”

“Shifter Sexuality?” I blink, glancing at Maya, who suddenly looks way too interested in her notebook.

“Yeah,” Dallas shrugs. “It’s not all about sex. It’s about mate bonds, instincts, and understanding yourself better. Apparently, it’s super interesting.”

“Okay, so what’s holding you back?”

“I just think Self-Defense might be more practical,” Dallas admits, tapping her pen against the book in front of her.

“You can take that later, Professor Rains is amazing and she said she offers Self-Defense all four semesters for this very reason. You can take her class later, Shifter Sexuality sounds like something you’re actually curious about. I say go for it.”

“You know what?” Dallas sighs, a grin tugging at her lips. “You’re right. Shifter Sexuality it is.”

“Maya?” I prompt gently, my gaze landing on her.

Her cheeks flush, but she meets my eyes. “I… I was thinking of taking it too. I just…” She trails off, biting her lip.

“You want to learn more about yourself,” I finish softly, understanding dawning.

She nods, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

“I think it’s a great idea,” I say, giving her an encouraging smile. “I’m proud of you, Maya.”

“Speaking of being proud,” Dallas says, her warm brown eyes meeting mine, understanding swirling in their depths. “You haven’t worn your gloves in like a week and I notice you’re finding a new style. I dig it.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed, too.” Aubree adds. “How do you feel?”

“Stronger,” I admit. “My guys have been so supportive and even Liam is coming around I think. Derrick got his dad involved and I just don’t feel as scared anymore.”

“You shouldn’t be scared,” Dallas says, her eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness.

“Yeah, not only do you have your mates but you’ve got us. We have your back, always.” Aubree adds, her smile bright and warm.

“Always,” Maya echoes, her hand brushing mine in silent support.

My throat tightens and I hold back my tears as I offer them a smile.

“Thank you guys, seriously. Just a few weeks ago I never would have imagined I could have even one good friend and now I have three of the very best friends a girl could ask for. Thank you.”

We all sit in silence for just a moment before Aubree breaks it.

“And four smokin hot mates, what more could a girl ask for.” She shoots me a playful wink and we all dissolve into giggles. “Now… who wants to hear about my new love interest?”

“Another one? What happened to Garrett?” I furrow my brow.

“Garrett is so last week.” Dallas shakes her head. “Keep up, girl.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize… Are you okay, Aub?”

“I’m fine.” She waves away my concern. “He was a good guy. He just isn’t the one. No point leading him on, ya know?”

“Aub is serious about finding her mates. She’ll give anyone a chance until she figures out they’re not it,” Dallas tells us. “That’s why she’s been in a lot of relationships, but they don’t normally last longer than a week.”

“You gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.” Aubree shrugs.

“Right. So, tell me about your newest frog.”

Maya and Dallas giggle and Aubree rolls her pretty hazel eyes, but doesn’t try to hide her smile.

“His name is Logan and he’s majoring in Criminal Justice. He’s super cute and kind of short for a guy which I love cause he doesn’t make me feel like a kid standing next to her dad.”

“Well, he sounds like a lovely frog. I hope he doesn’t taste like one when you kiss him.”

Maya and Dallas burst out laughing as Aubree playfully glares at me.

“This is going to be a thing now, isn’t it?”

I smile and shrug. “How many frogs do you think she’ll go through this term? Should we place bets?”

“I like your thinking!” Dallas high fives me. “My money’s on twelve. One for every week.”

“I’m sitting right here, you know,” Aub huffs.

“You can’t bet. That’d be cheating.” Dallas scowls.

“I’m not saying- You know what? You’re otterly unbearable. I’m telling mom.”

“Tell her.” Dallas shrugs. “She’ll hang up and call me to place her bet.”

“Ugh! I hate you,” she grumbles.

For the first time all morning I feel a bit lighter, but that restless feeling still lingers in the back of my mind, refusing to fully leave.

We’ve been studying for a while when that restless feeling comes creeping back in. My notes blur in front of me and I rub absent-mindedly at the ache in my chest.

Something’s wrong.

I glance up and that’s when I see him.

Liam

He’s halfway hidden behind a tall shelf, broad shoulders hunched and arms crossed tightly over his chest. His dark golden-blonde hair falls in a messy sweep over one eye, but I can still see the tension in his sharp jaw and the way his storm-blue eyes flicker with something almost haunted. Even from here, he looks like a man bracing for a fight.

He’s standing near the shelves directly across the library from where we sit. It’s obvious that he is very much not looking at me in an attempt to avoid me but that no longer works for me. I can feel his anxiety and doubt swirling in our bond and it’s all clouded with something else.

Guilt.

“Be right back,” I murmur to the girls, already pushing out of my chair.

I follow the pull of our bond like a magnet dragging me towards my reluctant mate. He moves further into the maze of shelves, and I follow. It doesn’t take long before we are secluded in a little used row on the far side of the library.

“Liam,” I say softly.

He doesn’t turn. His shoulders tense but he stays laser focused on whatever book he’s pretending to read.

“Liam,” I repeat. “Talk to me.”

“Not now, Rachel,” he mutters, still avoiding facing me.

“Not now?” I blink, frowning. “What is it, Liam? You can only be honest and open in my dreams? Talk to me, please. I can feel how upset you are.”

“Don’t,” he snaps, finally turning to face me. His blue eyes are filled with a swirling storm of emotion. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” My voice is low but firm, I’m not backing down this time. “Feel what you’re feeling? I mean it kind of comes with the territory, Liam. I am your mate after all.”

“I didn’t ask for this,” he blurts out, running a hand through his hair.

My stomach drops. “What?”

“This… all of it. I never wanted to be tied down with a mate and a litter of fucking pups. I wanted to see the world, travel everywhere I could. And Lucas… he’s supposed to join the big leagues. We had a plan, and now…” He shakes his head, eyes flickering with regret. “Now, it’s all… fucked.”

Ouch

My heart twists painfully in my chest but I lift my chin forcing my voice to stay steady. “You think I’m ruining everything?”

“I didn’t say that,” he mutters.

“Yeah, Liam you kinda did.” I cross my arms, trying to keep my emotions in check. “And guess what? I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of finding my mates either. Hell, my dad has threatened all of our lives from the moment I first shifted and I didn’t even know you yet. You think I wanted this? My plan was to come here, get my degree and try like hell to get out from under Ranger St. James’s thumb.” My chest is heaving now all the emotions I tried to suppress bubbling to the surface. “And I don’t even think I want kids for that matter. They sorta give me the heebies, if I’m honest.”

Liam’s eyes snap to mine, his frustration shifting to surprise.

“Yeah,” I continue, “you’re not the only one around here who had a plan, a fucking dream. But none of that changes the fact that you are my mate and I fucking love you. Even if you are a mostly grumpy asshole who avoids me at every turn.”

His jaw tightens, and I see the war waging behind his eyes.

Say something. Say anything!

For a heartbeat we just stand there, both breathing hard, the air thick with tension.

And then…

Boom

Liam’s lips crash into mine.

It’s not gentle. It’s desperate. His hands grip my hips, almost painfully, as he pulls me flush against his chest and I melt into him. All the anger and hurt and guilt and worry turns into raw electric need. I tangle my fingers in his hair and tug, his responding growl sends a warm shot of lust directly to my core.

Our bond pulses between us, a wild mix of raw emotions.

I don’t know where he ends and I begin and I don’t care.

A sharp voice cuts through the haze.

“Guys! You need to come, now.”

Bas strides down the row we’re standing in and we spring apart panting. I blink up at Liam, lips still tingling. His eyes are wide and wild but there’s no time to process.

“Lucas,” Bastian’s voice is tight, urgent. “It’s about Lucas.”

My heart plummets. I knew something was wrong with him. I should have gone to his dorm to check on him instead of coming here and hanging out with the girls.

“Shit.”

Liam grabs my hand, and without another word, we’re running through the stacks and out the library, not stopping until we get to their dorm.