Page 67 of Just One Bite
Emma
“ Doxlothia’s Power Couple Takes the World by Storm.
Wow, what a headline,” I say, scrolling through my phone.
Cheers erupt in the stadium. The ice is bathed in blue light for the moon festival offseason game.
You wouldn’t think it’s a big deal, but everything is a big deal here.
I’m wrapped in a blanket because short skirts and sitting in an ice rink don’t mix.
Sports have never been my thing, but supporting Olivia and Parker is pretty much a hobby for me at this point.
“They always exaggerate,” Olivia says.
Her hands are covered in mittens. She claims it’s because it’s cold in the ice rink, but I think she’s trying to hide that rock on her hand everyone keeps trying to take pictures of.
“Yeah, okay. I’m just tired of my feed being flooded with my sister making out with her fiancé.”
I’m happy for her. Olivia deserves it. Did I kinda want a hot werewolf man to want me? Sure. Did I also want to pursue my dream and enter the culinary club and can’t because council member Dacre Everhart decided he wanted to be a dick about it? Double sure.
Now her name is literally everywhere. She’s a linked mate. Everyone is obsessed with her performances. All I’m saying is, share the love, sis. Maybe let someone else get a little bit of that magical luck you have .
She hates being famous. I don’t understand why.
What’s so terrible about strangers loving you and bringing you gifts?
She still hasn’t stopped getting gifts since the whole kidnapping incident.
Lucky for them the university is closed to the public and press are only allowed on the campus under strict guidelines.
Parker passes the puck and tackles someone to the ground and the whole stadium stands. Olivia gasps and presses a hand to the glass.
Their notoriety does come with perks. The Doxlothia company and Rage team are required by law to coordinate their dates so the two can always be close in proximity. Which in short means they’re never apart. Ever.
Right now, my favorite perk is getting the best seats in the stadium.
Parker told me when they have the bigger tournament in the city we get to sit in the special fancy club seats, and I can’t wait to test out the food there.
I wish Eva were here to keep me company, but she’s busy with one of Stelliea’s social groups. They handle the merch area.
Parker Owens has infiltrated my life, and he and his pack are literally in my space twenty-four seven. It’s nice having a soon to be brother-in-law, especially one who likes trying the recipes I need to test out.
I wasn’t paying attention to see the game-winning moment, but Parker is being tackled by his team, and they are cheering his name while the stadium roars.
Olivia beams as she watches them celebrate.
They bring out the trophy, and Parker sees her and immediately bolts over to the glass.
She moves to the edge of the ice, probably expecting a kiss.
Instead, he lifts her, and she wraps her legs around his waist. She kisses his cheek as they skate back to the center, though he’s dirty with blood.
They kiss as the cameras flash in rapid succession. The entire stadium is screaming, and they both have blood smudged on their faces. I can already hear the conversations my hallmates will have:
"Did you see when he picked her up and kissed her? Ah!"
"They look so perfect together. Olivia is always so put together."
"The way he looked for her immediately, it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen."
I’m so bitter and alone. It’s been ages since I’ve had anyone to share a bed with. And now I’m always with them. The most popular couple in Vviveren, all the time . I send Olivia a quick text to let her know I’ll see her at the after-game dinner .
I duck between swarms of people sweating and screaming, and run straight into a man’s chest. I know it’s a man because he smells like the feeling of pulling baked bread from the oven, and he’s solid as a rock.
“Watch where you’re going,” he says.
“Dacre.”
Dacre Everhart is only a few inches taller, but he’s looking down his nose at me like I’m chewed gum on the bottom of his shoe.
Why do beautiful people have to be so evil?
I’m not kidding, everyone on the council is easy on the eyes.
Dacre’s chestnut hair is short and out of his eyes, and I can’t help but stare at the tattoos lining his arms.
“You should be careful,” he says, and I continue to block his way.
“No, you. You’re in my space.”
“Whatever you say, thief.”
Oh, I hate him. I hate him—
“Your recipe sucked anyway,” I spit.
Did I steal a recipe notebook from the lounge as a dare? Yes. But it’s not as sinister as it sounds. They’re hoarding all the good stuff for the culinary club.
“What?”
“I looked at your recipe in the book, and you put too much flour.”
“You tried it?”
“Of course I tried it. I’m working my way through them all.”
His dark eyebrows twitch, then he points. “You’ve got icing on your neck.”
I’m so confused until I remember I made victory cupcakes for Parker and his team for tonight’s dinner. Wishful baking.
He leans in an inch. Two. Three. The slow rub of his thumb sends heat down my spine, and it spreads to my face when he pops the finger in his mouth to taste the icing.
“Too sweet.”
“No way. That’s my mom’s recipe. It’s perfect.”
He shrugs and waves me off. “Whatever you say, thief.”
My mouth falls open to say something witty back, but I shut it.
No further explanation needed. I hate Dacre Everhart.