Chapter 4 Delilah
FOUR
Delilah
PRESENT DAY
I check my horoscope for the day as I do every morning.
Pisces - The past may be on your mind today, but keep your heart open to new possibilities. An exciting new chapter awaits.
Well, that sounds oddly optimistic, considering it’s Jagger’s first day as a student here.
My hopes that he’d change his mind diminished the closer we got to this semester starting.
Over the holidays, I was so swept up with the family festivities at home and making a magnificent gingerbread house that I almost forgot what would be waiting for me when I got back.
Usually, I’m excited to return to SVU, but an alpha rockstar-shaped shadow has clouded my perspective.
I clip my purple, sparkly butterfly hairclips into my two space buns and sigh at my reflection. I’ve always dressed to make myself smile, opting for bold patterns and colors, but even my pink faded cowboy boots don’t help today. I chew my lip, looking at my faded navy pinafore dress.
Who was I kidding? Why had I ever thought Jagger Knight was my scent match?
The more time that’s passed, the more I’m convinced I imagined my feelings.
Perhaps I so desperately wanted to find a scent match that I projected all my wishes onto him.
I doubt he’d even recognize me if we saw each other around campus.
I’m just another girl he discarded like a piece of trash.
It’s not like I haven’t tried to get over him—or my made-up idea of him anyway. I’ve been on a couple of dates and made out with a few guys at Club Knotty, but none of them gave me the same ‘fireworks’ feeling that kissing Jagger did.
“Enough!” I point at myself in the mirror. “What would you say to the Stellas if they were talking to themselves like this?”
I’d remind them of how amazing they are and to only focus on those who are worthy of their magic. Unfortunately, it’s much easier to be kind to your friends than to yourself.
I still have a few hours to spare before my first class.
Before I see her at our book club meeting tonight, I plan to meet my friend, Nia—the Feminist Society president—for breakfast. We’ve both been tasked with selecting the reads for the rest of the month.
After last semester’s lack of structure, we’re taking it upon ourselves to ensure that all romance genres are represented.
I’m thinking monsters, hockey, and shifters will be good places to start.
I head downstairs, humming off tune. Music always makes me feel better. Although I’m in a shitty mood, I’m a firm believer of faking it until you make it.
The house is extra quiet this morning as Sabs has already left for an urgent volleyball practice, and Kady stayed at the Valen Pack’s apartment last night.
I smile at the thought of Kady finding her pack. I’ve never seen her so happy. Her pack is good for her. They’ve helped her loosen up and to see daylight beyond the library walls. Something she desperately needed.
The crisp morning air hits me as I step outside before heading along the path out of Omega Village. Ahead of me, three omegas from Persephone House are gossiping in loud, excited voices that make it impossible not to eavesdrop.
“Have you seen him yet?” one shrieks.
“I caught a glimpse of him yesterday,” another swoons. “He’s even hotter in person. He’s got that broody vibe, you know?”
I glower, my back teeth grinding together. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with the guy who broke my heart being on the same campus, let alone having people comment on how hot he is in front of me. I guess it’s something I have to get used to.
“Oh, look!” The third holds up her phone. “Hashtag SmokeOutJagger is trending. He was spotted at Bouncing Bunna this morning.”
“If we run, we may be able to catch him!”
They squeal as they practically sprint to the gates and jump into the golf cart next to Margie.
“Hey!” Margie—the sweet security guard who keeps watch over Omega Village—yells after them as they floor it.
“Watch out for the geese!” She shakes her lavender rinse perm as I approach.
“What’s got into the girls this semester?
It seems that everyone has gone crazy. That’s the second time someone has almost run over my Crocs this morning. ”
“They’re just excited to see a celebrity on campus,” I reply wryly.
“Ah, that explains it.” Margie slaps her knee. “I don’t see the appeal myself. That boy will get no studying done if this hysteria persists. At least you have some sense, Delilah. Don’t let any rockstars interfere with your studies.”
Little does she know.
I manage a half-smile. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of going anywhere near Jagger Knight.”
She bids me goodbye, then I shoot a quick text to Nia, telling her to meet me at the Tea House instead. With the Jagger feeding frenzy, there’s no way we’ll find a quiet table at Bouncing Bunna, and I’d rather avoid being surrounded by simpering Pack Fire fangirls.
I put in my headphones and listen to my happy playlist as I change direction and continue on my way.
Upon arrival, the bell jingles above the door, and I’m met by the comforting smell of freshly ground coffee and an herbal mix of exotic tea blends.
Faye—my newest Stella sister who has quickly become one of my best friends—loves this place and recently got me hooked on their maple matcha lattes.
Faye bonded with her pack soon after starting college, so she no longer lives in Stella House, so this is one of our favorite spots to catch up between classes.
I peer down at my phone when it beeps.
NIA
Running late! Grab a table.
My stomach rumbles as I head to the counter to order, skimming the new list of specialty drinks on the board, including lion’s mane mushroom coffee, black forest hot cocoa, and spiced peach iced tea.
Sadly, none of them seem to offer a cure for erasing memories of a certain famous asshole.
Although their delicious chocolate orange Danish pastries sprinkled with almonds instantly have me salivating, which may make me feel a little better.
Behind the counter, a barista I’ve never seen before leans against the counter, watching me closely.
He’s… hot. His scent hits me right away.
While it isn’t as strong as an alpha’s smell, it sure packs a punch for a beta—a rich dark roast espresso and sweet coconut.
It’s the kind of smell that puts you at ease and makes you feel at home with a splash of vacation magic that reminds me of lounging by a poolside with a book.
His dazzling brown eyes crinkle at the corners when his gaze meets mine, his mouth stretching into an easy smile.
The way he smiles makes me feel like he’s reserved it just for me, creating a quiet moment of intimacy across the counter that makes my heart judder.
I mentally check myself. Clearly, I’ve been reading too many romance books lately.
I’m sure he smiles like that for everyone. His job is to be friendly!
“What can I get you?” He flashes me his dimples again. They’re carved deep into his warm olive skin, at odds with his angular superman-esque jawline. “A warming gingerbread chai? A rich zebra mocha? Either will go perfectly with the Danish you were eying.”
“Actually, I think I’ll go with a simple cappuccino,” I reply thoughtfully. “It’ll help balance out the orange zest.”
He crosses his arms, his bemused smile widening. “Oh, really?”
“Well, a straight black coffee would probably be better. The bitterness would offset the sweetness, but I only drink my coffee with milk…” I blow out a loud puff of air.
“Sorry, I wasn’t telling you how to do your job.
I study culinary arts. Flavor profiles are kinda my thing. Well, if you can call that a thing.”
He chuckles as he grabs a mug. “You know, I think you’re right.
That does sound like a winning combination.
I’ll remember that one to tell other customers.
” He cups a hand next to his mouth like he’s sharing a secret.
His warm aura makes me feel instantly comfortable, like being reunited with an old friend you haven’t seen for years. “This is only my second day.”
“I thought I hadn’t seen you in here before.”
“It seems quieter in here than yesterday.” He scratches his chin, taking pause before tamping the ground beans. “Which helps while I’m getting used to the menu.” He shudders. “That milk steamer has been giving me nightmares, but I think I’ve got it down now.”
I laugh as he prepares my drink. There’s a dancer-like quality to the way he moves. His faded plaid shirt is rolled up to his elbows, showing off his defined arms as he works the steam wand.
“You should have plenty of time to practice this morning.” I struggle to keep the resentment out of my voice. “Everyone’s flocking to Bouncing Bunna to see the new celebrity on campus.”
He pours my drink then adds extra chocolate sprinkles on top. It’s way more than the standard amount, but just as I’m about to tell him that to help him out, he winks. “Pretty girls get extra.”
My cheeks heat, not sure if he’s flirting with me or just being nice.
“T-thanks.”
He arches one eyebrow. “I take it that you’re not a fan of Pack Fire, huh?”
“Something like that,” I reply vaguely. “Let’s just say I won’t be lining up to get Jagger Knight’s autograph any time soon.”
He laughs hard, clutching his stomach. “I’m sure that’d wound his ego.”
“His ego appears to be pretty big already,” I reply then shake my head. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I promise I’m not usually so snarky.”
“Hey, don’t worry. For what it’s worth, I totally agree. His ego is as big as a house.” I can’t tell whether he’s joking or not, but his smile is infectious. “I’m Tae, by the way.”
“Tae.” I let his name roll off my tongue. “I’ve never heard that before.”
“It means ‘greatness’ in Korean,” he states proudly. “My mom picked it. She moved to the U.S. years ago and met my father here. What’s your name?”