Chapter 44
CHAPTER
FORTY-FOUR
HOLDEN
My sister peered up at us, her face solemn, and I knew I wouldn’t like whatever she said. Emerson peeked around me, her body tense at the sight of Hope sitting in front of her door. I took her hand to show Hope we were a united front and maybe to stop Wildcat from pouncing.
“Hey. I was hoping I could talk to you both.”
“If it’s about—” Emerson started, but I cut her off. I wanted to know what Hope would say first.
“Let’s go in my room. Colter’s sleeping.” Emerson huffed, but moved past her door to mine. Hope rolled to her good knee to stand. I stopped and reached out a hand. I might be pissed at her, but I wouldn’t let my sister struggle.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, righting herself. I felt like an ass for forgetting she got the walking cast today.
“Aren’t you supposed to still use a crutch?”
“Yeah. I just wanted a few hours without it. My leg doesn’t feel like it’s part of my body.”
I understood that. I had similar thoughts when I got injured two years ago. Hope hobbled into my room. It was such an odd sight. Hope had always been graceful and confident, so to see her anything but immaculate was disarming.
Emerson sat on my bed with her legs criss-crossed. I didn’t think she did it intentionally. Still, Hope glanced at her position in longing, falling into my desk chair, and sighed in relief. Her face was red, and sweat beaded along her forehead. Shit. She was pushing herself too much. I’d need to watch her so she didn’t overdo it.
“I might have underestimated my strength. I feel so out of shape.”
“If you push yourself too hard, you’ll do more damage,” Emerson said. “Though, don’t know why I care,” she mumbled. She leaned back on her elbows, presenting her gorgeous tits to me, my desire for her returning at full force. I leaned against the dresser, needing the distance to keep my hands to myself.
“What do you need to tell us?”
Hope fiddled with the hem of her shirt, a clear sign of her nerves. I kept my stare on her, daring her to lie to me. I loved my sister but didn’t trust her at the moment. She had a lot to repair with me. I just hoped this was the first step.
“I’ve decided to not return to Hayward in the spring.” Hope swallowed.
“Okay. Why do you need to tell us that?” Emerson asked.
“Because I want there to be complete transparency. I’m not telling you the next thing because of that. My decision to transfer had nothing to do with this… I didn’t want it to seem like that was the only reason I’m telling.”
I motioned for her to continue. My patience for bullshit was gone.
“I thought I had a lot of friends at Hayward. It was why I hung on to my popularity so hard when you returned. I hated who I’d become, but it felt too scary to stop and lose my friends. Yet, not a single person visited me in the hospital. They messaged, wanting the gossip, but no one asked how I was doing. Turns out, that car wasn’t the only thing that hit me.”
“Too soon, Hope.”
She shrugged, not caring. “I might’ve been popular, but I don’t have friends. So I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past six weeks. Working on the anti-bully project, I’ve learned so much, but mostly I liked how it felt doing it. For the first time, I wasn’t seeking attention or affirmation to make me feel good. I needed help, so I asked Mom to find me a therapist.”
I swallowed. I hadn’t realized she’d been seeing someone. My anger lessened, and I relaxed against the dresser.
“It’s been hard, but I like the person I’m becoming. I’m proud of this version of me.” She smiled, her chin lifted, and tears shone in her eyes. “I’m choosing to do the right thing this time. You might hate me, but I’m tired of hating myself.” She swiped the tear that fell but kept her head up. “I’d been home for about a week when I got a message from my Zeta sisters. I was so happy they had finally reached out. I thought it meant they cared. I soon realized it was because of Emerson.” Hope gave a wry chuckle, shaking her head.
“Rumors were swirling that Holden couldn’t take his eyes off you, Colter was holding you on campus, and you spent most of your free time with Cody. Other guys took notice.”
I growled, and Hope rolled her eyes.
“I don’t understand. I haven’t dated anyone else,” Emerson replied.
“You didn’t need to. The fact that three football players couldn’t seem to leave you alone made you desirable.”
“She’s desirable because of who she is, not because of who likes her,” I said.
Hope held up her hands. “I agree. I’m just saying how the guys at Hayward thought. The Zetas have a list of men on campus with points, and you’re given special privileges if you score a guy on the list. Relationships, dates, hook-ups, they all account for different totals. Well, suddenly, none of the guys they’re hunting are interested. You can guess how that went down. The Zetas are jealous and want to teach Emerson a lesson.” She blew out a breath. “This is the part that makes me look bad.”
“Just spit it out, Hope.”
“I didn’t realize what they were doing. They asked me questions about Emerson, and I answered them. I thought they were going to tap her to join Zeta.”
“What kind of questions?” Emerson asked.
“It seemed innocent, I swear.” Hope bit her lip.
“Hope.” My voice was stern, and I narrowed my eyes.
“They asked about your likes, how long you’d danced, and where. They asked about your family and where you went to school before Hayward.” Hope shrugged. “All standard questions of someone they’d invite into the sisterhood.”
“We both know that’s bullshit. I’m not their type.” Emerson motioned down her body.
Hope nodded. “I realized too late they didn’t have pure intentions, and I’m sorry about that. I thought for once I was helping you, but I inadvertently helped other people bully you. They’re planning something.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“You do?” Hope’s eyes widened.
Emerson nodded and sat up, her posture softening. “I overheard two girls in the bathroom today…” she paused. “They made it seem like you were in on whatever they had planned.”
Hope nodded. “I was afraid of that.”
“Is that why you’re telling us? Because you got caught?” I asked, making both girls jump. It was like they’d forgotten I was here.
“No! I swear. I know my word doesn’t hold much weight, but it’s all I’ve got. When Torrence texted me today, I realized what they were really up to.” Hope searched our faces, her eyes imploring mine to believe her.
“Which is?” Emerson asked.
“First, they have a smear campaign planned. Spirit week starts next week, and you made the ballot for Homecoming Queen. They’re using all the information I told them to discredit you. Again, I didn’t know, and I didn’t tell them anything bad. But they’re good at spinning things.”
“What the hell?” Emerson blinked, her mouth falling open. Hope shrugged.
“You really don’t get on social media, do you?”
“Not after… No. I don’t.”
Hope grimaced. “Not my finest moment. I’m sorry about that.”
I smirked. “You’re popular, Wildcat.”
“I think you mean infamous. People think I hired someone to hit Hope and set Colter on fire after he found us together.” She laughed it off, but I caught the emotion laced in her words. Pushing off the wall, I sat on the bed, pulled her into my arms, and kissed her neck. She relaxed into me, and I cherished holding her. This girl was my everything.
“Don’t listen to that bullshit, Wildcat. I’ll take care of it.”
“I don’t need you to fight my battles, Jockstrap. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“I’m glad you’re together. You complement each other well,” Hope said, reminding me she was in the room.
I turned to her. “What’s the rest? Get to the point, Hope. I have plans.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m so glad I’m at the other end of the hallway.” I lifted a brow, and she rolled her eyes. “You’re not as scary as you think, but I’m tired and need to take pain meds. If I had to guess, the gossip is from the Zetas. Contrary to their belief, they don’t run the campus. You have a lot of allies. There are a lot of posts in your favor. You’ve inspired a lot of people. ”
“How? I didn’t do anything.”
“You didn’t bow to societal pressures, and you shared your truth. There’s power in vulnerability. You made others feel seen and heard. And because of that, they admire you. Not for what you’ve done, but because of who you are. The Zetas have a right to be scared of you. You don’t give a shit about any of that popularity stuff, making you a real contender. I think you could win Homecoming Queen.”
“That sounds like my worst nightmare, if I’m honest.” Emerson shuddered in my arms, and not in the way I liked.
“What do they have planned?” I asked.
“If the smear campaign doesn’t work, then they’ll do something to sabotage the ceremony. They’ll keep themselves clean by using a patsy, someone they made promises to but have no intention of fulfilling, just to get what they want. They skirt the zero-tolerance line very carefully. They’re experts in getting away with stuff because of their family money and legacies.”
“And they want my demise?”
“Specifically, their return to the top spot on campus. If they have to destroy you to get it, then they will. They’ve asked me to convince you to drop out of Homecoming.”
“Done. I don’t care about that.”
“I was actually thinking you should run.”
“So they can embarrass me?” Emerson’s body tensed.
“No. So you can embarrass them.”
“I refuse to bully others.”
“You don’t have to do anything other than be yourself. If you let me, I’ll help expose them so they can’t bully anyone else.”
“If you do that, they’ll come after you,” I said.
“I know. I’m prepared.”
“Even if they leak the stuff about our childhood?”
“Even then, I’m not going to hide. Which is why I wanted you to know I’d do this even if I was returning. Hayward isn’t the place for me anymore. There’s too much toxicity there. I want a fresh start somewhere, a place where no one knows Hope Adler.”
I studied my sister. She held her head up, the resolve strong in her gaze. I believed her. Despite its appearance, she hadn’t maliciously set out to hurt Emerson this time . I peered down at my girl.
“I think you should do it, Wildcat.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Nope. We can be crowned together.”
“Wait. You’re up for Homecoming King?”
I shrugged. “I have been the past two years, so I assume I’ll be up again this year.”
“He is,” Hope said. “He’s also being modest. He won the past two years, too.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Emerson laughed.
“Be my queen, Wildcat.”
Emerson sucked in a breath, biting her lip as her eyes bore into mine. “Will Colter be there?”
“Not on the court,” came from the bathroom, and we all jumped.
“Holy shit! Announce yourself!” Hope shouted.
Colter chuckled, strolling into the room now that he’d revealed himself. He took the spot next to me and pulled Emerson’s legs into his lap. He still had dark circles under his eyes, but looked a little better.
“How much did you hear?”
Colter yawned. “Around the part where people think Mer set me on fire. So enough. Hol’s right, Mer. You should run. We can take stupid dance photos and dress up. It’s the last one for Hol and me.”
The reality of college ending didn’t excite me as it usually did. Not seeing Wildcat every day would be tough.
“Ugh, fine. I’ll go, but I won’t be happy about it.” She pouted, but I caught the gleam in her eyes .
“What do you need us to do, Hope?”
“Nothing. I know someone who can help me expose them. I’ll let you know what I hear.” She stood, and Colter moved to help her, but she waved him off. “I got it.” Once she was steady on her feet, she hesitated. “Thank you for listening. You didn’t have to give me a chance, but I’m glad you did.”
Emerson nodded. “I’ll be honest. When I heard them talking, I thought you’d hoodwinked me again.”
“That’s fair. I know words don’t have any meaning without action, so I’m trying to do better—to show that I don’t want to be that person anymore.”
“I look forward to getting to know this version.”
Hope smiled, and it seemed to lift a weight off her shoulders. “‘Night.”
“You sure you don’t need help?”
“I got it.”
“Use your crutch.”
“I will.” She stuck out her tongue, her eyes dancing.
Once she was out the door, I looked at Colter. “You good?”
“Depends on what you mean.”
“Our girl needs attention.”
“It’s okay?—”
“Say no more.” Colter pulled her shorts off before she could protest. I lifted off her shirt and unsnapped her bra.
“I should shower. I’m sweaty from work,” she protested. Her chest was already heaving, her skin flushing as arousal took hold.
“No time. I need you now, Wildcat.” I bumped my cock into her, and she moaned. She looked sexy spread out before us. “Colter, watching or joining in?” I asked, squeezing her tits.
“Joining, but my movements are limited.”
“On the bed,” I ordered, knowing what I wanted. Colter did as I asked, pulling off his sweatpants. He had bandages down one side and a wrap around his ribs. He moved better, and his movements were not as slow or jerky. He laid back against my pillows, his hand going to his cock.
I returned to Emerson, my hands roaming over her skin and touching her everywhere I’d been thinking about for hours. I could barely concentrate during practice because all I wanted was to do this.
“Wildcat, your body drives me wild.” She whimpered, arching her back into my touch. Spreading her legs, I gave Colter the best view. Teasing her open, I groaned at the wetness I encountered. Emerson clung to my neck, wrapping her arm around me and kissing my jaw as I plunged my fingers into her. She rode my fingers, making the sexiest noises. My cock leaked against my joggers, but I held off. I wanted her to come first.
“Your pussy feels so good, baby. I can’t wait to be inside you.”
Emerson moaned, her hips rocking more.
“You look so hot with Hol’s finger in you, Mer. You got my cock leaking,” Colter whispered. She moaned more and wiggled her hips, seeking more friction.
“Tell us what you want, Wildcat. I want to hear you say it.” She opened her eyes and bit her lip. I dropped my mouth to her neck. “Don’t be shy. Tell us all the dirty things you want, baby.” I nipped her ear, and she trembled in my arms.
“I, uh, I want to feel you both. At the same time.”
I smiled. That was precisely what I hoped she’d say. Licking her neck, I arched my finger up and flicked her clit with my thumb. Emerson’s back arched, her body tensing as she came.
“I love watching you come, Merbear.”
“It’s the best, isn’t it, Colt?”
“Oh, God,” Emerson moaned, her chest heaving .
I chuckled, loving how she responded to us. “Straddle his dick, Wildcat.”
She crawled to him, and I climbed off and removed my clothes. My cock stood at attention, my cockhead leaking. It ached to be touched, but I held off. I wanted to wait until I was inside her. Grabbing the supplies, I kneeled on the bed and opened the lube. I watched the two of them for a second, enjoying how sexy she looked with her head back and her tits bouncing. The show of pleasure on her face made me leak more.
Moving closer, I covered my finger in lube and breached her hole. She paused and leaned forward to kiss Colt, giving me better access. Slowly, I opened her up with one and then two fingers. I twisted in and out, loving how she rode me. Colt gripped her hips and pulled her up and down in slow thrusts. Plunging in a third, I prayed it was enough. I needed to be in her.
Pulling on a condom, I couldn’t wait until I could go without. Being in Wildcat bare would be bliss. I squirted more lube on my dick and her hole, then lined up. Pushing in, I gripped her to me.
“You’re so fucking tight, Wildcat.”
“Fuck, man, that feels good,” Colter moaned.
“Shut up, Colt. I don’t want to hear you,” I teased.
“You love me, asshole.”
“Pretty sure I’ve only said that to one person in this room, and it wasn’t you.”
“More, Hol. I need you to move,” Emerson whined.
Taking a breath, I inched in further and tried to think about anything other than how tight it felt. When I bottomed out, I took a deep breath. The three of us panted, and I knew we wouldn’t last long. Drawing back, I pushed back in faster. My cock slid in and out, her ass gripping me so tight I was on the verge of coming after two thrusts.
“So good,” Emerson moaned. “I’m so close. ”
“Me too,” Colt said. I could feel him twitch inside her; the sensation was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Letting my hold on my thrusts go, I slammed back in. My hips pistoned in and out, my dick twitching as need ran up my spine. I couldn’t stop it anymore as it roared to life inside me. My thrusts faltered, and I held her tight to me as I came.
“Fuck, fuck, so good,” I moaned.
Emerson moaned, her body trembling in my arms. Her head fell onto my shoulder, so I took the opportunity to kiss her while she came. Colter followed, and we fell to the bed in a heap of arms and legs.
“Wow. I’m jealous of myself.” Emerson giggled.
“I can’t wait to do that when I’m not hindered,” Colter said.
“Anytime. Having you both was beyond amazing.”
“You’re amazing, Wildcat.” I kissed her temple and crawled out of bed to dispose of the condom. I grabbed them a warm washcloth and handed it to Colter. They cleaned up, and then we crawled under my covers. I watched them both as they fell asleep, vowing I’d do whatever I could to keep them both safe. No one would take this from me.