Chapter 24
CURI
I f I focus, I can still smell Cameron on my T-shirt. Heck who am I kidding? We haven’t spent enough time up close and personal for that. One stint at the gym and her scent is all but gone.
And why the fuck do I care?
Stone Comfort looms with the promise of my favorite beverage. Enough to lighten the mood and dispel any thoughts of a petite halfblood nuisance. Play fake boyfriend…Like I don’t have better things to do than hold her hand and nuzzle her ear and—
“Mason!”
Ah, fuck, Cam’s ex is on my tail. I consider ignoring him and making a dash for the doors to the coffee shop, but fuck that. I don’t run from anything or anyone.
I stop and wait for him to catch up to me.
He shoots me a smile which I’m sure he considers charming and then fixes his assessing peepers on me. “Can we talk?”
I shrug. “Sure.”
His shoulders relax slightly as if he’s relieved.
I need my latte. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Cameron.”
My Cameron, as far as he’s concerned. She would have told me about him because we’re serious. He needs to know that. “Look, I know you two had a thing, but she’s with me now.”
Levi gives me a closed-lipped smile. “You see, that’s just it. I don’t quite believe that.”
What the fuck? “I don’t care what you believe.” I make to turn away, but he moves to block me. Hell no. “Get out of my way, Master Halle.”
The reminder of his tutor status seems to have an effect, and his puffed-up chest deflates. “Look, Mason, I’m not trying to be a dick. I just need to know the truth.”
Heck, I almost feel sorry for the guy. Almost, but I don’t have any sympathy for stalker assholes who can’t take no for an answer. “The truth? The truth is that Cameron’s my woman. The truth is that you need to move on.”
He shakes his head almost as if he’s disappointed. “You see, I might believe that if I could smell her on you, or you on her. But aside from the usual level of scent, there is nothing to indicate an intimate relationship.”
What is this guy? A bloodhound? “It’s called showering. Maybe you haven’t heard of it?”
“You know what I mean, Curi.” Ah, he’s using my first name, trying to force intimacy and encourage disclosure.
“I know Cameron is hiding something. I know you two aren’t a couple, not in the intimate sense.
What I don’t understand is why she’s doing this.
Why are you pretending to have feelings for her? ”
For some reason, this whole sentence pisses me off.
“What the fuck is wrong with you? Cameron’s right, you’re delusional.
” He flinches as if I’ve hit a nerve. Good.
“I don’t need to explain anything to you.
Cameron and I are in love. We’re happy. Back off.
You’re a fucking teacher here. Act like one instead of a lovesick youngling. ”
Levi sighs. “You’re a loyal friend, Mason.
I’ll give you that.” He smiles wryly. “But be careful. It’s all too easy for that friendship to turn into something else.
All too easy to fall for her, and if this is a ploy, if she doesn’t truly feel the same way about you… ” He shrugs. “Get ready for pain.”
He tucks his hands into his pockets and walks off.
Pah. What the fuck does he know? Cam and I are barely friends let alone…Yeah, right. Whatever.
I need my latte.
* * *
Caramel lattes are my weakness. I need two a day at least, and Stone Comfort makes them with the perfect balance of caramel and cream. Coupled with a slice or two of shortbread and it’s tastebud heaven.
I need to get the recipe for the shortbread. Mother will love that. We can make some together maybe.
I indulge the fantasy for a moment before letting it slide.
It isn’t acceptable for grown goyle males to spend time with their birth mothers. We can stay with them until puberty, and then our sires take over our rearing. The thought of my father brings conflicting emotions that I’d rather not dwell on.
Another sip of my latte and my worries melt away, that is, until the bell above the door tinkles and Selas walks in.
Her milky eyes scan the room and settle on me, and for a moment, I can’t breathe. She nods her head at me, acknowledging me before heading to the counter to pick up an order. Some bagged goods and four takeout cups in a holder.
She heads toward the exit but adjusts her trajectory at the last minute, veering toward my window table instead.
Gods, she’s coming over.
“Is that a caramel latte?” she asks.
I nod mutely because my tongue refuses to help me form words and my pulse is pounding so hard I’m sure she can hear it.
“You always did love them.”
The backs of my eyes heat, and I nod like a fool again.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say to you since you got here.” She presses her lips together. “Something I should have reached out and said a long time ago, but…I didn’t think it would matter back then. I see now that it might need to be said.”
I’m frozen. Waiting for the words that I deserve. The harsh words that I’ve earned from her but she never delivered. Not once. Even though everyone else was quick to tear into me, Selas never said a word. But now…She’s ready now.
She sets the paper bag down on the table and puts a hand on my shoulder, her white eyes somehow soft with emotion.
“I forgive you, Curi. It was an accident. A terrible, awful accident, but you were just a youngling. I should have said it sooner. I was just…” She sighs.
“I was healing. But it’s obvious you have some healing to do too.
I hope this helps.” She gives my shoulder a squeeze, picks up her bag, and leaves.
Leaves me pulse racing, stunned, and grateful. So fucking grateful. The dam inside my chest holding back the twisted dark guilt cracks, and I tuck my chin in and breathe raggedly.
I forgive you.
The words echo in my head, and the awful leaden weight that’s lived inside me for years lessens just a fraction.
Around me, the world continues as normal. Goyles laughing and bantering, unaware of the momentous thing that’s just happened to me.
Selas forgives me. Now I need to work on forgiving myself.