Chapter 18
It’s early morning, and I’m in the quad, staring at the droves of students heading to and from classes.
I walk aimlessly, tracing the criss-cross paths across campus, the buzzing in my brain incessant.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Madison and her bonded merman.
Hunter still doesn’t believe me, but I know what I saw. Right?
Maybe if Madison and her mate go down to the beach again I can drag Hunter to the plateau, and we can watch… like creepers… no, okay that’s a terrible idea.
Could I catch them on camera? Huge violation of privacy, but since when has that ever stopped me. It would be like photographing one of the fish I stud—fuck, no. It’s nothing like that. Hunter would probably never speak to me again. But if he saw—
I spot the blue hair first, like a colorful beacon in a sea of normalcy. Sure enough, clinging to his arm is the sweet little omega. The two of them are heading toward the cafe by the student center.
Well, I wanted a coffee, anyway. Perfect timing.
My gait is anything but casual as I beeline to the cafe, already scheming how I can get close to them again. I briefly met Madison when I barreled into her by accident. I could apologize to her again, maybe ask her who the handsome fella on her arm is.
Not wanting to seem too suspicious, I swing the door open and hop in the back of the line. Just want a latte, nothing to see here.
The line moves at a snail’s pace as I subtly search for the duo. There! They have a table in the back. Shit, it isn’t like I can casually walk past them when they’re secluded in the fucking corner.
The older couple at the table next to them begins cleaning up their trash. I need that table. If this line could move any faster than a DMV employee, that would be great.
C’mon, c’mon, c’mon!
I’m barely restraining myself from bouncing on my toes at this point. Finally, the barista calls me forward and before she can ask for my order I blurt out, “Small black coffee thanks!”
I hate black coffee, but it’s the fastest thing I can think of.
She hands me my bounty just as the older couple fully vacates their seats.
I shuffle over there, sliding into a chair before a guy wearing a Knotty by Nature band tee gets there.
He looks so young—definitely an underclassmen—did Hunter and I ever look that young?
He glares at me, but you snooze, you lose, kid.
Madison’s back is to mine, so she hasn’t noticed I’m here.
As I’m wondering how to insert myself into their conversation, a scent tickles my nose that has me freezing in place.
Refreshing like all my favorite days at sea.
Salty. Citrusy. Boozy. It makes me think of the time I got Hunter drunk on margaritas.
Kissing him with salty lips. My dick responds instantly.
There are only two people that scent could be coming from, and Madison wouldn’t risk not wearing scent blockers on campus when it could cost her degree. So, I guess this guy isn’t a student. Damn, he smells good. His scent is making my teeth ache. No wonder the little omega bonded him so quickly.
While I’m trying to get myself under control, something Madison says catches my attention.
“We’re going to have to get you something a little fancier for dinner tonight.”
“Are these clothes not acceptable?” His voice has a smooth quality to it, like water flowing over stone. There’s a slight accent, but I can’t place it.
I’m usually good with accents. I’ve traveled a lot for work, and even more since Sebastian came into my life.
He’s always jetting off to some conference or meeting or some other shit I don’t understand, and I join him when I’m able.
Seb is shy to a fault. He doesn’t really like being in a crowd, especially with alphas, so traveling is hard for him, even though he does it so often.
It’s a miracle he ever gave me a chance.
It only happened because we met online, and he didn’t know my designation until we’d already built some trust.
Why the hell am I thinking about what Sebby would think of these two? I’m not interested in them. Hunter is.
“Your clothes are fine while we’re here, but you don’t understand, Caspian, my parents,” Madison sighs heavily, “my parents are bougie and insist on eating at restaurants that have a dress code.”
Caspian. That’s right. Even his name is hot. Caspian and Madison. There’s a nice ring to their names together. I can’t help imagining being between them, a Caspian and Madison sandwich. Fuck, now I’m fully hard. Maybe I am a little interested in them. Even if I really shouldn’t be.
“Boogie?” Caspian asks.
“No boug—nevermind it isn’t important. Le Petit Palais isn’t my favorite restaurant, but I refuse to argue with my mother. It isn’t worth it,” Madison explains.
“I understand. My mother is also not one who loses arguments,” Caspian responds.
He continues on, but I don’t process what he’s saying. Le Petit Palais.
I whip out my phone to text Hunter.
When are you done with your meetings?
Hunter:
Why…
Be ready by six. We’ve got plans.