High Achiever (Extra Credit #3)

Prologue

SPENCER

The house was empty. Completely. Fucking. Empty.

Well, not completely empty, because—obviously—Spencer was there, sprawled on his bed and dwelling on this tragedy of emptiness, and that made it technically occupied. But his two roomies were missing. Missing.

Well, actually, Chase was in class, so in theory, Spencer knew where he was, but Noah was for sure MIA. He’d sent some vague text about needing to be elsewhere for the afternoon—and probably evening and overnight, too, judging by recent patterns.

And it was becoming a decided pattern.

Spencer wasn’t fooled, either—Noah was for sure fucking someone in a serious way. Which was great. Awesome. So totally chill. Noah was the best guy around and deserved to be balls-deep in the person of his choosing at all consensual times.

But why the damned secrecy? Like, what did the golden boy alpha have to be ashamed of?

Was it Spencer? Was he worried Spencer was too abrasive?

Too self-absorbed to be around? Or did he think Spencer would go so far as to try to snag his boo?

Did he really think Spencer was that much of a slut?

That would be a major bummer, to put it fucking lightly.

This was why Spencer wasn’t allowed to be alone for too long. His thoughts went wonky. They needed people to latch onto, these thoughts of his. Real, in the damned flesh, humans.

The doorbell rang.

People!

Spencer rolled off his bed onto all fours, then hopped up and ran to the front door.

The sight that greeted him was becoming all too familiar: two undergrads, a few grades below him, both absolutely, absurdly fucking hot. And both absolutely, absurdly fucking off-limits for … fucking.

The first—standing there with his hands on his hips like he’d come ready for battle—was unpresented, designation unknown, all dirty-blond curls and flashing amber eyes. He was slim but toned, with a deadly fucking smile he didn’t display as often as he should.

And behind him, lurking over his shoulder with an impressive glower, was his alpha shadow, all dark intensity and fine-ass muscles and more tattoos than should have been legal at his tender, young age.

Ash and Ryder, a.k.a. Noah’s younger brother and his ever-present bestie.

Spencer leaned against the doorjamb, tucking his hands into the pockets of his sweats. “He’s still not here.”

Ash scowled. “What the fuck?”

Spencer nodded in commiseration. “I know, right?”

“Are you sure you don’t know where he is?” Ash stepped forward, pointing a finger in Spencer’s face. He was lucky Spencer’s alpha instincts were kind of muted compared to some, or he’d get that finger chomped off. Or, at least, like, frowned at. “Are you keeping his secrets?”

Spencer pushed Ash’s accusing hand away. Gently, though, ’cause he didn’t want Ryder deciding today was the day Spencer needed to die. “I told you—he’s been seeing some mystery omega.”

“You’re wrong.” Ash’s pretty brow furrowed, though, like he wasn’t quite sure. “He’d tell me.”

It was weird, seeing Spencer’s own hurt and confusion reflected back at him. “Yeah, well, I thought he’d tell me too. I was mistaken.”

Ash cocked his head. “Your beloved bestie hurt your feelings?”

“Yep.” Spencer saw no point in lying. It wasn’t like he was ever subtle with his feelings.

Ryder’s gruff baritone broke in. “What are you doing in there?”

Spencer straightened in surprise. Ryder usually only spoke to Spencer to snarl at him. He was too shocked to think of anything cool, so Spencer told the truth. “Whining to myself.”

Ash huffed. “God, you’re so in love with him. It’s gross.”

Spencer blanched. “Who? Ryder?”

Ash gave Spencer a look he was very familiar with—one that accused him of saying something unbelievably stupid. “Noah.”

“Oh, yeah.” Spencer nodded. “Chase too. They’re the best.”

“But you’re here alone.” More unexpectedly neutral input from Ryder. Maybe he’d started a meditation practice. Or, like, therapy.

Spencer sighed. “I know. Sucks.” He paused, hit by unexpected brilliance. “Hey! You two wanna play Mario Kart? I’m, like, so good. You’ll be eating my dust.”

Ryder let out a low groan. “Fuck. Don’t get him started.”

But Ash was already stepping forward, amber eyes flashing. “You think you can beat me? You’re fucking dreaming. I’ve been toasting Noah since I could lift a controller.”

Spencer bounced on his toes. Oh hell yes. He’d caught a fucking fish here. They were going to hang, weren’t they?

Spencer had always gotten a little thrill when Ash and Ryder joined the crew.

Ash was a funny fucking spitfire, and his shadow was welcome eye candy, no matter how much he seemed to hate Spencer.

But any time together had always been in a group, with Noah and Chase and whoever else.

Spencer didn’t really get many opportunities for one-on-one with these two. Or one-on-two, as it were.

Now he gave an exaggerated sneer. “That’s ’cause Noah’s got big, clumsy thumbs.” Spencer pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m svelte, baby. Built for speed.”

“You’re aware you’re not driving the car yourself, right?” Ryder asked in a bored drawl. “It’s a video game.”

Ash locked Spencer in his sights. “Ignore him. He’s got no competitive spirit.”

“So you guys are staying?” Spencer didn’t even try to disguise his hopefulness. Like he’d said—he wasn’t subtle. People either accepted it or they kept their distance accordingly.

His two would-be guests shared a long look. Then Ash shoved past Spencer, Ryder following right behind. “Yeah, we’re staying. Get the game set up.”

Spencer shut the door behind them with a smile.

Hell fucking yes. The house was officially occupied.