49. Outtake #1 ~ Mara’s got a secret
Calliope POV
I huff out a sigh, trying not to laugh when Theo takes a big slurp of his white chocolate mocha, a thin line of whip cream attaching to his lip. I reach over to wipe it off before sucking my finger into my mouth. His eyes light up and his scent goes sweet before I just glare at him.
“Just... try not to make a mess, Star,” I tease, my gaze darting to the door of the café. It’s been almost two weeks since the last of my Alphas bonded me and every bit of happiness I’ve ever wished for has fallen into my life.
Sloane’s still too much, Idris is always there, and Dash is my soft escape when I need it. And Theo is the prettiest little barnacle I’ve ever met. He sits in many of my classes, somewhere in my office, and finds me in every corner of the house.
I thought some part of me would hate it but I couldn’t imagine being loved more than I already am.
I let out a small breath and taste my caramel cappuccino before letting out a sigh.
The bell over the door jingles and I look up to see Mara barrelling in.
She wraps her arms around my shoulders the moment she gets close before settling in the booth.
“Oh my god, I thought I would never see you again after you started honey mooning with your pack.” Her grin spreads as she waves at Theo and then turns her attention to me again.
“And don’t tell me you weren’t. Ever since you got mated, you smile.
All the time. You deserve it, Callie and I’m happy for you but I also don’t get to see you. ”
I frown. “That’s not true. We work at the same campus, Mara.”
“And every time I turn around, one of your Alphas is smothering you. I think I have cavities from how sweet you all are.”
I snort, realizing how true that is. Theo’s always with me and Sloane isn’t far behind, which is hilarious because neither of them even work on campus. I wave my hand away as I take another sip. A waitress comes by and drops off a black coffee with two sugar cubes on the side.
“At least you remembered my coffee order. That would be a travesty.”
“Of course, I would. Now, tell me this thing that you just had to tell me that couldn’t be said over the phone or at the house or literally anywhere—”
Theo cuts me off. “Outside of the nest. I got out of my nest for you.” His eyes narrow playfully before he presses a kiss to my cheek and goes back to admiring the whip cream on his drink.
“I find it oddly endearing how attached you two are. Now, I asked you here without your Alphas because it concerns an Alpha.” Mara leans closer, nearly knocking over her coffee.
She settles it, stares at it and then drops the two sugar cubes in.
“Look, there’s a new adjunct faculty member in the Art History department. ”
I nod, leaning back in my chair as I take in her flushed expression. “And you have a crush on him.”
“No!” Mara squeaks, waving her hands wildly. “Fuck, no. Well, kind of? I used to.” She grabs her mug, chugs half of it, and then places it back down. “He’s... well, he used to be my dad’s friend like ten years ago. I was stupid and it was just a crush. But he’s back and he’s beautiful and...”
I raise an eyebrow, tilting my head to the side. “Mara, you’ve literally never mentioned this guy to me.”
“Because I didn’t think I would have to!”
I stare at her, still trying to figure out why this is a problem or why it warranted a date. Not that I’m complaining. Spending a little time without my Alphas is fantastic considering how much my life revolves around them now. “Mara... can you give it to me plainly? I’m missing something.”
Theo makes a small sound and I look over at him, his eyes a few shades brighter than they usually are. “Callie, Mara mentioned a few days ago that she’s transferring to help in the Art History department.”
I pause, blink a few times, and then it clicks. “Holy shit. You’re going to be his senior faculty.” A smile cracks onto my face as I try to hold back my laughter. “Does he remember you? Did you meet him? Did you guys talk?”
Mara throws up her hands exasperated. “I preferred it much more when I was making fun of your pack life and fuck, yes, he does remember me. But Callie, it’s so bad. He’s hot as fuck.” She digs into her pocket and pulls out her phone, swiping through several things before turning the screen to me.
I stare for a few seconds, ranking him against my Alphas. Mine are all solid 10s. Well, Idris is an 11 but I’m not telling anyone. This guy though...
Theo interrupts my train of thought. “If you don’t make him your Alpha, then I’m going to add to our pack. Jesus, how old is he? No, I don’t care. Do you have more pictures?”
I burst out laughing as Mara’s face turns crimson, a groan filtering through her lips and she whispers ‘not helping’.