Filed to story: The Rise Of The Lycan Queen
The professor startled and took a deep breath. “Well, I guess I better get to it.”
* * *
As usual, I stood right at the class end time and began my trek out the door.
“Hey, Aria,” Ella called after me.
“I thought I was Hope?” I couldn’t keep the small grin off my face.
“Ha, well. Dumbass said your name, so I figured…” She stopped and pursed her lips. “I kinda like the nickname Hope. I mean, it pegs you hardcore.”
“Did you catch up with me to insult me?” She had some balls, so I had to give her that. Most people tried to stay clear of me.
“Yeah, I figured you didn’t hate yourself enough, so I thought I’d help you out.”
We walked outdoors, and the breeze picked up. That’s when her earthy scent hit me. Shit, she was a wolf shifter. No wonder I felt inclined to like her. “Well, don’t worry. It’s more than you probably can see.” I had to get away and now.
“Look, I have to a party tonight.” She shrugged her shoulders and licked her lips. “I thought maybe you wouldn’t mind keeping me company.”
“That’s a no.” I already told her I wasn’t interested, so I wasn’t sure why she just asked the question. “If the ‘I’m not interested’ comment back there confused you, it meant no.”
“See, there’s something about you that intrigues me.” She lifted both hands in the air. “I’m not into girls if that’s what you’re worried about.”
A laugh escaped me before I could shut it down. “I’m so glad you clarified that.”
“Just wanted to make sure I didn’t give off those vibes.” She waved her arm up and down my body. “Not that you aren’t hot.”
“Uh… thanks, I think.” I stopped moving before I realized what I’d done. Dammit, she was going to be a problem. I didn’t want friends.
“Where are you heading off to?” She glanced around. “You got another class?”
“In a couple of hours.” I had history and composition later on. I’d been pissed when I couldn’t get all my classes back to back, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it.
“Let’s go grab something to eat then.” She took a few steps in the direction of the cafeteria.
“Uh… They probably aren’t serving lunch.”
“So?” She shrugged her shoulders and grabbed my arm, dragging me along with her. “We’ll grab a coffee and wait. My next class starts at noon, so we can hang out for a little while.”
For once, I didn’t have a reason to say no. I didn’t have a single damn thing to do, so I found myself following her.
It only took a few minutes before we entered the student center. It was only ten in the morning and was busy with students. There was a Starbucks inside, which surprised me.
“Let’s go get that coffee before we sit down.” She beelined straight to the coffee shop and got in line. “What are you going to get?”
“Uh… coffee?” It came out as a question when I hadn’t meant for it to.
“You don’t know.” She patted my shoulder and winked. “I got you covered, girl.”
“What can I get for you today?” The cashier glanced at both Ella and me.
“We’ll take two grande blonde lattes with nonfat milk and vanilla.” She rambled the words off her lips as if she was a pro.
“Got it.” The lady typed in the order on the cash register. “Name?”
“Hope.” She grinned at me as she glanced at me from the corner of her eyes.
She sure was something. I had to admit I might’ve deserved that.
“All right.” The girl smiled. “It’ll be ready in a minute.”
“Come on, grumpy.” Ella waved me over to the pick-up side. “Let’s hope this turns some of the grumpiness into at least mildly cordial.”
It was damn refreshing to be around someone who said what they thought. But I didn’t need to get close for two reasons. One; caring made you vulnerable; and two; she was a shifter. The witch had warned that being around others like me would cause my wolf side to give me more problems.
“You’re going to love this drink.” She grinned and rubbed her hands together. “It’s my weakness.”
“I’m not even sure I know what to expect.” I shook my head and sighed. “When did drinks become blonde?”
“They’re a lighter brew with a caramel taste.” She bumped her shoulder into mine. “Damn, you’re freaking stout.”
“That could be considered an insult.” The last thing I needed her to do was make a big deal about how strong I was. Any shifter should’ve been able to at least nudge a human. “I work out a lot.” That wasn’t a lie either, so technically, I didn’t have to feel bad.
“Obviously.” She scanned my arms and legs. “I bet you could take my brother.”
“Ha.” Now I regretted coming. I should’ve known better.
“No, seriously.” Her eyes lit as our drinks were placed on the counter. “He’s kind of the rebel. You know Mason?”
“No, I don’t know Mason.” I had way too little time to deal with rebels or anyone for that matter. “But good for you.”
“Seriously?” She took a step closer to me, and a smirk crossed her face. “He’s the guy on campus that everyone wants.”
“Uh… congrats.” I had no clue what to say in awkward situations like these. Wait… I’d never been in a situation like this.
She laughed so loud it hurt my ears. “Why are you congratulating me?”
“You seem awfully proud that everyone wants your brother and that he’s a rebel.” I grabbed my latte and took a sip. It was fucking delicious.
Ella smiled so wide that I could probably see every one of her teeth. “You like it.” She took a large sip and closed her eyes. “That proves we’re going to be besties.”
“What?” I choked on the sip I just took.
“Boy, do you have commitment issues.” She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t asking for your hand in marriage.”
“I don’t do friends.” I made a mistake coming here.
“Good thing I’m not asking you to do me.” She reached out and patted my shoulder.
