Page 18 of Puck & Her Blades

Wolfie let’s out an oomph, loosening his hold on Cygnus’ elegant neck, before he stumbles out into the corridor.

“You…You…Reject.” Wolfie clutches his guts.

Would I be breaking the mascot rules about representing the brand, if I tore out his tongue in view of the other Betas, who are staring at us in shock?

I’d better not push my luck.

“See you at the rink.” I wave at Wolfie, before slamming the door shut and locking it as fast as I can.

I stand still for a moment, listening in case Wolfie tries to break down the door.

Is he still out there?

He must have left with his fake tail between his legs.

My panted breath sounds too loud in the near dark, apart from the glowing neon light in strips around the floor and ceiling.

Cygnus slinks closer to me. “My hero.”

Then I jump with surprise, as he launches himself at me.

I blink, finding myself with an armful of gorgeous Omega.

Cygnus peers up at me through his thick eyelashes. His eyes are as bright as stars in the gloom, as he studies me.

Then he tilts his head. “I’m Cygnus. I had this whole welcome speech, I swear. It would have been amazing. I worked really hard on it. It’s been upstaged now by your dramatic rescue, however, which was impressive. Has anyone told you how hot the feral growling is? Thanks, by the way. But I mean, my speech had poetry and this whole section that would have just blown your mind.”

I grin. “Sure it would. Then I’m sorry that I missed it.”

I love the way that he bristles like an outraged kitten.

“I’m not a jock; I’m a nerd trapped between jocks,” Cygnus says. “Zev jokes that I’m a rose between thorns, which is more romantic. Us bookworms have our talents though. I can read two…even three…books at the same time and not get confused over their plots. Not impressed yet? Okay, sometimes, I can make it look like I’m listening, while I’m strategically balancing a book on my knee, always find the coziest reading spot, and I have this savant level ability to spot every difference between the novel and the movie adaptation.”

“Wow, serious credentials.”

He nods proudly.

Then Cygnus’ gaze hardens. “Now, time to help you off with this costume, so that I can check you’re not hurt.”

I blink. “Why?”

“You’re pack.”

He states it like it’s so simple.

Warmth unfurls through me.

No one has cared that I was hurt, apart from whether it’d affect my next performance.

Pain’s merely a weakness to battle through and come out stronger on the other side.

At least, that’s what Mom taught me.

My head’s aching, but I shrug. “I’m fine.”

Cygnus snorts. “I’ve heard that before, treasure.”

My cheeks heat at the treasure.

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