Page 2 of Fallout

“Your dad is fine.” He reaches across the center console and grabs onto my left hand. He laces our fingers together.

I sigh at the feeling of peace that his touch brings. Though I’ve always felt like this about him, the feeling is magnified since the mate bond revealed itself. I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.

When we pull into the parking lot at school, I reluctantly let go of Parker’s hand. While having Parker close helps, he can’t protect me from the voices when we’re not together. I dread the classes that we have to be apart from one another.

Parker opens my door and holds out his hand toward me again. “Are you okay?”

I force myself to smile and nod. He’s already rearranged his schedule so he can be in more of my classes. Him knowing how miserable I am won’t help.

Together, we walk up the cement stairs that lead to the school. When we walk down the hallway, the other students turn to watch us. They’ve grown used to us holding hands, but I know they’re curious if we’re together. I ignore them, knowing their thoughts will be overwhelming the second Parker lets go of my hand.

“Is this what I have to look forward to now?” Will’s voice sounds behind us.

I turn around to face him and see that his nose is wrinkled as he looks between Parker and me.

Even though Will and I have a sort of truce between us, I’m glad to know he hasn’t completely changed his point of view toward me. I like his sarcastic and, dare I say, bitter attitude. He makes life more interesting.

Parker chuckles and pulls me closer. I wonder what he’s doing a moment before he kisses me. All other noise is forgotten the moment his lips brush against mine. My heart races and my stomach muscles clench in the best way possible.

I stand on the tips of my toes, trying to reach him better. I feel his hand cup the back of my neck.

“Really?” Will scoffs.

I jerk back from Parker. I lower my head, letting my brown hair make a curtain in front of my face. Hopefully it hides my red cheeks.

Parker puts his hand under my chin and gently nudges my head up. “Will’s just jealous.”

“I’d be jealous too. You’re a fantastic kisser.”

He laughs.

Will groans. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Parker frowns and I wonder what’s wrong until I see him pull his phone out of his pocket. “Hello.”

Will looks from me to Parker, concern on his face. He can hear whatever the person on the phone is saying perfectly fine, but I have no idea what’s going on.

After a long moment, Parker sighs. “Fine. I’ll be right there.” He ends the call and slips his phone back into his pocket before turning his attention to me. “I have to leave. My dad needs my help with something.”

“Oh. Okay.” I chew on my bottom lip.

“But Will and Blaine will be here. If it gets to be too much, they can take you home.” He pulls me into his embrace. “And I will see you after school.”

I force myself to smile. “I’ll be fine. Go. I know you have alpha duties to attend to. I’m sure Will can entertain me in your absence.”

Will narrows his eyes. “Don’t think I’ll be nicer to you just because you’re mated to my alpha now.”

I stick my tongue out at him.

Parker puts his hands on my shoulders. “All right. I’ll see you soon.”

I wave him on. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

He bends over and kisses my forehead before he turns toward the exit. As soon as his hand leaves me, I hear a roar of voices in my head. I had almost forgotten we were in a crowded school hallway. But now, I know what everybody is thinking about…

That kiss.

Well, I think Parker just confirmed the dating rumors. And, unfortunately for me, it’s all anybody is thinking about.

---