Page 24 of Hooves & HeartStrings

Suddenly he’s right beside me.

“Marley, can we talk? Please.” I don’t miss the torment in his voice.

Is he for real right now? He wants to talk? Now?

“No.”

“No? Bu–” he starts.

I whirl around to face him, making him take a step back. “There are no buts, Luci. I don’t know how you thought this was going to go,” I hiss, making sure no one else can hear us as we walk toward Beechwood. “I hurt you and I know that. I was willing to take ownership of my actions and words and work things out. But it’s clear this summer really meant nothing to you since you so easily left without a word. Then you just show up here like, ‘Hey, babe, sorry I ghosted you, but now I'm back. Let’s kiss and make up.’ It’s not that simple now.”

“I understand,” he whispers. “But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up. I made mistakes too, Marley, and I’m here to fix them.”

I stop in front of the large building and whirl around to face the group.

“This is Beechwood Hall. If you have a penis, at least for this group you are in this dormitory.”

Sawyer and a few others laugh, but it’s the only thing I could think of. They’re not boys, it feels weird calling monsters men, and male is too scientific, so penis it is.

“It is co-ed, but Dr. Palmer and the resident staff tried to keep monsters together so you weren’t alone. If you have any issues with your roommates or questions, no matter how big, little, or silly they seem, I have attached my number to the folder. Text or call.” I head up the steps and open the door, allowing the guys to head inside to find their rooms and get settled.

Luci is the last to step through. He stops in the doorway and looks at me, his intense gaze making me shiver.

“I’m going to fix this, Marley. If it’s the last thing I do.” His voice is low, but loud enough for me to hear him.

“K,” is all I say, doing my best to act like his words don’t send a tingle down my spine before I head down the steps to a waiting Sawyer.

I grab her hand, leading her to Seaside which is where my dorm is as well.

“He has to fix it on his own, but just know he was miserable when he came home. He’s back to make it right. He’s a fucking idiot but he’s a good guy,” Sawyer tells me as we walk along the path.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I mumble my reply.

When we get to Seaside, I open the door and follow Sawyer inside.

“I can’t remember, what number are you?” I ask.

“Ummm.” She opens her folder. “Two eleven.”

My stomach flips at her words. How could the rooming committee put her in that room? I quickly hide my unease at her rooming with my ex-friend, the one who made it very clear that non-humans aren't welcome.

“Okay, that’s up on floor two, easy enough.” I start up the stairs to the second floor and find her door with ease.

“This is you. Same as the guys. If you need anything, call or text. I’m up a few floors in six-oh-nine.”

“Thanks, Marley. I’m gonna message you for other things too. I’ve decided we’re going to be friends.” She smiles as she opens her door. “See you around.”

Her words have me pause in surprise, taking me a little off guard.

“Okay.” I nod slowly. “See you around, Sawyer.”

As I head up to my room, I can’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Sawyer's friendliness is refreshing, but she has no idea what she's getting into. Sawyer's going to have a rough time when that wench sees her new roomie isn’t human.

The thought makes me feel bad for Sawyer, knowing the kind of animosity she’s about to face. Dahlia hates anything and anyone different from her perfect little human world, and she’s not shy about showing it.

I close the door behind me and flop onto my bed, closing my eyes and willing the fucking lady boner I’m rocking to go away.

It’s going to be a long fucking year.

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