Page 73 of Beast

“See you later,” Luna says, waving.

Kali nods, while Alice gives me a small smile. Walking out of the cafeteria, I’m grateful for the reprieve. The conversation about Gaston has left me feeling unsettled.

I breathe in the fresh air while I walk across the sunny quad toward the social sciences building, enjoying the moment of solitude. My mind feels cluttered lately in a way it hasn’t felt since I was off my meds.

Entering the lecture hall, I take a seat near the middle, setting my backpack on the floor. Students continue to file in as I take out my notebook, ready to focus on the lecture and give my brain a break from its relentless analysis of Gaston.

Just then, an attractive guy with tousled brown hair and warm brown eyes slides into the seat next to mine, flashing me a grin. Before my ordeal, he’s exactly the kind of guy who would have caught my eye.

“Hey there, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Liam,” he says, extending his hand.

I return his smile, shaking his hand. “Blake. Nice to meet you.”I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as Liam smiles at me, his brown eyes twinkling.

“So Blake, what’s your major?” he asks.

“Psychology,” I reply. “What about you?”

“Business,” he says. “Not nearly as interesting as the human mind, if you ask me.”

I let out a small laugh. “Well psychology has always fascinated me. Trying to understand people’s motivations and behaviors.”

Liam nods. “I can see the appeal in that. You must be really intuitive.”

“I like to think so,” I say with a grin.

“I’ll have to be on my best behavior then, or else you’ll be analyzing my every move,” he jokes.

I chuckle. “Don’t worry, I only psychoanalyze with consent.”

Liam leans in. “Well feel free to analyze me anytime.”

I feel my cheeks heat at his flirtatious tone. Liam seems nice, and under different circumstances I’d probably be into him. But I can’t help comparing his boyish flirtation to Gaston’s smoldering confidence. When I meet Liam’s friendly gaze, I feel nothing. It contrasts with the fire Gaston ignites in me every time he looks at me.

“What made you decide to take this class?” I ask, steering the conversation to safer waters.

“Well, I needed another elective credit,” Liam explains. “And psychology seemed way more interesting than something like statistics or geology.”

I nod in agreement. “Good call. I think you’ll find it fascinating, even as a non-major.”

“With you as my classmate, I’m sure I will,” he says with a wink.

Before I can respond, the professor calls the class to attention and begins his lecture. I turn my focus to my notebook, jotting down notes and pushing thoughts of Liam’s flirtation from my mind.

After class ends, Liam turns toward me. “Are you going to the frat party tonight at Alpha Phi Alpha?” he asks.”You should stop by with your friends. I’d love to see you there.”

“Maybe, I’ll have to see what they’re up to,” I reply noncommittally.

Liam smiles again. “Well I hope to see you later, Blake.”

I nod, gathering my things and heading out of the lecture hall. While Liam seems perfectly nice, I already know I’m not interested in him. My mind is too preoccupied with another dark, dangerous man to even consider him. But, a party might be the thing to keep my mind off Gaston Marques.

When I get to the apartment, Luna and Kali are already there. Alice has a late class, so she won’t be back for another hour. “Hey, have you heard about this party at Alpha Phi Alpha?”

They turn to me, brows furrowed. “No, did someone invite you?” Luna asks.

“Yeah, this guy Liam from my psych class asked if I was going,” I explain, setting my backpack on the kitchen counter. “He seemed really into me and said I should stop by with you guys too.”

Luna’s eyes light up. “Ooh a frat party, that could be fun! We haven’t gone out since we got back.”

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