Page 18 of Cursed Wolfsbane

I blush bright red at her suggestive tone. We haven’t gotten past kissing—unless you count spanking, but there’s no way I’m telling her any of that. While she’s my best friend, she’s also their cousin, which makes talking about that stuff with her weird.

Luckily, I’m saved by Xander walking into the room. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to just how attractive the Wyldharts are. Xander’s tousled blond hair, piercing green eyes, and muscular frame cause my breath to catch in my throat. My gaze greedily roves over the stubble sharpening his jawline, his tight button-down shirt, and his defined forearms showcased by rolled-up sleeves.

“Since this is the last day of class, we’re going to spend the period reviewing the information we’ve covered this semester. Partner up and go over the practice quiz I’m going to pass out.” Xander turns his back to the class and digs into his satchel for what I’m guessing are the practice tests.

Rory and I always partner up in this class, so I don’t bother to ask if that’s what we’re doing this time.

As I’m searching through my satchel for my pens that really don’t want to be found, one of the guys in front of me hollers, “Hey! New girl!”

I look up to see who’s yelling and find Nick, who sits right in front of Rory, staring straight at me. My eyes widen in surprise. Looking behind me, I check to make sure he isn’t talking to anyone else. When he just looks expectantly at me, I ask, “Uh, can I help you?”

Apparently, he completely misses the discomfort in my tone. “You can, actually. Be my partner for the activity.” Nick flashes a megawatt grin that’s supposed to be charming. Unlike when the Wyldharts smile at me, I feel nothing when Nick does. Instead, I just feel creeped out.

Glancing at Rory, I see her watching our interaction with a frown. I’d so much rather partner with her, but I’ve stolen Rory for every partner exercise so far this semester. Ronan’s had to partner with randos, so he’d probably appreciate working with a familiar face this time.

Sighing and hoping Ronan appreciates my sacrifice, I agree. “Sure, I’ll be your partner.”

I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?

“Come down here, then, new girl.” Nick winks at me before patting the seat to the left of him.

Yep, he’s already making me regret it.

I roll my eyes at him as I step over the row to sit by him. “Yeah, my name’s not ‘new girl.’ It’s Briar, and I’ve been here the entire semester.”

“Miss Wylder, I expect you to be focusing on the practice quiz, not chatting with your classmates,” Xander barks right in front of me. My head jerks up automatically to look at his face. When I see anger and disapproval warring in his eyes, I flinch back minutely and look down at my lap.

Jesus.What is it with everyone yelling at me today?

He hasn’t even passed out the tests yet, and I was just introducing myself. He needs to take a chill pill or five. “Yes, professor,” I mumble while avoiding his mesmerizing gaze.

It’s always such a fun game wondering which Xander I’m going to get—the one who gives me hugs and reassurance or the one who’s perpetually annoyed with me. I guess I found out which it is today.

“Here.” Xander thrusts two of the quizzes out. I take them from his grip and wait for him to move on, all without taking my gaze off his polished black oxfords and perfectly pressed charcoal suit pants. When I don’t respond, Xander sighs quietly and walks down the row.

“It’s okay, new girl. Professor Grimm is like that with everyone. You get used to it,” Nick tries to reassure me.

I snort and barely keep from outright laughing. This particular brand of Xander is reserved only for me. I don’t think anyone else annoys him quite as much as I do. It’s a talent, really, to get on your mate’s nerves as badly as I get on Xander’s.

Does Xander even want to be my mate?

The answer’s probably no, which makes my heart crack a little—or a lot. But we’re in class, so I need to think about something else. I can ponder how much he doesn’t want me somewhere safer, like the ballroom with the piano.

I’ve been sneaking down there most nights. Even surrounded by the Wyldharts, I’m still not safe from the nightmares. I’m lucky if I get four hours of sleep a night. At least I don’t wake up screaming. That’d be super embarrassing.

Shaking myself out of my Xander-induced funk, I hand one of the papers to Nick. “Do you want to each do half or work on the problems together?”Please say half.I feel even less like talking to a stranger now than I did before.

He makes sure to graze my hand with his as he takes the quiz from me. “We’ll do them together. That way we can get to know each other.”

“Sure.” I look down at the quiz and take a second to understand all the problems.

“So, what are your plans for winter break?”

“Hanging out with friends and family,” I answer evasively. What am I supposed to say?Oh yeah, I’m just going to the town I grew up in on a quest to right some mysterious wrongs? Ormy dead mom told me to find a lady to magic all my memories back?

Yeah, I’m sure Nick wouldn’t think I’m crazy at all. Or maybe he wouldn’t. I haven’t mastered telling who’s a wolf and who’s a normal human yet. I’m supposed to be able to tell by smell, but all the scents are kind of overwhelming since my wolf was unlocked.

“You have friends?” he blurts.

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