Page 58 of Wolf Mate

“Uh … what the fuck?” Hecate scoffed. “Was that overher?”

My heart ached, and my blood fired up again, strong enough to read Hecate’s dislike for me.

Between this and running into the king, I could only think of one smart choice to make. “I should go.”

Slade turned to me and took my hands. He lowered his voice. “No, don’t. Please.” He bit his bottom lip. “I really would like you to stay, and I’m sorry about Hecate. I didn’t realize she’d be like that.”

I freed one hand and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “She doesn’t like me, and I’m struggling …”

“She and I had a thing, but it was never serious. She got more invested than I realized, but I swear, if you give her a chance, she’ll come around. I promise.” He placed a hand over his heart. “Stay for the first quarter, and if they make you feel uncomfortable or things act up, we’ll cut out.”

“I can leave. You don’t have to.” Having friends was important, and I didn’t want to come between Slade and his.

He shook his head. “You’re not leaving alone. Just give me a quarter.”

I blew out a breath. He’d done so much for me, so I could give him fifteen minutes. “Fine.”

“Good.” He smiled. “One second.” He turned his back to me and moved so the four of them could talk quickly.

I had no doubt what he was saying, especially when Hecate glanced at me with a frown. The other two guys raised their brows and tried not to make it noticeable that they were looking.

My skin crawled. I wished I had shifter hearing, but from the way he was holding his hands, he’d cast a spell so no one could overhear them.

That was strange, but I didn’t want to overanalyze it. He had to be protecting me.

Hecate smiled tightly at me, and Slade moved back beside me.

Her expression was fake, but it was better than the animosity she’d thrown my way.

I leaned toward him and asked, “What did you say?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.” He booped my nose, and the band began to play.

It was football time.

I stayedfor the whole game because Gavyn and Hecate were being polite. I didn’t talk to Cade much since he was three people down from me, but things were okay enough for me not to tear Slade away from his friends.

Though I didn’t want to admit it, I’d enjoyed watching Raffe play. He, Keith, Adam, and two others on the team were clearly supernaturals. Their extra speed and grace stood out from the other players, but they held back enough not to raise too many questions about their abilities.

Barely.

Every throw Raffe made was perfect, and Keith and Adam scored almost all the touchdowns, leaving the final score 63–0.

I had to close my eyes to avoid one thing though. After every touchdown, Josie ran from her spot with the cheerleaders to give Raffe a huge hug.

Each time, my heart broke. I didn’t understand how that was possible. It was so stupid.

The five of us left with the hordes and headed to a section of the woods behind the residence halls where the bonfire would be held. Apparently, this was tradition and a way to keep the faculty from learning about the party.

I felt uneasy with so many humans out here hanging out with supernaturals, especially vampires. This seemed like a potential buffet for them, and the thought upset my stomach.

“Skylar, how do you like EEU so far?” Cade asked, coming up beside me. He put his hands into his jeans pockets and smiled. He was the most personable of the group, maybe more so than Slade.

“It’s been good.” I shrugged. I wasn’t sure what to say. I’d been attacked by a vampire, been stalked, and the king of the wolf shifters didn’t like me even though he’d never met me until tonight, yet I’d made friends for the first time. And a certain wolf-shifter prince had control over my heart. It was a mixture that was good and bad. “I wouldn’t leave.” When I spoke those words, I realized how true they were.

Gavyn chuckled and muttered, “Not that you could if you wanted to.”

My step faltered. “What? Why wouldn’t I be able to leave?”

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