Page 10 of Coco and the Misfits

I need... something. Something that’s missing from my life, but not a pack. Hell, no. A thrill, a novelty, some excitement.

Yesterday my roommates were talking about a night out. That’s probably what I need. Drink, dance, laugh, hang out, find someone to fuck, and life will go back to normal.

“I’m done here.” I swing my own duffel over my shoulder, avoiding his too-knowing gaze.

“Heading home?”

“Yeah.”

“You could swing by. Eat dinner with us. Catch up with everyone.”

His pack is awesome. I never thought it possible but I like every single mate of his. I should think he has good taste since he had me with Mom and Mom is awesome, too, but... Yeah, it’s not easy to like an entire pack and yet here we are.

It doesn’t change the fact that I feel off my game tonight and I don’t want him teasing any annoying truth out of me.

Whatever that might be.

I clap his back. “Another time, Dad. Give my regards to everyone.”

“Will do. Zach... you know you can always come to me whenever you want to talk, right? Whatever the problem is, big or small.”

“There is no problem, Dad. I swear. I’m probably coming down with something.”

“Are you taking your vitamins? Eating well?”

“Yes, Mom. Stop your worrying.”

“It’s my job to worry about you, kiddo. When you become a parent, you’ll get it.”

“Yeah, yeah. Until then…” I smirk at him. “Be good.”

“Hey!” He shakes his head with an affectionate smile. “That’s my line. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Like get a teenage girl pregnant, the way you did with my mom? I think, but don’t say it. It wouldn’t be fair. Accidents happen, which is why I’m standing here, and my parents never made me feel unwanted. A happy accident, if an accident at all.

They risked their lives, their hearts, to give me a home.

So why am I so risk-averse? I won’t even buy the lottery or take a bet. I like my odds good and my outcomes certain. Easy conquests. Easy relationships.

I think of Coco’s smile and rub my eyes.

No, not ready for any risks at all.

Unlocking the door, I enter my apartment and cross the empty living room. I glance inside the small kitchen. Empty.

I frown. I share the place with two other idiots but it’s oddly quiet tonight.

But as I move further in, I hear loud voices through Ezra’s door, letting me know that despite appearances, I’m not home alone.

I relax. I don’t like being alone, living alone. I grew up as an only child, and you’d think I’m used to loneliness but I’m not. I never got used to it.

The voices increase in volume. What the hell? I recognize Ezra’s voice but also Gael’s. I knock and push the door open, catching the two halfwits in the middle of a shouting match.

“Hey, hey!” I grab Ezra who’s actually going after Gael and pull him back. Gael has his fists raised. “What the fuck, guys? Calm your tits!”

“That asshole!” Ezra rages, fighting me. “Let me rearrange his fucking face!”

“Me? He’s the one who started it.” Gael comes after Ezra, so I swing Ezra around and grunt when Gael’s punch hits my back. “Fuck.”

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