Page 35 of Just One Bite
It took another hour, but Noxx House finally agreed on a group activity. Battling Darien in chess. When he offered the suggestion to the room, I immediately accepted. The alcohol might have aided that rash decision, but Parker’s encouragement was the only protection I needed.
Parker squeezes my shoulder, and his lips touch my ear. “You are brilliant.”
“Let’s go again,” Darien says.
“She beat you. Take the loss.”
Parker shoots me a rakish grin, and it charges me in a way I don’t expect. We’re both athletes, so we must share the competitive draw. I’d almost like to go again to show him I can beat him more than once, but the lateness of the night is creeping into my sore muscles and tired eyes.
“Cherry, make sure you get this in the paper.” Gavin, whom Parker introduced to me before the game, is smiling ear to ear.
“No need for theatrics.” Darien’s expression sours as he leans back in his chair. “I need a drink.”
“I think theatrics are in order. It’s been months since anyone has challenged you.”
“You should join the chess team.” A girl tugs on my arm.
I don’t have the heart to tell her I don’t have time to play chess and do ballet. There’s only enough room in my brain for the perfection of one hobby. The rest of the house is prepping for the next game while Parker escorts me to the drink table.
“Where did you learn to play like that?” Parker asks.
“Will you crucify me if I tell you it was my father?”
“Before the fall out.”
“Yeah. Before.”Before my mother died.I don’t say the words lingering in my mind. It’s something I’d rather keep to myself. Talking about her brings up questions. People ask because they feel obligated, and I answer because if I don’t, I look like I’m not handling it well and people worry. I like to talk about her when I want to or when someone genuinely wants to hear.
“Give me two minutes! Then I’m all yours.” Parker disappears into the common room when one of his packmates calls. I met a few of them. They mostly poked fun at Parker about finally finding a mate, and Parker took it all on the chin with a smile. He relaxes when they’re around and so do I.
I move into the comfort of the hall, away from the noise to decompress, and text Eva and Emma to see how their house parties are. Emma sent a message about Luxxia's slideshow night where they all convince each other to watch their favorite movies, and Eva sent a picture of a row of easels and canvases for a paint night in Stelliea. She painted a bouquet of flowers.
It’s getting late, and my body aches for sleep.
“Sorry, I just wanted to tell you how impressive that was.” Gavin has a booming voice that echoes but a presence about him that’s calming.
“Thank you.” A beat passes between us. “I’m glad I got to finally meet Parker’s pack leader. I’m sorry I don’t really know much about pack dynamics. This thing with him is … unexpected. We have this connection I don’t understand.”
I hope that’s enough to explain the timing. Gavin is so stoic I think he’ll catch a lie, so being vague is my best bet.
“How much has he told you?”
“Just that he got to integrate with your pack and he’s happy there.”
Gavin smirks. “He’s a rotten liar. But sweet.”
“What do you mean?”
“Parker isn’t happy. He can’t be under me. He knows it. I know it. He tries really hard, but he’s stalling I think.”
“Why can’t he be happy?”
His brow bends, likely wondering why Parker hasn’t mentioned it. “Parker is a natural-born alpha. Alphas can’t be led by other alphas. More than that, he’s got dominance. It rivals even the greatest leaders on campus.” He must see the vacant look on my face. “Dominance is a trait you’re born with that other Weres can sense. It means nothing if you can’t back it up, but Parker can rival the top packs because he shifts regularly, and he can fight. They see that when he plays Rage. Plus he's a natural leader, very caring. His friendliness and confidence intimidates people. He’ll be a good match for them when he finally accepts his blood and creates his own pack.”
“Even you?”
Gavin is one of the largest males I’ve ever seen. He’s tall and wide, and his forearms are the size of my head.
“Ha, yeah, but I won’t let him have the satisfaction of my admission.”
