Page 26 of Begrudgingly Yours
“Opal,” I whisper. My sweet, demure, kindhearted friend looks at me and her tears finally spill over. I don’t think, just react as I pull her into my arms to offer as much support as I can.
She has such a big heart, and she deserves to have love and a pack. She definitely doesn’t deserve to feel this way.
“I think only he can make that decision.” I hate what I’m about to say, because I know she’s afraid, but she can’t live with this guilt and what-ifs for the rest of her life. “You have to tell him, Opal.”
She nods. “It’s just scary.”
“I know, but if I had a scent match out there and they knew, I would want them to tell me. No matter what happens after,you have to figure it out together. You can’t make that choice for him.”
“You’re right,” she agrees, wiping her eyes with her sleeves as she pulls away. A few loose strands of orange hair stick to her wet cheeks. “I just don’t know how I’ll go about it. We don’t know each other. But I’m going off my blockers, so I won’t have a choice soon.”
I interlace our fingers back together. “That’s true. And by the way, I won’t tell anyone. Not even Stacia. You deserve to figure this out without others butting in, okay? I promise.”
She sniffles, but there’s a tiny smile now flitting at the corner of her lips. “Thank you so much, Rory.”
“That’s what friends are for. And wearefriends.” I give her a grin. “You know, I always knew Stacia and I were meant to be a trio. I’m so glad it’s with you.”
She playfully pushes my shoulder. “Oh, shut up,” she says even though I see fresh tears in her eyes. I grab the bowl of popcorn off the coffee table and hand it back to her.
“Now, let’s watch another movie. Your choice this time, anything you want.”
FOURTEEN
For the most part, college is simple. Go to class, do your work, and try your best to not get distracted. Rinse and repeat.
But here’s what they don’t tell you: planning your own class schedule is a bitch and a half. It’s an entire math equation and—apparently—it’s one that I didn’t completely think through.
I was determined to knock out all of my common core subjects so I could focus on my major my last two years. There’s so many electives that can help an actor’s skill set and I wanted to do nothing but focus on my craft. For the most part, I’ve succeeded. My current semester is full of interesting thespian topics: Scene Analysis 101, Theater History, Advanced Improv. There’s just one class that’s been an absolute pain in the ass, and that’s because pre-sophomore Jett thought I—future Jett—would be able to handle our last math credit without any issue or fuss.
Spoiler alert: I can’t.
Statistics is kicking my ass. That’s how I end up here, at the library, forcing myself to ask for help. Not only that, but there’sonly one program at Bensen U that supplies free tutoring and it’s hosted by Alpha Xi Fraternity.
I’m going to be getting help from afrat guy. Someone who is probably equally as clueless as I am.
This program is talked about very highly by students and professors alike, butseriously? Maybe I’m being a total cynic, but I don’t see how someone who spends the entire weekend drinking beer and hosting parties can do anything for me. Still, I need the help and I can’t afford to hire someone else, so it looks like I’ll be getting firsthand experience on what the hype is all about.
I follow the signs leading the way and come upon a section of the library that’s full. There’s definitely a ton of frat dudes but there’s also other peers of mine occupying the space. I see someone else from my Statistics class sitting with a shaggy blond guy. They both lean over a textbook, and he’s pointing out things with the tip of his pencil while my classmate follows along. Just like them, many pairs focus intently on their work, causing the area to feel strangely productive.
“Hey, man,” I hear from someone behind me. When I turn around, there’s two more guys standing there. One holds a clipboard while the other relaxes against a podium. I can’t tell whose scent is whose but the aroma of sweet honeyed tea and green apples hit my nose. “You’re a new face. Are you here for tutoring?”
I give a weak smile. “If you can fit me in.”
The dark haired guy against the podium shifts so he’s standing completely and gives me a genuine grin. “We’ll do our best. I’m Atlas, and this is our president, Sam.”
I nod my head in greeting. Now that I’ve heard the name, recognition falls over me. He’s the alpha of Rory’s friend. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him in the dining hall with them before.Sam, however, is a complete stranger, but the dominance rolling off of him lets me know he’s a serious alpha.
“Jett,” I answer, reaching out to shake their hands. “I’m a bit of a newb at this, so I apologize ahead of time if I’m not the best tutee.”
They both smile, but it’s Sam that responds. “That’s fine. Most of us try to keep this as informal as possible. Go at your own pace, let us know what works or what doesn’t. All the guys are on board to help any way they can.” He looks down at the clipboard. “Just let me know what subject you’re here for and I can pair you with the best man for the job.”
“Statistics. I’m the only junior and it seems like everyone else gets it but me.”
Both Sam and Atlas look over at the tables, but the latter points to someone. “Everett’s free. He’s definitely your best bet.”
I try to look in the same direction he’s pointing, but there’s just so many freaking frat guys taking up the space. Sam nods in agreement and smacks Atlas’ shoulder in thanks before turning back to me. “Let me introduce you.”
I trail behind him all the way to the back of the room. It’s cozier back here so I can already feel myself relaxing. At the back table sits a guy with a paperback opened in front of him and his hoodie nestled up on his neck. He rests against the wall as his eyes trail over the words, looking completely content and comfy in this corner. The calming scent of fresh rain swims in the space, and I realize it’s his pheromones sitting in the air like smoke.
