Jarron takes in the longest breath ever. Then, he plops into a seat beside me. “Maybe you’re right,” he says quietly. “Maybe they don’t believe our relationship that much.”
I purse my lips.
“Which pisses me off because…” He trails off, glancing to Laithe. “I’ve been trying.”
Why do I feel like that was only half the conversation? These two don’t have some kind of psychic link, do they?
“You wouldn’t reconsider letting me mark you, would you?”
I grimace.
He pouts. “Didn’t think so.”
“It’s fine,” I shrug. “I’m gonna start another couple potions this week. I should have a decent stock before that fancy event next weekend.”
Jarron gives me an impressed look.
“And…” I shove my shoulder into Jarron’s. “You’re supposed to be keeping your distance so I can make friends.” I wave my hands dramatically.
He grunts and leans back in his chair. “I don’t want to leave yet.”
“Is the prince of the Under World pouting?” I make a baby voice, and he curls his lip at me.
“Aren’t you two just adorable?” Laithe mutters.
I hold back an amused grin.
“You can come back tomorrow?” he offers.
“Nope. Tomorrow, I’ll be potioningallday.”
He wrinkles his nose. “I guess I better check out several books to entertain myself, then.”
Jarron and Laithe both sulk off toward the shelves while I dive back into my research. Friends aren’t actually high on my priority list, but I also understand how a set of loose lips near me could help.
A couple of wolves pass by the tables, but upon noticing me, they scamper off like I’ve got the plague.Good times. I was kind of hoping I might see Elyse—the girl who stepped forward to tell the story of what Tommy said.
Both girls were kind while Tommy was being a jerk, and now I’m concerned she’ll be in trouble for tattling. But with the way all the wolves are avoiding me, I’m thinking I won’t get the opportunity to find out.
I do end up catching the eye of someone unlikely, though—well, at least in my mind. Bea, Ms. Gothic Snow White herself, traipses up and sits in front of me. “Hey, Candice.”
“Oh,” I say, honestly surprised. “Hi.”
“I’m surprised Jarron is even letting you out of his sight now.”
“Oh, he’s nearby somewhere.” I wave vaguely.
“Hmm,” she says. “We’ve never really had a chance to chat since you joined our circle, have we?”
“Nope, not really. You and Trevor seem to be distracted the times we’re in the same general space.” I note the very obvious puncture marks on her neck.
“Yeah, we’re a bit moreaffectionatethan you and Jarron. But it’s still early days for you.”
I shrug.
“Whatcha researching?” she asks, leaning over my notes.
I pull the book back instinctively, and her eyebrows rise. She suddenly seems much more interested. My instincts flare:Danger, Will Robinson. Good thing I’m not doing much.
