Page 126 of UNAwere

I cling to the memory of Jude’s kiss, of being in his arms.

It hurts. Not having him here. It’s obvious how stupid we’ve been. Reckless. Too distracted by hormones and desire to care about the repercussions. And as much as I want to admit that I regret going to Jude’s room the other night, I don’t. Being with him, exploring the connection between us, was the only time I’ve ever done something for me.

I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, knowing that Jude is no more than a hundred metres from me, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

It hits three a.m., and I roll over and force my eyes to close. There’s a spot on my shirt, up near the collar, that smells like Jude, and I dig my nose into it and breathe it in as I will myself to sleep.

When I next wake, it’s eight, and I can hear someone tending to the garden outside with a leaf blower. I get up and have a shower and then dress for the day: sticking with jeans, a top, and a cardigan. Out in the hall, it’s quiet, and I walk to the sound of my own footsteps until I’m in the foyer.

Lucas is there with a Were I don’t know, talking in hushed tones. The other Were leaves, and when Lucas lifts his head and sees me, his eyes narrow slightly.

‘You good?’ he asks.

I nod. ‘Hannah here yet?’

He checks the time on his phone. ‘Probably still at school drop-off. Maybe go make yourself a coffee in the kitchen?’

‘Okay.’

He watches me as I make my way through. I’m still not sure I can trust Lucas, but he also hasn’t given me a reason why I shouldn’t.

‘Sybbie,’ he says to my back, just as I’m about to round the corner.

I look at him.

‘Your alpha will be here later this afternoon. I think Warner will want to see you beforehand.’

‘Sure.’

He opens his mouth to say something else, but his phone rings, so I quickly turn back to the kitchen and head in. It’s empty, and I’m grateful for the reprieve, so I go about making myself a cup of coffee. There are muffins on the bench, fresh-baked, and I eye them.

‘You can have one.’

Ilook up, stunned.

Jude stands on the other side of the bench.

I take a small step back, and he watches me as I do, the buzz of the coffee machine filling the silence between us.

‘Is this allowed?’ I ask.

He smiles. It’s broad, and it presses a dimple into his right cheek.

‘I live here. You live here. This is something we’re going to have to get used to, Sybbie.’

I take a deep breath. ‘I am,’ I say casually. ‘So used to it, in fact.’

‘Already?’ His brows raise slightly, and his eyes go to my mouth.

‘Don’t do that,’ I say.

‘Do what?’ He’s still staring at my mouth.

‘That.’

The coffee machine beeps, and I skirt towards it, turning my back on him.

‘Enough for two?’ he asks, and his voice is closer now.