Chapter 36
Thirty minutes later, showered and dressed in clother Axey had lent me, I felt almost human again. The headache had subrided to a dull thrub, and the paises had mostly retreated
When we downstairs, Amy paints were in the kitchen, her father reading a newspaper at the island counter while her er aged freak fruit on
There she is!” Amy’s mother smiled warmly. How ate you feeling this morning, drast
“Much better, thank you,” I answered, trying not to let my embarrassment show. I’m sorry about last night.
“Nonsense,” the waved away my apology. “Everyone hai a first experience with alcohol. Sit. Breakfast it almost ready.”
I slid onto a stool at the island enunter, the smelt of pancakes and bacon making my
stomach growl.
So, Erin,” Amy father set down his newspaper. Amy tells me you had quite a bit of trouble at that speech competition.”
I tensed, not expecting this topic at breakfast. “Yes, sir. It didnt go as
“That’s putting it mildly,” he shook his head. “Academic plagiarism is a serious offense. Have you considered reporting it to the school administration
1…….” I besitated. There wouldn’t be any point. Lily’s family has higher standing in the Pack.”
He frowned. That doesn’t make it right. Amy showed me some of your research. Its impressive–especially for an undergraduate, “
A warmth spread through my chest at the unexpected praise. “Thank you”
are your plans after graduation?” he asked, accepting a rup of enflee from his wife.
(“I’m not entirely sure yet,” I admitet
(you’re interested, I muld make some introductions.”
The offer was generous, even
ing. But, independence had always been.
ortant to ster— perhaps because, as in Omega, so much was already decided by
“That a very kind of y
you, I said carefully “But I like to try finding my own path first. I do appreciate the offer, though.”
As we ate, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. After breakfast, Amy’s father insisted their driver take me home. “No arguments,” he said firmly. “Amy has estands to run with her mother, and you look like you need text.
The next day at school, something felt ddferent. As I walked to my locker, I noticed the whispers and stares had changed. They were
e still watching, still talking, but the malice seemed to have diminished.
“Did you brat?” I caught fragments of conversation “Laly might have been lying all along
Chirard she really did steal Frin a research.
“Maybe Erin wasn’t chasing after the Alpha i
1 kept my head high, pretending not to heat as I collected my books for first period. The shift in attitude was unexpected but welcome.
“”Erin!” Ami s vodu came from down the hall. She hurried towar lack following behind, their fingers losely intertwined. My heart warned
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Chapter 36
Bay, 1993, I peeled them with a genuine smile.
“How are you feeling? Jack asked, concern Filling his eyes.
“Much better,” I assured him. ‘Listen, I wanted to thank you both for taking care of me that night.”
Jack shrugged, his cheeks slightly flushed. “That’s what friends are for.”
“I’m happy for you twn,” I said sincerely, gesturing to their connected hands. “You fit perfectly together–in all the best ways,
Amy beamed, leaning into Jack. “It still feels like a dream. Like, how did I not see it before?”
“Sometimes the right person is right in front of you all along.” Jack said softly, looking down at her with such a tender expression that my heart ached,
“Promise me something? No matter what happens with this Soul Bond thing, we’ll always be friends?” I asked, looking at them both.
“Are you kidding?” Amy laughed, throwing her arms around me. “You re stuck with us for life, Blackwood.”
Jack joined the hug, his lanky arms encircling us both Face it, you’re never getting rid
I apart, a passing student called out, “Trin! Professor wants you in his office right away!”
The warning bell rang, interrupting our moment. As we pulled a
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