Screw My Childhood Sweetheart His Alpha Brother Marked Me First novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

You fucking bitch! Jasmine yelled as she jumped up, brushing salad off of herself.

Ridge was on his feet in a flash, backing her up. “Watch your language.”

Jasmine threw up her hands. “You’re all crazy. Ever since she showed up. She’s not the second coming.” With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the cafeteria.

Cass bent to pick up the salad pieces from the floor. “I should feel bad about that, but I just can’t.”

I grinned at her. “I’d say, worth it.”

Caspian shook his head. “You two together are trouble.”

“Just remember that,” Cass quipped.

Knox stared after Jaz. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately.”

Anson snorted. “Seriously? You have no idea?”

Knox sent Anson a withering look. “You know what I mean.”

I shifted in my seat, and River wrapped his hand around my leg. The worst of my apprehension seemed to almost melt away at his touch. “I’m sorry I’ve made things complicated between you two.”

Knox’s gaze snapped to me. “There is no us two. She’s a childhood friend, that’s it.”

“Sure, but I’m messing with that.”

River squeezed my leg. “Jaz needs to make peace with the fact that she and Knox will never be together. The sooner that happens, the better for

all of us.”

“Please come on Saturday,” Knox said.

The plea in his tone had my reservations crumbling. “Okay. What should I bring?”

Knox beamed. “Just yourself.”

“It’ll be fun,” Cass assured me. “You’ll get to know everyone in our little pack.”

I hoped she was right. But if Jaz was in charge of the welcome committee, I’d likely get a knife to the back.

I surveyed my appearance in the mirror for the eighty–third time. The jeans were my favorite pair, the ones that made me seem like I had more curves than I actually did. I paired them with a short–sleeved, maroon blouse that deepened the color of my auburn hair. I’d dusted on a little eye shadow and a coat of mascara. After some lip gloss, I was ready to go.

My stomach gave a healthy flip. I’d be meeting the guys‘ whole community. The nerves that bubbled to life were a mix of being unsure of what to expect and fear that I wouldn’t be accepted into their close–knit group.

I stared at my computer. The temptation to do some digging about the secretive group had been niggling me all morning. Then I’d remember how it felt to have my hardest moments exposed without my permission. As desperately as I wanted more information, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

My phone buzzed on my desk, and I hurried to pick it up.

18:46

Screw My Childhood Sweetheart–His Alpha Brother Marked Me First!

38.4%

Chapter 44

Knox: I’m here.

Me: Be right out.

I stuffed my phone into my purse and headed downstairs,

“Where do you think you’re going?”

I skidded to a step in the entryway, turning to face my mother in her familiar robe. Her eyes were red and glassy, and she was leaning against

the wall.

“Im going to a barbeque at a friend’s house.” I didn’t bother using Knox’s name. She didn’t know who any of my friends were. “Do you want me to make you something to eat before I go?”

Mom’s eyes narrowed on me. “I can make my own breakfast. Did your father give you permission to go to this barbeque?

“Yes.” I’d never made a habit of lying to my parents. I hadn’t needed to. While they’d been protective, they’d never been unreasonable. But now…it felt like there was no other option. I doubted she’d check with Dad.

“Fine, but you need to be back by seven. I’m sure you haven’t done all your homework.”

“Okay.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify