The Four Beta Brothers – Chapter 9

ASHER

“The library will be closing in five minutes,” a woman on the intercom announced.

I looked over at Juniper, who was face first in one of her textbooks. She fell asleep about thirty minutes ago, and I couldn’t bring myself to wake her up. I could tell she was sleep deprived based on the bags under her eyes, and I wasn’t surprised with everything going on with her.

as incredible how much she had grown up. She still looked like the Juniper I once knew, except her body had filled out. Her hair was longer, and it was clear she had grown stronger than before. But she was also alone now in a way she had never been before.

d myself. She was always looking out for us, and now it was my turn to look out for her, even if she didn’t remember who I was.

clear that she couldn’t learn the truth about her past or else, and his “or else” often led to werewolves being forced out of their homes. I didn’t know if he’d go that far, but I didn’t want to risk it.

noticed the little pile of drool on her book, she quickly slammed it shut. I pretended I didn’t notice, like the gentleman I was.

undings, but sleep was still weighing heavily on her.

ead out.” I leaned against the table next to her. All of my stuff was already packed.

apers drove me crazy, but it wasn’t my place to nitpick Juniper’s stuff.

up?” She stood and zipped up her bag. “I still wanted to study mor

out waking her.

ed around with her.

r again tomorrow.” I was eager for any

he said.

he dorm, since it’s late.”

s a safe place.”

others every once in a while.

you let me walk you back.”

e I was actually getting through her barriers.

going to give me any hints on how to ask you out on a proper date?” I asked.

ing.

and frustrated the first time I’d seen her again after so many years.

hen it came to Juniper. I lost her once, and I knew I would go to the end of the world to stop from losing her again.

’re serious about going on a date

or the rest of my life. “Oh, I’m very serious about you, and if it takes a little extra effort to show you that, then that’s what I’ll do.”

he door labeled 206. “This is me.” She turned, tucking her arms behind her back. She swayed as if waiting for me to do something.

ooked like she wanted to be kissed. However, she was insistent that this wasn’t a date, so I wanted to save my big moves later. If she wanted to be wooed, I planned on making her dizzy.

her forehead.

stop.

ook out her keys and struggled to unlock the door. When it finally clicked, she glanced back and tried to say, “Bye,” but no

dorm and didn’t leave until the door clicked shut. My stomach filled with butterflies from the day. Juniper liked me, and

***

JUNIPER

and more gentle, and it rocked my senses almost as much as our first kiss.

my attention the fact that there were other people in the dorm right now. Moira had company, and whoever was with her likely despised me just as much, if not more, than her.

the two rooms were connected. I just wanted to get a quick drink before slinking into my room and trying to get some sleep. My heart still raced from Asher’s kiss, so I knew it would be a little while

n their hands. They laughed, and it seemed like they hadn’t noticed my presence yet.

back, just barely getting out of the way. “Watch it,” I muttered, completely understanding the

guy challenged.

og.

You almost hit me.” I made my voic

ink. They were all several drinks into the night based on their flushed faces and laughter. They didn’t care that we still h

ive here.”

ment. I ignored their cat calls and went straight for the door. I even heard a few boos when I didn’t react to them.

se of Moira and her friends. I found the dumpster and tossed the trash inside, but I didn’t leave right away.

ugh night?” The sudden voice made me jump.

d around, terrified of who might be there. Sha

still pounding from the initial jump. “What are you doing here, lurking in the shadows?”

ne.”

g.” He didn’t hesitate to call me out.

’m frustrated.”

it?” He kept his dis

go home, and I can’t transfer rooms. I can’t make the students stop talking about me. I’m stuck, and I don’t want to just tuck my head and hide, but I also don’t know where to begin.”

ut actually letting it all out like that felt like a relief.

red of talking about it.” Talking about it didn’t change anything at this point.

m.

istraction are we talking about? Because I’m not really interested in talking right now. My brain is fried from the day.”

xel too

e was implying. “I wasn’t—I didn’t mean—I just…” My cheeks flu

n’t sure which one of us stepped closer to the other.

“I should probably get back to my room. It’s late after all.”

and watched me for a moment. “Aren’t you going to go?”

t want to move. “Yes.” I still didn’t move.

t him. My hands pressed against his chest, which was firm and steady. His lips crashed against mine with feverish intent.

as completely different from Asher’s kiss. His was soft and warm, but Axel’s lips were firm, and his stubble w

arted, my body and mind felt like they were

isfactory reward.”

ward?” I repeated,

rain was empty.

ction. Have a good night, J.J.”