He takes my hand, studies it the way he studies everything with focus and genuine interest. Tracing the lines of the palm with one careful finger. "You have gardener's hands," he observes. "Strong. Capable.”
Then he releases me, returns to the book, as though holding and studying hands is simply another form of research.
"I don't need you to be anything other than what you are," he says without looking up from the text.
"That's all I'm offering." I smile.
"Then we're well-matched."
When the library closes, he walks partway back to Hawthorn Hall with me. "Goodnight, Elowen."
"Goodnight, Julian."
Watching him walk toward the academic wing, I process the day.
Three different people.
Three different kinds of intimacy.
And I want all of it.
15
ELOWEN
"Elowen!"
Lila rushes from her room, still in pajamas, eyes wide as I leave early to head to the greenhouse before breakfast. She grabs my arm, pulls me into her room, shuts the door.
“Do you wait behind your door for me to leave my room?” I ask, grinning.
But she isn’t listening. "Oh my god. OH MY GOD."
"What…?" I narrow my eyes.
"Your scent." She's practically vibrating with excitement. "Elowen, your scent changed."
I flinch. "I know."
"Which one?" Then immediately: "No wait—" She leans closer, actually sniffing. "Intense, powerful... Calder?"
I can’t help the small smile.
Lila squeals, hands flying to her mouth. "I knew it. The way he looks at you, I KNEW it was coming. Sophie Parry eat your heart out."
I laugh and wave my hands for her to turn it down a notch even though no one can hear us. "Lila, it was… "
“Did you have to change your panties after?” She slants her eyes suggestively.
I bite my bottom lip. “Ye-es?”
“Good girl. Do the others know yet?"
"Do you realize how early it is?" I counter.
"They will. Alphas can smell this from across campus," she says, oblivious. "Are you happy?"
That’s an easy one to answer. "Yes."
