Page 29 of Zodiac Beasts

I’d had enough school for one lifetime.

Chapter 15

Back at the Astrology Club booth, the picnic was overflowing with people now, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. My flower pots were a hit, and Linda and Evelyn’s kissing booth was… well, a bigger hit.

It was so popular, in fact, that Linda was turning people away at her discretion. We probably wouldn’t win the vacation with that attitude, but from how she’d talked, being an Omega came with enough unwanted attention that I couldn’t blame her.

I don’t know why I couldn’t be cursed with pretty privilege, but those who were never seemed to appreciate it.

I rubbed my neck, while I watched Adrian agree to do a demonstration of how to ride the bull after the heckling and begging of a few curious students.

Yes. Curious is definitely the word we’re using today. The entirely female gathering that surrounded the bull and watched on with hearts in their eyes were curious.

I, however, was watching out of actual curiosity, because I wasn’t a creep. I was trying to study his technique when the bull dipped forward, and he leaned back, stretching the cotton of his button up shirt tightly over his hard, thick abs. I learned so much about physics when I watched him roll his hips with the shifting and spinning, and the way his thigh muscles tightened in his fitted jeans to hold on to the leather saddle between his legs. His rolled up sleeves revealed his defined forearms, and the bulge of his biceps as he gripped the rope handle and braced himself through the jerking directional changes. An unusual smile graced his masculine jawline, framed in his light stubble, and sweat dripped down his temples. Each time those buttons strained on his strong chest, a few unfastened buttons at the top of his shirt gave an unfettered view of his tanned chest muscles.

He moved like he was born riding, so smooth and slow and controlled, no matter how violently the bull tried to throw him. Forward and back, and forward and back…

“Baby Doll.”

I jumped and I shrieked at the sudden and unexpected heat warming my ear. Marcus was standing behind me, and he snaked an arm around my waist to pull me flush against him. He feathered his lips gently over his mark on my neck, before he whispered, “You seem distracted.”

“I’m not.” My voice hit a pitch akin to a scratching record. I cleared my throat. “I was just wondering where you went.”

“Really. Is that what you were thinking about?” He said aloud before he shifted immediately to speaking directly into my mind. “We’re mated now, sweetheart. I could already read your mind, but now I can FEEL what you’re thinking. You’re not going to be able to lie to me anymore.” He nipped at my earlobe, before he added, still in our silent channel, “His eyes are up there, by the way.”

My cheeks lit on fire while Marcus continued to hug me against him.

“He’s just so good at bull riding. I couldn’t help staring. It’s really impressive the way he moves on that thing.” What else was I supposed to say in this situation? I was mated to Marcus now, sure, but it still didn’t feel real. He’d never asked me to be his girlfriend or to be exclusive. It was really unclear what we were beyond some weird matching tattoos that linked us somehow. I’d not had time to resolve any of my feelings for anyone, Marcus included, and now I didn’t know if just looking at the professor or having Ceto measure me was some form of cheating.

“Is that why you like his cock so much?” He fortunately spoke internally for that question. My whole body was somehow simultaneously frozen and burning. “Why don’t you stick around after the event, and I’ll show you how to ride that thing properly.”

“You know how to ride a bull?” I turned my head so we were nose to nose.

“Setting aside that Adrian and I grew up together, and learned many of the same useless medieval skills, I’m literally the Taurus this month. Somehow, I think I can handle holding on to a predictable robotic cow.” He snorted, though I felt the tinge of offense in the back of his mind. A feeling that said ‘you think so little of me’ without the physical words.

This was odd. Feeling Marcus so vividly should make it easier to communicate, but if anything, it made it harder to sort out what were my feelings, his feelings, and even what was the still lingering pull from Adrian’s claim on me. I’d agreed to this ritual without knowing what it meant, and I was now more lost than I started.

The real issue was that I did want Marcus, but I also still felt bonded to Adrian. Maybe I was just being a silly girl who put too much weight on the guy who took my virginity, but in every little conversation we shared, I liked the man I was slowly getting to know outside the classroom. There was a real, highly traumatized person hiding under that rough exterior.

I can fix him, I thought, mocking my own stupidity.

This whole argument was pointless, because he’d already made it very clear that he was off limits and would not be changing his mind.

“Then teach me.” I smiled brightly, trying to quiet the unwanted thoughts in my head.

“I plan to teach you a lot of things now that we’re officially mated.” Warmth. I could feel genuine fondness in those words, and I should be focusing on that instead of obsessing over someone toxic. “This is still really new for you, especially considering you only learned you’re not human a couple months ago, so don’t stress so much if it doesn’t make sense to you yet. It’ll feel more natural in time.” Marcus lowered his voice, so only I could hear him. “But for now, I don’t mind if you’re still fantasizing about other men, as long as you include me.”

I swallowed thickly, that statement sending my mind to the dirtiest and most depraved of places. Once I gave him an obedient nod, he patted me on the head then unwrapped me from his embrace.

“Just be careful tonight. We can stay inside the protective glass if you don’t want to take the chance of transforming. I’m not entirely sure how different it’ll be now that we’ve sealed our pact. Although…” He paused, looking up thoughtfully with a mischievous smile. “I don’t mind if you want to find out.”

I cleared my throat, though the damage of my overactive imagination was already done when I was dating a vampire who could read minds. “What does everyone else do once the moon comes out? Aren’t there, like…. Werewolves and stuff here?” I whispered the last part, even though I didn’t think anyone in the Astrology Club was actually human. I wasn’t sure though. I didn’t pay attention to anyone other than Marcus and Linda, so I wasn’t the most in the know on anyone’s lives. Just because a bunch of psychotic hybrid monsters suddenly wanted me, didn’t mean that I’d developed people skills.

“There are all sorts of were-animals at Graves—they’re not all wolves. There might even be some fellow Hybrids of various designs in this crowd.” He shrugged so casually. “But you don’t have to worry. There’s a Dusk Wrap-Up and an indoor fireworks viewing area for those who want to get the full experience but can’t be outside after moonlight among humans. It won’t be an issue. Most of us know how to take care of ourselves by the time we’re college age. You’re the only weirdo who waited until your twenties to start shifting.” He ruffled my hair to my flattened expression.

“It wasn’t my fault.” I huffed.

“It kind of was. You were the one who chose to remain a virginal fortress until you were twenty-two.” His smirk was teasing.