Page 81 of Chaos At Second Sight

“I can’t believe she calls you Rudy.” Killian tsked. “If I’d known a mate would turn the Terminator into a wagging puppy, I’d have organized a search party years ago.”

“Maybe we should organize one for your mate!” I told him.

I wondered what kind of woman would end up with someone like him. Another wereball player? A quiet bookworm? Whoever she was, she was going to have her hands full. I should invite Killian to my campus in case his mate was there.

“Hey, Yvaine.” A tall guy with a small smile, black nail polish, and a fresh mark on his neck that screamed Amaia all over approached. Callum. “About time we officially met.”

He dragged over a chair and offered me a beer. I politely declined but hugged him. “You’re the famous wolf who got my best friend to look up from her books. Congratulations!”

Logan chuckled.

Callum rubbed the back of his neck, a cute pink flush creeping over his cheekbones. “Not really. We study together. When I’m done, I just…watch her.”

My heart swelled.

“Two doctors for mates!” Killian slapped Callum on the shoulder, almost propelling him into the wall. “I’ll settle for your nurse friends, Sweet Pea. Have any?”

Logan narrowed his eyes, the tic starting again. Taking his hand, I leaned forward and looked at Killian. “All the female nurses I know are married.”

He spread his arms over the back of the couch. “I like sharing. Don’t I, Greg?”

“Hell yeah!” They high-fived.

The evening blurred into introductions. Teammates drifted over one after another, curious but welcoming. Logan’s thumb drew circles over my hand while I met everyone, all overly polite with me, even a guy with a massive octopus on his scalp. These boys weren’t serious, always cheerful, with that strong friendship created by many shared experiences, interests, and personalities.

At some point, Logan disappeared to grab us drinks, Callum was on the phone with Amaia, and Killian was in an animated argument with a dark-haired girl that snarled every time he opened his mouth. That left me with Cedric, a backup on the wereball team.

“You’re a real doctor?” he asked.

“Still studying to be.”

“My mom’s a doctor, too. She works at our pack’s hospital.”

My eyes lit up. “How nice! What kind?”

Cedric blushed a little. “N-neurosurgeon.”

“That’s my field! Where did she do her residency?”

“In the pack, Luna.”

Luna—something I was fairly certain I never wanted to be. That was definitely a conversation to have with Logan if he ever decided to be the Dark Diamond Alpha.

Cedric and I chatted a little longer, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn how extensive the neurosurgery department at Dark Diamond was. Not that I planned on moving here anytime soon. Still, knowing the option was available felt strangely reassuring.

A shadow blocked the kitchen light. “Hey, Cedric.”

Cedric’s face drained of color. “I-I should…go.”

“You’re welcome to stay.” Logan sounded…friendly.

“Really?” Cedric relaxed, his shoulders dropping.

Logan laughed. “Yeah, I don’t bite…often.”

When Cedric left, a giddy smile on his face after chatting with us, I turned to Logan. “You were nice.”

One eyebrow climbed. “You sound surprised. I’m delightful.”