8

Lilith’s POV
I didn’t trust the twins-not for a single, solitary second. On the drive back to school, I made sure they were ahead of me the entire way, convinced they might turn around and head for my pack to pull some ridiculous stunt. When they suggested one of them ride with me, my immediate response was a resounding *hell no.*
*They’d definitely ditch us if they heard your car singing,* my wolf commented, shaking her head in amused disapproval.
“I happen to *love* singing in the car, and if you don’t like it, I simply don’t care,” I shot back, wiggling my head in rhythm with the music. “You clearly didn’t grow up appreciating the finer things in life.”
*Finer things? Really? You’re going to convince me that ‘to the window, to the wall’ is real music?* she retorted dryly.
Ignoring her sass, I cranked up the volume on my playlist, and Lady Gaga’s *Poker Face* filled the car. Perfect timing.
“They’re not gonna read *my* poker face! I’m winning this battle of wits,” I declared, tapping my hands on the steering wheel in triumph.
*Sure. Because the end result changes anything. This little game of cat and mouse just seems like foreplay for you. I think they’re into it-the thrill of the chase and all,* my wolf added, sounding way too entertained.
“Oh, so now you’re saying you want to help me mess with them? Little Miss Perfect?” I challenged, smirking.
If Rose got on board, this could actually be fun. Two minds working together might even level the playing field.
*For how long? I swear, if it’s the day before the full moon and you’re still playing this game, I will NOT hesitate to put you in heat. You’re not rejecting them, so what’s the point of waiting?* she huffed.
“For as long as it takes to win,” I replied smugly, just as *Let’s Get Loud* by J-Lo started blaring through the speakers.
“It’s JUST A PARTY, BABY!” I hollered, dancing in my seat. “Turn the music up, let’s do it! Come on, people, let’s get loud!”
That song was my anthem-pure energy and confidence. Nobody could tell me *anything* when I was in my element.
*No excuses! Let’s get looooud,* Rose chimed in, flashing me an image of her swaying her hips dramatically.
I grinned. Game on.
The rest of the drive passed quickly, and when we got back to campus, the twins’ truck veered toward the frat house. I happily turned toward my building, ready to enjoy my own space.
—
That night, something unexpected happened.
Nothing.
No calls, no visits, not even a text. If they were mad, I didn’t care. If they were giving me space, even better. I got up early, went for a run, swung by the store, and returned Hailey’s car keys.
Later, as I stood in my kitchen blending a protein shake, music blasting, my good mood took a nosedive.
**KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.**
I frowned, peeking through the peephole. Dahlia.
Opening the door, I reminded myself not to let her ruin my vibe. She might be irritating, but she was a decent person-and well-connected. I probably owed her a few favors by now.
“Hey, Lia,” I greeted, plastering on my best smile.
“Hey, you! I was kinda wondering if you could do me a favor. I’m in a bit of a bind,” she said, grimacing.
Oh, hell. I *knew* I should’ve ignored the door.
“A favor like… grabbing you coffee or lending you a pencil?” I asked, hopeful. Those were easy enough.
*Miss Congeniality over here,* Rose quipped, laughing in my head.
“Well, you’ve probably heard about the big football game on Saturday night,” Dahlia began, fidgeting nervously with the hem of her shirt.
“I’ve heard it mentioned,” I said evenly, bracing myself.
“So, my dad’s non-profit works with at-risk teens and runaways. After the last game of the season, they host a big auction to raise funds. I need volunteers,” she explained, biting her lip.
*She’s lying. There’s more to this,* Rose observed.
“Oh? Volunteers for what, exactly? Waiting tables? Cooking?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“Well… no. Actually, we auction off dates. People bid, and the winners get an evening with the volunteers. The game’s at 4, and the auction starts at 8. We’ve even got a limo company and restaurants donating their services,” she said, her voice gaining enthusiasm.
I narrowed my eyes. “And you need…?”
“I’ve got the Ashford brothers on board, which is huge-they’ve never agreed before! But now I need two females,” she admitted.
“Are you one of them?”
“Oh, no,” she stammered, blushing. “I’m not pretty enough for that. I mean, who’d even bid on me?”
*Let’s give her a makeover!* Rose piped up, practically vibrating with excitement.
The worst part was, I agreed. Not only would a makeover do wonders for her, but I’d rake in more bids, which would be great for my ego-and maybe drive the twins crazy.
“I’ll do it *if* you do it,” I said, watching her reaction. “But I’ll need you to cover our outfits. I’ll handle your hair and makeup, though. You know me-details matter.”
Her eyes lit up, and after some playful negotiation, we made plans to look for gowns over lunch.
By the time we reached the dining hall, it was packed. Sunday mornings on campus were a special kind of chaos-hungover students still reeking of last night’s bad decisions crammed together, chasing greasy food and caffeine. Normally, I avoided the place on weekends, but I was playing along with Lia’s plan, and it was starting to grow on me.
I grabbed a tray, added a few things, and made my way to the sunroom area, where Lia had already claimed a seat. Just as I crossed into the smaller room, their scents hit me like a freight train.
*Oh, sit there. Sit with them,* Rose demanded, practically wagging her metaphorical tail.
*Hard to get, remember? Focus,* I reminded her, forcing myself to walk straight past the twins’ table without even a glance.
I slid into the chair across from Lia and immediately launched into a discussion about dresses-her favorite colors, preferred styles, all of it. I was halfway through explaining why a sweetheart neckline would perfectly complement her figure when *they* interrupted.
Both of them crashed into the table, dropping into seats like they owned the place. Caleb reached over and swiped the cookie off my tray without so much as a word. *My* cookie. My *one* treat for the entire weekend.
“It’s a small world after all,” Caden said, smirking as his eyes locked on mine.
I glanced at Lia, who was frozen in place, her face drained of color. Great. She was going to be zero help.
“Are you donkeys lost?” I asked, picking up a banana from my tray with deliberate slowness.
I peeled it, taking my time, and then licked the tip. All three sets of eyes were glued to me, their focus unwavering as I made a show of taking a bite, letting out a small, satisfied hum.
“I think we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be,” Caden replied, his smirk widening. “Keeping an eye on you, making sure you stay out of trouble.”
“Trouble? Me?” I asked innocently, taking another slow, deliberate bite of the banana.
Lia was still as a statue, while the twins seemed utterly captivated.
“There *is* something you could do for me, Caleb,” I said suddenly, shifting my attention to him. My voice softened, laced with just the right amount of suggestion.
His eyebrows shot up. “And what’s that?”
I leaned forward slightly, nibbling on the banana again as I rested my hand lightly on his. The effect was immediate-his whole body stiffened at the contact.
“I really, really need…” I began, drawing out the words, locking eyes with him.
“Yeah?” he asked, leaning in closer.
“I need…” I paused for dramatic effect, licking my lips. “For you to get your ass up and get me another cookie. The ones with ESK,” I finished, releasing his hand and pointing toward the bakery section.