I leaned forward on the table and fought the exhaustion and tears, not wanting to cry in front of everyone.
Ed's warm hand touched my shoulder. "It's okay, Sofia. We'll work through this. We'll help keep you safe."
"You barely know me. You shouldn't have to be keeping me safe."
"We want to help," Ed insisted.
There really wasn't anything else I could say without sounding bitchy, and I was grateful that I wouldn't have to figure this out on my own, I just hated putting them in danger.
I dragged myself to my feet, and we all headed out of the library. I was very aware of the guys as we walked. They surrounded me. Doc walked next to me, and Ed followed right behind. Victoria was right in front, and Allan led the way a little ahead of us.
"Hey, thanks for taking us hiking today," I said when we reached our dorm. "Except for the last hour or so, I had a really great time." I somehow managed a smile.
Ed's face lit up, and even Allan and Doc looked pleased.
"We did, too. We'll text you," Allan replied.
We went inside, and I couldn't help looking around nervously, though I had never seen whatever it was that had bothered Ed and Allan. I should have asked what they had noticed. Victoria was doing the same thing, and we used the elevator without even having to discuss it. When we got to our floor, we both rushed to our door, and neither of us had to ask the other to check the room before we both sank onto my bed.
"So, magic, huh?" Victoria smiled at me.
"It's not much."
"Still pretty cool."
I shrugged. "I wish I couldn't right now."
"Yeah, I get it. Well, we're on the buddy system for a while, we'll just have to sync up our schedules, and maybe we can get the guys and Alex involved, too."
"Maybe. I really don't want to tell more people than we have to. The guys trusted us with a big secret today, and I think we can trust them. Well, we don't have a choice now. I don't want to tell Alex."
"Yeah, I get it. I won't tell anyone either, and I'll keep my activist status on the down low." Victoria grinned. "Speaking of today, that was really amazing, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, seems like a dream now."
"They definitely like you." She nudged me with her elbow.
"They like you, too." I stuck out my tongue, just to prove how mature I was in this conversation.
"Yeah, not like that. Ed keeps trying to hand you off to Doc, but I get the feeling he and Allan really like you, too."
"Well, if the magic mafia is after me, they probably won't want to have anything to do with me from here on out." I grumbled.
"Magic mafia?" Victoria laughed.
"Well, I mean, the black market is kind of like the mafia, and they're magic users. It fits."
"Yeah. It kind of does. Hey, did you actually get Doc's phone number?"
"Damn it, no." I pulled out my phone. I had a text I hadn't heard come in. The number was local, and I didn't have a name attached to it.
Unknown: Got your number from the guys. Don't ever hesitate to contact me if you think something is wrong. Doc.
Unknown: Give my number to Victoria too, please.
I showed her my phone, and she quickly entered his information.
"Well, at least he's on our side. If he's not worried about being in danger, he must be pretty badass. I wonder what they are?"
"What?" I rolled over onto my elbow so I could look at her.
"They wouldn't have caught the magic mafia's attention by being human. Clearly, they're not. I'm guessing Ed and Allan are werewolves. I have no idea about Doc, though."
I remembered the wildness in both Allan and Ed's eyes and silently agreed with Victoria's assessment. Doc was a mystery. "I am quite certain they don't want anyone to know, if they are."
"No. And I'm clearly not going to tell anyone." She frowned at me.
"Sorry, I know. It's just been a long day."
"Girl, that's the truth. Let's get ready for bed. I need some rest."
I smiled, grateful that Victoria was still willing to be my friend, even after the evening scare and the danger it might entail. Hopefully, Doc could remind them I couldn't just disappear without repercussions, and everything would be okay.
Chapter 7
Sofia
The previous day almost felt like a dream when I woke up late Sunday morning. I stretched sore muscles, threw back the covers, and reached for my water bottle. It was really dry in Colorado, and constantly having water was becoming an important habit.
"You awake?" I raised my voice just loud enough that Victoria could hear me if she were, unless she listened to music.
"Yeah."
I heard her chair wheel back, and then she stuck her head around the dividing wall.
"Want to hit the showers? I could use another one to loosen up my muscles," Victoria said.
"Yeah. Give me a minute to grab some clothes." I felt bad that our circumstances made us feel like we had to wait for each other to go to the restroom. I was grateful that she didn't even act like it was a big problem.
Even though I had showered the night before, and might have to again tonight after dancing, the hot water felt amazing on my sore muscles. I needed to get more hiking in and really get in shape for this altitude before winter set in. Maybe I could take up snowshoeing this winter.
We both stumbled through our morning routines and then headed out to the dining hall for breakfast. I hoped she didn't feel as fuzzy as I did, and though I tried to pay attention, I was surprised when we arrived at the dining hall. The morning fog was
