“I wouldn’t be opposed to that either.” Mason headed over and sat on the other end of the couch from Mona.
“Hey now.” This wasn’t how this worked. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I’m on whatever side keeps you safe.” He patted the seat next to him. “Vampires are a pain in the ass.”
“And easily get obsessive over someone.” Mona shook her head. “Remember that time the vampire decided that Serafina was his?”
“That was brutal.” Kassie closed her eyes and grimaced. “All the guards’ lives were lost.”
“It’s not like I have the job for fun.” I refused to put Mona and Kassie into debt, and my scholarship only covered half the tuition. “I can’t risk losing it.”
“Why do you need it?” Mason tilted his head to the side.
“She refuses to let us help pay for her tuition,” Kassie grumbled and wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“You two have already sacrificed enough for me.” They had to start a new life and take care of a child that wasn’t their own. “I can’t keep letting you give up more and more for me.”
“Problem solved.” Mason leaned back in the seat again. “I’ve got it covered.”
“What? No.” There was no way in hell I was going to let him use any of his money on me. That money is for your mom.
I can still fight more. He shrugged his shoulders. It’s no biggie. I’d do anything for you.
Absolutely not. Yeah, we may be bonded, but that didn’t mean I’d lose control of my life. “I’ll find another job, but I’m going to give them at least a two-week notice.”
“Fine, but I hang out there while you work.” Mason leaned back in the seat and glanced at Mona. “Has she always been this difficult?”
“You have no idea.” Mona shook her head as she stared right at me.
“I’m not sure how I feel about this.” Within two days, Mason was over there acting like he’d always been a part of my family.
“Oh, stop.” Mason patted the seat beside him once more. “You know you love it.”
I made my way over to sit between Mona and him, and the four of us watched a movie.
The next few days passed in a blur. Mason had started staying with me at my house, and it surprised me that Mona and Kassie didn’t complain.
I didn’t push the topic because I wasn’t sure I could sleep without him any longer.
As I pulled into the school parking lot, I felt as if I was forgetting something. Mason and I had been riding to school together, but this morning, he had to go grab some more clothes to bring over.
It didn’t take long for me to make my way to class, and I found Ella sitting in her normal spot.
“Hey, sis.” She beamed as I made my way over to her. “It’s been a little strange without my moody brother hanging around.”
“Yeah, it sounds silly, but I felt weird driving to school without him.”
“Wait.” Connor turned to face me. “You’re dating her brother?”
Dating wasn’t close to what it was. “Yeah.”
“But he’s a player.” Connor shook his head and wrinkled his nose. “And a dick. You deserve someone so much better than that.”
“You better watch it, jackass.” Ella frowned and pointed at him. “I can kick your ass and make you cry for your mommy.”
“See, classless.” Connor’s nostrils flared. “I had thought she was different, but I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
This asshole was going down.
“Listen here…”
“Please sit down, Elena.” The professor arched an eyebrow at me and pointed at the clock. “You always make a point to leave when the clock strikes nine-fifty, so I should get the floor now.”
Even though his words irritated me, he had a point. So I sat down and waited for it all to be over.
Right on cue, I stood from my seat and made my way to the door.
The professor nodded, wearing a smirk on his face as I left.
He had enjoyed scolding me. That figured.
“Elena.” Connor raced after me and grabbed my arm. “Look, I’m not trying to be an ass. I’m just concerned. Mason isn’t good for you.”
Ella walked out and narrowed her eyes at Connor but kept moving.
“Thanks for the concern, but it’s unwarranted.” At every opportunity, it felt like Connor tried to play some sort of angle.
“I’ve been trying to tell her it’s pointless.” Meredith sashayed over and flipped her hair. “It’s kind of pathetic how you’re clinging onto him. I bet by the end of the week, he’ll be crawling back into my bed.”
“See. That’s my point.” He pointed at Meredith. “He only uses girls for sex.”
“Is that so?” Mason’s low, raspy voice filled the hallway. He marched over to me and lowered his lips on mine. I can’t let you go anywhere alone.
What can I say? I couldn’t help the huge grin spreading across my face. “Drama follows me everywhere.”
“No, I thought Ella was lying.” Meredith’s face turned a shade lighter.
“My sister always tells the truth even when we don’t want to hear it.” Mason then turned to face Connor. “You’re a fucking pansy, trying to use the concerned friend angle to get her into your bed.”
“Well, it worked at least once.” Connor lifted his chin in defiance.
“I was drunk and made a piss-poor decision.” He was making it out to be more than it was. “I don’t know how many times I’ve had to reiterate I’m not interested in you.”
“You’ve done it at least fifty times.” Ella appeared on my other side. “I’ve had to listen to it since the first day of class.”
Connor swallowed and nodded his head as if he finally got it. Then, he backed away, finally turning around to leave us alone in the hallway.
“And you.” I turned to Meredith and straightened my shoulders. “Stop being a fucking psycho.” I stepped closer, challenging her wolf. “He’ll never be back
