Chapter 0458

Seraphina nudged me as we approached our lockers. "Did Gregory just wink at you?"

"Seemed like it."

"You definitely caught his attention."

"Maybe. Doesn't matter." I shrugged just as a large hand slammed against my open locker door. Heat radiated against my back.

I turned to find Silas looming over me. "Rematch tomorrow, gorgeous."

"Ready to lose again, Silas?"

He leaned down, his 6'2" frame towering over my 5'6". His breath tickled my ear. "Winner buys dinner Friday."

"Is this your awkward attempt at asking me out?" I shut my locker and faced him. Movement caught my eye - Alistair and Gregory were heading straight for us.

"What if it is?" Silas challenged.

"Then work on your pickup lines." I grabbed Seraphina's arm. "We need to go. Now."

Her head snapped up. She spotted the approaching duo. Silas turned and chuckled. "Good luck with that."

We wove through the crowded hallway at a near-run, dodging students. Alistair's laughter followed us. "Running won't help, Seraphina."

He wasn't wrong - they shared two classes with her.

First period passed uneventfully. Then came Chemistry, where Gregory decided to make himself my new lab partner. "Nathaniel, switch with me."

I crossed my arms. "Excuse you? Nathaniel's perfectly adequate." That was generous - he was mediocre at best. But standing inches from Gregory all semester? Absolute torture. My wolf might react to his dominance, but I refused to acknowledge it.

'Have you seen his wolf?' Valeria purred.

'Evander's massive - bigger than Magnus.' Magnus was Alpha Alistair's wolf. 'Guardians have Alpha strength. I think he's stronger than Alistair.'

'I'd love to rub against that magnificent beast.'

'Control yourself. We need to get through this class without broadcasting our attraction.'

"Finished consulting your wolf?" Gregory asked. Nathaniel had already fled - no one challenged a Guardian.

"Yes." I grabbed my textbook, determined to ignore him.

He leaned closer. "I bet she likes me."

"Implying I don't, Guardian?"

A low growl vibrated his chest. "I told you to call me Gregory."

"Right. Well, my wolf appreciates strength - and Guardians have plenty. If you're fishing for compliments, consider yourself flattered." I turned back to my book.

His chuckle sent shivers down my spine. Warm breath brushed my neck. "Sweetheart, there's nothing fragile about me."

"Noted. Let's begin."

To my surprise, Gregory excelled at chemistry. Where I'd carried Nathaniel, Gregory anticipated each step. Our competitive spirits flared as we raced to outdo each other.

While cleaning up, he caught me off guard. "You're good at this. Didn't expect that."

I flashed a saccharine smile. "I have layers, Gregory. You surprised me too. Nice to know there's a brain behind those muscles girls drool over."

"You really don't like me, do you?" A hint of vulnerability colored his tone. Impossible - why would he care?

I met his gaze. "It's not dislike. I refuse to be another notch on your bedpost. I don't know why you're suddenly interested, but if this is about sex, walk away now."

Before he could respond, I spun on my heel and marched to my next class.