Page 22 of Pack Apollo

His reply is to put his hands on my shoulders and pull me into a tight hug. There's a hard sigh that comes from him and makes my hair tickle at the top of my head as my lungs fill with his sweet, fruity-cereal scent. "You did nothing wrong. He hasn't informed us of your outing yesterday, but that's because we barely see each other during the week. It's why we save Sundays for the pack. But, there are no secrets between us. He'd havebeat you to the punch if he'd have seen us. Might've already with Jake, because they're business partners and spend more time with each other."

Pulling far enough away that he can glance down at me, he admits, "I'm glad he convinced you. I figured it'd be Palmer who would try since he's not used to not getting what he wants if he works hard enough for it. Plus, he's just a baby and some girls go for that kind of thing. Color me surprised that Cordell was the one that convinced you, though. Normally, he stays pretty neutral until we need a tie breaker for something. Also, I'm glad he didn't murder you."

I laugh at the sudden change in topic. I didn't even realize in my rambling that I'd mentioned that part.

This close, I can see his eyes crinkle around the edges as he smiles down at me. "Would it be too forward if I asked to kiss you right now?"

Taking a look around, I don't see anyone staring at us, but I still ask, "Here? Aren't you worried we'll be seen?"

"Remember, there are loopholes for the rules if we're courting," he reminds me.

Not like I need the reminder. I just wanted to give him a chance to change his mind if he wanted to. Going up on my toes, I press my lips against his. It's short and sweet, but leaves promises of more to come later.

"Thank you," he murmurs against my mouth.

I reply with a smile, stepping away. He holds out an elbow for me to take, and I do before we start our stroll across campus toward the dining hall.

"I think I'll need to buy Cordell a gift while I'm on the search for yours," he says, lost in thought.

"You know you don't really have to buy me things," I tell him. "I'm used to providing for myself, so I'm not expecting anything like that."

He smiles over at me. "It's part of being courted, so you'll have to get used to it."

I roll my eyes, and he tries to explain better. "As an alpha, the drive to take care of my people is instinct. It's what makes me happy. If it ever becomes too much and affects yours then, of course, I'd make sure your comfort comes before my own."

"Thank you," I tell him, lightly squeezing his arm.

Before we walk into the dining hall, I drop his arm. Pack Apollo may be officially courting me, but that doesn't mean I want Brent looking unprofessional walking into a crowded room with a student on his arm. This will be so much easier at the end of the semester and the guilt isn't riding me as hard for being his student.

One look around the room, and I can tell that the familiar face I've been searching for over a week now for isn't here. It makes me curious enough to tag along behind Brent and ask, "Is there a way of looking up a student and getting their contact information?"

"You mean as a professor or a student?" he asks, loading a plate of eggs, bacon, and pancakes on his tray.

"There was a girl," I admit, whispering the next two words, "an omega who sat with me during breakfast last week and seemed pretty adamant that it'd be a frequent thing, but I haven't seen her since. I just wanted to check in and make sure she was okay."

He waits for me to load my tray with pancakes, eggs, and fruit before leading us over to an empty table. As we're sitting he says, "I can look up her information in the student database, but unfortunately, I can't give that out to you. Not only would it be a violation of privacy, but our involvement would make it ten times worse."

"I get it," I tell him dejectedly.

Taking a bite of his breakfast, he appears lost in thoughtwhile he chews. I see his face light up with an idea just as he swallows. "However, were you to go to the omega center and express your concerns, they may be able to do a welfare check on her. They may also not be able to give you her information, but at least they'll be aware of your concerns and hopefully send someone to check in with her."

"That's a good idea," I admit, eating around talking. I lower my voice to admit, "I've never been to an omega center."

"Your mom didn't take you when you came into your designation?" he asks surprised.

I shake my head. "No, she's a beta and never understood my quirks and needs, I guess you can say. Besides, she said all the center is good for is omegas looking for packs. Something she was strictly solid ground against."

"This may be too forward, but what about your heats? Did she let you suffer through them alone with no help or understanding?" he asks grufflly.

Letting out a small huff, I tell him, "I was at school when my first heat hit. She wouldn't even come pick me up. Then, when I got home all I wanted to do was crawl into a dark corner with all the soft fluffy comfort things and die, but she said being outdoors would cure me of my affliction and ailments."

"By George, it's not a disease," he states, displaying a bit of anger in his tone.

"She knows that, but I think in her head, I was just overreacting for attention."

"Does she still feel this way?" he asks.

I shrug. "I don't think she even knows how she feels anymore. She'd have to stop drinking long enough to feel something."

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