Page 43 of Seven is Swell

I know that as soon as we get in the vicinity of the locker room that he’s detected something, because his nose is flaring and he’s getting visibly angrier.

“I know you’re a weird snake thing. Go ahead and get that freaky tongue out so you can get what information you need.”

“Don’t need to. I know whose scent is on everything.”

I follow him to the damaged locker, which my brother and I already stormed inside to check out before I came to see Aspis, and he runs his hands around the space, looking at the messed-up hinges and the inside of the locker.

“You going to share with the class?”

“I appreciate that you’re in a mood right now but do try to remember that your mate is unharmed. This is likely just a practical joke gone a bit wrong.”

“No. Tell me who the fuck it was. No one messes with my mate and just walks away without any sort of consequences. The only thing I can come up with for who you’d try to protect and know the scent so well for would be your sister, who just happens tohave beef with my girl. So, tell me I’ve come to the incorrect answer before I go and get the wrong person to pay up.”

He sighs. “Can we not just resolve this matter quietly?”

I study him. “You’re scared of her. Is that it? Why? Aren’t you some scary snake monster?”

“That’s ridiculous. I’m notscaredof my little sister. And I never said it was her.”

“Great. So, tell me who it was then.”

“How about I get you through the goblin heart ritual, and we call it even?”

I laugh. “I’m sorry, but you helping another one of our mates’ mates, in exchange for not going after your sister, is a no go. Also, Ash is all over it already, I’m sure.”

I turn to go, already knowing where this bitch lives since we studied Delaney’s dormitory building so much before she moved in.

He follows behind, calling after me. “I know I can’t stop you without shifting, which would be bad news for this building, but I am asking you, begging really, to let this go.”

I think about it, and then go right back to what I was going to do. Delaney should be the one to make this decision, but he doesn’t need to know that yet. Plus, I might be able lead him straight to her, and this weekend is all about mate bonding time, so what’s one more?

“Mr. Lawrence!”

“It’s Jackson,” I call over my shoulder.

He catches up to me, walking beside me now, nervously. “What are you going to do to Shelly?”

I smirk because he totally just fell for my trap. “How old are you, man?”

“Does it matter?”

“I mean, not really. Ash is kind of old too, it’s cool. Delaney’s into it.”

“I can’t— I can’t do anything about the bond.”

I start laughing. It’s actually kind of funny at this point.

“How is that amusing?”

“It’s like we all just copy each other at this point. You’re not saying that shit to her, I promise. When we get there, you’re going to fall to your knees and profess your undying love and devotion, pull out your dick, and then we’re all going to watch you fuck like bunnies and pass her around. She’s got a few bonds to christen.”

He starts choking. “Excuse me?”

I throw an arm round his shoulder. “Oh, we’re going to corrupt you so bad.”

“I thought we were going to Shelly’s?”

“I have a better plan; did you not hear what I just said?”

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