Page 37 of Missing

"Good evening," I mumbled, my heart racing.

"Evening, Harper," Dante replied, his voice smooth as silk.

As we all settled in, I caught the tail end of a conversation between Dante and Orlando about going for a run. My curiosity piqued, I leaned in and asked Dante, "Do you run daily?"

"Normally every morning," he answered, his brown eyes meeting mine. "But I won't be running in the mornings for a while."

"Really? I run every day too," I admitted.

"So did I," Dante smiled, but there was a sadness in his eyes as he continued. "But if my wolf scents you when I'm changed, I can't stop him from marking you. So, I'll be running at night for now."

"Marking?" My heart thudded in my chest. I'd heard the word before and wanted to know what it meant.

"Trust me, you don't want to know," Melody chimed in, her face serious. "It's... intense."

Orlando leaned forward, his face lit up with excitement. "I have a whole textbook on mating, bonding, and marking in my room that I checked out of the library. Did you want to borrow it?" My ears perked up at this offer - I certainly wanted that book. “Yes, please! Can you drop it off in my room after dinner?" I asked eagerly.

"Y-yes, of course," Orlando stuttered, a hint of pink creeping onto his cheeks.

"Thank you," I beamed, feeling grateful for his kindness.

Dante leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "So what are we ordering for dinner?"

I couldn't help but laugh at him. "If you're only going to order what I'm getting, I think you might end up a little disappointed."

Dante's response was quick and sincere. "I don't think anything you could ever do would disappoint me." This caused the entire table to erupt into laughter as Griffin playfully clapped Dante on the back and remarked, "Real smooth Romeo."

Amidst the laughter and banter, I finally announced my order: "I'm having the chicken Caesar wrap." This prompted a sceptical response from Dante, who wrinkled his nose and quipped, "So a salad in a wrap?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his teasing tone. "Yep," I confirmed with a tap of my menu. Watching, the menu transforms into a delicious-looking wrap and a bottle of water.

Griffin couldn't resist taunting Dante further. "Well go on mate, order that salad wrap.”

Chapter 33

Orlando Greyson

After dinner wrapped up, we all went our separate ways. Dante, was off for a night run, while Griffin had some homework for dream walking that he needed to finish before tomorrow. Walking back into my room, I felt a strange anticipation grip me.

"Get it together, Orlando," I muttered under my breath as I grabbed a quick shower. The hot water did little to soothe my nerves, but at least it washed away the day's grime. I changed into my grey sweats and a black t-shirt, trying to ignore the way my hands shook. What was wrong with me?

"Alright, time to face the music," I said, grabbing the textbook I'd promised Harper I'd drop off. It was a simple enough task, but somehow it felt like something more significant.

My heart was pounding in my chest, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was something more than just a casual encounter. Why the fuck was I so nervous? It's not like I hadn't been with my fair share of girls before, but this…this felt different. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself as I gripped the door handle.

"Get your shit together, Orlando," I muttered under my breath before finally pushing open my door. The hallway seemed longer than usual, and it was like every step was heavier than the last. As I rounded the corner, Harper's room came into view, and I felt another wave of nerves wash over me.

I had barely raised my hand to knock when the door swung open, revealing Harper in all her casual beauty. "Hi," she said, a warm smile gracing her lips.

"Hey." My voice came out more like a croak than the smooth greeting I'd intended. Clearing my throat, I tried to regain some semblance of composure. "How did you know it was me?"

Harper shrugged, those captivating green eyes sparkling with mischief. "No idea. I just seem to know when it's one of you three at my door."

I frown at the thought, wondering how it was possible for her to know, was it a sign that she was linked to us? I held out the textbook I'd promised her earlier. She took it from me, our fingers brushing against each other for a brief moment. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through my body, intensifying the desire that had been building inside me since we first met.

"Thanks for bringing this over," Harper said, drawing my attention back to her face. "I really appreciate it."

"No worries," I said. Turning on my heel, I made for the sanctuary of my own room, desperate to escape the tension that seemed to crackle between us.

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