Page 20 of Knot What She Seems
Manly thoughts, Brylee. Burps. Beer. Balls.
My stupid list of alpha-like things is interrupted when I’m hit with a barrage of scents that are nearly as potent as that dumpster I just left behind, though not quite so unpleasant. Sharp sage, saffron, pine, and smoky undertones all compete for my nose’s attention as I walk toward Eros via the alpha sidewalk.
The dark castle rises in front of me, a black monstrosity backlit by a creepy, nearly full moon. It has all the intimidating features that would make it the perfect set for a horror movie. Hopefully, it won’t actually be anything like that.
My stomach tenses when I see a short line of guys standing at the gate, and the reality of what I’m about to do washes over me. Though I’ve been through it in my head a thousand times, there’s something about finally being on the tip of committing a crime that makes it feel infinitely more real.
Joining the back of the line, I can’t stop my hand as it reaches up to feel my wig, just to quadruple check that it’s still in place. It’s hot, itchy, and annoying, and I’m certain there’s a bobby pin in the back that’s trying to stab through my skull, but it’s the best I could do. Caran mentioned chopping off my hair to make myself look more like my twin, but that’s just one thing I refuse to do.
“Shit. Look, it’s the prince,” someone calls out in front of me, making my hand fall.
Guys don’t mess with their hair.
Showtime.
While Brylee would blush and look down like every docile omega should, Teddie would make eye contact with these alphas. I try that, pairing it with a wide smile, feeling awkward as fuck. As I attempt to look casual and unaffected and to remember not to shift my weight over to one goddamned hip, my heart flutters like a hummingbird.
I tricked a girl. But can I trick alphas?
“What happened?” The guy in front of me, a gangly guy with glasses and a mole near his right eye, gestures down at my foot.
Immediately, I realize I ran across the street earlier while wearing an ankle brace. Dammit!
My head almost swivels to look and see if that omega is still there. If she noticed. But I don’t. I can’t. I’m undercover now.
Two seconds in, and I already messed up big time. Teddie would have a field day if he knew.
But this other alpha is waiting for an answer, and I can’t ignore him, so I give a shrug as I lower my voice an octave and say, “Rec soccer. Pulled it.”
If only that was the real reason why pain constantly flares up in my ankle.
“Bummer,” the mole man replies.
The guy behind me, however, chimes in, “Wish I’d just pulled something. I heard the first week, the professors run you ’til you puke.”
“Pretty convenient timing, huh?” Mole Man responds with a laugh, glancing at me as if I’m clever.
I just shrug because that seems safer than talking.
Luckily, the line slides up, and he’s called forward to the table because there are a few administrators sitting behind it, organizing people alphabetically, and his letter’s up.
I focus on breathing. On the knot I’m swallowing over in my throat. I’ve gotten through the basics, but I’m going to have to say my name soon.Theodore. Theodore. Theodore.Catching myself mouthing it, I stop, because I’m going to make my brother look like an idiot.
“Yo. Ted! Didn’t realize your time was up, man. Good to see you!” One of the guys behind the table checking people in, a burly guy with a head full of dark curls, gives me the dude nod.
Fuck. Is that some acquaintance I don’t know?
Cue writhing snake pit in my stomach and bile inching back up my throat.
Fighting hard against my rising panic, I lift my chin in return and check the last name placard in front of Teddie’s friend. He’s got A-H, so not my name. Thank goodness.
The guy behind me slides up to the opening at the table and says, “Hey. Sam Buckley. Got my packet?”
My attention begins to fade from their conversation and wait for my own opening when the curly-headed guy calls out, “No way! You got the prince for a roomie!”
My head whips back to study Sam immediately, and I find him doing the same. Right. I saw his picture. In my nervous state, I completely blanked.
With a smile that looks too wide for his face and ears that tip out just a little bit like an elf, Sam’s memorable—in a nerdy, cute way. But right now, his appearance isn’t the most striking thing about him. As we make eye contact and soak one another in, I can tell, without a shadow of a doubt, that this guy isnotan alpha.
