Page 15 of Shifting Fate
Dallon
Damn.
I thought for sure there was something there, something between us that might lead to more. That maybe if I played my cards right, I’d get lucky tonight, but if I couldn’t even get Arias’s attention with these fuck-me pants? Fuck.
My walk of shame felt so much longer than usual, and I didn’t even get laid. My arms dangled limply at my sides and my chest ached something fierce. Normally, rejection didn’t phase me. Like I said, there were plenty of other fish in the sea. Plenty of dicks to ride. I could even have my pick of them.
I didn’t know what it was about Arias LaRue, but I’d felt that rejection like he’d flat-out slapped me across the face. Emotion welled in my throat, knotting there. As heat pricked the corners of my eyes, I realized I was about to start crying.
“What the fuck? Get over it,” I growled under my breath, balling my hands into fists. “He’s just a guy. Grow up.”
I trudged through the woods, replaying the scene over and over again in my head. The way Arias had looked at me… He’d seemed almost horrified that I’d nearly kissed him, like I was carrying the plague or something. Ugh. Fuck me.
I found myself standing on Tashi’s doorstep and flung the door open wide. Right now, I really needed to get out of my head and forget about everything.
My sister didn’t even get the chance to gripe at me about knocking first; she took one look at me and her grouchy expression faded, replaced by concern. “Dal? What happened?”
“You were right,” I muttered, pushing past her into the house “He’s not interested. Wanna get drunk?” I forced a smile, then let it fade. “I need to wallow in self-pity for a little while, you know how it is. Can I crash here tonight? Please?”
The wind knocked from my sails, my shoulders drooped. For some reason, I couldn’t stomach the idea of going home and being surrounded by my pack and their fated mates. A surge of jealousy electrified my heart, making everything feel ten times worse than it already was. I dropped down onto the couch and rubbed at my face.
“Aww, Dallon. I’m sorry, bro.” She locked the door behind us, then came over to sit beside me. She patted my arm. “I tried to tell you.”
“Yeah, but—” I cut myself off. It didn’t matter what I’d felt. It was wrong. Therewasno spark, no breath of fresh air. I pressed my hand above my heart, as if that might stop the hurt. I sniffed. “I don’t know why I fucking care so goddamn much, but he gave me the whole ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ thing and you know damn well it is. Obviously. So congrats, Tash. You were right. Score one for you.”
Tashi sighed and looped her arm around my shoulders, hugging me. “I’m so sorry. I know you liked him.”
I sighed. “That’s the thing, though. My wolf is crazy about the douchebag. I don’t even know why.”
“He’s not your mate, then,” she assured me.
“He can’t be,” I agreed. “It’s not possible. Fuck, Remy scented Sawyer from nearly a mile away! The mate-scent is supposed to be strong, but Arias doesn’t smell like anything.” I groaned and let my head roll back on my shoulders. “Seriously. Fuck my life. I need to get laid.”
“Not tonight. Tonight, we’re gonna do some shots and forget everything but our names. Screw this essay. Screw it! Let’s get totally drunk. We haven’t done that in forever.”
I smiled faintly at her sudden enthusiasm. I knew I could count on Tashi to cheer me up. “Right. No dick for Dallon.”
She snorted and smacked me. “Life doesn’t revolve around getting fucked, Dal. Maybe if you realized that, your mate would come into your life.”
“Yeah, right. Pigs are gonna sprout wings and fly before that happens. I’ll be a lone wolf forever, cursed to spend the rest of my life only known as Uncle Dallon.” I heaved a sigh. “Grand. See what I have to look forwards to?”
“I think you’re being a little overdramatic,” she said, matter-of-fact. “I’m going to go grab the booze. Sit tight and we’ll get you nice and sloshed. Might wanna text Rhine, though, so he doesn’t worry about you.”
I frowned and watched her pad barefoot into the adjoining kitchen. I heard the freezer door open and a moment later, the sound of ice cubes clinking against glass. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and stared down at the text I’d sent him earlier.
I exhaled and texted one more time.Change of plans. Getting drunk with Tashi. I’ll be home by lunchtime. Ta.There. Good enough. Rhine would read between the lines. Not like it mattered. Nothing mattered.
I put down three shots faster than Tashi could pour them. The coconut Bacardi went down smooth, but I found myself reaching for the bottle. Tashi queued up a movie and we spent the first half passing the fifth back and forth.
“Mmm. Maybe Tybalt is up for a romp in the sack,” I mused, leaning back in my seat. My head was light and fuzzy, but I was feeling much better. Sex was sounding better and better by the minute. I nudged my sister with my socked foot, having peeled off my boots and pants in exchange for a little comfort. “I’m gonna call him.”
Tashi snatched my phone out of my hand. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re drunk. You’re not going anywhere, bro.” She giggled and tossed my cell into the ornamental bowl sitting on the end table. When I growled at her, she said, “Here. I’ll make it fair.” She added her phone to the mix, then held out her hand. “Keys.”
I grumbled. “Cockblock.”
“I’m just looking out for my big brother,” she insisted. “No way you’re walking home in the dark! Dreadhunters will eat you alive. C’mon, let’s cuddle and turn all the lights off. We could watch the old Tremors movies, like we’re kids again?” She smiled brightly at me, melting my grumpy heart. “I’ll even play with your hair.”
I laughed. “Sold.”
