Page 87 of A Taste of Torment
“Just researching some potions.” I hold up the book.
“Truth potions, huh?” she asks, despite the book being open to a stunning potion. She nods toward my notebook. Damn eagle eyes.
“You never know when you may need one.” I make sure to give her a focused glare.
She smiles. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
“I’m sure.” I shut my notebook and textbook and lean in. “So, you probably have all the best gossip. What’s up with Auren?” I decide to go for the obvious target first so as not to ping any more of her Spidey-senses.
Her face lights up, and she straightens. “Oh, she’s a wicked opponent. But Jarron has never been too into her, so I wouldn’t worry on that front. If you’re checking out your competition, I’d be more concerned about Lucille.”
I frown. “Manuela’s girlfriend?” The beautiful redheaded shifter that avoids the Elite groups because of how much she’s desired by the wolves? I shift in my seat.
Bea’s smile widens, obviously enjoying my discomfort.
“What about her?”
“She’s been on and off with Manuela for a while, but she’s secretly been into Jarron for years. He has no idea. She’smuchmore his type than Auren.”
“Who else has she dated?” I ask.
Bea shrugs. “One wolf shifter, but that went about as bad as it could. She’s been quiet about her love life since. With the exception of Manuela.”
“Wolf shifters seem like the epitome of toxic masculinity.” I grimace.
“Nah, not really.”
I flick a brow. I hadn’t meant the comment to begin a new conversation, but I’m curious about her take.
She notices my curiosity and continues. “Wolves are family animals first and foremost. They’re loud and strong, and that can sometimes come across as macho, but they’re very sweet once you get to know them. We see the worst of their attributes here in the school, where there’s a lot of mixed packs and other potential threats to their people, but don’t let it convince you they’re always like that.”
Hmm, interesting. “Thanks. That’s actually helpful.” I’m honestly surprised by her insightfulness.
“I can be very helpful to those I deem worthy.” She checks her nails casually.
I ignore that comment. It’s either a dig at me or an offer. But I’m not too concerned about the details. “Do you have any close wolf relationships?” I ask, curious how she knows so much about them.
“Oh, not really close. Depends on how you define the term.”
“How do you define the term?” I frown, confused about her meaning.
“They make wonderful lovers.”
“Oh.” I blink. “I thought you and Trevor…”
“Oh, well, when you’ve been with someone since you were children, it can get stagnant fast.”
I don’t point out the fact that they’re barely more than children now.
“We’ve had a few breaks to explore.” She licks her lips. “Plus, our relationship isn’t always just the two of us.”
“Oh,” I say again, stupefied by this admission.
“Our culture is not as strict about sexual expression as most human cultures. There’s only a species or two in our world that practices monogamy regularly.”
My mind jumps to Jarron, which is about the stupidest thing it could do. My cheeks redden.
“Don’t worry, Jarron’s more reserved than most. I don’t suspect he’d do well with sharing you.”
