Apparently, he successfully shut Anders up because the latter just sits down with a sigh. As he is older than Finn, he normally waits for him outside when he has his classes. Finn’s recent actions seem to have led him to change his tactics. For a potential future Alpha, Finn does act a bit immature, I realize, but at the same time, it’s also part of his charm. He is fun to be around.
“Where’s Ella?” Finn asks.
In a weird way, it makes me happy that he asks for her and shows interest. When I invited him to join us for dinner, I didn’t know where it would lead us, if he would like my friends or want to hang out with us. I didn’t plan on anything further. “She is in a different class. Ella studies art.” When she turned 18, she suddenly got access to a deposit account. We both wondered where the money came from and who paid for her education. But for once, she listened to my advice not to dig too far into it. Until today we don’t know the name of her secret guardian. “Unfortunately, we hardly have any classes together.”
“What’s your main focus?” Dave asks him. “What do you want to major in?”
“Economics,” Finn explains. “I know, it’s not the most interesting choice. But I think it would be beneficial for the future of my pack.”
I nod. “It certainly is.”
“Are you guys joining the Welcome party tonight?” Finn wants to know. “I heard it’s for all the new students.”
I shrug. “I am not sure. Dave, Ella, and I actually started half a year ago.”
“They only hold this party once a year, though,” Dave points out. “So, we didn’t have one.”
Finn turns to look at Dave. “What about you? You’re going?”
“Definitely will join. And I will convince my two ladies to come too,” Dave chuckles. “Come on, Annie, don’t be so boring!”
I huff, a blush crawling over my cheeks.
“It’s going to be fun,” Finn points out before carefully adding: “Well, for you at least. I will spend the night hiding behind Anders. At least my brother is coming too.”
“Oh, really?” Anders asks. “I didn’t know. I thought Marius canceled on you.”
“Dad told me yesterday. True, Marius was supposed to come, but apparently, he decided to drop the responsibility onto Liam.”
Something in his voice makes me look up in slight worry. He sounded… disappointed, slightly hurt.
“I am sure Marius has important business to attend to,” Anders says carefully.
Finn snorts, but his eyes remain dark. “Sure,” he mutters. “Important business. Whereas Liam was able to make space in his over-crowded schedule. Believable.”
When I notice Dave’s gaze, I turn to him. “Marius is the second oldest,” I whisper. “Liam is Finn’s eldest brother.”
“Means he is important, right? The girls will go crazy,” Dave states dryly.
I blink at him in surprise. “I haven’t thought about that at all,” Finn adds thoughtfully. “Need to give him a warning beforehand.” A pause. “So, are you and Ella coming?” he inquires.
I nod tentatively. “I think if all of you go, I will come too.”
“Great,” Dave beams. “We can all meet there. What do you think, Finn? Let’s meet as a group?”
There is a hint of joy in Finn’s expression. “Great idea!”
After class, when Finn is busy talking with our professor about his schedule, Anders approaches me. “Thank you, Miss Annalise,” He looks at me directly, and for a moment, a small smile lights up his serious expression.
“What for?” I ask.
His smile grows, almost to the point of looking friendly. Almost. He pats my shoulder and leaves without an answer.
The Welcome party is held in the older part of the college. They are not using it for classes anymore but rather for gatherings, events, and important presentations. Probably because it offers enough space. While approaching the place, I can already hear the cheers and laughter. It smells like alcohol, cigarettes and sweat.
Do I really want to join the fun?
No, definitely not. But I promised Dave and Finn that I would come. And I know Ella was looking forward to it. Despite her rough exterior and how she always claims she doesn’t care for these events, I know she does. It doesn’t happen a lot that she can socialize with others. I can’t disappoint her.