CHAPTER 3

WILLOW

The crowd is still cheering. Aiden is still waiting for me to say something.

“I’m guessing this is about my… brother.” He whispers the words right beneath my ear, running his fingers along my butt cheeks.

What the hell is he doing? I guess I put myself in this situation— to be groped and fondled. It’s why he’s taking full advantage of it.

He squeezes my cheeks roughly and that’s when my brain comes back to life.

“Aiden,” I squirm in his arms, untangling my legs from around his waist. My feet have barely touched the ice when Theo is suddenly in front of us.

He’s seething, glaring at me and then Aiden.

“What the fuck is this?” He asks, pointing at the both of us. “Since when are you two an item?”

“Why the fuck do you care? What does it matter to you?” I’m doing a good job, pretending that his fury doesn’t affect me.

Theo laughs sarcastically. “So, this is new then? I cheat on you and the next thing you do is move on to my brother?”

“Who said I just moved on to him?”

“So, you’ve been dating him longer?” He’s not laughing that sarcastic laugh anymore. He’s staring in disbelief. “Wait, don’t tell me you were screwing him while we were still together?”

People are watching us. With no small amount of interest.

“You’ve really got some nerve, trying to turn this around on me.” I smirk, loving how red his face looks. “You’re the one who cheated. Why does it bother you that I’ve moved on to someone else?”

Sorry Aiden for using you this way. I’ll find a way to make it up to you. I promise.

“That’s my brother you’re talking about. You’re screwing my brother. You bitch.”

“Come on now bro. That’s no way to talk to a lady.” Aiden steps in between us, blocking Theo’s view of me.

“Get out of my way Aiden,” Theo snarls at him. “I’m not done talking to her.”

“Actually… you’re done.”

“What did you say?”

“What’s the matter Spencer? You hard of hearing?” Aiden grins, facing off against his brother in a way that causes alarm bells to go off in my head.

What the hell is up with this vibe? Surely they aren’t about to fight? That wasn’t part of the plan.

Shit.

“Get out of my way,” Theo’s nostrils flare. “I’m not going to fucking ask you again.”

“And why should I do that? So you can yell at my girlfriend some more?”

Aiden’s comment takes Theo and I by surprise. I stare at him in shock, thinking I might have misheard him.

Surely, there’s no way Aiden Cross is helping me right now? Calling me his girlfriend?

“Y-Your girlfriend,” Theo sputters, unable to believe it. “So it’s true? You’re actually dating this prude?”

“Aahh. The rumor.” Aiden’s grin only causes Theo to scowl harder. “She’s not a prude though. How can she be, when we’ve been going at it like wild bunnies? I’m sorry Theo, if Willow chose not to show you the wild side of her, well, I guess she didn’t like you enough.”

The look on Theo’s face is priceless and I almost kiss Aiden again. Almost.

I see Theo’s fists clenching at his sides. He’s thinking about hitting Aiden. I can tell.

“Theo!” Tessa grabs hold of his arm. “That’s enough. Let’s go.”

“Let go of me,” he growls.

“Stop.” She begs. “Please… just stop.”

She’s embarrassed. It’s obvious in the way she’s glaring at me with a mixture of jealousy and hatred.

Great. That makes two of us.

“This isn’t over,” Theo calls to us, as Tessa leads him away. Now, I’m left behind, with Aiden. I’m trying to work up the courage to apologize when the overhead speakers blare.

“Tessa. Tessa Thompson. Please, report to the Dean’s office.”

Huh. The Dean’s office? Why? What have I done? Is this about the almost fight between the Omega brothers?

“I’m sorry Aiden. I have to go.” I can’t bring myself to look at Aiden. I break into a run, escaping the awkward conversation I was just about to have with him.

***

Am I in trouble?

Does the dean know about the almost fight between Theo and Aiden? Is that why I've been summoned?

Don’t tell me I’m gonna be punished for ruining the hockey game celebration?

In the dean’s office, my dad’s assistant, Terry Oxford is waiting for me. He’s wearing that pristine suit, stoic expression in place. Something about his presence at school sets me on edge.

This isn’t about the Omega brothers and in a way, I’m relieved.

“Terry. What are you doing here?” I try to sound normal and not panicked.

What is he even doing here on campus? Did my father send him? I thought I made myself clear when I said I didn’t want any of them showing up at my school.

“Forgive me, miss Thompson.” Terry tilts his head at a respectful angle and it’s so bizarre that up until three months ago, I didn’t have a family. Had barely two cents to scrape together. Now, I have a father. He had tracked me down somehow and has been working overtime to win my affections.

If only it were that simple.

“Your dad has been trying to reach you all week, Willow, but his calls keep going to voicemail.” Terry addresses me gently, almost as if he can tell that I’m nervous. “Don’t worry. You’re not in trouble. He merely sent me to check on you.”

“I’m fine as you can see.” I take a calming breath. Great. I’m not in trouble. This is merely a check in. “I had a situation. Didn’t want to be disturbed. That’s why I deactivated my phone.”

“I’ll let Mr. Thompson know.” Terry nods, already typing away on his phone, no doubt texting my dad. “In the meantime, he asked me to come fetch you.”

“Why?”

“There’s a masked event tonight. He wants you to accompany him.”

“Wow. That sounds…“ I grimace, trying to find the right word. “…like torture.”

I stare at the dean. He’s not even looking at us. He’s busy riffling through files on his table.

“Mr. Thompson asked me to give you this.” Terry hands over a shiny credit card. “To go shopping for tonight.”

“Right.” I take the card and squeeze it in my fist. “Well, as you can see, I’m still in my cheerleading uniform. I’ll have to change first before I go anywhere with you.”

“That’s alright. Whenever you’re ready. I’ll be in the parking lot.”

True to his word, he’s waiting when I approach the parking lot, freshly showered, duffel bag in hand.

The masked event is a grand, lavish affair. From glittery chandeliers to sparkling champagne flutes, no expense has been spared for tonight.

The moment I step into the event hall at the Dixon center, Cary Thompson is already waiting for me. Huge ass smile on his face.