Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Blaise

Once I’m no longer dying to scratch at my body I get out of the bathtub and dry off. It’s supposed to be a really hot day and so I slipped on a pair of short jean shorts and a white cotton tank top. We are days away from September and I pray to the stars that Autumn will descend upon us quickly. Plus, it’s my favorite time of year.

Leaving the dorm, I take the steps leading to the sidewalk and then walk across the lawn over to the cafeteria. I’m feeling refreshed and hella hungry! The scent of Italian food wafts past my nose and has my mouth beginning to water for bread sticks and spaghetti with meatballs, nom, nom, nom, am I right?

I’m not disappointed when it is my turn to order. The meatballs are massive! I’m practically drooling by the time I pay for my meal. After I’ve claimed a seat and have taken a couple bites of the spaghetti, I remember that I have both the twins’ phone numbers. I had saved them in my phone just before I had dashed from the class.

Selecting group messaging I tap their names and begin to text them.

Me: Hey it’s Blaise. Just wanted to let you know I’m all better. An itching spell was cast on me, but Healer B fixed me right up.

Brae: Thank the stars! I had words with Morgan. She shouldn’t bother you again. Well, if she knows what’s good for her!

Car: Sweet! Where R U now?

Me: Cafeteria if you guys want to join.

Brae and Car: See U shortly.

My heart flutters as I debate whether or not I want to talk to them over lunch or as I suggested earlier to meet up after classes are done for the day. My pulse races as they come strolling into the room. I tamp down the thought of chatting with them through lunch because they are both smiling and seem to be in good moods, and I don’t want to ruin that for them.

As we stand to leave so we can get to our next class Braeden asks, “do you care if I walk with you since we are both technically in the next class together.”

Smiling up at him I say, “not at all,” and then bump into his arm with mine. We grin stupidly at each other but mine falters when I realize Carden isn’t following us. “Where’d your brother disappear to?”

Braeden looks back over his shoulder before looking back at me and shrugging his shoulders in response. My brow creases in confusion because I swear, he was right behind us as we left the cafeteria.

“With Carden, who knows. Don’t worry about him too much. He’ll show again soon, I’m sure.” Braeden dismisses my concern, and we continue to the potions room.

After the class ended, I went back to my room and ended up staying there until my astronomy class was to start. This means I never got to meet up with the twins to have our chat. My anxiety was eating me up inside as I climbed into the elevator to the top floor. I must have been running a little later than I thought because as I stepped into the room most of the seats were occupied. There was one seat available conveniently surrounded by three insanely hot men.

Nox sat behind the vacant chair, Braeden to the right and Carden to the left of it. Within seconds of taking my seat Gavin strolls out of the attached office to stand by his desk. “One announcement first and then we will jump into tonight’s lesson.” He lifts a sheet of paper up from where it had laid and began to rattle off four names; “Nox Quade, Braeden and Carden Callaghan, and Blaise Salvino.” Hearing our names, we glance at one another to see who of us might have the answer as to why we have been asked to remain behind after class let out. Each of us gave a shrug but can’t dwell on the ‘why’ as Professor Dearil jumps into his lecture.

Time drags agonizingly slowly as I constantly hit the side button to light my phone up and watch every single flip of the minutes tick by. Eventually we hear the words we’ve been waiting to hear as Gavin says, “class is over, see you on Wednesday.” The other students glanced at us as they passed by to exit the room. Collectively we ignored their stares and gazes and packed our own things up before walking up to Gavin’s desk.

“What’s going on Professor?” Carden asked as the rest of us gave him questioning looks.

Gavin dips his head and then tilts it to his right for us to follow him into his office. My feet fumbled as I started to walk over to his couch and a blush crept up my neck as the memories of the last time I was ‘sitting’ on it flood my mind.

“Alright everyone take a seat.” I opt for one of his armchairs as the guys all take a seat on the couch. When all of us were sitting down, including Gavin, he spoke once more. Have you gentlemen all had a chance to chat with Blaise.” Nox chokes, coughs because he realizes right away the reason as to why Gavin had called us all to stay behind.

Clearing his throat he says, “eh hem, Blaise and I have had a chance to, but I don’t think she and the twins’ have yet...” My face flushes an even deeper red as every set of eyes turn to look my way. I suck in my cheeks and apply pressure with my teeth to them for a second.

“Okay Professor, I wasn’t expecting to be ambushed... so, thanks for that!” I couldn’t stop the sarcasm from slipping out. He ducks his head but looks up at me through his dark eyelashes and gives me a sheepish grin. Dimples appear and I curse under my breath for how adorable he looks.

Growling because of his adorableness and because he’s forcing my hand, I look at the twins, “Professor Dearil has asked all you to stay because of me.” I look at the twins ignoring the gaze from Nox. “Gavin and Nox have already realized it, but I am pretty sure I have a soul bond, am a soul mate, and or am fated to each one of you.” The words fall from my lips in a rush and then the room goes quiet. So quiet in fact that you could hear a pin drop and I shudder.

“I knew it! I knew it!” Carden exclaims as he stands from the couch and rushes me. He yanks me out of my seat so quickly I swear I get whiplash. He swings me around and then plants a big ole sloppy kiss on my lips causing me to squeal, giggle and scrunch up my nose all at the same time. When he sets me back on my feet and releases me from his embrace, I slowly turn my head to look at Braeden. Nervously I bite my bottom lip waiting for him to say something, anything.

Rising to his feet he walks over to me. “Carden and I already talked about if we both were your soul mates. I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that you have four of us, but I can learn to deal with it, to share you. Just tell me there aren’t more that we need to worry about...” He gives me a quirky sort of grin but doesn’t let me reply because his lips come crashing down on mine.

With shaky breath I step away from Braeden and look at these guys standing before me and say, “okay then.”

An impish grin settles on Carden’s face, “so how are you and Professor G gonna go about this relationship of yours? I mean, you guys can’t be seen in public together and sneaking around, if you get caught Gavin’ll get fired...”

Grimacing I open my mouth to speak but Gavin beats me to it. “We haven’t sorted out all the kinks yet, but we’ll figure out a way.” He winks at me, and I give an appreciative grin in return.