Nightmares at Everglade Falls

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Gabriel

I’m in Owen’s room with Isabella, trying to focus on anything but the looming assignment hanging over my head. It is like since it was assigned to us, the witch has made it a mission to avoid me. I have not seen her in class or the hallways, not even once.

“Why the long face, darling?” Owen nudges me with his foot.

I shrug, all non-committal, as I continue to play with the lace on Isabella’s shoes. Owen sits in his chair, his books open before him, and my girlfriend and I lounge on his bed.

“Seriously babe, you good?” Isabella asks.

“Yeah, I just need to get done with this group project,” I reply.

“Have you even started on it?” Owen asks.

“Nope. I haven't had a chance to sit with Ophelia and set up a time and place. You?” I ask.

“Not yet, but I am seeing the fairy this afternoon,” Owen replies.

“I think you should ditch her and work with me. My partner is a total dud,” Isabella says, and then, pointing at me with her index finger, she adds, “This one refuses to help.”

“I wish,” Owen runs a hand over his face, “But I think I need to help Aurora. I don’t want her failing this class.”

Isabella’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “The fairy? What’s that about, Owen?”

Owen shifts uncomfortably, his cheeks turning pink. “Uh, just helping her out with some stuff.”

Isabella doesn’t let it go, teasing Owen about his feelings. “Do you like her, Owen?”

Owen shakes his head vigorously. “No, no, it’s not like that.”

Isabella raises an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Maybe you should take her as a conquest if you want to. That is what they are good for, right?”

“Seriously?” I ask her.

“What? Owen sleeps with half the school. How is this any different? Let’s make a bet. If he can get her into his bed before the end of the semester…”

“Stop it,” Owen says. “It is not like that at all.”

I frown at her comment, feeling a pang of discomfort. Owen shrugs it off and excuses himself, claiming he needs to head to the library to work on the assignment, but I know he is just trying to get out of this conversation. Something is going on between him and Aurora, and I need to talk to him about it.

Alone.

As soon as Owen leaves, Isabella tries to climb into my lap, but I gently push her away, telling her it’s not the time for that. “I need to leave.”

“Why? You have a break now.”

“I am going to go to the library. I have to go through the Advanced Lycanthropy Studies notes anyway.”

“I can go with you.”

“I think I would rather study by myself today, Bella.”

Isabella pouts, looking confused. “Why is everyone being so touchy lately? It’s like y’all are from lower classes or something. Can’t you take a joke or something?”

I don’t respond, lost in my thoughts, as she stands up.

“Fine. I am leaving. I have to meet my house for a bit anyway.” Then she kisses my cheek and leaves the room.

Alone, I’m left to ponder her words. Why did Isabella’s comments about the fairy bother me so much? Is it because I actually care about her? Or is it because I’m afraid that people only like me because I’m an alpha?

Running a hand through my hair, I can’t shake the insecurity that washes over me. Do people even like me for who I am? Do I even know who I am?

Who am I outside of being an alpha wolf anyway?

I’m having dinner with Owen, trying to focus on my food and not the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my head. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Isabella, and I’ve spent most of my time holed up in the library.

I decide to break the silence, turning to Owen. “How did the discussion with Aurora go?”

Owen shrugs, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “It went well. She’s a smart girl.”

I feel a pang of guilt at the thought of Isabella’s comments about the fairy. “I’m sorry about what Isabella said,” I mutter, hoping to smooth things over.

Owen waves it off, taking a sip of his drink. “Don’t worry about it. She’s entitled to her opinions.”

But before we can say anything else, I see Aurora and Ophelia walk in. They head straight for their usual table in the corner, facing everyone but isolated from the rest of the room.

I glance over at Owen and notice him staring at the fairy. Something’s going on. I can feel it. But I know Owen is a private person, and he’ll talk to me when he’s ready.

Before I know what I’m doing, I stand up and approach their table. Ophelia looks up as I approach, and our eyes lock. She almost choked on her water, clearly surprised to see me.

“Good to see you around,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual.

She nods, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Yeah, I’ve been busy.”

I clear my throat, feeling awkward. “We need to discuss the assignment. Can we do that after dinner?”

She shakes her head, her expression guarded. “We can do it separately.”

“I’m not failing just because you can’t work with me,” I say, maybe a little more sharply than I intended. “Meet me in the lab tomorrow at 6:30, and we can figure all of this out”, and then I walk away before she can argue.

Back at our table, Owen’s still staring at me, and I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze. Instead, I grab my burger and take a big bite, trying to focus on anything other than Ophelia.

But it’s no use.

How is it that she’s already gotten under my skin in less than three minutes?