Oh Good 462

Chapter 54 

I stare at my friend as the truth of his words sink in. 

“Well done, young Alpha,” Alpha Ryan says to Cole. “Any response, Alpha Shane?” 

I glance at Tiana again, then back at Cole. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Cole, and some of the clarity I was struggling to find within myself. Thanks, man.” 

He stands and holds out his hand. “That’s what friends are for Shane. That’s what friends do for each other. We help each other. We support each other. I’m here any time you want to talk.” 

I stand and shake his hand. 

“That was an excellent example of how to have a difficult discussion with someone who is struggling. We’ll continue with a different Alpha next time. Class dismissed.” 

Sebastiana 

Shane wasn’t the only one who had a lot to think about because of what Cole said during class. I’d been so overwhelmed with my own hurt, already feeling exposed and raw from my own break, that I hadn’t considered that Shane’s break was about more than him not trusting 

But hearing Cole’s objective version of why he thinks Shane broke makes perfect sense. Shane doesn’t trust himself. It’s like my mother said, it’s not about me, even if it felt painfully personal. 

289 Vouchers 

I gave Shane his space last night. I’m hoping that maybe this weekend we can talk. I want to know what he thinks of Cole’s insight but mostly, I miss my friend. I miss the man I was falling in love with. I miss his smile. I miss his teasing. I miss his touch. I miss the way he can calm my anger by simply saying my name. 

It’s Friday, the last day of hell week. When Dane asks who wants to ride The Beast, a more normal number of hands go up. I cheer for my friends, and I cheer for Shane when it’s his turn to go up. He glances at me, and I hold his gaze. 

Yeah, hopefully we can talk this weekend. 

When everyone has a chance to try, myself included in wolf form today, it’s time to spar. 

Dane begins calling out partners. When he gets to the end, he looks at me. “Alpha Sebastiana, you’re with me.” 

I had taken a step forward, but when he says I’m sparring with him, I take a step back and cross my arms defensively. 

“No thanks. I’ll take a zero for participation today,” I say, not willing to face my uncle yet. I’m still so furious with him and Ryan that I can hardly stand to be in this class with them. 

“T!” I hear Shane hiss. I don’t look at him. I’m holding my uncle’s aggravated gaze. 

spar 

“It wasn’t an option, Sebastiana. You’re not leaving this field until you with me. If that means you miss lunch, too bad. If that means you miss afternoon classes, so be it. If that means that you sleep out here tonight or for the entire fucking weekend, I don’t care. You are NOT walking off this field until you spar with me,” he growls. 

“Fine,” I growl back, stepping forward again. “You want me to hit you. I’ll be happy to.” 

He gets in a defensive stance and when he signals for me to come at him. I do. I don’t hold back. I come at him with every bit of anger, hurt, and frustration that has been bubbling inside me all week.