Hunted by My Alpha: My Fated Mate

By Aimee Lynn Lane

The clock is ticking…

Cara, stunned to learn that the world she thought only existed in fantasy is in fact real, struggles to resist her growing feelings for Rig as she battles the alarming changes in her body brought on by the Night Walker--who is still at large.

Determined to prove to his mate that his feelings and commitment are real, Rig works hard to offer Cara everything she needs to feel safe and connected. But he is forced to woo her in secret, still in the shadow of his father's looming expectations... and the threat of what the Alpha King would do to Cara if he were to learn the truth.

Danger approaches from every side. But Rig has a plan that will not only position him to challenge his father, but he hopes will also convince Cara to finally accept him as her mate... and husband?

From the bestselling and award-winning serial author, Aimee Lynn Lane (Falling in Love with the King of Beasts, Rise of the Dark Alpha) comes a new series that is all about the hunt for true, fated love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: May 31, 2023

Book preview

Hunted by My Alpha

My Fated Mate

The Virgin Hunter Series Book 2

Aimee Lynn Lane

BLURB

The clock is ticking…

Cara, stunned to learn that the world she thought only existed in fantasy is in fact real, struggles to resist her growing feelings for Rig as she battles the alarming changes in her body brought on by the Night Walker--who is still at large.

Determined to prove to his mate that his feelings and commitment are real, Rig works hard to offer Cara everything she needs to feel safe and connected. But he is forced to woo her in secret, still in the shadow of his father's looming expectations... and the threat of what the Alpha King would do to Cara if he were to learn the truth.

Danger approaches from every side. But Rig has a plan that will not only position him to challenge his father, but he hopes will also convince Cara to finally accept him as her mate... and husband?

From the bestselling and award-winning serial author, Aimee Lynn Lane (Falling in Love with the King of Beasts, Rise of the Dark Alpha) comes a new series that is all about the hunt for true, fated love.

1.Ride it Out

~ CARA ~

Cara, thank god. I’m—

His voice on the other end of the phone made something inside me rush and swirl—but right behind that initial euphoria, was a pang so acute, I had to bite my lip. I couldn’t listen to his sudden, hurried assurances—all the lies he wanted me to believe. I interrupted him and kept my voice as toneless as possible.

I don’t want to hear it, Rig.

But—

"I don’t need an explanation. There isn’t one. I’m not calling to make up with you. I’m… I’m disgusted by you and that… I can’t believe you turned me into a bet!" I dropped my face into one hand to swallow back tears while Rig tried to charm again, but I didn’t listen. I let the words wash over me and didn’t even take them in. When I could breathe again, I just started talking.

I’m not calling for you. I’m not calling about that. This isn’t a game, this is my life. I had to swallow again. I couldn’t let him hear me about to cry. I just… I need a ride back to school and I’m hoping one of the guys is headed that way. I don’t have their numbers, so just pass the phone to Charlie or Mack or something… I’ll ask them if they’re going. I’ll even pay them gas money if—

There’s no need for that, Rig said quickly and I heard the thunk of a car door being slammed behind him. I got the address from Charlie. I’ll be there in under thirty minutes. Don’t move, Cara. I’m coming.

No, Rig, I don’t want you to—

But the line had gone dead. And something in my chest had come alive.

Fuck. Fuck.

My hands were still shaking as I stared at the phone. I couldn’t believe he would just ignore me and… wait, yes I could.

My jaw was starting to ache from how hard I was clenching it. The temptation was there to call him back and cuss him out and demand that he give the phone to one of the other guys. And I almost did it. But that would mean talking to him again, and there was a part of me that really, really wanted to.

I shook my head. It was like he was a drug and I was addicted and that was so fucking scary. Then, as I hovered a finger over the face of the phone, another gust of wind blew up and made me shiver, while Purrkins gave a plaintive little meow from his cage.

I had to get out of here. I had to get the cat out of here.

Rig was already driving. He had the address of the house. But I couldn’t go back in there. That meant I needed to go back and wait closeby—far enough away that Dad wouldn’t see me if he woke up and went outside. But close enough to catch Rig when he arrived, before he got to the door.

I had to blink against the chill breeze that wanted to freeze the tears in my welling eyes, but I swallowed them back and picked up my bag and the cat carrier again and started trudging back home. It would only take a few minutes for me to get close enough. I could hide in that little bunch of trees on our neighbor’s lawn.  

But if Rig thought I was going to spend this drive making up with him, he had another thing coming. Once we got moving, I’d give him some cash for gas, then I’d face the window and just let him take me home.

No way was I talking to him. I wasn’t going to let him lie to me anymore.

It wasn’t until I’d made it to the neighbors property and Purrkins made another little mewl that I remembered that added complication. I almost cried again, but I shook it off. I’d just have to ask him to take me to the animal shelter on the way. There was no other option. I couldn’t afford to get kicked out of the dorm. I’d be homeless.

The thought froze my heart and my blood ran cold.

Fuck Rig and the Wolf Pack and this entire life. Fuck them all.

*****

~ RIG ~

Natalie was in the backseat with her arms folded. She kept sighing. And every time she did, the tension in my shoulders ratcheted up another notch.

You know Cara’s not going to be excited about you showing up with me, she pointed out.

I don’t have any choice, I said through my teeth—did she really think I hadn’t thought of that? If I left with anyone but you, they’ll get suspicious.

Natalie nodded. In the rearview mirror I could see the lights from the highway washing over her in waves, lighting up her eyes and hair, sliding over her, then disappearing, before a new pool of light drew over her again.

We’re going to have to figure this out, I said, my voice dark. But right now I need to get Cara.

She’s hurt, Rig. You’re going to have to be really careful. None of that arrogant Alpha bullshit, she’s going to—

I’m aware, I snapped.

But Natalie just huffed. Are you, though? Why’d you take that stupid bet with Mack in the first place? I really thought you would have outgrown that kind of thing by now.

The bet is the least of our problems, I said, then swallowed. Avery overheard dad talking to the elders. She thinks… she thinks they had something to do with… with Stephen.

Natalie went very still, staring at me, shocked, in the rearview mirror. Are you serious?

Deadly.

Do you think she’s right? I mean… Your dad wouldn’t—

"She said that Stephen had a human mate and dad found out and… apparently he called it his failure, but he took care of it."

Natalie’s eyes widened in horror. Holy shit. Are you for real?

I don’t know. I don’t know if she… but Avery would have no reason to lie to me, Nat. I’m getting her out of there. She was freaking out because she heard me call Cara my mate—I must have included her in the link without thinking. She was beside herself. Terrified.

Natalie turned to look out the window, her face tight and pale. I knew… I mean I knew they hated the humans but… Stephen?

My anger with her roared back. Did you know about this, Nat? Is that why you threatened me? Because this is sounding awfully familiar now.

No! she replied immediately. I was just trying to motivate you, Rig. I would never have… I never thought he’d… I wouldn’t do that. Her brows pinched together over her nose. That’s… that’s horrible.

So you understand why I had to bring you into this. You understand that we’re all at risk here?

Yes, Natalie said, shaking her head. Have you told the guys?

I haven’t had a chance.

You need to tell them, Rig. They need to understand how serious this is.

They’re vowed to protect her. Right now, I need to deal with Cara and the fact that we just bailed on our own Declaration. So… so here’s our story: Cara is your friend. She’s been hanging out with Mack and you guys met that way. And now she’s in trouble. So when we left to… go be together, and she called you, I took you to help her. Right?

Natalie frowned. Well, sure, but—

No buts, Natalie. We can’t risk anyone having any suspicions about Cara and me, do you understand?

Yes, Rig, I do! she said angrily. "What I’m trying to tell you is that you have to be more careful. Because Cara can’t protect herself. So if you guys aren’t around and your dad—"

I cursed. Trust me, there’s been a pit in my stomach ever since Avery told me. No one is more interested in keeping Cara safe than me right now.

We were both quiet. My head spun, but there was no sound in the car except the engine and the rush of cars passing on the other side of the highway.

Everyone saw her arrive with Mack. And they probably got some idea that something happened. We’ll tell them… we’ll tell them he tried to kiss her and she got mad and… and she called you and I’m helping you get her back to the school. That’s it, okay? She’s Mack’s date, and your friend.

Okay, Natalie said quietly. But, Rig. I don’t think Cara—

You leave Cara to me, I said, gripping and re-gripping the steering wheel. When we get there you stay in the car and you stay out of it. Leave her to me.

2.Not Now

~ CARA ~

I had sat on the damp ground in the shadows of the trees on the corner of my neighbor’s house figuring Rig would arrive in his Jeep and I'd see him coming and wave him down as he approached the house. 

So, when an SUV I didn't recognize rocketed into around the corner and accelerated, I just assumed one of the neighbors was coming home drunk and gripped Purrkins cage harder. 

But then the car whipped into our driveway and stopped so fast the tires gave a little squeal and the entire vehicle bobbed and jiggled with its momentum. Before I could finish getting to my feet and grabbing my bag, Rig had thrown the car door open and was sprinting for the front door, banging on it and calling my name. 

Shit! No! Rig! I hissed. But he was making so much noise, he didn’t hear me. I ran out of the trees, dropping my bag and the cat next to the driver's side so my hands were free and sprinting around the car and up the rundown path. Rig! Stop! I called.

But the door had just opened in front of him. Where's Cara? I heard him growl as he pushed one elbow against the door and a foot into the gap, barreling his way into my house and disappearing inside before I could catch up with him. My mother cowered behind the door, wailing at him to leave, and I couldn’t blame her. He looked like an avenging angel in the dim light, his dark hair messy and falling over his eyes, the tuxedo only emphasizing the breadth of his shoulders and thick curve of his biceps.

She’s not here! My mother’s voice was high and frantic. You can’t be here!

I tore down the path and into the hallway, horror and fear ripping at my insides. If Rig woke my father up…

Rig! I ran past my mother, who was in tears and still hiding behind the door. You have to get out of here!

But he was deaf to me. Where is Cara? he bellowed, striding through the house—then coming to a stop in the narrow door from the hallway to the living room.

Rig! I tore up behind him and grabbed his arm, rage tempting me to rip the damn thing off, but my hands tingled where I touched him. You can’t be here!

I tugged at him, but Rig was frozen, staring at my dad’s prone form on the ground, his handsome brows high.

Rig, please! I hissed, yanking at his elbow. We have to leave!

My mother’s sobbing was getting louder behind us and dad was stirring, though I wasn’t sure he was going to come fully awake.

Did he get beaten up? Rig asked quietly, stunned.

Yes! Which is why I have to leave!

He blinked and finally turned, registering me holding onto his arm and trying desperately to make him move. Please, Rig, I pleaded. If he wakes up and you’re here… he’ll take it out on my mom when we leave.

Cold rage flashed in his eyes and his head snapped as he glared at my father. But then it was as if he came alive. He turned towards me, and put an arm to my back, ushering me back to the front door.

Are you okay? he asked quietly as we moved quickly towards the front door.

Yes! I hissed, which was a total lie, but if he wasn’t careful he was going to make all of this worse.

Are you hurt? His voice got very deep and he threw a look over his shoulder that would have made me shiver if it had been directed at me.

No! But I will be if you don’t get out of here! Now!

My mother shrank back from the door as we approached. I shoved Rig out ahead of me, then leaned around the door to where she’d backed against the wall. I’m sorry, Mom. I’m really sorry. He didn’t know.

She just shook her head and covered her face with her hands, so I darted outside, pulling the door closed behind me. Mom would deadbolt it now, I was sure—which only locked her in with that monster.

I prayed I’d done him enough damage that he didn’t have the energy or ability to hurt her when he woke up.

Rig was standing on the stoop, staring at me, drinking me in.

For a split second, my heart leaped. He’d come. He’d wanted to help me. He—

Then I remembered.

I clenched my teeth and strode past him on the path, almost tripping on the weeds that were overgrowing it. We have to get out of here.

Cara—

Don’t, I muttered, trotting back around to the driver’s side of the big car and picked up my bag and the carrier. We have to get out of here before he wakes up or he’ll realize…

Realize what? Rig asked darkly, his body going still next to me. I just turned away, ignoring the delicious scent of him hovering over me like that.

It doesn’t matter. As quickly as I could carrying the awkward burdens, I stalked to the back of the car and waited for him to come and open the hatchback.

Lights blazed out of the car and I had to squint as I put my large duffel bag in the back, then lifted the cat up. I need you to… I have to take my cat to the shelter. It’s on the way, I said, my stomach roiling. I’m sorry, you didn’t give me a chance to ask on the phone. I’ll give you gas money, but it’s important. I can’t leave him here. And I think they have twenty-four hour drop offs there.

He’s your pet? Rig said, startled. He leaned down to the little grate door on the carrier, and Purrkins gave a low growl that rolled off into a hiss.

Yes, I said through my teeth, because if I let myself relax I was going to cry.

Cara, you can’t take him to the shelter! Rig said, turning to me, wide-eyed.

I don’t have any choice. I can’t leave him here and—we have to get out of here, Rig. Before he wakes up. Please. We can discuss it in the car.

There was this moment then. He’d locked eyes with me and we both stood there. I had words on the tip of my tongue—instructions, anger, warnings… but for a single breath I couldn’t make a sound as he stared down at me and looked so… compassionate.

Don’t, I snarled, then whirled away from him, stomping my way to the passenger door and yanking it open to crawl inside as Rig hurried over to the driver’s seat.

But as I pulled myself up into the seat, movement in the back startled me and I gave a little yelp, then clutched a hand at my chest.

Sorry, I was trying to stay out of the way, Natalie said quietly from the backseat of the car.

I sat there, half-in the car, and half-out, gaping at her over my shoulder, as the entire vehicle bobbed and shook as Rig climbed in, then froze, watching me.

I had to bring her so I could leave and they wouldn’t suspect, Rig said quickly, pleading. Licking his lips.

Natalie was here? Fucking Natalie was with him?

Every molecule in my body wanted to throw myself back out of that car, grab my things, and just run. Screaming rage and fear and the pure fucking injustice of it all.

But I learned to be a survivor a long time ago. I learned not to let the people around me see when something threatened to pull the rug out from under my feet.

So I just shook my head and pulled myself the rest of the way into the seat, found my seatbelt and clicked it into place, and muttered, This night just gets better and better.

3. Late, Too Late

~ CARA ~

The Animal Shelter is on exit forty-three. It’s right off the highway. It’ll take five minutes, I said, hoping he didn’t hear the hitch in my breath.

Cara, I’m not taking your cat to the Animal Shelter, he said, shaking his head.

We don’t all have the options you’ve got, Rig, I muttered, livid that he was making me talk about it in light of everything that had happened. I can’t take him to the dorm, and I don’t know anyone else who has—

I’ll take him, Rig said quickly.

I heard Natalie give a little cough in the backseat. Rig’s shoulders tensed, but his jaw was set.

No, I said.

Rig frowned. You’d rather risk him getting put down than let me take him? he said, incredulous.

No, I’m saying you can’t—

I can. I own my house. I can have as many pets as I want. I’ll take him.

No, Rig, I’m not letting you—

I’m just helping, Cara. That’s all I’m doing. Maybe you get your own place next year, or something changes and you can have him back. But until then, I’ll take him.

You don’t get it, Rig. He’s a living animal. Not a toy. You can’t—

C’mon, Cara. Let me do this. Never have I ever had a pet, remember? It’ll be my first time.

I turned slowly, gaping at him, to find him staring at me, pleading.

Oh dear god, Natalie groaned from the back.

No, Rig, I seethed. No more first times for anything with you. I was stunned senseless. I couldn’t believe he was trying to charm me after everything—I couldn’t believe he had the balls!

Scratch that. I could believe it. Of course I could believe it. This was rich, entitled, fuck-boy Rig Landon. I should have been shocked if he didn’t try to get into my pants.

Shaking my head, I turned to glare out the window. My entire skin itched. Everything felt too tight. I couldn’t breathe—and yet, even as my body felt like it was falling apart, something inside me was warm and quiet because he was there.

It was so fucking unfair I wanted to scream.

And I still hadn’t figured out what to do with the cat!

Rig, I said to the window, my breath fogging it because I couldn’t let myself look at him in case I wavered, having a pet isn’t a game. He can’t be left alone while you go to spring break, or… or spend the night with someone. He has to be fed and—

And I’ll take care of it. I’m not going anywhere, Cara, he said quietly, the words laced with so many layers of meaning and promise and implication… I could barely breathe.

Don’t do this to me, please, Rig, I whispered. I’m not going to… I’m not going to be so grateful that you took my cat that I’ll sleep with you. You aren’t winning that bet.

I don’t give a flying fuck about the bet! he snapped, then caught himself when I flinched. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Cara, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just… I wasn’t lying. I forgot about the bet. It wasn’t… that wasn’t why I was spending time with you.

I shook my head. I couldn’t talk about it. I was leaning as far against the window as I could be, as far away from him as I could physically get and still be in the car.

Cara—

Please stop, I breathed, embarrassed and overwhelmed, and just… it was just too much. Please, just leave me alone.

Rig gave a heavy sigh, but to my relief, he stopped talking. I leaned my hot cheek and temple on the cool glass of the window and kept my eyes closed, swallowed back the tears, and just prayed for it all to be over.

*****

~ RIG ~

I waited almost an hour… until Natalie’s breathing had gotten slow and even in the backseat, and Cara no longer looked like she was going to crawl out of the window of the car, before I spoke again.

Cara, I whispered. I’d thought she might be sleeping poorly, but her head whipped around immediately like I’d startled her. I put a finger to my lips and tipped my head towards Natalie in the back. She glanced back, but then just looked at me, her eyes wide and sad. I’m sorry. I’m sorry about everything that happened and how it happened. But you need to know, tonight was a… a play. A pageant. It was for our fathers’ benefit—

Stop, she breathed, turning back to the window. Just stop, Rig. I’m done.

Those words were claws in my belly. Panic lit a fire in my chest. Okay, okay, I said quickly, thinking fast. I needed to keep her talking. Your dad… who beat him up?

She waited just a beat too long to answer. Adrenalin flooded my system, afraid she’d shut me out. But then she cleared her throat. She didn’t look away from the window when she answered though.

I did.

My jaw dropped. I turned to stare at her. Her chin was up, but locked, like she was daring me to challenge her.

You… you beat him? Knocked him out?

She nodded.

Have you ever done that before? I asked quietly, niggling unease trickling down my spine.

Never, she said. I might… I might have had a little bit of… pent up rage… or something, she said. Her eyes finally darted sideways to glance at me, but she looked away immediately when she found me staring at her. Can you please keep your eyes on the road? she asked primly.

I forced myself to turn back. She couldn’t know that my senses were plenty sharp enough to manage the car without looking forward. But there was no point doing anything that would make her more tense.

I drove on for a minute, silent, turning the whole night over in my mind.

The way she’d come for me when she saw me going for Mack.

The way she’d slapped me so fast I hadn’t even seen her hand coming—even Mack wasn’t that quick.

The way she’d always said she didn’t want to go home—I knew her father was abusive. And she’d clearly never overpowered him before.

Cara—

I had to leave because chances are he won’t remember that it was me. He was drunk, she said through her teeth. But if I was there, or you were there when he woke up… it might fix it in his mind.

I nodded. Your mom, though—

I tried to get her to go with me. She refused. She’s refused before, too. I don’t know why. He has a hold on her, I just… I had to leave. She… didn’t want me there anymore.

It was the quaver in her voice, the tiny ring of fear that hooked in my heart and yanked me back to look at her. She kicked you out?

Cara nodded quickly, but didn’t look at me.

For good?

I don’t want to go back. Ever, Cara said.

I didn’t miss that she hadn’t answered the question.

I blew out a breath. Car, I’m so sorry—

Don’t, Rig. Just don’t.

Cara, this is big. You shouldn’t have to go through that alone. I get it, remember? My dad—

I don’t give a fuck about your dad, she hissed. I don’t care what pressures you’re under, or what traditions are in your rich family, Rig. I don’t want to hear any of it!

But—

Your dad might be violent, but you’re… you’re something else. That’s no excuse. My dad is a monster and you don’t see me taking petty bets and treating people like they’re nothing but a game!

Cara, I told you, I wasn’t—

Just stop! she whisper-screamed, finally turning her head to look at me. Really look at me. And damn, I wish she hadn’t. Her beautiful eyes were wide and shining, bloodshot and there was a wet smear on her cheek. She was crying—and trying not to.

I did that. Fuck. I did it. Everything in my body revolted.

She was my mate. She was sacred. She was… precious. I was supposed to be her protector. Her provider. Her sanctuary—not the fire to refine her.

Yawning fear and self-loathing churned in my guts. Cara, I’m so sorry, I whispered, and caught her hand.

She shivered, staring at the point where our skins touched, her mouth open.

I’m so sorry, babe, I breathed. I never wanted to hurt you. Ever. It was—

She came alive, yanking her hand from my grip and growling for all the world like a wolf herself.

Don’t ever touch me without my permission again. At all, she muttered. Not even a little bit.

Okay, sorry… I’m sorry, I rushed to try and make her feel better. Safer. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry.

She shook her head, but I was frantic. I had to get her to listen. She had to listen! I’ll leave you alone, Cara. I’ll take the cat, and I won’t touch you again unless you want me to. I promise. But just… you have to know: You’re not a game to me. It started that way, and if there was anything I could do to go back and change that, I would. I swear. But that stopped a while ago. I don’t want to help you because I’m trying to beat Mack. I could give two shits about Mack right now. It's you, Cara.

She’d turned completely away from me, burying her face in her hands against the window. Her shoulders shook once and something inside me broke.

Cara— I started to reach for her, desperate to convince her, then remembered I’d just promised her I wouldn’t touch her.

With a brokenhearted whine I pulled my hand back to the steering wheel and just whispered to her.

Sorry, Car. I’m really, really sorry I hurt you. And I’m going to prove it to you, okay? Just… watch me. No more words. Just watch. I’ll show you.

But I had to pray she’d heard me over whatever was going on in her head. Because she never answered.

4.Eff You Rig

~ CARA ~

At the curb just outside my dorm, I stood at the back of the SUV, the exhaust from the running car swirling around my knees, staring at Purrkins in the broken down pet carrier. He stared back at me, his body curled low and small, meowing his protest.

Rig stood right behind my shoulder because he'd been about to get my bag for me, and I moved so he couldn't reach it. 

I don't know what to do, I blurted. 

I told you, Cara, I’ll take him. Just tell me what he needs and I’ll make it happen.

I turned on him then, because it was so unfair that he kept pretending this was just… nothing. He needs a bed, and food, and water, a litter-box, toys, flea-treatments and… so much, Rig. And you know nothing! He’s a pet, not a toy. I know what you’re doing—you’re just trying to keep me close, and it won’t work!

Rig’s jaw flexed and his eyes sparked. He stared down at me, his jaw shadowed from the late hour and I wanted to weep. I wanted to throw myself into his chest and beg him to stop being such a jackwagon, I wanted him to hold me and kiss me and—

I sucked in a breath and stepped back from him, clutching my bag to my chest.

I’ll take care of it, Cara. I promise. I won’t let anything happen to him.

I blinked and slumped, because what choice did I have? You have to… you have to keep him inside for at least a week. He’s not used to your house. He’ll try to go out on the street and run home and…

Rig nodded. I’ll keep him inside. In my room, so the others can’t let him out.

I swallowed. Then reluctantly nodded. Okay then. I guess… I’ll ask around and see if anyone wants him who has an apartment or whatever.

You don’t have to do that.

I made myself be strong and meet his striking eyes. Yes, Rig. I do.

He sighed. Okay. You do what you need to do. I’m just trying to help. That’s all. I’ll keep him as long as you need—until you find somewhere better, he muttered.

Thank you, I made myself say.

Don’t worry, Cara. Natalie’s head popped up from behind the seat. She was yawning. He’s a manwhore, but he’s really sweet with anything that needs protection. He won’t let anything happen to your cat.

I tensed. I’d forgotten she was listening to every word of this.

Whatever, I muttered. Thank you for the ride, I said to Rig reluctantly, then reached into that pocket where my mother’s cash was, to pull out a precious twenty. This is for gas.

But Rig, of course, put his hand up and stepped back. No, Cara. I was coming back anyway. You don’t need—

Liar. You were supposed to stay for meetings or something. Take the cash, Rig.

No, the meetings were cancelled, Cara. Seriously. We… we don’t need to have them anymore.

He glanced at Natalie then and something passed between them that turned my stomach—one of those silent understandings that only people who were in something together could have. Tears pinched and I wanted to swear.

Just take the damn money, Rig. Spend it on the cat, I don’t care. But… fuck! I stepped forward to slap it against his chest. He caught my hand so fast, but before I could move, that tingling warmth started where our skins touched and I stopped breathing.

For a second we stood there—his chest rising and falling under my palm, his hand warm and pressed down to keep mine pinned against him. His eyes locked on mine—and there was so much pleading in them, my breath shuddered out of me.

For a second I could see myself falling into his chest. See him wrapping me in his arms, then lifting my chin and kissing me like he had the day before—was that really only yesterday?

His forehead pinched to lines and he leaned closer. Cara—

Stop! I sobbed and yanked my hand out from under his to flee past him, clinging to my bag, grateful that it was so late because there weren’t many people outside. The lights in the dorm still blazed though—it was a Friday night and not even an hour past midnight. College life was still alive and well.

Dammit.

I heard him call after me, but I just ducked my head and ran. It was all too much. There were too many things all at once. The dam was going to burst. And I needed to get into my room before it did.

I ran to the side door, praying that no one would notice me coming in that way.

I should have known.

The minute I opened the door and started down the hall I saw a cluster of girls in jeans and heels, with red cheeks and overbright eyes sitting in a circle on one side of the hall, laughing.

Tessa, Caroline, and a couple others I didn’t know. They’d obviously been out and were back now, but still drinking.

They all turned to look when the door banged open and I hurried inside.

Tessa’s eyes went wide and she beamed. Cara! How was the party?!

I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at them all, my head spinning as I searched for an answer that would keep them happy but let me get away quickly, because the pressure in my chest was building.

But then Caroline frowned. Wait, you didn’t stay? Are you okay?

My vision blurred. I was mortified. Embarrassed. Humiliated. It sucked. They suck. Boys suck, I spat, then started running for my room amid a cloud of sympathetic, agreeing murmurs.

Cara! We get it! We can—

I slammed the door closed behind me on their calls, turning only to make sure the door was locked and no one would disturb me. Then I threw the bag down on the floor, and threw myself onto the bed, buried my face in my pillow, and finally let myself weep.

*****

I don’t know how long I lay there, but at some point the worst of the pressure let up and I could breathe again. I turned my head on the pillow, tears still leaking from my eyes…

Then I sat up, cursing.

My room was a bombshell. There were discarded clothes on the end of my bed, thrown over the back of my chair—and the little makeup