My dorm room was small, and as I glanced around I was grateful that Dylan had offered to let me move in with her. She was more my family than my own parents. They had stopped helping me financially and rarely called – even though they lived nearby.
Gathering one of the boxes, I headed out towards my car. I wanted to get started on moving my things, so there wouldn’t be as much for Jensen to move. Stepping out from the safety of the building, I was overcome with the sensation of being watched.
Glancing around the parking lot I spotted a lone wolf perched at the edge of the trees watching me. I stared, unable to break my sight from the majestic beast. I assumed it was a shifter, male most likely. He was breath-taking. His deep chocolate fur accented his beautiful blue eyes.
The wolf shook himself from the locked gaze we shared and bolted into the thicket of the trees. Smiling to myself, I wondered if the wolf was Paul. The thought of him watching me in his wolf form gave me hope he might be willing to give me a chance… lord knew I was more than willing.
After loading the trunk, I walked around to get in and head towards the bookstore. Dylan would be waiting for me to relieve her, so she could rush home to Jensen. Their love made me hope for something more in my life – but if Paul never gave me the time of day, it would never be what I wanted.
“Excuse me,” a deep voice called out, breaking me from my thoughts.
Looking up, I made eye contact with a set of dark brown eyes, almost black. He was handsome, with deep auburn hair and nice muscular build. He gave off this pissed off vibe, causing me to step back.
“Um… Can I help you?” I shut my car door, quirking my eyebrow at the stranger.
“Yeah, I’m new here and seem to be lost. Can you tell me where to find the registrar’s office? I got to check in and get my class schedule.”
“Oh. That’s the registrar’s building over there,” I said pointing to a building off in the distance, “But I doubt they are open now – it’s almost six. You probably need to come back tomorrow.”
“Damn… I knew I needed to get here earlier. Well, can you point me towards the Frayer Building? That’s where my dorm room is,” extending his hand, “I’m Dan by the way. I am a transfer student. I’m finishing my last year here – I moved back a few weeks ago.”
“Wow, you transferred in the middle of your senior year? That seems crazy to me.”
Smiling, I watched him carefully as I spoke. Something seemed off about him.
“Yeah, I had to handle some family stuff. So, here I am.”
“Well, your building is on the backside of this one,” pointing to what was no longer my dorm, “this one’s the girl’s dorm.”
“Oh, is that your dorm then?” his lips drew up in a creepy grin, like the Cheshire cat.
“Used to be… I’m moving out this weekend.”
“Moving out?” scratching his head he looked at me quizzically.
“Yep! I’m moving in with my best friend, Dylan, at her place. She’s getting married in a few months, and just built a house. I’m moving into her old room. But that’s probably more information than you wanted…” pulling my door open to get in and leave, he placed his hand on the door frame, stopping me.
“That’s nice. She lives nearby?” glancing around the parking lot as he stiffened and stepped closer to me.
“Umm, yeah. You mind backing up? I gotta go. It was really nice meeting you, but I have to get to work,” pushing his hand off the door, I slid into the seat.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so pushy. Just trying to make some friends. I’ll see you around.”
With that he turned and jogged off around the building, heading towards the boy’s dorm. Closing my car door, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease he left with me.
Glancing back towards the woods briefly, I backed out of the parking space and navigated my way to the bookstore. Maybe Dylan could help me shake the nervousness I felt.
This Dan character seemed different, and not in a good way. Lost in thought, I didn’t realize I’d made it to the bookstore. Shaking myself from the fog I was in, I got out and locked my car door.
As I headed inside, I wondered if Paul knew I was moving in with him and the pack. If not, he was in for a surprise. I was going to put the pressure on him to notice me – AND make him jealous. It was time to get dirty and win his heart once and for all.