life. “It still sucks.”
“Right? Only difference between you and me is that your dad is dead. Mine’s still alive, and he doesn’t give enough of a shit to come find me.” Delmare was gathering her art supplies, shoving them in her bag. “Honestly, I hardly know my mom, either. She was too busy dropping me off at the neighbors, so she could go drink, or leaving me home alone while she went to parties. I think she celebrated once I left for school. I was finally out of her hair.”
“Oh.” I didn’t quite know what to say. Delmare appeared to be in a rage— her mother’s appearance had ignited a fury in her. She broke several pencils as she smashed them into the pockets of her backpack.
“It’s whatever.” Delmare said the words, but I was sure she didn’t mean them. “Everyone’s got a sob story. My mom just didn’t care.”
Delmare laid money on the table to pay for her meal— she couldn’t even wait for the bill.
I was beginning to piece things together. It was clear Delmare didn’t want to end up like her mother. “Nobody’s life is easy,” I said. “But don’t judge Stefan before you even give him a chance. He’s not your dad.”
Delmare momentarily paused. Her jaw worked before she shook her head and said, “Dragon shifters are all the same.”
Delmare swung her bag over her shoulder. “See ya, Em.”
A dark mood settled over me once Delmare left the restaurant. My mind was still on what had just happened seconds ago. I’d wondered how Delmare could continue pushing Stefan away when it was obvious she liked him, but now the answer seemed plain in sight. Did Delmare really think that once he had her, Stefan would eventually walk out on her and break her heart, like her dad had done?
I knew that wouldn’t happen. Stefan was Ethan’s best friend. Ethan only hung around people who were good. Stefan was a little rough around the edges, and his jokes could get on the dirty side, but he’d been there for Ethan when he needed him the most. If Stefan was that faithful to his friends, I could only imagine the loyalty he’d have to his mate.
But they’d never get there unless Delmare was willing to trust him. And I had a rotten feeling that Delmare had convinced herself men couldn’t be trusted— because it was the only way to keep her heart safe.
What a sad situation. But it could only get better from this point on, right?
Maybe I was fooling myself. But I wanted Delmare to be happy, and no matter how much she denied it, I was certain Stefan was the one for her.
And deep down I think she knew it, too.
I paid the bill and headed back to campus, so I could make it to Enchanting 101 on time. On the way, I saw my own boyfriend up ahead. He was leaning against a stone wall, casually chatting with his hands in his pockets near the main entrance.
But he was speaking to someone else. Chastity— a blonde haired girl I knew. She had her snowboard in hand, and they were laughing together.
I felt a hint of jealousy rise in me. I knew Ethan and Chastity were just friends, but they had dated at some point— and there was a part of me that still wondered if Ethan wanted Chastity back.
Chastity caught my gaze as I wandered forward. Ethan’s eyes lit up when he saw me, and it sent butterflies ricocheting through my gut.
“Emma, hi.” He leaned in to give me a kiss. “How are you?”
‘I’m good,” I said. My back kind of hurt and my stomach had been churning since that morning, but it was nothing unusual for my condition.
“This your girl?” Chastity’s wandering smile made me uneasy. “She’s cute. Bit of a handful, I’ve heard.”
Was that a dig at me for losing the Contest? I went to respond, but Ethan said, “She can be. Not unlike you.”
Chasity’s white teeth flashed. “Well, you always had a thing for reckless girls. Catch you later.”
Chastity headed off with her snowboard toward the slopes. Ethan squeezed my shoulder. “You’re freezing. Did you walk to town and back?”
I ignored his inquiry and decided to get straight to the point. “Chastity seemed chipper this morning.”
“Really? I guess,” he said, and shrugged. “I hardly noticed.”
“What was it like dating her?” I couldn’t help but ask the question. I wanted to know.
“Chastity?” He seemed surprised. He scratched the back of his head and