Page 102 of Bite Me

“Because we have to be alive at the same time.”

Honestly, living during a linked mate era? Nightmare. I’m just thankful it’s not me.

He shrugs. “Yeah. That’s a bummer for you, huh?”

It’s not all sarcasm because he nods as if he might actually understand. I have to give it to him. He knows how to deal with difficult people.

A hideous twist of fate has me sitting with Parker Owens at the hot springs. Alone. If I told my past self last year about this moment, I’d never have believed it was possible. I don’t know why I hated him so much. Maybe just because he’s good at everything and effortlessly gets praise.

“So, Emma told me about the trip. Or, well, she told Olivia, and Olivia told me. She seems happy.”

“Did you do what I asked you?”

It was risky to ask Parker to follow the tip Darien gave me, but there is literally no one else I could trust. It doesn’t come naturally for me to ask for help, but if my grandfather has access to screenshots of my search history, a look into “Matthew Bromen” is bound to raise a few alarms.

It’s not as if I didn’t know my grandfather did shady things, but there are lots of rules in the Donor Program. As the chairman, he’s monitored closely, and that’s second to the microscope he’s under for simply being one of the wealthiest men in Vviveren. I guess I always thought he was under some kind of checks and balances.

I’m not so sure anymore.

The twinkling lights above us give me a good view of the surrounding trees. It’s a slow night for the hot springs, which are mostly used by athletes. A soft, giggly laughter carries from beyond the moonstone wall that separates the women’s pool from the men’s. The spring is located by Solexxa House, which means maximum privacy. You have to know someone in Solexxa to get access. Too bad using it too much has the opposite effect on health, or I think it would be filled all day long.

“Yeah, my buddy Gavin knew a guy. Haven’t found much yet, though.”

“Keep looking. I know there’s something there.”

He nods solemnly. “Will do.”

The water trickles into the tub in a slow, rhythmic melody, breaking the silence of the night. This is why I wanted to be out here in nature with the crickets.

“So, I hear you’re getting married. Should I say congrats or offer my condolences?”

I sigh. “I don’t really know what to do about it right now.”

“Because you’ve got your eye on Emma?” When I don’t say anything, he continues. “Listen, I get that you have this whole closed off thing, but I think that if you want a chance with Emma, you’re going to lose it if you don’t make a choice.”

I have made my choice, but it’s not that simple. I can’t just stroll up to my grandfather, confess my love for Emma, and ride off into the sunset with her. Everything I want now is opposed to what my grandfather desires, and I’ve never defied him, not till I met her. He’s planning things without my knowledge, already three steps ahead, and I can’t give him a reason not to trust me. I need the advantage of his trust right now.

“I didn’t ask what you think.”

“I know, but since we’re friends, I thought I’d tell you that so I can give you a big, fat ‘I told you so’ when you fuck it up and come crying because she picked someone else.”

“We’re friends now?” I scoff. “I’ve been a dick to you.”

“Most people are like that to me. I’m used to it.” He rolls his shoulders with a pleased sigh as he submerges himself in the water. The cuts on his chest have already closed.

Fuck. I don’t think I can get rid of him. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually friends with Parker Owens.

“If we’re going to be friends, I have a confession,” I say.

“Yeah?”

“I was ‘IhateParker24/7’ on the university forums last year.” And a little this year.

Parker’s head shoots up. “You’re the one who commented puke emojis under all my pictures?”

“I’m sorry. I was wrong. I deleted it all. No one loved me growing up.”

He scoffs with a smile. “You are an asshole, but I forgive you.”