Page 7 of Operation: Ogre

Aaron nodded. “Probably right. There aren’t many of us in higher education.”

We generally stuck within our own communities and were relatively isolated. Humans and monsters alike could get unnerved about us, thinking we’d eat them, or they were so rude because they assumed we were of low intelligence like many of the stories portrayed us to be. We weren’t. Our intelligence depended on a multitude of factors, just like anyone else’s did.

“Why did you choose Creepin U?” Chris asked, sounding actually interested. Hell, he probably was. I’d never seen him not get along with someone.

“Scholarship,” Aaron replied. “Also both my parents wanted me to go to college, like they had, well before the wave.”

The Halloween Wave had transformed his mother into an ogre, but his father had remained human; Chris and I had met them both this summer.

“Same,” Chris said, punching Aaron’s arm, and the movement made something tight, yet fierce roll through me. The sudden urge to grab Chris and return to our log struck me, but I pushed it away, unnerved.

Ogres definitely had instincts. Strong ones. But they usually related to protecting what was ours. We were a very territorial species, but that normally didn’t involve dragging our best friends away from more attractive ogres.

“Right on,” Aaron said with a friendly smile that he shared by looking in my direction.

I wanted to say something. What I didn’t know. My mouth even opened, but nothing came out.

“What’s your major?” Chris asked.

“Veterinary science.”

“Oh, that suits you,” Chris replied. “You had that kitten last year.”

“You remember that?”

“Of course I do.” Chris leaned closer, and I had to fight to not grab the back of his shirt and yank him back to my side. He whispered loudly, “Maybe you can help me prank Carter or Sam in some way. They both turn into house cats. Oh, maybe Wes from the football team would help us. I think he turns into a cat too.”

Aaron burst into laughter, and all I felt was a sweltering heat that was anything but friendly. He clapped Chris’s bicep. “Man, that would be hilarious. Maybe I could ‘trap’ Carter and threaten to take him to get neutered.”

While the two of them laughed, I could barely crack a smile. What was wrong with me? I should be joining it, but all I wanted to do was leave. With Chris. I wouldn’t be leaving this party without Chris. Nope. He was only going home with me tonight. Not anyone else.

Maybe I was jealous of Aaron’s attention being on Chris? That had to be it. Ridiculous emotion. Chris was my best friend. Never ever would he betray me by getting together with the guy I was crushing on. Besides, he was hooking up with different people all the time. Why would he want a long-term relationship like I was hoping for?

“It’s cool you know what you want to do,” Chris said, wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. “I have no clue. I’m still undecided on my major.” Sweat suddenly bloomed on his forehead and his hand gripped the Solo cup so tight it bent. Shaking himself, he continued, “But—” He elbowed me. “Jaxon here already has a business.”

“Really?” Aaron’s eyebrows went up, highlighting his deep green eyes. “What do you do?”

My mouth opened and closed, flopping around like a drowning fish, and nothing but a raspy cry came out.

“He’s invented a sustainable, cruelty-free, vegan protein powder that doesn’t taste like ass, which is super impressive,” Chris smoothly said.

“That’s awesome.”

Nothing. Literally no words came out of my mouth.

“I know,” Chris exclaimed, once again talking for me with ease.

He was the only person in my whole life, aside from my parents, who I’d never struggled to talk to. On day one of meeting him, I’d been able to chat and laugh with Chris. It had been revolutionary for me. All of my shyness had disappeared under his gentle smile. If only I could be like that with everyone else, my life would be easier. But at the same time, I didn’t really mind being shy. It was who I was. I didn’t need to “cure” or “fix” it, and the people who truly mattered stuck around long enough that I felt safe to come out of my shell.

“You know, since you two are the only ogres, and you might be a great person to try out his protein powder, can I give your number to Jaxon?” Chris asked.

It didn’t even sound weird how he was asking. How in the hell did Chris do this? His brain had to work differently than mine.

“Sure, man,” Aaron replied with a wave of his hand. “I need more beer, but I look forward to talking to you, Jaxon.” He slapped my back and headed toward the kegs, greeting people as he went.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Chris said, giving me a massive smile.

All I could do was let out another raspy breath because that weird awareness had returned with the sight of Chris’s bright smile.