“If you haven’t been the Academy, it’s hard to exin. I’m not saying I don’t adore Christian. I do. He’s one of my best friends. But I feel the same about him as I do about Tanner. The three of us were practically inseparable during the Academy. We all became really close. We helped each other, we pushed each other, and we all ended up on the leaderboard. Those six months are unlike anything else that you have or will probably ever experience in your life. You’ll have some of your highest highs and your lowest lows. I say that, not having met my mate yet, but I know that the time I spent at the Academy and the friends that I made there, will stay with me forever,” she says, smiling at Christian.


    “It’s absolutely true. Goddess help us if the three of us get together now,” Christian says.


    “You’re so different,” I blurt out. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud.


    Talia looks at him.


    “I guess I am. As much as I love being here, as close as the three of us have already be, this is a job. I want to do well and make sure that both of you are ready for whatever life gives you. I have a responsibility to the two of you and I take that seriously. At the


    Academy, everything was about me. If I failed, I was the only one who was impacted. If I fail the two of you, you are impacted. I guess it makes me more serious” he says.


    “I like the easy–going Christian,” Shane says, thankfully. I didn’t want to be the one to say it.


    “Well, when you pass the Academy, turn eighteen, and take over your


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    pack, I’m sure you’ll see that side of me. When mymitment here isplete and you’re a confident Alpha leading your pack, I’ll be happy to steal your swim trunks and make you walk into a party buck naked,” he says, making all of usugh.


    By the time we get up from the dinner table, the dining hall has mostly cleared out.


    “Do you still do whiskey talk?” Talia asks Christian.


    “I do. We have it every night,” Christian says.


    “Would it be intrusive if I join tonight?” Talia asks.


    “I’ve actually got some things to do before Tiana arrives tomorrow. I know I’ll be spending a lot of time with her, so I want to get some of that work done that we talked about Christian. So, I’ll have to pass tonight,” Shane says.


    “Okay, then I guess it’s just the three of us,” Christian says easily. The veryst thing I want to do is spend time talking with Christian and Talia. I’m struggling with my jealousy as it is.


    Watching the two of themugh and joke about the ‘old times‘ isn’t my idea of a good time.


    “Actually, why don’t the two of you spend some time together. I know Talia is leaving tomorrow and I’m sure you haven’t finished catching up,” I say.


    “I’m not trying to intrude. Why don’t I go to bed? Goddess knows I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in ages,” Talia says immediately.


    “No, it’s okay. I need to check in with the omegas anyway. You two enjoy,” I say, turning before Christian can argue with me.


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    I feel the heat of his stare follow me until I turn the corner into the kitchen. When I hear them make their way upstairs, I find the omegas and make sure they don’t need anything for tomorrow.