No one said a word.
Zach’s face turned red with anger.
“I’m here today because of a recent tip that was brought to campus police,” Dean continued and then waved for someone outside. Two uniformed officers stepped into the foyer.
“What kind of tip?” Zach said. “I can assure you it’s a lie.”
“Yes, well, I agree,” the dean said. “I mean, it’s utterly preposterous that the president of the most prestigious frat at Alpha U would steal something from me, an Omega alumni, of all people.”
“Exactly,” Zach said, relaxing a little because he thought the dean believed him.
“But I still have to follow up. Campus rules, you understand.”
“Of course,” Zach said and waved him off. “Do what you need to do.”
“Gentleman.” The dean motioned for the officers, and the guys on the stairs parted for them as they ascended.
Zach sneered at me when they were gone, pushing off the wall and coming to stand in front of me. “You’re going to pay for this.”
I smiled. It wasn’t a friendly display of teeth. “We’ll see.”
It didn’t take long for the police and the dean to descend the stairs, looking solemn.
“Dean,” Zach said and stepped forward. “I’m sorry to have wasted your time today.”
The dean sighed and held out the nameplate that had come from his office. He nodded at the officer to his right, and he produced a pair of handcuffs.
“You’re under arrest for theft of campus property,” he said as he slapped the metal around a very shocked Zach’s wrists.
Zach exploded into a flurry of movement. He tried to knock the officer away all the while screaming that he’d been set up.
“It was Romeo!” he roared, kicking and fighting. “He’s the one who did it!”
The dean looked at him calmly. “How would you explain how my nameplate got into your room, in your closet, then?”
Zach’s eyes bulged. “He must have put it there!” he screamed.
“How would I have done that?” I asked calmly. “I don’t live here. I’m not an Omega. I don’t have access to this house.”
Zach started screaming about a traitor in the house and betrayal and loyalty. I really didn’t know. I stopped listening as the cops hauled him away and shoved him in the back of the cop car.
When he was gone, I faced the dean. “I’m sorry about this, sir. I hoped I wasn’t right.”
“Yes. Me too. Thank you, Roman, for doing the right thing.”
We shook hands and he left, closing the front door behind him.
The stunned silence in the room was like music to my ears. But it didn’t last very long.
Everyone started clapping.
After a few moments, I held up my hand and the group quieted. “Omega used to be the best frat on this campus. It was exclusive and cool. Bring it back. The trash has been taken out.” I saw a bunch of people nodding in agreement.
Trent was standing nearby, watching the unfolding scene.
“I think a good place to start is with a new president. Someone who would actually bring a good rep to this house.”
Everyone was listening so I pointed to Trent. “I know I’m not a member, but if I was, I would nominate Trent Mask. Who better to lead this frat into a new beginning but one of our own Wolves?”
Trent looked surprised but quickly recovered and smiled. He stepped forward and held out his hand. I shook it. “I don’t think anyone would object to you being inducted into Omega,” he said.
Everyone cheered.
I smiled. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”
“I figured you’d say that.” He nodded.
I said my good-byes and pounded a couple fists on my way out the door.
It was a good day.
Zach got his.
Now all I needed was to get what was mine.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Rimmel
Four days. I’d been existing for four days.
Romeo called. He texted. He left messages. I ignored them all.
I went to class. I hid in my dorm.
I went back to not combing my hair and pants that made me trip every time I took a step.
Ivy tried to cheer me up, she tried to talk to me, but I pushed her away too. I was beyond miserable. I just wanted him back.
But I was scared. Scared to get hurt again. Scared to love someone so much that it gave them power over me.
On the fourth day, Michelle called. She was worried I hadn’t been by. It wasn’t like me to just not show up. Instantly, I felt guilty. It wasn’t Murphy or any of the animals’ fault that I was a hot mess. I lied and told her I’d been sick. Then I promised I’d stop by later in the day.
I’d been reluctant to go, but once I was standing on the sidewalk, looking at the familiar building, something inside me eased. Murphy would make me feel better. Murphy always made me feel better. I was going to owe him extra scratches to make up for not being here lately.
I walked into the cat room, intent on seeing Murphy and just being with someone that didn’t have some hidden agenda. As soon as I walked in, some of the cats came to the door of their shelters and I stopped to scratch behind their ears.
Tears pricked the backs of my eyes because sometimes it hurt to see all these innocent souls all caged up. Most of the time I was able to focus on the fact these cats had a dry, warm place to live with plenty of food to eat. And honestly, most of them never spent more than a month here before being adopted out into loving homes.
Maybe that was why I felt so connected to Murphy. He never got adopted out. Once he got close, but they decided to bring home another cat. That’s how I felt.
I’d been so close to having something with Romeo. Something real.
Or so I thought.
I went to the corner and leaned down to Murphy’s shelter, peering in. “Murphy,” I said softly.
The cage was empty.
He wasn’t curled in the back like always.
I fell back onto my butt as I blinked and stared into the bare space. After a moment, I scrambled up and checked the other cages, thinking someone accidentally put him in the wrong one.
He wasn’t anywhere in this room.
Michelle walked in and smiled. “Hey, Rimmel. So glad to see you today.”
“Where’s Murphy?” I said, not bothering with pleasantries.
She frowned.
The bottom of my stomach hollowed out and an ache began in my chest.
“I thought you knew…” She trailed off when it became painfully obvious by the look on my face that I had no idea.