Page 69 of Escaping Wildfire

“You’ve never had a girl’s night?”

“Now it was her turn to be embarrassed.”

“Oh, I…” She blushed, “I don’t have a lot of friends other than Scarlett, so no one to invite over…or to invite me.” She shrugged, looking down at her food to hide the blush.

“That’s okay, I’ve never had a girl’s night either…or actual friends for that matter.” Rory chimed in at the perfect time, making Hadley feel less awkward at what she had revealed about herself. It seemed the two had more in common than one would expect.

“What if we got together on Friday and had a movie night?” I offered as I could see they both had always badly wanted to do that.

“Really?” Hadley’s eyes lit up. “Are you sure, it sounds fun, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Yes, really. We can just kick Larkin out for the night. He can take Rory’s room. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Yes, okay,” Hadley practically squealed. We spent the rest of the night talking about movies and books. It turns out we all got along really well. Maybe this girl’s night thing wouldn’t be so bad at all.

I waited for Hadley downstairs so that I could lead her up to my suite as no one was allowed on the alpha floor without one of us as an escort. She arrived right at seven, and I led her upstairs to where Rory was already waiting for us.

“Your place is so pretty.” She complimented as she looked around. “I know you didn’t say to bring anything, but I brought a few snacks for us.” She proceeded to pull out a bag of various types of candy and then two bottles of wine. “Girl’s nights always seem to have wine, so I brought wine, too.” She made a face, “I hope that’s okay?”

“I’ve never had alcohol before.” Rory looked at the bottles in Hadley’s hands looking a little scared.

“I’ve never had wine either…or alcohol really, so we can try it together.” I tried to reassure Rory.

“Okay,” She nodded, “The pizza should be here soon, so let’s pick a movie.

We’d made it halfway through the movie, and things were going well, so far. The wine definitely helped to loosen all of us up.

“I can’t wait to meet my mate. I hope he’s just as sweet as the guys in this movie.” Hadley voiced her thoughts out loud. “What about you two? Or maybe just, Rory, as you already have Larkin.”

“Oh, I…I don’t know. I guess I’ve always wanted a guy who could make me laugh.” Rory covered her mouth with her hand as she got nervous about the question.

“Yeah, being able to laugh together is always good. Funny guys are awesome…what about looks, do you prefer dark or light hair?” It seemed like Hadley was having fun quizzing us on our mate preferences.

“Brown hair and green eyes.” I blurted out before thinking.

“Oh…but that’s the opposite of Larkin?” Hadley furrowed her brows.

“It’s an arranged match,” Rory said before I could answer the question myself. The wine was certainly making us more chatty than usual.

“I’m sorry, I should have known that.” Hadley shook her head in embarrassment.

“It’s okay, Larkin’s a great guy. He’s just not my first choice is all.” I wasn’t sure whether to reveal my whole life to these girls, but I felt I could trust them, and Amora hadn’t gotten any bad vibes from Hadley, so I didn’t worry about it.

“Who is your first choice then…” she wiggled her eyebrows at me, “maybe someone with brown hair and green eyes?”

I smiled at the thought of Noah, and I was pretty sure I was blushing.

“There is someone!” Hadley teased as she waited for me to confirm.

“I had a boyfriend back home. Noah…he was our Gamma Heir. We’ve known each other our whole life, but we just got together about a few weeks before I came here.”

Rory looked at me sadly, but I wasn’t sure if she was sympathizing with me or upset that I had never told her about Noah. I’d have to remember to ask later.

“So, you never got to find out if you were fated mates?” Hadley looked over at me with her eyes wide and mouth agape. I just shook my head ‘no’ at her.

“How sad…” My revelation seemed to ruin the mood, but luckily, Rory broke through the awkwardness.

“I like dark hair." She covered her mouth again as she blushed. "I don’t know about eyes yet, but maybe brown? I just know blonde hair and blue eyes make me think of my brother.” She made a disgusted face and then giggled.