Chapter 1 1 - AE Juliet

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I understand where he’s coming from. I really do. Being left out of something as huge as a mate mark is bound to sting. But I also know how terrified Iris has been since the marking. How much of herself she’s tried to bottle up. Adrian not knowing wasn’t betrayal. It was survival.

Still, campus feels off without his chaotic energy buzzing around. Everything’s quieter. Iris has been stuck in her own head. And me? I’ve had to endure people whispering that we’ve finally been dumped by the McAlisters like it was a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

He still doesn’t answer. Instead, he bends to pick up one of my books, then flips it over like it’s a foreign object before handing it back to me. “Maybe if you watched where you were going, we wouldn’t be here.”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

“That’s rich, coming from someone who walks around like the world owes him something,” I fire back. “If you hate people so much, why not just stay in your big, brooding mansion and leave the rest of us alone?”

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

I scoop up the last of my books with a huff and head to my next class, trying to ignore the way my palms are still sweaty. Zeus McAllister is officially the worst, and now he’s burned into my brain like a virus I can’t uninstall.

I push through the door and spot Iris already in her seat, elbow on the desk, cheek resting against her palm, eyes staring blankly out the window like she’s waiting for her soul to return from a long trip.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

She turns her head toward me. “The McAllister boys have only ever brought us stress. Adrian was chaos on two legs, and Darian…” She trails off, looking out the window again. “Let’s just say I’m still recovering from that heartbreak.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. She’s not wrong. And Zeus didn’t exactly sweep in with sunshine and charm. He’s cold, sharp, the kind of guy who makes you feel like he’s five steps ahead in a game you didn’t know you were playing.

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”

DAISY

It’s been three days since Adrian walked out, pissed at both Iris and me, and things haven’t been the same since.

I’m halfway to my next class, trying to keep my mind off everything, when I take a corner too fast and wham.

Books fly out of my hand and scatter across the floor.

“Seriously? Are you blind?” I snap, brushing my hair out of my face, and then I freeze.

Of course.

Zeus McAlister.

Because who else would I run into when I’m already spiraling?

He stares down at me, not even bothering to look apologetic. His eyes are cold, distant, like they always are, like I’m nothing more than a speck on the bottom of his shoe. And he says nothing.

Not a single word.

“What?” I snap. “You bump into people and then just stare at them like a statue?”

“Oh, so now you speak?” I snatch the book from his hand. “Could’ve used the voice five seconds ago.”

“I was giving you a moment to gather your thoughts. Clearly, you needed it.”

God. I forgot how infuriating everybody says he is.

“Listen, I don’t know what your problem is-” I begin.

“You are,” he says, stepping back. “You’re loud, nosy, and always somewhere you don’t belong.”

I blink, stunned. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” he says, voice flat. “I don’t know what spell you and your little friend cast on my brothers, but it needs to end.”

Wow.

He steps closer, eyes narrowing. “Because unlike you, I have responsibilities. I don’t get to play human and pretend everything’s sunshine and rainbows.”

“Right,” I scoff. “Because your life is so hard. Must be exhausting, being a walking thundercloud twenty-four-seven.”

“I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Oh, I don’t understand being disrespected, talked down to, or treated like crap by someone who thinks he’s above everyone else? Yeah, you're right, Zeus, I totally can’t relate.”

We stare at each other, breathing hard. For a second, neither of us says anything. The tension between us is thick and suffocating.

Then he mutters, “Just stay away from my brother.”

I laugh. A full, sharp, bitter laugh. “Is that what this is about? You think I’m a threat to your precious little bloodline? Please. Adrian’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.”

“He’s reckless. And you’re a distraction.”

I grit my teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough,” he says, voice low. “And I don’t trust you.”

“Good,” I snap. “Because the feeling is very, very mutual."

Another pause. His jaw ticks. He looks like he wants to say more, but instead, he just scoffs, turns around, and walks off without another word.

I stand there for a second, stunned, still holding my stupid books against my chest like a shield.

God, I hate him.

I hate how he gets under my skin. How he acts like he knows everything. Like I’m just a bug he’s waiting to crush.

But what I hate more?

The fact that even after all that, my heart is racing.

And I know exactly why.

I just have a stupid, inconvenient, absolutely terrible crush on Zeus McAlister.

Not that I’m ever going to tell him that.

“Earth to Iris,” I say as I slide into the seat beside her. “Please tell me you’re not daydreaming about Darian again.”

She blinks slowly, like coming out of a fog, and sighs. “No. Just...thinking.”

“Mmm.” I hum dramatically, nudging her with my elbow. “Well, while you were thinking about not thinking about Darian, guess who I bumped into?”

She side-eyes me. “Adrian?”

“Nope.”

“Your step-cousin from the city who vapes and talks about crypto?”

“God, no.” I grin. “Zeus McAllister.”

Her brow rises slightly, but that’s all. No gasp. No second blink. No dramatic reaction. Just a flat, unimpressed expression.

I lean closer. “Okay, rude. That was supposed to be a moment.”

I nod slowly, suddenly not as eager to replay the Zeus scene. “Fair.”

“Having two of them in our lives is already two too many,” she says, voice quiet but sure. “We don’t need to go adding a third to the pile, Daisy. That house has done enough damage.”

Still…

“I’m not trying to add him to anything,” I say, maybe a little too defensive. “It was just a run-in. He knocked over my books. I yelled. He growled. End of story.”

Iris hums, skeptical. “You like him.”