The Bet (North Woods University 1)

Thomas slaps my shoulder when we finally reach him, and three more guys come sauntering up to us once they spot me. Every time I show up to one of these parties the entire university loses their shit. Everyone talks about Jules and me, how I’m whipped now that I’ve found the woman of my dreams.

They don’t discuss the struggle we went through to get here. The pain that we both endured, the pain she endured. They only see what the gossip circle spreads. But the gossip circles can suck a dick because I’ve got everything I’ll ever need.

Two of the guys I know. Vance and Clark, regular party guests at the frat house and overall fun guys. A little too cocky for my liking but as freshmen, I wouldn’t expect any less of them. Vance gives me a head nod, acknowledging me, while Clark, his best friend, licks his lips, his eyes roaming over Jules with a predatory look.

Fuck, to the no.

I’m about to say something. Probably with my fists, but then his eyes move away from Jules and meet mine. He immediately sees me glaring and holds his hands up, while shaking his head. Good fucking choice.

“Shit, I need another beer, or twelve,” Vance says, looking into his empty cup.

“You look like you are trying to drink your worries away,” I tell him. “It’s the end of the fucking year, what could you possibly have to worry about?” Not that I really care, the only thing I care about is right beside me, but I try to be friendly because in college appearances are everything.

“His dad is getting remarried,” Clark blurts out. “And he’s getting a stepsister.”

“Oooh a stepsister,” the guy I don’t know chuckles. “How old is she?”

“Eighteen,” Vance grits out, crushing the cup in his hand. Clearly, he’s not happy about the situation and I want to tell him it could be worse, but I don’t.

“Well, as long as she’s hot… I mean she’s legal so there’s half your issue gone.”

“Shut up, Mark,” Vance warns, and there’s a darkness inside him. A darkness that I understand all too well. “I used to know her, and I don’t care if she’s hot. She’s a bitch and a liar, and that should be enough of a warning for you to stay away from her.”

“Got it, you don’t want to fuck your stepsister. Don’t worry, I’ll show her around campus…and around my cock.” Mark lets out a bellow of laughter that causes Vance to snap like a two by four under pressure.

He moves so fast, Mark doesn’t even see the fist coming. He’s still laughing his ass off when Vance’s knuckles smash into the side of his face. Mark’s head snaps back and the smile literally gets wiped off his face.

“Here we go again…” Clark mumbles, bringing his cup to his lips. There seems to be a reoccurring theme with this kid. He’s always fighting, using his fists like words.

Jules gasps and I tuck her behind me so she doesn’t have to watch the violence taking place right before my eyes. Mark stumbles back into the crowd. His arms flailing as he tries to stay on his feet, but he loses his balance, the hit and the alcohol pulsing through his veins not helping him at all. He lands flat on his ass on the hardwood floor.

A circle forms around us, people start to cheer, there’s an air of danger and for a moment I think that’s going to be it, but then I see Vance stalking toward Mark like he’s his newest target. He shoves drunken Mark backward and presses a knee to his chest to hold him down while continuing onward with his punches.

“It…I was jokin’…” Mark gasps, but his words don’t stop Vance’s assault. I’m not sure anything would at this point. I can hear his hits over the roar of the crowd. Mark doesn’t stand a chance and I feel bad for the guy. He should’ve kept his mouth shut.

“Remmy, do something.” Jules elbows me in the side, but I already know I need to intervene since Mark’s body just lulled to the side, telling me he’s passed out. Vance doesn’t seem to notice or care, he just uses the fucker like his own personal punching bag.

“That’s enough, Mr. Preston,” Clark scolds as we move simultaneously. He grabs one arm and I grab the other, hauling him off of Mark before he kills him. As we pull Vance off of unconscious Mark, he punches two more times into the air, before finally letting up.

“Fine, I’ll stop,” Vance grits out.

We pull him back a few more feet before releasing him.

“Go get a beer and calm the fuck down,” I tell him, slapping him on the shoulder. He shrugs me off but does as I tell him and turns to go into the kitchen.