Anti-Stepbrother(87)
I’d almost forgotten the chant when Caden ripped open the door, blocking me from them, and yelled, “SHUT THE FUCK UP! This is not that kind of fraternity!”
“Who made you boss—”
Caden was out the door in a second, and I scrambled, knowing my barrier was gone. I rolled to my feet, the sheet wrapped around me, and glimpsed Caden shoving a guy against the wall, his hand on his throat.
I grabbed my shirt and pants, slipping into the bathroom. Before the door closed behind me, I glanced over my shoulder.
Marcus was standing there, his back to me. He’d taken his brother’s position, and I almost sagged in relief. Dressing quickly, I stepped back out into the room just as someone explained, “Getting your ass beat like that is what makes him boss.”
“We don’t do things like that here,” a guy grumbled. “This is our turf. We don’t beat people up.”
“No, you’re right,” the first voice retorted. “You’re the ones who get beat up.”
I edged closer to the door and touched Marcus’s back to let him know I was there. He sucked in a breath, then relaxed when he saw it was me. I peeked under his arm to see what was going on.
A group of guys stood in the hallway. There were too many to count, but Caden was in the middle, looking down at the floor.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out the wiseass chanter was on the floor.
I leaned closer, trying to get a better view.
Marcus shifted, closing off the small window I’d gotten.
“Hey,” I whispered.
“Don’t. They know a girl’s in here. Don’t let them see it’s you.”
“You’re doing me a solid, huh?”
“I’m doing my brother a solid.” Marcus smirked. “He’s the one who gave you a solid.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fuck you.” Then grimaced. “And don’t even say it.”
He chuckled. “You make it so easy, Stoltz. By the way, your friend is hot. Her friend too.”
I scowled. “You’re with Avery.”
“I know. I’m just warning you that your friends are going to get laid tonight.” His gaze moved to the bed. “Before five minutes ago, I would’ve picked you as the type who’d cockblock your friends because of the impurity of it.”
“What kind of girl do you think I am?” I rethought that one. “Don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.”
Caden’s voice sounded again, rising over the grumbling, “I don’t know who started that damned chant, but it’s all done now. One recording. That’s all you need, and both our chapters could get shut down.”
“It’s not like we’re actually doing it—”
“I DON’T CARE!” Caden roared back. “My father is a legacy, just like most of yours. My brother would give anything to be an Alpha Mu. I won’t let a dumbass chant ruin all that. You’re better than that, so act better. Now get the fuck away from my room.”
“Caden.”
“What?”
“Who’s the chick in there?”
A couple guys snickered, adding, “Yeah. We want to know so we don’t make a move on your territory.”
“Fuck off.”
A few more chuckled, and I heard them moving aside. Marcus stepped back into me, purposefully herding me farther into the room. Caden appeared. I could see him above his brother, and his eyes found mine. A hand slapped him on the shoulder. “That’s why you’re going to be president next year. Good job, Caden.”
As soon as he was clear of the door, Marcus shut it and leaned against it, folding his arms over his chest. His looked from Caden to me, his smirk deepening. “This is new and exciting.”
“Fuck off too,” Caden said.
Marcus laughed. “I’m hoping. You already got yours tonight. I still need to get mine. I should feel blessed. It’s like the Fraternity God has bestowed his wisdom to me.”
Caden flexed his hand. “I just got warmed up. My hand’s not even hurting.”
I thought Marcus had been joking, but their exchange had gone sour real quick. I stepped between them, clearing my throat. “Okay, I don’t know what’s going on, but go to your separate corners.” I pointed at Marcus. “Go find Avery. Treat her right. Have fun tonight.”
His nostrils flared, and I braced myself for a second round. I was ready, but he didn’t say anything. I didn’t think I was the only one surprised, though I didn’t look at Caden.
Marcus jerked around, flinging open the door and stalking out. “Right. Fine.”
The hallway was empty this time.
I shut the door and looked back. “What was that about?”