I don't own these characters/historical figures. I don't even know how that would work.
A/N: This is the sequel to Heated Words. It's the college/modern/omegaverse AU Hamilton fic no one asked for, now in series form. My rotting brain still wants it obviously.
Summary: Angelica and Maria's relationship seem to be going smoothly and then James Reynolds pops up, ready to ruin everything, including Maria.
Powerful Words
1: Strength in Numbers
Maria hurried down the sidewalk, rushing to the busy quad. It was hot outside, so it seemed like every student on campus decided to be out and about, enjoying the weather in some manner. She dipped and dodged people left and right. She even almost got run over by a skateboarder or two, and decided maybe it was best to cut across the lawns rather than stay on the sidewalks. That would probably help her make up time as well.
She was late, even though there was no formal start time. Not to mention, she was sweating now thanks to hustling to get there. I didn't think this through. She just wanted to make a good impression. Was that too much to ask? She was about to meet Angelica's other sister and friends. She wanted them to like her. They were special to Angelica, so they were special to her. She needed to make a good impression.
As she hurried, out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a sight that sent a shock to her entire body, like she had been struck by lightning and not in a good way. Her heart slammed into her ribs and pounded like a gunshot went off. She could not move. James. James Reynolds was on campus.
Her body turned on its own, like she was going to follow him, but her legs did not move. Her heart hammered in her chest to the point of pain. She would not have been surprised if she collapsed to her knees. James vanished down a path and only when he was out of sight did her legs work again.
She exhaled, body dipping as the air escaped her. Oh, she had stopped breathing. Now, she could breathe again. She took a deep breath. Time to move. She did not want to chance James circling back, seeing her, and approaching her. The very thought made her tremble.
"Angelica." She needed to get to Angelica before James found her.
Her feet moved on their own, legs almost running, but not quite there. Her heart continued to crash against her ribs and her lungs burned as she moved. The quad came into view and under the shade of a tree on a patch of grass, there was Angelica, sitting in the middle of a blanket. Maria's heart sped up, but for a good reason now — hope. Her brain screamed safety!
Angelica turned to Maria as she rushed over, as if she sensed Maria coming. Angelica climbed to her feet, brushed dust off of her beige slacks, and met Maria part way. The way Angelica's face lit up at the sight of her made Maria melt. But, Angelica's face shifted to concern as she embraced Maria.
"Are you all right?" Angelica asked softly. How does she know to ask this question?
Maria sighed, relief flooding her as Angelica's arms wrapped around her. "Fine now. Worried I was going to be late." You should tell her what happened. Maybe later. After this meeting. She needed to forget James and just focus on this meeting.
Angelica smiled, kissing her cheek, as if she was not sweaty. "It's just us hanging on the quad. There is no late. Come on. Let's introduce you to these misfits."
Maria's stomach flipped as Angelica put her arm around Maria's waist and led her over to the group. There were more people than Maria expected, even though Angelica had gone over who would be there. She just had not expected everyone to be there for some reason. At least she knew Peggy, who sat on the edge of the group on the blanket Angelica just got up from. There was one other woman — Eliza, Angelica's other sister — and several guys. They were all loud and laughing.
"Hey!" Angelica whistled, high pitched and even louder than the group. "Shut up for a second!"
"Rude." Peggy grinned.
Angelica rolled her eyes. "Anyway…" She stood up straight, smiling so bright, and squared her shoulders. "Everybody, this is my girlfriend, Maria." She pulled Maria just a little closer for a brief moment.
"Hi, Maria," they all said like a kindergarten, or like they were terrified of Angelica. There were grins all around with mischief in all of the guys' eyes. Maria swallowed a bit.
Angelica glared at them and they straightened up. Okay, terrified of her. "So, just going down the line, you already know Peggy. Next is Eliza."
Eliza smiled. "I'm the good sister." She tilted her chin in the air with some pride, but somehow it gave an angelic aura. She was dressed in tan slacks as well with a powder blue shirt.
"She really is," Angelica replied.
"That works both ways," Peggy remarked with a smirk.
Angelica shrugged and smiled. "Next to Eliza is her husband and mate, Alexander."
Alexander stood, straightened his tan button-down shirt, and reached for Maria's hand. "She missed one."
Maria shook his hand, warm and strong. "Her platonic soulmate." She gave him a smile.
He beamed, puffed out his chest like he was proud. "So, she's mentioned me." His voice was softer than expected, but gave him a sort of gentle air.
Maria smiled. "She has."
"Please do not judge me by his behavior. He just proves you sometimes can't help who you connect with," Angelica said and she moved down the line. "Next is Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. We just call him Lafayette."
Maria breathed a sigh of relief. There was no way she would remember the rest of his name. "Good to meet you." She put out her hand as he stood. He was taller than she expected, but his face was warm. He wasted no time shaking her hand.
"I'm the Lancelot of this set," he said.
"I'm not sure what that means," Maria replied honestly.
Peggy snorted. "He's not either. His English is terrible." She winked and Lafayette stuck his tongue out at her.
Angelica rolled her eyes and moved on. "Lafayette also has a wife and mate, Adrienne. She had to go, but she claimed she'll be back in a moment. I hope that's the case as I do want you to meet her now. She's worth dealing with him," Angelica explained as she jabbed her thumb in Lafayette's direction.
Lafayette laughed. "You say that, but you love talking to me as much as you do talking to her."
Angelica snorted. "Next is John Laurens. We call him the single Hamilton."
John laughed. "Or he's the mated and married me." He shook Maria's hand.
"They're almost twins. Hard to believe they just met in college," Angelica commented.
Alexander blew out a breath. "It is amazing who I met at college. This has been an amazing experience."
Maria nodded. "I can most certainly agree with that." She knew going to college would be something else, but it was so much more than she expected. It was beyond Angelica, though she was a huge part of why this was so great, but just being able to live a regular life and do things on her own was something she could hardly put words to.
"And last but not least…" Angelica just motioned to the guy at the end.
"Hercules Mulligan!" He leaped up with a grin, extending his hand.
Maria jumped back in surprise from his energy, but managed to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you."
He grinned. "It's nice to meet you. Angelica talks about you all the time. Nice things, I promise." He winked. What did the wink mean? Should she take it in a bad way?
Maria looked at Angelica, who smiled. No, Angelica never talked bad about her. Angelica was not James. So, why did Hercules wink?
Angelica sighed. "He has way too much energy as always. Ignore him." She waved Hercules off and then she looked him dead in the eye. "We all do."
He did not miss a beat, still grinning as if she complimented him. "That's why you're the mean sister."
Angelica did not bother to respond. She moved back to her space between her sisters, guiding Maria down with her. Not forcing her down, like James would. Maria ended up sitting between Angelica's legs to have some space on the blanket. The conversation around her picked back up, but she had no idea what they talked about. Her attention was elsewhere.
Maria scanned the edge of the quad, just in case James appeared again. Why was he on campus? She had not seen him since that night she and Angelica happened to run into him after their date. That was almost two months ago. Well before Spring Break. Her heart rate climbed as the question swirled in her mind. Why was he there?
"Are you okay?" Angelica asked, voice low, but mouth close to the shell of Maria's ear.
Maria was startled, but quickly relaxed as best she could. "Fine. Just saw a ghost on my way over."
Angelica nodded and pulled Maria closer. "We can leave if you'd like."
"No, no. He's long gone and I want to be here." Maria turned her attention to the group. The conversation had quieted somewhat and there were eyes on her. She smiled. "So, how's everyone's classes?"
"John has a professor who threatened to fail him if he wrote one more paper about slavery," Hercules said with a laugh.
"Little does he know my final paper is a detailed account on the effects of slavery on today," John grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Aren't you worried he'll fail you?" Maria asked with a wrinkle in her brow. She had spent her first semester almost sick with worry over failing and then Angelica showed up to tutor her. She had not been scared since, but if a professor threatened her now with failure, she would probably burst into tears the moment she left the professor's presence. She could not afford to fail here. She could not go back to her old life.
John snorted. "I'd love to see him try. Not only am I ready for an argument, I'm taking Alexander and Angelica with me. He wouldn't stand a chance."
The conversation continued on about final papers and such. Maria only listened. They all seemed really smart and she did not want to say something that might be embarrassing. But, then Eliza turned to her and she might not be able to escape showing how unsophisticated she was.
"I'm so happy to finally meet you. I wish it was a little less crowded, so I could focus on you and not be rude," Eliza said with a kind smile and warm brown eyes.
Maria was not sure how to respond to that, but Peggy jumped in, so she did not have to. "Maybe if you came by the apartment more you would've met her already," Peggy said.
Eliza still smiled, not at all put off by the cheeky response. "I would, but we all know someone has to watch Alexander at all times and save him from himself."
"An impossible task," Angelica remarked.
"Hey!" Alexander looked like a kicked puppy, but everyone else chuckled, so it was probably fine.
Eliza patted Alexander's knee. "It's a full time job, but I wouldn't have it any other way. How about I come over tomorrow and we have a Schuyler sisters' bunch, plus Maria?"
Angelica nodded. "Sounds nice." She turned to Maria. "Is that good for you?"
"Yes," Maria replied. Maybe it would be easier to get to know Angelica's crew one-on-one. She especially wanted to get to know the sister both Angelica and Peggy thought so highly of.
"And what if I want to come?" Alexander asked.
"Without any legal double talk, are you a Schuyler sister or Maria?" Peggy countered. Alexander opened his mouth, but did not get to say anything. Peggy held up a hand. "No legal speak!"
Alexander scowled. "Everyone hates lawyers until they need one."
"Are you in the law program as well?" Maria asked. It would explain why Angelica seemed to spend a lot of time with him whenever she talked about school.
Alexander nodded. "I am."
"Are you all in the law program?" Maria asked. Maybe that was why everyone was so smart.
Eliza shook her head. "Going for my masters in social work."
Lafayette nodded toward Eliza. "I'm doing both a masters in social work and political science."
"Bachelors in political science because unlike all of these spoiled brats, I work for a living," Hercules said with a grin.
"Work our nerves," John remarked and Hercules grabbed him into a headlock. He rubbed his knuckles into John's head as John tried to pull away. There were laughs from everyone, so apparently that was how their friendship worked.
Maria was quiet mostly for the rest of the hang out, more distracted than anything. She scanned the quad for James every few seconds. A glimpse of a bald head that could have been his made her tense and her heart was in her throat for a moment. Angelica leaned in.
"Are you all right? Do you want to go?" Angelica asked, rubbing the small of Maria's back to help relax her. For once, it did not work.
Maria shook her head. "I'm fine. I just saw James before I got here and now I feel like he's everywhere." It made her skin crawl and her heart rate just would not settle, despite the fact that she was with Angelica. He wouldn't dare come up to me with her here and if he did, Angelica would let him have it. She was safe, but anxiety did not care about that.
Angelica pulled her close. "If you do see him and you need any kind of support, you know I'm here."
Maria smiled and cuddled a little closer. "Yeah, I know." But, that did not get her heart to act right or for her brain to stop looking around.
If anybody noticed the exchange, they did not comment on it and all too soon, it was time to leave. Hands were shaken, plans were cemented, and Angelica walked Maria to her next class.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Angelica asked.
"No. I just wish I hadn't seen James. I'd have focused more on your friends," Maria replied.
"Well, with luck, this is just the first of many interactions with that group. If James approaches you, though, don't hesitate to call campus police. He's not a student here and he can't be left to harass people who are students here."
Maria nodded and her heart filled with joy. "Thank you for caring so much."
"No need to thank me. I plan to care for a long time." Angelica kissed her cheek.
That helped settle Maria about James, but she had other things to worry about and class was not one of them as she went inside the classroom. She had brunch tomorrow with Angelica's sisters. What was she going to do?! This needed to be perfect. She had to get her head in the game.
-8-8-8-8-
Angelica rubbed her eyes as Eliza paced in front of her. Despite telling Eliza that brunch would be casual, she came dressed in one of her best dresses, like this was a date. Topping it off, she paced Angelica and Peggy's living room, nervous about her impression on Maria.
"This is too much, isn't it?" Eliza asked, eyes on her ankle-length, blue gown. The only benefit was that it did not flare. Thankfully, she had on low heels, but she still had on heels.
"Yes! We said casual," Angelica replied, motioning to herself and Peggy. They were dressed casually, light slacks and blouses.
"Well, I wanted her to know she's worth the effort to dress up for, but now I feel like I'm showing off," Eliza said.
"Not to mention, you look crazy considering we're going into a diner and you're practically wearing a ball gown," Peggy pointed out.
Angelica waved both of them off. "Maria will understand once we tell her how nervous you are." And from the way Maria kept texting her, Maria was nervous as well. I wish she would've let us come to her or at least let me come get her. We could've met Eliza and Peggy at the place. It did not sit well with her that Maria was alone and possibly in a panic, but Maria told her to stay with her sisters. She would listen.
"Well, this is a big deal! You haven't seriously dated since John and now you have a girlfriend! You've never had a girlfriend!" Eliza threw up her hands and paced some more.
Okay, Angelica could understand how that was a big deal. This was a huge change for her and usually they all kept each other up to date about changes in their lives. Yes, they were both aware of Maria, but Eliza had not even had a chance to have a proper conversation with Maria. At least Peggy got that, and Peggy got to witness their awkward start, so this was not a big deal to her.
"They're probably in love, too," Peggy added, just to make the situation worse.
Angelica pinched the bridge of her nose. "You're a brat." Peggy grinned at her.
Eliza practically hit the ceiling. "In love?" she screamed.
Angelica shook her head. "No one's said anything about love, except Peggy, who isn't in this relationship. We've only officially been together two months. Don't give Peggy the satisfaction of twisting you in knots. We're still learning a lot about each other."
Eliza nodded and took a deep breath. "Well, I still want to make a good first impression, you know on my own. Not with a group."
"Because who wants to be judged by that group," Angelica remarked.
Peggy scoffed. "You. You brought Maria to meet that group."
Angelica laughed. "Indeed I did. She enjoyed it, by the way. She doesn't have a group of close friends, so she was happy to be part of the group."
Eliza smiled. "I'm glad she enjoyed it."
The conversation was cut short by the doorbell. Angelica got up and opened the door to Maria. The embrace was automatic. They paused before exchanging a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Step on in. We're ready to go once Eliza stops questioning her life decisions," Angelica said with a smile. Once Maria stepped in, Angelica closed the door behind her.
Eliza stepped forward quickly. "I'm sorry I overdressed! I was just so excited to really meet you!" She pressed her palms together as if begging for forgiveness.
Maria smiled, face so bright and happy. "You're fine. I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Besides, I'm used to being the most casually dressed with Angelica."
"I'm wearing slacks!" Angelica motioned down to her pants. How casual did Maria want her to get? It was not like she could go outside in her pajamas.
Maria laughed. "The fact that you called them slacks really only proves my point." She wrapped her arms around Angelica's waist. "I'm used to being the most dressed down." She was in dark blue jeans and a red, short-sleeve blouse.
Eliza smiled, relief all over her face, and Angelica melted. Maria was amazing. The situation was diffused and they were able to leave as soon as the sisters had everything they needed. Bags were grabbed, a small leather satchel for Angelica, a dark blue purse for Eliza, and a yellow tote bag for Peggy.
They were able to leave in high spirits. Angelica wrapped her arm around Maria, who grinned at her. Peggy rolled her eyes at their antics. Eliza looked ready to gush.
"Can you wait until we at least sit down before you look at us like we're the cutest thing you've ever seen?" Angelica asked with a sigh.
Eliza chuckled. "I have no resistance now that you've acknowledged it. Just look at you, just wanting to be close for no reason. You're practically glowing."
Angelica could feel her cheeks burning. She tried her best to look unbothered. She did not want to give Peggy an excuse to jump in. Of course, Peggy did not need the excuse.
"You need to see her whenever she's doing something special for Maria. The cool one is very uncool then," Peggy said.
Angelica shrugged. "At least you admit I'm the cool one."
"Where are we going, anyway?" Maria asked, possibly to redirect the conversation. She was getting good at that with Angelica and Peggy.
"That we'll leave as a surprise," Angelica answered. There was no way Maria would have believed her if she told her.
Maria's forehead wrinkled. "Okay, but I'm in jeans, remember."
With a smile, Angelica made a show of looking at Maria's legs. "And what nice jeans they are."
"Thank you." Maria rested her head on Angelica's shoulder for a moment, but did not linger. Thankfully, both Eliza and Peggy kept their mouths shut.
The walk was not that long. They strolled a few blocks to the nearest IHOP and Maria giggled as Angelica steered her toward the door. Angelica arched an eyebrow to the sound.
"What?" Angelica asked.
"You three do not eat at IHOP," Maria answered, giving Angelica a stern look, as if scolding her. Angelica guided Maria inside with her arm around Maria's waist. Eliza and Peggy were right behind them.
"I promise you we do," Angelica replied. She understood why Maria might think otherwise, as they did display upper class attitudes more often than not, even though they did not mean to, but they also went to local corner stores, bodegas, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants frequently.
"You also were skeptical we ate at the Chinese restaurant down the street, but we go there a lot," Peggy pointed out.
"And complain that it's not authentic," Maria countered.
"It's not, but we eat it, right?" Peggy said.
Maria shook her head. "There's still no way you guys eat at IHOP."
Peggy scoffed. "It's close to school and open twenty-four hours during the school year."
"It's seen us through trying times, giving us all a place to get together to study for finals while staying fueled, or trying to get in that last paper before the midnight deadline and they know to keep the coffee coming," Eliza said.
"I guess I stand corrected," Maria chuckled.
"It's okay. We know we don't come off as the IHOP type. We actually had never been until college," Angelica said. It was the truth. It was not something they thought about doing either until one of the guys suggested it.
"That makes sense," Maria said.
They stepped over to the host and were sat down immediately, tucked away in a corner booth. Peggy and Eliza sat on one side while Maria slid in and Angelica sat next to her. Menus were brought over almost as soon as they sat down.
"I really was not expecting brunch to be this casual," Maria said.
"Angelica set high standards when she tried to make your first date Broadway, huh?" Peggy asked.
"Broadway?" Eliza made an impressed face.
Angelica scoffed. She wished Maria had felt that way back when she tried it. Of course, that did not matter now. They were together and it was glorious. "Yes." She pointed to Eliza. "You two are mandated to get along because Maria's also a huge fan of Wicked."
Eliza's eyes lit up. "Oh, we have to go this summer. Surely Angelica has already shown you how to make a day of it."
"Well, sort of," Maria replied.
"Then, I shall handle the rest. Angelica will buy us tickets," Eliza declared.
Angelica arched an eyebrow. "Why am I paying for your date?"
"Because you're my big sister and she's your girlfriend. You're legally obligated to pay for both of us," Eliza pointed out.
Peggy nodded. "That tracks. Brunch is also on you."
Angelica expected as much, but before she could drag this on, the waiter came over to take their drink orders. They ordered their food as well. The conversation picked back up as soon as the waiter left, but focused mainly on shows they would all like to see on Broadway. Then, the food and drinks came. They ate and talked, mostly about school, but the conversation never stopped flowing. Eliza forgot her nervousness and Maria was totally relaxed. It was great until it was not.
Maria and Peggy excused themselves to the restroom while Angelica picked up the check. Eliza stayed with her and gave a smile. "I like her."
Angelica nodded. "I like her, too."
"And I can see why Peggy would tease you about being in love. You look at Maria like she hung the stars," Eliza said.
Angelica smiled. "I'm glad I do. I want her to feel that way and I want her to feel like she could pull the moon from the sky if necessary."
"Stay good to her."
Angelica paused from responding to Eliza when Peggy returned alone. "Where's Maria?"
Peggy looked back. "She's… not behind me anymore. She was right there."
Angelica shook her head. "I'll be right back. And note that you can't scold me over alpha behavior any more if this is what you do."
Peggy groaned. "She was right behind me, I swear. Not to mention, I'm not her alpha."
Angelica rolled her eyes and walked off to get Maria. The restrooms were tucked away in a corner, as they often were. At first, Angelica did not see Maria, only a tall, bald man. But, as she got closer, she saw Maria backed into the actual corner with the man looming over her. Maria's eyes were a mix of horror and fury. This was probably James.
"There you are, sweetheart!" Angelica smiled as she attached herself to Maria's side, having to slide by James to do it, but this created space she would utilize to make their escape.
James was so stunned by the interruption, he paused. This gave Angelica a chance to move Maria out of the corner. Maria breathed an audible sigh of relief as they moved closer to the exit that led back to the restaurant proper.
"I'm sorry. I was telling James you were waiting for me," Maria said, giving James a pointed glare.
Angelica turned her attention to the man, wanting to take him in fully now. He stared right back at her. They sized each other up. His dark brown eyes glinted and he smirked. Angelica knew immediately what he thought of her. He's as big a fool as I thought he was.
"This is your new alpha? Come on, you know she can't give you what I can," he said, nose in the air, arrogance in his tone. The hate against female alphas clouded him like a visible aura.
Angelica was about to say something, but Maria beat her to it. "You mean she can't give me anxiety? True. Can't give me an inferiority complex? Also true. Can't make me wish I was dead more often than not? Yes, very true. But, since were making comparisons, here's some things she can give me that you can't. Multiple orgasms, a good date, peace of mind, and a sense of belonging. Should I go on? The list is long."
James stammered for a reply, but had no luck. Maria made the first move, turning to the exit. Angelica followed her. They did not make it far before James found his voice.
"You'll be back," he announced quite loudly, as if he was telling them off. "No alpha wants someone's marked sloppy seconds, or sloppy hundredth in your case."
Maria went stiff and Angelica was so happy their backs were to him. Maria did not need him to witness the devastation his comment caused. But, also he was wrong.
Angelica turned, smirking at him. "You mean the mark so weak it's already faded? Amazing how well the body can heal from trauma with time and distance." She ushered Maria away.
Maria hurried with her, back to her sisters, and out of the restaurant. They headed back to Angelica and Peggy's apartment. They killed time playing cards and watching a movie until Eliza had to leave. Despite that horrible moment with James, the day went very well.
-8-8-8-8-
Maria was so thankful Angelica did not mind her sleeping over and did not expect sex every time she did. She could not imagine being in her dorm alone, even if her roommate was there, after that encounter with James. While she had been able to make it through the day, he still buzzed in the back of her mind. The way he shot between her and Peggy and marched her into the corner before she even realized what happened was nothing short of terrifying. The relief that washed over her when Angelica came into view was like being caught in a cleansing rain. She did not want to relive that moment.
Instead of lying alone in her bed and being torn to shreds by anxiety as James looped through her mind, Maria was comfortable against Angelica's solid, surprisingly muscular form, feeling safe and secure. Angelica was on her laptop and Maria had reading to do, but focus was hard to come by. She was curious.
"Angelica?" Maria said.
"Hmm?" Angelica's eyes did not leave her laptop.
"Is my mark really fading?" Maria made it a point to never look at it, never wanting to see the reminder of James, the reminder that she once belonged to him.
"Hmm?"
"My mating mark from James. You told him it was fading. Is that true or did you just say that to have the last word?" Of course, Angelica's last word would usually be the truth to make it that much more impactful.
Angelica snorted, eyes still on her work. "Of course it's fading. He's not here to force the bond and you have no desire for him."
"Yes, but doesn't it usually take longer?" A few months should not have been enough time to notice the mark fade.
"It takes a while to fade completely, but yours is on its way. It's definitely lighter now than when I first noticed it."
Maria did not mean to breathe the sigh of relief that she did. "I was scared I'd be mated to him forever."
Angelica put her laptop to the side and looked at Maria right in her eyes. It felt like Angelica could see right into her soul, but it was not off-putting or unnerving. It was oddly comforting, like she was seen and worthwhile.
"You're not mated to him," Angelica said plainly. "You never were, so you shouldn't worry about it. Eventually, the mark will fade and you can put everything about James Reynolds behind you."
"It's still something that connected me to him, something that made me feel ugly and used. It hurts to look at it."
Angelica wrapped her in a warm embrace. "You are none of the things he made you feel and definitely none of the things he called you. He's the asshole here. He took advantage of you. He hurt you, but you ultimately won the war. You left him and took control of your life. You took away his power and it doesn't sit well with him."
Maria frowned. "Then how come he can still get under my skin like this? One glimpse and he's on my mind for the rest of the day."
"I know how that can be, but in a different context."
Maria made a noise. "What context?"
"Alexander, believe it or not. I was deeply infatuated. A simple text from him would live rent-free in my head for days, even though it was totally innocent. I'd read between the lines and then convince myself it wasn't meant that way and then the next text would come. It was ridiculous, but eventually it passed and we are where we are."
Maria swallowed and fear asked a question before her brain could stop her. "Are you sure you're over him?"
A soft smile settled on Angelica's face and Angelica moved to caress Maria's cheek with her thumb. The emotion that always swirled in Angelica's eyes when she looked at Maria made a peace settle over Maria's entire being. The look in Angelica's eyes answered the question more than anything else. No matter what Angelica might feel for Alexander, she had enough room in her heart for Maria. Maria leaned up for a brief kiss.
"I'm very sure," Angelica answered. "Compared how I feel about him now to what I felt then is night and day. Honestly, it's like a burning summer day compared to a chill autumn one. I definitely don't want to recite poetry while kissing his thighs."
Maria giggled. Who knew she had a poetry kink along with a praise kink? For the first time, she was safe to explore.
"So, you actually feel your emotions for him dim?" Maria asked.
"I wouldn't put it that way. My emotions shifted. They're still positive, but they're different now. It's like I'm sure you feel differently toward James compared to when you first met him."
"Definitely." There was a time when she never wanted to be apart from James. Now, she would pay good money to never have to see him again. If feelings could go from so loving to practically loathing, then surely they could move the same way Angelica said hers did for Alexander. Feelings change over time. It just never occurred to her that feelings could stay positive when romance was involved.
"The same will happen with the intensity you feel with his presence," Angelica assured her.
Maria nodded. "That makes sense. I wish I was at the point where it didn't matter."
"You'll get there and I'll be by your side every step of the way."
"Thank you." Maria kissed her cheek.
"No need to thank me, princess. I'm exactly where I want to be."
Maria actually cooed from that. Angelica kissed the side of her head. Angelica moved again, grabbed her laptop, and Maria began her reading. There was silence for a while.
"Eliza's nice," Maria said.
"You'll never find anyone as trusting or as kind."
"You always talk about her with a lot of love. I hope she likes me."
Angelica nodded. "She does. Peggy and I already talked you up."
Maria chuckled. "I believe that. Peggy really likes me." It gave her a lot of confidence, especially when it came to her relationship with Angelica. She could always count on Peggy to help her if there was something she wanted to do with or for Angelica.
"Peggy's a good judge of character."
Maria hoped that was the case. Sometimes, she just did not feel like she had a good character. "Now, if only you would compliment Peggy to her face."
Angelica snorted. "Never. She gets spoiled in every other way and gets away with murder with us and our parents. Something has to humble her."
Maria laughed, but nodded. Angelica loved Peggy to death and Peggy loved Angelica the same. That mattered a lot. Maria was happy they allowed her into their world.
-8-8-8-8-
Maria was back in her dorm, feeling more secure about the space than she had in a while. It had been a week since she ran into James in the IHOP. She had not seen him around campus. Maybe he had moved on.
So, she focused on her schoolwork. She had papers due. She was so much more comfortable with writing papers now, thanks to Angelica. She never thought she would get to the point where she felt like an actual, normal college student, but here she was and it felt damn good.
She sat on her bed, laptop at her side, and books open all around her. Her roommate was gone to her study group, so she would have the room to herself for a couple of hours. It should be enough to power through the three page paper. She already had her bullet points and citations planned out. Low music helped her stay on task.
She became engrossed in her work, pausing only to respond to texts from Angelica. Then, the door opened. "Back already?" Maria glanced at the time on her laptop. That was not even an hour. No way. She looked up and gasped. Her heart jumped into her throat and possibly exploded there. "James!" Her mind went dreadfully blank for more time than she liked with James around. What should she do?
James closed the door and stood between her and the only exit. Well, there was the window. She was only on the second floor. If push came to shove, she could definitely jump. Can I fit through the window? She should be able to squeeze through. It would take some time, but she should be able to get out by the time he realized what she was doing. Maybe. Before things came to that, she grabbed her phone and texted Angelica.
"Missed me?" James smirked. His eyes were dark, malicious. This was far from a social call.
"You need to leave now," Maria ordered. How did her voice not tremble? She had no idea, but she was pleased it did not. She did not want him to know she was terrified of him.
He tilted his head to the side slightly, staring at her as if he could crush her with his gaze alone. "You don't mean that. After all, you're my mate."
She glared at him, fire in her veins despite the fear in her belly. "It doesn't work that way. You only bit me. For mates, it has to be both." She knew that now as a fact. When she was a desperate fifteen-year-old he could lie to her, but she was more worldly now and she would not let him manipulate her anymore.
He scowled. "Who told you that? That bitch sniffing around you like a dog after a bone?" He stalked over to her, looming over her.
"If you don't leave, I'll scream." Hopefully it was the threat it sounded like.
He laughed, actually holding his stomach as he did so. "So? You really think someone would come help a whore like you?" His eyes seemed even harder as he said that.
She flinched. "I'm not a whore." Why did that one word hurt so much? It was not true, yet it made tears sting her eyes.
He scoffed. "Alphas give you money to have sex with them. You're an omega who trades sex for favors with alphas. Those are the two textbook definitions of a whore and both describe you perfectly. You can't dress it up. And just because you're whoring it up with a woman doesn't mean it's any less whoring."
Oh, god, the tears were about to fall. "It's not like that."
Her relationship with Angelica was nothing like her old business or even her relationship with James. She would not allow him to dirty up the first pure thing she managed on her own. So, she sucked up the tears and scowled at him.
"You don't know a damn thing about my relationship or how it works," she said.
He snorted. "Oh, so you're a stupid whore now? Can't even get the money part right without me."
Why does he have to keep using that damn word? He had to know every time he said it, it was like kicking Maria in the chest. She swallowed down the hurt and pressed on. Stand strong and don't let this bastard see you sweat. "You need to leave."
"And who's going to make me?" He looked at her as if she was small, like he could step on her, as if she was a bug and a tremble went through Maria's stomach.
James had a point. Who would make him? There was no way she could move him to get to the door. He was too big. He could do anything he wanted to her, unless she escaped out of the small dorm window. The thought of jumping out of the window really seemed like a last resort. Maybe she could squeeze by him.
Trying to go by him was a huge risk. If she was not fast enough, he would have her. This could be less safe than the window, and yet she tried anyway. She sidestepped and gasped in surprise. He seemed to be frozen to the spot, like he did not see that coming, as if he did not expect her to try to escape. She reached for the doorknob, but then strong hands latched onto her biceps.
Maria barely had time to gasp again. It felt like her heart stopped as soon as she registered his hands on her. Her throat burned, like she might vomit. He flung her onto the bed, just missing her laptop. All of her air escaped her, but she ignored that. She could not let him have control of this situation or she would greatly regret it. She tried to get up, but he pressed her down with his full weight on her.
"James, stop!" she screamed, panic had her chest in a vice-like grip. Oh, god! Why didn't I go for the window? I know what he's capable of! Those tears were back and impossible to keep away as she tried to get his body off of her. He was so heavy! "Stop!" She did not even know her voice could go that loud.
"If you act right, yeah," he replied.
"Stop!" She tried to push up, but he just leaned down on her even more, like he planned to crush her with his full weight.
"Maybe you'll act better when you're reminded who you belong to!" He grunted, holding her wrists down.
"NO! Stop!" she cried and screamed, not too sure what he meant, but she feared. Again, she knew what he was capable of and what he thought of her.
Maria struggled and screamed, trying to get James off of her. It was like an impossible task. He felt so heavy, as if boulders were on her chest. She tried her best to hit him, but she could not move her hands from his and she was not at an angle to really kick him, but she tried. She tried to buck him off. Nothing. He would not be moved and he just seemed heavier somehow, as if he could push her through the bed, through the floor.
James moved her wrists to one hand, grip like a vice, and tore her shirt open, ripping the fabric easier than she could have imagined. She screamed louder, screamed until her throat hurt, and kicked, and kicked, and kicked. Nothing seemed to be enough, though. He would not be moved.
"My mark will never fade," he promised with a snarl.
Maria sobbed, lungs burning for air, and nerves frayed as escape was a distant dream now. No one was coming. No one cared. James was right. Her body sank into itself.
But, she would not take his mark again, so she still tried to get him off. She was exhausted and she could not breathe, but she fought and fought and fought. James attached his mouth to her shoulder and she braced for teeth. Instead, there was a thunderous pounding on the door. They both jumped.
"Maria?" Angelica called, voice booming with authority.
"Help!" Maria managed before James' large hand covered her mouth and nose.
"James Reynolds, I'm assuming you're still inside," Angelica said. Her voice remained a controlled roar, so powerful. "If you are inside and not letting Maria out, that is false imprisonment at the least and kidnapping at the most."
"She let me in," he replied, sweat dotting his forehead.
"I know for a fact that is a lie."
"It's your word against mine." He sounded haughty with that response and looked so pleased with himself.
"And hers."
He scoffed. "No one would believe her."
"Her calling for help seemed genuine to me." That sounded like John.
"Oui, très authentique," the smooth French of Lafayette followed.
"Now, I believe you understand I have witnesses and, more to the point, I'll be calling campus police in a moment. We'll see who's word will be believed, several top students or a misfit who doesn't go here and definitely shouldn't be in the dorms," Angelica said.
James glanced at the door and swallowed enough for her to see the bob of his Adam's apple. His eyes bore into hers and she did her best not to flinch under his gaze. She was not the one trapped and cornered now. He was.
"You have ten seconds to remove yourself from this situation," Angelica announced. "And, no, I won't be counting down."
Maria glared at him, so he understood Angelica meant it. He shoved her into the bed before climbing to his feet. He curled his top lip to her before turning to the door. He squared his shoulders and straightened his shirt before he yanked open the door.
"A wise decision," Angelica said.
"Don't think you did something today. She's still mine," James replied.
Maria could not see if any actions happened and after a second that did not matter. Angelica came into the room and she flew into Angelica's arms. Angelica held her tight, like nothing could ever get her. She buried her head in Angelica's shoulder and sobbed, soaking Angelica's shirt instantly. Tension poured out of her with every tear.
"It's okay, princess. It's okay," Angelica said, rubbing the small of her back.
And it really was. Maria cried tears of relief, almost joy. She could breathe again. People cared enough about her to come save her. Not just one person, but several. And when she dared to look up, she saw it was even more than she assumed. Angelica's sisters and all of her friends stood up outside of the room. They had all come to her aid.
"You bought everybody," Maria said with a sniffle.
"When you said James was here, I wasn't sure how much help you needed, so here's all of it, just in case," Angelica replied.
"Yeah, and you're coming home with us," Peggy said as she stepped forward, putting a hand on Maria's shoulder.
"We'll pack up some stuff for you right now." Eliza entered the room with a purpose, looking so powerful.
Angelica chuckled. "Maybe let Maria pack her own bag."
Eliza sighed. "Fine, but…" She turned to Maria. "Please come." She pressed her palms together. "We don't want anything to happen to you."
Maria nodded. "Of course." She was touched. They actually cared. Besides, she would not give James a chance to do that again.
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Next time: a solution to this problem and the end.