I give her my brightest smile and straighten my back. I may be short, but I’ve been dealing with bitches like her for years. Shifter or not, she won’t be walking all over me. “Oh yeah, I get the hang of things pretty quick. I like to figure things out for myself, but thanks for the offer.” I keep eye contact the entire time I’m speaking to her so she knows, I know the game she’s playing. No one has said a word, and we’re both still staring at each other when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

I turn to look and see Sniffer staring at Brittany. “Ladies, what’s going on?” The hand on my shoulder squeezes gently, but it doesn’t match the tension in his voice. Without waiting for a response, he sits with his hand still on my shoulder. He puts a fist up to Sam in greeting.

Finally dropping his hand from my arm, he says, “Sophia, how’s your first day been? I see you found this loser. How’d he convince you to let him join us?”

Ignoring the girl’s presence at the table, I answer, “It’s been great so far. Sam’s my table mate in Bio. Once I found out he’s your BFF.” I knock shoulders with him. “I told him he had to come,” I say, smiling at them both. “Brittany and her friends were just offering to show me the ropes.”

Sniffer’s eyes thin. “That’s nice of you, Brit, but I think me and Sam can take care of Sophia.” The way he says it leaves no room for doubt. It’s a warning.

I think she’s about to stomp her foot when one of her friends says, “We all had such a good time on Friday, Cass. Brit hasn’t stopped talking about your hot tub all weekend.” Brittany’s now smirking at me like she just won something.

“I’m glad everybody had a good time. We’re going out to lunch. See you guys later.” He dismisses them. They’re reluctant to leave but do. Heads close together, looking back repeatedly.

Sniffer rubs his hands together. “Now that the terrible trio are gone, let’s get lunch. I’m starving.”

We end up at a pizza place in the cafe. Sam hasn’t stopped teasing Cass about his new nickname since the girls walked away. They bicker like a married couple, it’s pretty entertaining. After our pizza is gone, I let them know I have to head toward my next class. They offer to walk me. Sniffer tells me I can come to the pack land tomorrow around two, and after, we can grab some dinner or just hang out. He can introduce me to some friends. I let him know either is fine by me. They both walk me all the way to my photography class. “I’ll see ya tomorrow. Text me if you need anything or have a problem finding the place.”

“Thanks guys.” I smile and wave. They wait until I’m in the classroom before leaving.