by Kim Faulks
But this...this was a surprise.
“Well, you going to open it?” Nero murmured, his cheeks blushing red.
I fumbled with the paper at the end, tearing the wrapping. My fingers sunk into the soft black and white striped fur. I yanked the last bit free and stared at the plush zebra onesie. “Oh, wow.”
I pulled it close and lowered my head to brush the softness against my cheek. “It’s beautiful. I love it.” I lifted my head and met his gaze. “It’s perfect.”
He beamed at the words, the smile brightening his blue eyes. “I knew you would. You said zebras were your favorite animal, and you’ve been cold, so I figured this’d keep you warm at night.”
I did...I did say that, and he remembered.
My breath caught, desire flooding me like a bath of liquid sunlight. I stepped forward, grasped the onesie in one hand as I threw my arms around him. “Thank you, it’s the nicest thing anyone has ever given me.”
He was so warm against me, so strong and healthy and I let myself relax in his arms, taking every second of perfection. His hold tightened, moulding my body around him, until his breaths were mine...his warmth was mine. He was mine.
“All we need is Judas, Bond and a little music, right?” he whispered in my ear. “And we could have our dance right here.”
I pulled away then, looking up into his eyes.
Three heartbeats.
Three Wolves.
“That sounds perfect to me.”
“But it’s not gonna happen, is it furball?” Ava snarled from the doorway.
She shoved my door open and stumbled bleary-eyed into my room, looked at me from the corner of her eye and grunted.
Nero just chuckled and pulled away. “No, it isn’t. Not until tonight anyway. See you then, Mor... I can’t wait to see your dress.”
“Are you getting dressed?” Ava asked after Nero left my room. “Dance starts in just over an hour.”
Chapter Twenty
Your Ass Is Gigantic In That
I leaned closer to the mirror, finished the last touches on my mascara and eased backwards, staring at perfection. I didn’t look sick under the pile of foundation and concealer. “Not bad.’ I turned my head side to side. “Not bad at all.” My skin no longer looked so pale, and my pouty lips were rosy.
My dark hair cascaded just over my shoulders, straight and shiny, pulled off my face with diamond clips. I twirled on the spot, my black evening dress billowing out around my legs, the heart-shaped corset portion of the dress hugged my chest, showing just the right amount of cleavage. Yep, the guys were going to adore me tonight. I twisted the diamond belt around my waist so the clasp sat at my back, and then I searched for my heels.
“You’re not serious. You can’t go like that?” Ava blurted from behind me.
I turned to find her in the bathroom doorway, taking up the entire space dressed in… “What are you wearing?”
She stared down at the pearl colored outfit that bulged around her, like some kind of beige banana.
Her head stuck out of the top and she wore black leggings and boots.
“It’s my moon costume.” She backed away and turned sideways, showing me the waning shape of the moon. Yep, there it was.
“That makes your ass look gigantic.”
She shrugged. “Theme is black and white for a costume party. What are you meant to be? Persephone, Princess of the Underworld?”
“Hmm, I’m going as myself. I don’t think this is a costume party, Ava.”
She shook her head. “Nah. Black and White Ball means come dressed anything black or white, doesn’t it?”
I headed out of the bathroom and she followed me to the balcony. Dance music already played on the wind and below were students headed to the dance, dressed in tuxedos and gowns.
Ava gasped.
I turned to her, took her hand, seeing her cheeks turn red. “I’ve got lots of dresses. You can borrow one of mine.”
But her gaze was following the students outside, and she shook her head. “No. I’m gonna rock this as a moon.” She twirled on her heels and marched back into my room, her moon tail wiggling with each step. “I don’t follow others, and I want to do my own thing.”
I adored her tenacity and individuality, but also knew the Cat gang would take this chance to tease her all night. I couldn’t, wouldn’t allow that.
“Give me two seconds to finish getting ready, then we’re off.”
She nodded, not staring at me, and it killed me to see my friend hurt.
I rushed into the bathroom, already pulling at the zipper of my dress.
When I finished looking amazing, I swung open the door and stepped into the room. “Let’s rock this together.”
Ava’s head shot up and her mouth dropped open at seeing me.
“Do you like it?” I spun on the spot, dressed in my Zebra onesie.
Ava rushed toward me, her eyes glistening, and she threw herself at me, arms looped around her neck. “I fucking love it.”
Her moon costume squished between us, bowling me backward and against the wall. We both giggled as she slipped out of my arms.
“When did you get this? And a zebra? Please don’t tell me you’re into Bronies. Or a Pegasister as they call females in this fetish. Don’t ask how I know that.” She giggled.
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about, but Nero got it for me today ‘cause I adore zebras.”
She lifted her chin and smirked. “We’re gonna stand out tonight and everyone will want to hang with us.”
“Yep, everyone sure will be staring at us. But for you, I’d do anything.” I glanced into the bathroom, took one last look at my Gucci dress hanging over the sink, but instead of stepping into my glittery black stilettos, I headed to the closet and yanked on black boots. Facing my friend, I caught her swiping a hand under an eye. “You better not be crying.”
She scoffed. “Right, as if.”
Together we headed outside. Despite looking like a dork, I knew tonight was going to be special. And everything would be fine because I had my friend and Wolves by my side, no matter what.
“No one’s ever done anything like this for me before.” She sniffled.
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her against my side. “We’re besties for life. And tonight, I just want to dance and pretend our lives are normal.”
“You bet.”
We walked toward the gymnasium. The music was so loud it left my skin tingling. Through the open doors, swaying spotlights lit up the place that resembled nothing of the gym we used for class.
“Nice costumes.” A guy rushed past with his friends, chortling like pigs.
But I didn’t care about them or anyone else. Tonight was about letting my hair down and not what others thought. Most of them disliked me, feared me, so what difference would it made if I wore a gown or onesie?
At the door we paused. The celebrations had started. People gyrated on a dancefloor that took up most of the room. Tables sat along the walls, filled with snacks and drinks. Black and white balloons dangled from the ceiling. Everyone was dressed up in the same theme, their hairstyles perfect, and me… I swallowed past the sudden realization of what I’d worn. My whole life, I’d been showered in only the latest brands, the most expensive; looking pristine was part of the Vampire look. So, going to a party in my onesie was new, but I was doing this for Ava.
The air tasted strangely of candy and a cocktail of perfumes. Everyone was staring at us, pointing, laughing. I didn’t care.
“If you squint really hard,” Ava started. “They all look like waddling penguins.”
I looked around and locked eyes with Judas and his pack standing near the DJ. I grabbed Ava’s arm and dragged her around the dancers and toward the Wolves who ignited the fire in my chest.
Nero and Bond stood on either side of him.
“Hey gorgeous.” Judas reached out and took my hand in his. “You both look stunning.”
Ava giggled next to me, whil
e I was lost in his mocha eyes, adoring how he looked at me as if only I existed in his world.
All three wore black tuxes with small bows and looked so hot. They might be dressed in crisp, tailored suits, but each of them were so different, from Judas who stood tall, a glint in his eyes showing he was the leader, to Bond with sandy hair pushed off his strong face, looking deadly and delicious as always. The quiet ones always were. Then there was Nero, whose mischievous smile widened as he eyed my onesie, clearly loving what he saw.
The three of them leaned in closer, kissing me on the lips and cheeks.
I wanted to fall into their arms, have them surround me all night and lather me in their attention. Now this was kind of party I preferred.
Ava was tugging the sleeve of my zebra outfit. “Gah, do you have to do that in front of me?”
“If I knew this was a costume party, I would have come as my Wolf.” A rumble rolled in Bond’s chest, something about their animal side had me burning up. “Maybe it’s not too late.” He winked, and a giggle slipped past my lips. Damn, I was completely lost in their company.
“Drinks?” Nero asked, and we nodded. He and Bond were off to the drink table.
Judas hadn’t released my hand, and his eyes were all over me. “I expect a lot of dances tonight, even in that hideous costume.”
I pretended to look around. “Are you talking to me, the zebra?”
Ava huffed.
“Babe, I’ll be chasing you all night.”
“Geez, I knew I should have asked Chuck to come with me tonight.”
I glanced over at her. “You can dance with us.”
“Yeah, me, the fifth wheel. No thanks. I’m off to attack the snack bar.”
Judas’ hands fell to my waist and drew me against him, our bodies stuck together, his breath on my cheek. “You look gorgeous,” he breathed. “Feels like we haven’t spent enough time together, and I plan to fix that.”
I stared up at the Wolf who captivated me. No one feature made him handsome. They all did, from the silvery hue in his chocolate eyes, to the squareness of his jaw, and then there was his bewitching smile. Whatever was happening between us was more than physical. He had the heart of a wolf, but the temperament of an angel. And when he looked at me, I felt protected and adored.
Nero and Bond returned, handing me a plastic cup with blood punch by the look of it. Bond searched for Ava, holding two cups.
“She’ll be back.” I scanned the room and found her in a hushed conversation with Salome not far from the doors.
My gut tightened, picturing her berating my friend, except, they were alone and they sure didn’t look like enemies. More like friends sharing a secret.
I’d never seen them talking before, and considering the Cat bitches had tried to kill me, a spear of acid cut through me to see my best friend huddling so close with one. Salome patted Ava’s moon tail and they both giggled.
What was so funny? I was the one dressed like a zebra!
“You’re looking pretty jealous there,” Bond whispered in my ear.
I waved him away. “Am not. Just worried she’s picking on Ava.”
“Yeah must be pretty harsh, with them both laughing,” Nero added.
All four of us were staring their way, Judas at my back, his arms looped around my stomach. “Jealousy isn’t pretty,” he muttered. “Trust your friend.”
I hated his words and frowned, but when Ava turned our way, we all acted like we hadn’t been watching, and I suddenly felt stupid.
“Geez, can you guys be any more obvious?” Ava groaned.
I untangled myself from Judas’ hands before handing him my cup.
“What was going on?” I looked toward Salome who headed back to Nesrin, both of them decked out in glorious gowns, hair curled and damn but they looked spectacular. But if I had my dress and stilettos, I’d outshine them in a heartbeat.
“Nothing. I’ll tell you later.” Ava reached for her drink from Bond, but I couldn’t stop fidgeting with my pockets, feeling the diamonds because I didn’t leave home without them. It just felt right to have them on me always.
I kept staring at Salome, laughing with Nesrin, and I collected Ava’s arm and took her outside the gym.
“Didn’t take you long,” she teased. “I saw the way you were all staring at me when I was with Salome. She’s actually not that bad.”
“She tried to kill me, remember? Or are you just conveniently forgetting that?”
Ava flinched as though I’d slapped her. “I don’t forget a thing, and some things aren’t always what they seem.”
I glanced toward the Lioness inside the party. “What were you talking about?”
Ava pursed her lips. “You’re not going to wait until tomorrow, are you?”
I shook my head, my muscles tensing. “Just tell me.”
“Okay fine. Brylee was the one who made Nesrin and Salome take your ring. Salome wanted you to know she didn’t want to, but was forced to. She thinks you deserve to know the truth.”
I swallowed hard, trying to process her words. “No one can be forced to do anything.”
“They can if they want to remain part of a pride and not be isolated. They can if they have as much to lose as you do.”
“I thought Nesrin was the pride leader?”
“I think Brylee fooled all of us. She’s the mastermind behind that group. Anyway, look, no one’s supposed to know. But Salome...she's okay. She’s a friend even if it doesn’t seem so.”
Her words weren’t making sense. “What—”
The sudden screech of a microphone had me flinching. “Welcome everyone to the Black and White Ball,” Ms. Whitecotton’s voice came from the gym. “Before we commence festivities and speeches, as is tradition, we shall begin with the Horn Dance. Everyone please line up and prepare.”
I didn’t move, wanting to understand why Brylee wanted me hurt. She didn’t even know me.
Footsteps closed in behind me and I heard him breathing before he touched me.
“Let’s go.” Judas collected my arm, and I went with him, my head whirling with confusion.
“I want to speak to Brylee,” I said.
Ava was alongside me. “Haven’t seen her at the dance.”
I nodded, though I couldn’t get her words out of my mind.
Back in the gymnasium, everyone was arranged in two lines stretching the length of the room, guys on one side and girls on the other, just like in dance class.
Ava dragged me into line, while the Wolves stood across from us. And the music commenced. We were off, all of us, and there was something about having such a large number of people crammed together in a strange dance that had my adrenaline racing. I squeezed past Judas and Nero, both of them reaching for me. I adored their touches. On the way back, my phone beeped in my pocket, and I dug it out.
Just as I passed Judas, he frowned and snatched the phone from my hand, switched it off in a flash and stuffed it back into my pocket.
“No calls, babe. Just have fun tonight.” His intense eyes had me listening to him, and I rushed forward as I’d fallen behind the line of girls.
He was right. I’d been so tense for weeks, sick, and uncertain. I deserved a night off. So I raised my head, smiled, and dove into the Horn Dance, letting the music consume me.
By the time we finished skipping in a large circle, the Wolves chasing us during the dance, everyone broke out laughing, gasping for air, and I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed so much. Despite everything happening, a bit of time off was exactly what I needed.
“Let’s get a drink.” Ava seized my hand and pulled me to the tables, while I scanned the mass of students dressed up. Already Ms. Whitecotton was reaching for the microphone.
“Do you think it’s too late to ask Chuck to join us?” Ava glanced at me with a smile in her eyes, then her mouth dropped and I followed her line of sight.
Brylee!
Chapter Twenty-One
Demons and Diamonds
“Th
ere she is, fucking bitch,” Ava snarled. “I just wanna walk over there and smash her with my damn moon. Might get shit on it. Momma says if you hit shit, it splatters.”
She was casting daggers toward the doorway. I lifted my gaze to see Brylee saunter in with a stunning floor-length sequined gown. Nesrin and Salome stood on either side, and for once the Panther was out-shone by the Cheetah.
The sting was instant as my nails drove into my palm. I wanted to know what her fucking deal was…why she urged the others to hurt me like that. “You have my back.”
Ava squared her shoulders, smacking my ass with the corner of her moon as she turned. “Always.”
I cut through the crowd, leaving the Wolves behind and stepped into her path. “Brylee.”
“Vampire,” she snarled, her eyes glinting.
I never even looked at the others. “Was it your idea to take my ring and leave me to burn in the church?”
She never answered, only cast a glance to her left. I followed her gaze to Ms. Lucas as Brylee muttered. “Where the fuck is Stone?”
“You gonna answer her?” Ava stepped closer.
Hate raged in the Cheetah’s glare as she bared her teeth and snarled. “For me to know, and for you to squirm like the fucking worm you are.”
“Right, that’s it,” Ava lunged.
I grabbed Ava’s arm before she went all MMA Kracken smackdown on her ass. “Don’t eat her.”
My best friend just met my gaze and screwed up her face. “Eww…”
“Fucking eww me, Calamari Queen,” Brylee spat.
My phone slipped from my pocket as I grappled with my best friend and hit the floor. “Great.” Soft padding on my feet slid on the polished floor as I bent. I almost landed on my ass snatching my phone from the floor and then straightened.
But my phone was dead, switched off from Judas. I kept my gaze on the others, and took a step backwards. My fingers hit the button on my phone switching it back on.
