I placed my hand over my mouth and mumbled, “Hey.”
I turned around and walked into the girl’s bathroom to avoid hitting him with the fresh smell of all the goodness rotten egg had to offer.
“Wait, Ren.” He stepped into the bathroom behind me, his foot propping the door open. I spun around to look at him. He was close enough I could feel the warmth from his body scorching mine. “I thought you might have use for this.”
He handed me a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. I glanced at him and he shrugged his shoulders.
He’s thoughtful and modest.
“I apologize for Tyler. He takes things further than necessary. I hope you can forgive him.”
As soon as I accepted Axel’s offering, he turned around and left me to do my business. After five minutes of brushing, I huffed against my hand to test my breath. Minty fresh. I stepped out to find Axel leaning against the wall, his hands in his front pockets, head tilted back, eyes closed. My heart thumped an odd beat as I drank in his profile. Like he felt my presence, an endearing smile crept up and he pushed off the wall, walking toward me.
“You did warn me about him,” I said, answering his earlier statement. I smiled mischievously. “That conniving brat.”
I was already plotting ways to get him back. I dared a glance into Axel’s eyes, which I regretted immediately. His intense gaze so easily mistaken for desire brought on another round of heated flutters. I cleared my throat and looked away.
“But if you wanted to…” I gave him a sideways glance with a sly smile. “You could help me get back at him.”
He raised his dark eyebrows in amusement. “Hmmm… tempting. It might be in my best interest to stay out. You both seem too competitive. I wouldn’t want to accidently become the innocent bystander.” He chuckled, massaging the back of his neck.
My heart pounded against my chest. It felt like decades had passed since I last heard him laugh like that. His eyes crinkled in the corners just a tad, making his face brighter.
“You’re confusing accidently with intentional. It’s never accidently, Axel.” I arched my brow. “Never.”
“Huh. I guess I could never keep them straight.”
I waved about the toothbrush and paste. “I never got the chance to say thank you.”
I got up on my toes, placed my hands on his shoulders, and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek before I realized what I did. Horrorstruck, I stepped back, panicking. He seemed to be in shock too. His hand went to the place where my lips touched his skin. His cheeks turned bright pink.
I knew the kiss was very innocent and unintentional, but I couldn’t bring myself to say I was sorry. Because… really… I wasn’t.
“Umm…”
Axel looked at me with intensity. His features darkened, his lips slightly parted, and his eyes dropped to my lips like he was ready to pull me into a dark corner and ravish me. His eyes traveled back to mine. His expression turned to one of longing. My breathing became erratic. There was nothing more I wanted than to feel his lips against mine.
Come on, Ren, don’t be so weak.
“I-I-I’ll see you in class,” I stammered.
Every nerve in my body was on high alert and protested against my will to turn around and walk way. I mentally slapped myself. Get ahold of yourself, woman.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The party buzzed with overly drunk, overly enthusiastic teenagers. The music blasted, couples gyrated alongside the bonfire, and drinks passed around clusters of people. I recognized many from our school and then some. I was surprised at the numbers.
“This is some turnout.” I hugged Pey, who reeked of alcohol.
“Rrreeeee-Rrreeee!” she slurred, throwing her arms around my neck. “How izz your night so farzzz?”
“Oh, you know, I caught my brother and Cassie on the couch, making out. If I wasn’t trying to sneak out, I would’ve gouged my eyes out first. I know they’ve been dating for ages, but seriously? I’m just thankful I didn’t find them in a more comprising position.” I closed my eyes and shuddered at that thought.
Eww.
“They’re both adults and there’s no harm in getting laid,” she slurred. She jabbed me in the ribs and wiggled her eyebrows. “You should try it sometime.”
“Hi, baby.” Landon roughly pulled Pey into a kiss before I could respond.
I looked away, feeling like I was prying on an intimate moment.
“Hey, baaaabbyyy,” Pey drawled, slipping into a giggle-fest.
“Will you make sure she doesn’t drive home drunk?” I asked Landon.
He nodded, offering me a red cup. I declined. A hand slithered around my waist, pulling me against a hard body. I squealed with surprise. I looked up to find Dean beaming, looking down at me. His face shined bright as a freaking Christmas tree at the Hilton’s home.
“Hey, birthday boy,” I said and wrapped my arm around his waist, giving him a sideways hug.
“I think my birthday just got a whole lot better.” He grinned and pulled me into a full, flush bear hug.
“Happy eighteenth birthday,” I said once he stepped back.
He left his hand wrapped around my waist. What gives? He looked down at me, his eyes swirling with emotions I couldn’t read. He seemed slightly buzzed.
“Dance with me.” He pulled me into the crowd without waiting for my response. He wrapped my arms over his shoulders and placed his own on my hips.
“So, listen, I told Landon I shouldn’t come, but he threatened to send Pey after me and you know how she is when she gets on a mission,” I rambled.
“Shut up, Pernell.” He softened his features and added a smile. “I’m really glad you came.” He looked at me uncomfortably. “I would’ve been incredibly happy if it were just the four of us, like old times.”
I knew which four he meant—Pey, Landon, him, and me. I gave him a quick smile. Dean pulled me closer, his arms engulfing my body with the familiarity that was too comforting to protest. It had been four years since we held each other like this. My head rested against his chest as we moved slowly to the upbeat music.
I noticed he’d changed his cologne. He no longer smelled like mud or fresh pine leaves or metal. I was surprised that my mind kept this piece of information hidden. His body changed too—much more muscular than I remembered. I slowly lifted my head, looking at him.
“You changed your cologne.”
“You noticed.” His eyes bored into mine, making my heart thrum fitfully.
“It’s kind of hard to forget that muddy stink,” I said with a jab to his rib.
Dean smiled seductively, his thumb caressing the nape of my neck, leaning down as if to kiss me.
“I have your present.”
His forehead leaned against mine; his eyes closed. My emotions were running high and Dean’s attentiveness wasn’t helping our situation. I knew there was something strong between us and I knew neither of us could resist if the right opportunity was presented. But it was nowhere close to how I felt about Axel.
Even if there was a possibility for us, Dean wasn’t healthy for me. He wasn’t stable; he lived for conquests without commitment, and I didn’t know if I could deal with being part of that. No matter how much I loved him, I wanted to be needed. I wanted him to only want me for everything I had to offer. And be satisfied with it. But, that wasn’t Dean.
I sighed heavily. “I’ll drop it off tomorrow. Have a wonderful birthday.”
I turned around and walked away from the crowd, feeling empty and confused and frustrated all at the same time.
Dean. Was. Not. Healthy.
The soft melodic rhythm filled the air. A breath of fresh air tingled my senses—just what I needed. I found a rock half my height, close to the water, and sat with my arms around my knees. The waves drummed against the rocks, adding to the serenity of an unforgettable night. The moon gleamed against the mirrored black surface of rippling water. Simply enthralling.
The skin at the back of my neck tingled. I shivered wit
h excitement.
“Hi.”
“I didn’t think this was your kind of party.” My undeniable connection to him told me who it was.
Axel.
“It isn’t.”
I looked up and inhaled sharply. Axel’s brown hair was cut shorter than usual and his bright blue eyes twinkled in the dark night. I could stare at him for the rest of my life.
I swallowed hard. “Is that how you get girls to fawn all over you? By being mysterious?”
“Is it working?”
“I’m offended you would think so low of me.”
“What are you thinking?” He dropped next to me, his body pivoted toward mine.
“Boys.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
He chuckled.
I bit the corner of my lip to stop myself from smiling. I placed my chin over my bent knees, looking toward the serene waves. “Love this time of the day, especially during a full moon. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a pretty good view.” His voiced emanated low and husky to my ears.
My body heat shot up a few degrees. The pit of my stomach filled with butterflies, cartwheels, jumping jacks. I let out a growl of frustration.
“That is the cheesiest pick-up line ever. Don’t they teach you men how to woo women in Dracia?”
“Ouch.” He rubbed his hand over his heart.
I stood up, about to leave, and he grabbed my wrist. Electricity surged up the length of my arm like the first time our palms touched. I gazed at his fingers curled around mine before trailing up to his face and then his eyes.
His brow creased, causing a vertical line to appear. “Please don’t go.”
“I should.”
“Stay.” His pleading voice dissolved my strength and anger. “You and Dean…?” Axel trailed off, arching his perfect eyebrow.
“That’s why you wanted me to stay?” I accused.
He shrugged unapologetically. “You guys dating?”
I laughed. Let him draw his own conclusion.
When Axel stayed mute, I glanced toward him to find his eyes far away, and his lips set in a tight frown. My heart squeezed and I didn’t like it. I needed to say something to make him smile again.
Damn it, he is good. Playing me like a puppet. “No, we aren’t.”
“Oh!” He paused, his jaw clenched like he was trying to hold something back.
“We used to be best friends. Now, I don’t know what we are.” Why in the world am I telling him this? “I’ve known Dean since we were children. Until the summer before ninth grade, Landon, Pey, Dean, and I were inseparable. One day, while we were waiting for Landon and Pey to join us, he kissed me just as a few of his football buddies walked by. They laughed at us and he… pushed me and said, ‘No way, Pernell.’ That was the first time he ever called me by my last name.”
Axel pressed his lips together like he was trying to hold back a chuckle. I smacked his arm hard, hurting my hand in the process. He didn’t even flinch or show any sign of pain. What was he, man of steel? Geez.
“I’m glad you think my miserable first kiss is hilarious. I never will get to take it back and get another chance, you know?” I frowned.
“I’m sorry.” His face turned deafeningly dark and handsome. “Maybe I could help erase that memory?”
“What?” I struggled to breathe for a minute before recovering. “God, don’t be a jerk. Now, tell me about your first kiss so I can be envious.”
Axel raised his brows in surprise. Did the temperature just go up one hundred degrees?
Ah, hell.
“You know what I mean. Geez.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Since mine was totally ruined, I make a habit of listening to other people’s first kiss and resent them.”
He chuckled in a deep, husky tone, sending an uncontrollable shiver up my spine.
Whoaza! I mentally fanned myself.
“Well, if it’ll make you feel better, mine wasn’t that great, either. I got prank-kissed, by one of my cousins, nonetheless, during a wedding when I was eight years old. My first make out session was with the butt of a lemon and it was caught on camera. You can only imagine the kind of blackmail…”
I was laughing so hard I didn’t realize tears streamed down my cheeks.
“You know what…? Thank you… That did… help. God, I can’t breathe.” I placed my hand on my stomach as I hunched over, hoping to catch my breath.
“Hardy, har, har…”
“Sorry.” I couldn’t stop laughing. “Not really… Give me… a minute.”
I took a few more minutes to compose myself. I jumped off the rock and stood with my hands crossed close to where Axel sat.
“Ah. Axel… if it’s any consolation, I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.” I tried to give him my best flirty smile with the whole batting my eyelashes and all.
“Nope, that doesn’t do it for me.” A sultry smile drew across his lips. “But, I can think of another way you can make it up.”
He moved so fast I didn’t know how I was pinned against the rock. Axel boxed me between his hands and body. I sucked in a deep breath, surprised, and held it for a few long seconds, afraid to let this moment pass. His overpowering stance made my insides tingle. What did I get myself into?
“W-what are you doing?” I stammered.
My gaze dropped to his lips. He licked them in response.
“Yeah, good luck with that.” I was very sure I just sent him a personal invitation.
I tried to duck under him, but he was too quick.
Damn it!
His gaze dropped to my cheeks, lips, and finally, my neck. Hot damn. My throat went bone dry and I… I… couldn’t think a single coherent thought.
Everything else became insignificant. Minuscule. Non-essential.
My lips parted in anticipation.
His finger traced my cheek and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. A shiver passed through me, awakening every nerve ending in my body. My eyes closed like they had a mind of their own. Good God, that feels incredible. His hand travelled down to my neck. His thumb caressed the hollow between my neck and jaw. I stopped breathing. I didn’t think I could move even if my life depended on it.
My heartbeat increased and warmth pooled in the pit of my stomach. I definitely saw a heart attack in my near future. His other hand moved down my hand, leaving a trace of sizzling fire where he touched. His hand snaked around to touch my lower back, resting on the small amount of my exposed flesh. I let out a sigh of pleasure that sounded something between a moan and a whimper.
I wanted to forget about the stupid perky cheerleader, Rachel; I wanted to forget about Dean, forget about everything, just this once. My chest heaved erratically and breathing became impossible. I needed his touch, his mouth against mine.
I opened my eyes. His lips were slightly parted like he was struggling to breathe too. There was a small trace of smile when he saw me looking at him. He knew he was driving me crazy.
He leaned closer, his body almost pressing against mine. Our breathing sped up, in sync with each other. His lips were so close. So close I could smell his sweet minty breath dancing against mine. My eyes closed and my head tilted back, ready for him.
I waited. But nothing happened. I heard Axel say something I couldn’t comprehend and the air around us changed, becoming much cooler. I opened my eyes. Axel crouched before me, his daggers drawn—his body shielding mine from them. Goarders. My eyes widened. A dozen pair of glowing red eyes stared back at us.
And just like that, our night took a turn to Shitsville.
Axel’s hand reached for mine and without a moment’s hesitation, he tugged me toward him.
“We need to run.” He hissed.
I looked over my shoulder toward the Goarders. We couldn’t run. We shouldn’t turn our backs on them. They would kill us the second we did.
“Please trust me on this.”
I nodded, thankful for my running shoes. Before I had th
e chance to take a deep breath, Axel pulled me and started in a sprint toward the trees. My heart hammered against my chest, pumping blood into my muscles, as my arms and legs worked their hardest. It was a good thing I was an experienced runner. Being an undefeated 400-meter state champion was finally paying off.
The cold September breeze lashed against my face. My lungs struggled to provide the necessary oxygen to keep my body moving. I almost tripped over the thick tree branches that surfaced unexpectedly. Twigs snapped sharply beneath our feet.
“I can’t.” I bent over, placing my hands on my knees. My legs could no longer carry me. My breathing was getting impossibly harder.
“Few more yards, Ren.” Axel pleaded. “We just have to make it over there, to that threshold.” He pointed to the area where a light flashed.
I couldn’t figure out why the Goarders hadn’t caught up to us. If my memory served me correctly, they were fast. Faster than I could run. I sucked in a deep breath and nodded to Axel. We took off in a sprint. I concentrated on my breathing and my end goal and not the danger after us. As we approached the destination, we came to an abrupt stop. He let go of my hand and caressed my burning cheek.
“Go!” he ordered. Or was that a plea?
I hesitated. Then saw a Goarder frozen in midair that leapt toward me. Its teeth bared and his snake-like tongue darted out like he tasted the air.
I stifled a scream.
Axel shook my shoulder and when my eyes met his, he said, “I promise I’ll be right behind you. Go, now.” His eyes darted to the Goarders and mine followed.
That was when I understood why I was still here, alive, and not a shish kabob to the Goarders. My palms perspired and I fought the urge to run them over my pants. It was like watching a movie in slow motion. Axel had been using his magic to slow down their pace, which gave us the chance to escape. My ears became muffled and all I could see before me was the danger Axel was in.
He opened his mouth to say something.
“I’ve got her,” someone said. I felt as if my ears were stuffed with cotton. A pair of hands grabbed me under my arms and dragged me away.
Dracian Legacy Page 8
