by J. N. Colon
“The only thing they’d be drooling over is steak,” I remarked dryly. I knew the real reason he did it was because I hated being in the spotlight and I was already getting my fill with the vampires and shifters recently. “Thanks Mac.” I pressed my lips against his, savoring his wild taste, completely forgetting there were four other people at the table.
Someone cleared their throat. “Okay guys,” Jason said. “I thought Rubi was here to eat the High Noon Duel burger, not her boyfriend’s face.”
Laughter erupted and we broke apart, our cheeks flushed.
“Real funny Jason.” I licked my lips.
The surfer boy flashed me a dimpled smile reaching all the way to those gorgeous aqua eyes. His golden hair was gleaming with even more natural highlights from his time on the beach this summer. I used to have a mondo crush on the captain of the polo team—he was dreamy and drool worthy—but he doesn’t jolt my heart into palpitations like Mac does. Of course any girl would be lucky to have him.
I absentmindedly wondered what Emmaline would think of him.
Demy poked my arm. “Let’s see what you got birthday girl. I’m betting I’ll finish before you.”
I scoffed. “Oh please Demy. You might be a…” I trailed off as my eyes flickered toward the three humans at the table. “You might have an unnaturally large appetite, but you don’t have anything on me.”
He arched his studded brow in a challenge, his expressive eyes laughing at me. “We’ll see.”
The waitress, a college girl with a bouncy blonde ponytail under her cowboy hat, skipped toward our table. Her eyes roamed over us, her brows lifting at me who was sandwiched between the extremely sexy Mac and Demy. She was probably wondering why me.
I sighed, annoyed. “I’ll have a coke.”
She blinked as if she forgot she was at work. “Oh right.” She jotted it down on her pad and then grinned at Mac. “And you sugar?”
“The same.” He barely spared her a glance as he pulled me closer to kiss my cheek.
I couldn’t fight the smile from splitting my lips.
As we waited on our burgers I opened their gifts. Jill got me some of my favorite gardenia perfume. Eric got me a massive amount of beef jerky. Jason got me a skimpy blue bikini with a matching cover up that said Sea Goddess.
“What the hell Jason?” Mac growled while Demy cracked up with laughter.
“What dude?” Jason shrugged innocently. “That’s our thing.” He motioned between us. “You know, swimming.” He flashed his pearly whites.
Mac shook his head in disbelief. “She’s not wearing that tiny thing anywhere near you.”
Demy got me an Audio Slave t-shirt that matched his and a silver ring with a panther carved out of onyx and tiny specks of amethyst as eyes.
“Awe, thanks Demy.” I leaned over and hugged him.
“Do you have thing for panthers or something?” Jason asked, his aqua eyes surveying us curiously.
“She sure does.” Demy wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
I elbowed him. “Shut up.” Demy’s go-to shift was a black panther.
Rufus and Daedalus got me a big gift together—every season of Hell’s Kitchen made so far! I love that show.
‘It’s raw!’
‘You donkey.’
‘Where’s the wellington!’
“Thanks guys.”
Daedalus leaned forward and hugged me, his sandy brown chin length hair tickling my cheek. “You’re welcome.” He stood tall, his amber eyes shining softly, such a contrast to his other hard, masculine features. “You better watch some of those with me.” He scratched the perpetual stubble on his square jaw. “I love it when he kicks the trashcan.”
“Me too!” I grinned.
“Hey now. Don’t forget about me,” Rufus said in that lilting English accent I found so fascinating. I could listen to him talk all day.
I opened my arms for a hug. “No way.”
He bent down hugged me, giving me one good squeeze before standing. “Happy birthday Rubi.” He smiled, his pearly whites gleaming brightly against his mocha skin. The lights above reflected on his smooth bald head and glinted in his chocolate eyes.
Where Daedalus was harsh and rough, Rufus was smooth as silk. They looked like polar opposites, but worked in perfect harmony. And they were best friends to boot. The two royal guards weren’t currently dressed in their black uniforms with the royal crest stitched on the left breast. Instead they were causal in jeans and t-shirts with the symbol of the crest hidden on the bands of their watches.
When the servers finally brought out five massive burgers they eyed us warily, assuming none of us except maybe Mac would be able to finish.
Oh how wrong they were.
Thirty minutes later I tossed my napkin aside and leaned back in my chair, rubbing my tummy. “Done.”
Demy’s violet eyes flickered up in shock to see my empty plate. He still had a few more bites on his. He cursed and glanced at Mac’s plate that only had a few bites too. Determined to at least be the second he crammed the rest in his mouth and tossed his napkin on the table.
“Done,” he mumbled through a full mouth.
Mac was quick to follow.
The three across from us had mirroring expression of incredulity. Eric had half a burger left, Jill quit eating hers only one third of the way, and Jason still had about one fourth left. They all looked like they were about to pop, groaning and moaning as they eyed their remaining food like it was evil.
The manager strolled over to inspect our plates and declared us three winners. The staff cheered and Demy and Mac fist bumped. I immediately jumped up and ran—or more like waddled—to the winners shirt display.
This time I chose a deep purple hoodie and of course Demy claimed it was because I’m obsessed with his eyes. I stuck my tongue out at him. He got a black hoodie while Mac got a green one.
Too bad it was summer and blazing hot. But Salem will get cool fast. I’ll be wearing it in no time.
I slumped back in my seat, my eyes fluttering closed, food coma descending over me. “You’ll have to carry me out Mac.”
“Gladly,” he chuckled. “We should be going soon so you can get ready.”
My eyes snapped open. “Get ready for what?”
“Your birthday party.”
“You mean this isn’t my birthday party?” I blinked innocently up at him, knowing full well it wasn’t. I knew our parents were planning something, but I’d been ignoring it. Ignorance is bliss…
Chapter 3
Steam followed me out the bathroom after the long, hot shower I indulged in to avoid dressing for my party. I hated being the center of attention and that’s exactly what was waiting for me. I was going to be caught in a giant spotlight.
How the hell did someone like me end up an almost-vampire princess? Oh yeah Mac.
I’m suddenly feeling like giving him a piece of my mind—a yelling, growling, accusatory piece.
I yanked the towel off my head with unnecessary force as a knock resonated on the door. I pulled my blue robe tighter around me before opening it. A woman dressed in acid washed jeans, a tight black knit shirt with the picture of a skull, and a leather vest stood in the door. A collection of necklaces hung around her neck, several charms hidden beneath her shirt as always. Her spikey white hair was tipped with purple and a cheeky grin stretched across her face, deepening the crinkles around her honey colored eyes.
“Lolly!” Yeah, she would die if I called her anything even remotely close to grandmother. When I was a kid she tried to get me to call her by her name, Stella. I shortened it to La because I could not be bothered with a two syllable word at the time. Eventually is just became Lolly. I think I just liked saying.
“Sugar Face!” She crushed me against her chest, squeezing me to death.
“I thought you couldn’t make it,” I said, breathing in the scent of leather, motorcycle fumes, and jasmine shampoo.
She pulled back and playfully nudged me in the chin with
her fist. “Ah, I told those old broads I’d meet them in Tallahassee. I had to give my little chickadee her birthday gift.”
Warmth filled my chest, momentarily forgetting the crowd of people gathering downstairs. “Thanks Lolly.” Stella was my mom’s mom and the absolute opposite of her. She was a free spirited motorcycle gal with a love for danger and excitement—and food. Her permanent residence is California, but she travels on her bike so much the open road is more like her home.
“Now come on, let’s get to it. I ain’t getting any younger.” She pulled me over to my bed and handed me a shimmery gold box with a giant red bow.
I grinned. “You didn’t have to get me anything. I’m just glad you stopped by to see me.”
She scoffed, waving a dismissive hand in the air. “Nonsense.” Her honey eyes similar to mine and my mother’s twinkled mischievously. “You’re gonna needs these doll.”
Warning bells went off in my head, suspicion taking seed in my stomach. There’s no telling what lies within this box. Stella Hartwell is not your typical grandmother—in case you haven’t already noticed that.
I slowly tugged the bow apart and lifted the box, pulling sparkly tissue paper aside. “Lolly!” My jaw nearly hit the floor and cheeks flooded red with embarrassment. “W-What…? I can’t believe… Are you serious?” Staring at me were several delicate lace, silk, and gossamer lingerie outfits in colors ranging from red to black to purple to blue.
“Oh please Rubi. Don’t act like you and that hunk of delicious meat downstairs aren’t getting busy in the bedroom.”
“AH!” I scooted the box from my lap onto the bed and covered my ears with my hands. It’s one thing for my grandmother to ride a motorcycle and dye her hair all colors of the rainbow. It’s another for her to talk about sex—especially regarding me! Yuk.
A booming laugh tumbled out her, the crinkles around her mouth and eyes deepening. “I won’t tell your dad. He’s such a tight ass.”
I stood and grabbed a comb off my vanity, going to work on the knots in my hair, anything to distract myself from this conversation. “I am a virgin,” I hissed.
She snorted. “Not for long.”
I pulled a face, knowing she was probably right. I just wasn’t about to admit it.
“Make sure you take these to that fancy school of yours.” She shook the box, ruffling the delicate materials and winked. “You never know when you’ll need ‘em. Us Hartwell women gotta stay on our toes. Drive those men crazy.”
“One Lolly.” I held a finger in the air. “I only have one man.”
She leaned back on her hands and shrugged, jingling her collection of necklaces with bundles of random charms. “Whatever floats your boat chickadee. I’m not the monogamous type.”
I rolled my eyes. “No duh.” My grandmother never married. She has a long trail of previous boyfriends with broken hearts weeping in the dust from her Harley.
A knowing grin split her lips. “Your mom told me about that mysterious Russian guy… Ms. Only-one-man lady.”
My cheeks burned, picturing my parents finding Demy in my bed this morning. “We’re just friends.” I twisted the panther ring around my finger pensively, the light glinting off the silver, onyx and amethyst. “Good friends.”
The breeze ruffled my long hair that decided to be wavy and brown today as I stared at the rolling ocean, dark waves slamming white caps against the damp sand. Salty moisture permeated the air like Mother Nature’s sweat. The pitch sky was clear, multicolored stars dotting the heavens. Lights twinkled from a boat far off in the distance.
My birthday party was in full swing. At least it was a casual party on our private beach and I didn’t have to dress up in a fancy shmancy dress. Instead I settled for a green and blue skirt that flared just above my knees with a white tank top. Emmaline argued for an hour that I should at least wear these strappy wedge sandals. I finally relented, but ditched them an hour ago to be barefoot.
What? It’s the beach! And it’s my party and I’ll walk around shoeless if I want.
Loads of people were there. Vampires from Salem including Aspen, Brant, Tristan, Roman, and the twins. Vera, Jared, Adalynn, and a few other shifters I met over the summer were in attendance. My short list of human friends were invited. Jackson who was in a long distance relationship with Vera was here.
“Hello Rubi.” I spun around to find a massive man with broad shoulders, thick muscled arms, neatly combed dark brown hair, and amber eyes.
“Dimitri.” A smile formed across my mouth as I hugged Demy’s dad. I met him a few months ago at the Davenport house in Salem. His appearance was intimidating until he flashed a grin, crinkling his eyes and softening his whole appearance. He was a big softy—at least when it came to me.
“How’s my favorite birthday girl?” He squeezed one good time before releasing me and giving me the once over. “You look so much older today, so grown up,” he joked, his Russian accent thick. “Ready to become a vampire yet?”
“Not quite.”
His laughter boomed around us. “They already treat you like one.” He leaned closer. “You know how many times they’ve slipped up and called you princess in front of your human friends.”
I groaned. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“Wish I wasn’t.”
What little human friends I did have were already suspicious of Daedalus and Rufus following me around all summer. I could have them compelled to think nothing of it, but I felt guilty screwing with their minds.
Dimitri playfully nicked me on the chin with his huge fist. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’ll all blow over.”
“Hey Rubi.” Jill cautiously walked over, her blue eyes wide as they took in Dimitri’s hulking presence. “Am I interrupting…?”
“Ah, no.” He unexpectedly grabbed Jill and crushed us both in a hug. “I’m Dimitri, Demyan’s father.”
“Oh, okay.” Jill’s voice was muffled as he squeezed us. Several giggled tumbled out her mouth. “I’m Jill.”
“I know who you are.” He motioned his square chin toward Eric who was playing Bocce Ball with Jason, Vera, and Jackson. “You date the fellow over there with the brown hair. The both of you grew up with Rubi.”
“That’s right.”
Dimitri released us. “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you.” He bowed dramatically, reminding me of Demy. “I’ll leave you two to girl talk.”
I waved goodbye to him.
“Demy’s dad is huge.” Jill twisted her slender arm through mine. “What about his mom?”
I shook my head. “Natasha is like your size.”
Her blonde brows lifted.
“So, what’s up?” I asked as we ambled toward the shore to wet our feet in the surf. Jill had also abandoned her shoes.
“Nothing.” Her eyes glanced around the party, tiki torches and fires lighting the beach. Several people were playing games, some stood talking, some were dancing to music, and others were lounging in chairs. Food and drinks were stationed on the deck where several others mingled, enjoying the view from the balcony. “You sure do have a lot of friends these days.”
My cheeks heated while I shrugged noncommittally. “A lot of them are family friends of the Davenports,” I lied.
“And what’s with them calling you princess?”
My mouth filled with desert sand. “I-uh…” I flailed for an excuse the same moment I felt compulsion heating up my veins. Jill’s eyes suddenly became glassy as she lost herself in my gaze, her consciousness brushing against mine to invite me in.
Oh crap.
This was the first time since my math teacher I was able to compel someone. It would be so easy to simply tell Jill not to worry about it, to forget anything odd.
But I couldn’t. Guilt was already eating away at my insides as she continued to peer at me expectantly with those huge round blue eyes.
I sighed and released her, watching her blink confusedly. “It’s just a…”
Her mouth fell open in a gasp as
her line of vision shifted behind me. “No way. I can’t believe she’s here.”
“Who?” I turned to see Terra Murray, Jason’s ex-girlfriend, slinking down the beach in white dress that looked painted on. Her tan too. I rolled my eyes as a string of annoyance unfurled in my chest. “You’ve got to be kidding me.
“Want me to kick her out?” Jill asked, excitement playing in her expression.
I waved a hand in the air. “No. I don’t care about her.”
Jill’s face crinkled as she watched the stuck up, overdone girl looking for someone, probably Jason. “She could have at least brought you a present.”
We both laughed at the audacity of that. Ever since Jason and I became friends and he broke up with her I became number one on her shit list. She actually sent me an anonymous letter, threatening to steal Mac away. As if.
Electricity crackled down my spine moments before I felt hands grip my waist. “Are you done hiding Rubi?” Mac chuckled against my neck, forcing a shiver of delight I couldn’t hide through my body.
“I’m not hiding,” I pouted.
Jill grinned. “Oh she’s definitely hiding.”
“Traitor,” I mumbled.
Mac grabbed my hand and started towing me toward the house. “It’s birthday cake time.”
I groaned. “Do I have to? Let them eat cake without me.”
“No can do Marie Antoinette. They must worship you first.”
A very embarrassing display of the birthday song ensued, my face turning fifty shades of red. Finally I was allowed to blow out the seventeen sparkler candles on the massive cake in the shape of a Kobe steak and everyone cheered. Then I had to open a few gifts.
My parents had planned on getting me a car—probably one that ran off vegetable oil—but I begged them to recant. Mac tried teaching me to drive this summer. I wrecked his car twice and Whitmore’s. When we borrowed Demy’s I only went ten feet before narrowly missing a mailbox.
