PANDORA

by Rebecca Hamilton

  The guys.

  I groan. Henry hasn’t seen this dress, neither has Barry. “Do you think I’ll get yelled at?” I whine.

  She raises a brow. “For what?”

  I sigh and point to my dress with one hand on my hip.

  “If any of them say anything other than how amazingly gorgeous you look, I have a four inch heel with all of their names on it,” she promises.

  I smile and link arms with her again. She’s right. She would kick them or throw a shoe at them if they started their protective-wolf-crap.

  While I enter the living room like a normal person, Skeeter trips over her heel-clad feet and bursts into a loud laugh, effectively announcing our arrival. I use my hand to shield my laugh before noticing there are way too many pairs of eyes looking our way.

  My palms moisten, my chest tightens, and I have that wild urge to run as fast as my heart, away from my family and friends.

  I fist my hands and focus on my breathing, while staring at Henry, who hasn’t noticed my presence yet. I follow his entranced eyes, and see him watching Skeeter, who is fixing the strap to her heel.

  That’s all the distraction I need. My breathing has returned to normal and I’m fighting off giggles.

  Mom enters the room and claps her hands loudly. “Is everyone ready?”

  Everyone responds, except me.

  My eyes are glued to Seth like a moth to a flame. My mouth pops open and all breathing has stopped.

  The entire length of the room is between us. It feels like miles and at the same time, it feels like I’m already wrapped in his embrace.

  His green eyes seem to simmer and pop against his black tux. He definitely should be off to some fancy dinner with a client, on the red carpet, or even a runway. He’s far too gorgeous to be going to a seventeen-year-old’s birthday party.

  Right at this very moment, Skeeter should be reminding me to breathe and close my fly catcher before I drool on my dress.

  Seth crosses the room, eyes locked on mine, at too slow of a pace. “You look amazing,” Seth says huskily.

  I audibly swallow and take in every inch of him. “Handsome seems too blasÉ a compliment,” I choke out.

  He grabs my hand and places it in the crook of his arm. “Are we ready?”

  I nod, and we head out to his car to follow a convoy of vehicles to Kingston Hall, in a comfortable silence.

  The inside of the hall has been decorated black, white and blue. I scan the room for anything that might harm me. Seeing nothing too hazardous, I make my way into the room with Seth holding my hand.

  Seth’s parents flock to us like seagulls in a parking lot, and Claire fawns over my dress. I’ve just thanked them for coming when Sam comes over wearing his own tux and a smirk.

  “Will you three quit hogging the Birthday Girl?” He jokes.

  Seth rolls his eyes. “I’m allowed to hog her.”

  “Save a dance for me?” He pouts, and I nod, fighting off laughter. “By the way, Happy Birthday.” He does a Prince Charming bow, winks, and walks away, leaving me giggling.

  We find our table, the one closest to the stage. That takes care of small talk, I snort.

  I watch as more guests arrive, and drop off a bag, box, or envelope at the gift table, then find their place cards.

  Soon enough, it’s time to eat and we figure out who our table mates are. I’m glad the guys are all together, but it is my party. What are they going to do except rag on me? We could’ve used another girl or two at our table. Skeeter and I are totally out numbered.

  After we eat, the band opens the curtains, and wishes me a happy birthday. When they start playing the first song, I’m Here, I grab Skeeter, and we beeline to the dance floor, not caring that we’re the only ones. We stand right in front and dance and shout. Soon the guys join us, as well as most of the other guests, including Seth’s mom, who yells just as loud as Skeeter and me.

  Someone touches my elbow. I spin around to see my old friend, Susie, smiling at me. I quickly give her a hug, and go back to watching the band.

  After a few songs, I grab Seth, and we weave our way back to the table for a drink.

  Susie follows us.

  I take a gulp of my water and turn to find Susie ogling Seth. I clear my throat to get her attention. “Susie, this is my boyfriend, Seth. Seth, this is my old friend, Susie.” They shake hands but Susie’s eyes seem to travel back to Seth.

  She finally gets her bearings and stays focused on me. “Henry is letting you date now?” Her eyes go wide. “Since when?”

  I grin and shrug. “Since Seth.”

  Her eyes travel the length of him, and I fight the urge to stand in front of him as a shield. “He could make anyone say yes,” she says, while fanning herself.

  Seth, the gentleman that he is, smiles to Susie. “It’s been a pleasure.” Then he leans to my ear and whispers, “I’ll be over with Henry.”

  I nod and discretely check his emotions. Uncomfortable. I fight a smirk.

  She watches him walk away and sashays next to me and shakes her head. “He sure is easy on the eyes,” she grins and clears her throat. “I haven’t heard from you since the funeral,” she frowns. “You don’t answer my texts anymore so I was a little surprised to hear from your mom.” I flinch slightly. “Hey, I’m glad she’s home again.” She smiles.

  I sigh and blow out a breath. “To be honest, I was fed up with everyone.” I shrug. “I miss you all, but the pity, and hushed conversations that you all thought I didn’t hear was just too much for me.” Her frown returns and guilt shines in her eyes. “Mom is selling the house, and we’re staying with Leland for a while.” I don’t offer an apology or any promises of a friendship like we had before.

  She sputters. “No flippin’ way!” She shouts over the music. “Jazzy, no!” She growls. “You were supposed to come back to our school. How can you stand that place? And why sell that house?!”

  I frown. “I don’t want to sell it either, but Henry and I have no say in the matter.” I feel the caress on my mind and close my eyes to see an image of me in Seth’s embrace flash behind my eyes. I smile and open my eyes again. “It’s not all that bad. I mean, I did meet Seth my first day.”

  Her look softens slightly. “That’s cute.” She looks out to the crowd. “Happy birthday, Jaz. I’m gonna go find the girls in that mess. I see some cuties out there,” she says with a wink. “Aside from your man, your brother, and your hot-ass uncle, I mean.” I laugh, as she weaves her way through the crowd like a cheetah stalking her prey. My guess is she’ll end up barking up Barry’s tree.

  Before I head back into the pond of people and creatures on the dance floor, I figure it’d be good idea to run to the ladies room first.

  I wash my hands and take three steps into the hallway before looking up. A feeling of dread washes over me. I dart into the bathroom again and lock the door. “Oh yea, ‘cause that’ll stop Derik and whoever he brought with him,” I mutter to myself, looking around to see if there’s a vent I can crawl through or something random to use as a weapon.

  Multiple fists bang on the door, startling me from my search and a short squeal escapes me. Derik’s horrible laugh thunders through the door, washing me in the creepy crawlies.

  I rub my arms as I put some more distance between me and the door.

  “Open the door gorgeous, come out and play,” Derik says. “I want to get you out of that dress!” He starts to laugh again. “It’ll be so much nicer if you just open the door.”

  His voice and threats sink in, and make me want to lose my dinner.

  I focus on Seth, and picture Derik and the bathroom. I can only hope he receives both images and doesn’t come alone.

  “I promise not to bite,” someone threatens, and I stagger back to the far wall.

  “Seth is on his way!” I shout. “Leave!” My voice trembles slightly, giving away that I am scared. His screeching laughter breaks through the door, and smacks into me like a weapon.

  “You stupid, little bitch!�
�� He seethes, and I flinch. “Lover Boy is out on the dance floor. By the time he notices you’re gone, there won’t be anything left but an empty shell!” He screams through the door and jiggles the knob.

  I shiver and bite my knuckles to keep from screaming out.

  “You have five seconds to unlock the door or I’ll break it open. I’m done messin’ around.” He pauses. “Fine, have it your way, the boys and I will enjoy this.”

  I curl into myself on the floor, squeeze my eyes shut, and wait.

  I can’t fight back. He’s supernatural, and I’m human.

  I’m going to die on my birthday.

  What happens to the dead when your soul is eaten by a demon? Can I be reunited with my family?

  “Dude!” The pounding and screeching stops. “Ten of them are coming this way. Move now! Just leave her!” someone else shouts.

  “You won’t be with him for much longer. I wouldn’t get comfortable if I were you. You can’t always be near them, and neither can your precious family,” Derik threatens. “Things would be so much better if you’d finally cooperate. You’d be my queen, gorgeous.”

  Silence.

  I can’t breathe. My heart clenches painfully. This needs to stop. He can’t hurt my family. I won’t allow it!

  How does he always find me when I’m alone? Will this ever stop? Will I be forever stalked?

  There’s a knock on the door, and this time my scream escapes my throat.

  “It’s me,” Seth shouts over my scream. “Please open the door,” he pleads.

  But I can’t move, I can hardly breathe.

  There’s a thump, then a crack, and a grunt.

  I scream again, and a second later someone’s arms go around me. I flinch away, and then I feel the tell-tale tingles, and sink into Seth.

  Beyond Seth’s soothing murmurs, the faucet is turned on and someone dabs my face with a cool damp paper towel.

  I open my eyes and see Henry, paper towel in hand and the broken door just behind him.

  I wipe the tears from my face angrily, and try taking a calming breath.

  Barry walks over when my eyes open again. “They’re gone. You’re safe,” Barry says. But I can feel the words he doesn’t say, for now. I nod, it’s the only thing I can do.

  “Did he say what he wanted? A message?” Luke asks.

  There won’t be anything left but an empty shell! You can’t always be near them, and neither can your precious family! Derik’s voice echoes in my head, and I scrub my face with the paper towel, trying to remove the voice, the threat, the panic. “Argh . . . ” I growl.

  “Hey,” Seth whispers. “Just think about everything that happened since I left you with Susie.”

  I look into his eyes, searching for anything to give me a reason not to share this telepathically. I don’t want to relive this moment. I just want it to end.

  His vibrant green eyes pierce into me, and I know. I know I have to show him. I can’t sit on the threats alone. But it’s not going to make him feel happy, that’s for sure.

  I close my eyes and think back to my satisfaction over the fact that Seth was uncomfortable with Susie, and just let every moment play out, until I ended up back in Seth’s arms just minutes ago.

  Seth swears.

  Luke tells him to mind his tongue, and Seth grinds his teeth in response.

  “Fane, you still got Athan on the phone?” Seth asks through his teeth.

  Fane pokes his head in beside the broken door. “He’s now on speaker, go ahead.”

  “First, there’s more than just Derik,” Seth growls. As he gives them the rundown on what happened, I watch Henry and Barry. Henry’s body language is easy for me to read. His jaw is clenched and his hands are fisted. He’s clearly angry and knowing him, he’s probably thinking of all the ways he wants to end Derik or coming up with some plan to remove me from the situation. Barry, on the other hand, keeps his face a clean canvas. The only indication that it’s affecting him at all is the series of tremors visibly running through his skin. He’s going to shift and by the looks of it, it’ll be soon.

  I pat his arm, and he turns to me. I try smiling, but he frowns, squeezes my arm lightly, and walks out of the crowded bathroom.

  Slowly, everyone else files out of the bathroom, discussing the issues with protection, someone paying for the door so my uncle gets his deposit back, and how close they are to locating where the coven is hiding.

  I shove off the far wall and fix my face and hair in the mirror. “Come,” I turn to Seth when I’m satisfied. “Let’s go party,” I say flatly.

  He laughs at my lack of enthusiasm and follows me out into the hallway. Fane’s second, Silas - I overheard his name - squeezes by us with yellow tape in his hand. I guess he’s going to block the door off for now.

  ***

  “I can’t believe Jabin and his friends showed up tonight!” Skeeter laughs as we remove our make-up in the bathroom.

  “I wonder if he’ll want the metal cooler back . . . ” I trail off thinking of the metal bin they turned into a cooler for cola bottles.

  Skeeter snorts. “I don’t know. But I’d gladly fill it up just to watch Jabin and Mike carrying it, without sloshing the pop.” She giggles. “No Jabin! Not like that! You’re sloshing my pop, ya jagoff!” She imitates Mike.

  “I was surprised about something though,” I say getting serious.

  She swipes the cotton ball over her lips. “What’s that?”

  “They noticed Leland, and didn’t fuss.” I feel my face screw up.

  She tosses a fluff of cotton at me. “On what planet would Jabin know who Leland is? Not like Leland played Spock or somethin’.” She shrugs. “Some of them put the pieces together, but I’m guessing they didn’t want to stomp on your day.”

  “I guess we’ll see on Monday.” I sigh.

  “Mmmm . . . ” she mumbles as she brushes her teeth. “What time is Seth coming tonight?” Her topic change doesn’t go unnoticed, but I let her have it.

  I tap the home button on my phone to light it up. “Nine minutes.”

  “He’s not staying right?” She glares at me. “It’s just you and me tonight.”

  “Of course, as long as you don’t fall asleep watching that dumb show with the guys,” I say and return the glare.

  “Hey! Grave Stalkers is amazing Jaz, don’t let the brains freak you out,” she giggles.

  “Right, let me jump on that band wagon,” I snort. “I’m going down to wait,” I say with an excited smile.

  “Tell Barry and Henry not to start without me!” She hollers to me as I skip down the stairs.

  I poke my head into the living room to see Henry and Barry tossing popcorn and gummy bears at each other.

  “You know, if you lick it before you flick it, it sticks,” I say.

  They both face me and burst out laughing.

  Then my words replay in my mind, and my face fills with heat. “I, um. I did not mean it that way!” I shout over their laughter. “Gah! See if I ever share secrets with you!” Their laughter roars.

  “You just . . . ” Henry’s laughter swallows his words.

  I purse my lips. “Shut up,” then I giggle, too. “Skeeter will be down soon, so uh, this never happened,” I wink, and Barry blows a raspberry.

  I walk into the kitchen and wait by the sink for Seth, while trying to calm the rolling giggle fit.

  ***

  I stare out the window at the darkened backyard lit by the moonlight that shines off the lake. Just looking out at it seems to release the tension and soothe my worry.

  A dark figure moves towards the house, and my heart skips a beat.

  I dart out the door, run down the deck stairs, and launch myself into his arms, causing him to stumble back a step.

  He chuckles in my ear. “Miss me?” He asks.

  I kiss his cheek and wrap my legs around his waist. “Just trying to make the most of the time we have. If you’d like, I can walk by myself.”

  He chuckles again as he walks u
s in the direction he came from. “It’s your birthday for another hour and twenty minutes, I think I can handle walking for you until then.” He winks, and I giggle. “You didn’t embarrass yourself tonight like you thought you would. Is this a new record?”

  “Oh yeah, it’s one for the books,” I deadpan.

  He chuckles and sits down behind the huge oak tree next to the lake. I slide off his lap and scan the area.

  He’s laid out a soft quilt, which we’re currently sitting on, and next to him is a small box with a silver bow, a small blue gift bag, a cupcake, and two cans of my favorite pop.

  I smile at his thoughtfulness. “This is a cozy little spot you found for us. Was that cupcake there long? Did you check for ants?” I tease.

  He smirks. “Ha, ha, Jazzy. Happy birthday,” he smiles. “Do you want to open gifts? Or would you rather have the cupcake?” His hand floats between the bag and the cupcake. “It’s your favorite,” he taunts with a wolfish grin.

  My breath halts. “No way,” I say. “You got me a Chocolate Beer cupcake from Bombtastic Cupcakery in New Haven?” He nods and hands it to me.

  I split it in half, my half might be larger, but he has to try it.

  “So good,” I say around my last bite. He smiles and nods. I smile when I see icing at the corner of his mouth and kiss the spot. Cupcake kisses, yum. “This is perfect, Seth.”

  “I’m not done yet,” he says with a grin, as he hands me the small gift bag.

  I sigh and take it from him. “You could’ve stopped with the pop and cupcake.”

  He grins as he leans on his side in front of me. “Shut up and open it.”

  I roll my eyes and do as he says. Beneath the tissue paper is a small box. It rattles slightly as I lift it from the bag. I raise a brow at him and he motions for me to open it. So I lift the corner of the box and out slides an SD card. “Wha . . . ”

  He interrupts me. “That, you’ll look at on your computer. You’ll find . . . ” he pauses and looks to the sky for a second. “Stuff on there, just for you.” He smiles crookedly.

  I nod, placing the SD card back in the box, and drop it in the bag. What in the world could be on that thing? There’s no way he could’ve gotten a camera from Mom yet. I watch him as he spins the small box in his hands. Could he have been sneaky with a camera before tonight?