by J. N. Colon
My father sipped his iced tea, unperturbed. “This isn’t my daughter’s first high school party, and I doubt it will be her last. I trust her and the decisions she makes. I won’t ground her just because you tell me to, but I appreciate your concern.”
Jayson jammed his fingers in his hair, pulling on the roots until the strands were a disheveled mess.
He looked even hotter.
Damn him.
“If you’re so concerned about Lena’s safety,” my dad began. “Why don’t you just go to the party and keep an eye on her.”
“Dad!” I couldn’t believe he’d suggested that. I jerked my thumb toward Jayson. “If he follows me around, no one will talk to me. He’ll scare everyone away. On purpose.”
Jayson’s expression was blank, but I could see the wheels turning in his devious mind. He was going to show up at Austin’s party. I may as well wrap myself in neon yellow caution tape because no one was going to come near me.
Chapter 19
Loud music thumped through the sizable house as teenagers danced and socialized. I took a sip of the bitter, foamy beer, grimacing. Another five minutes of nursing it, and it was going down the drain. I wasn’t much of a drinker. I could barely walk straight sober. Add alcohol to my clumsiness disease, and I was a walking disaster.
Austin lived near the edge of town, the neighborhood plopped in the middle of a forest. My gaze lingered on the stuffed deer head over the fireplace, a chill ghosting down my back. The lethal antlers reminded me too much of the demons Jayson and Kale fought in the cemetery.
I shook the ominous images off and stared at the dark wooden beams accentuating the tall ceiling. A hand-carved wooden staircase wound up to a landing overlooking the living room.
My dad would have loved it.
My dad would not have loved the cup full of beer in my hand.
The whole party scene wasn’t really my thing. Back in Charleston, I stuck to smaller get-togethers that were less rowdy. Austin caught me at a weak moment, and Jayson only added fuel to the fire.
Maybe I should just go. I hadn’t even seen the adorable football player, and I’d been hugging this wall for thirty minutes. No one dared talk to me because of the caveman glowering close by.
With a sigh, I peeled away from my spot and headed into the kitchen to toss my drink. The door to the garage opened, and Austin slipped in.
His brown puppy eyes met mine, a smile curling his lips. “You came.” His gaze shifted above my head, the excitement draining from his face.
I glanced over my shoulder, shooting Jayson a snarl before turning back around. “Ignore him. I usually do.”
Austin gave a humorless laugh. “I’ll try.” He glanced at my drink, frowning. “You can get something else.” He motioned toward the array of liquor assembled on the dark granite counter. “I can make you a drink.”
Jayson let out a grumbling warning for my ears only. I had to staunch the urge to chuck my cup at his gorgeous face. “Actually, do you have a regular soda?”
“Sure.” Austin led me to the center island and grabbed another cup from the tall stack. “I’ll have one too. I can’t go too crazy or the guys will have my house torn to pieces by morning.”
I glanced around at all the people crowding the kitchen. “I could see how that might happen. I thought this was supposed to be a small party.”
He gave a casual shrug. “There’s not much to do in Mystic Hollow. Once word gets out about a party, expect most of the high school to show up.”
Jayson cursed, his voice somehow traveling toward me through all the ruckus. He stared at his phone, a deep frown forming over his face. Did he get a mysterious text about his secret demon, angel business and had to bail as usual?
What a shame.
His hazel eyes flicked between Austin and me several times before he lifted the phone to his ear and spun around, marching out the back door.
“I thought that guy would never leave,” Austin said, his body losing some of its tension.
“I don’t know what his problem is.” I placed my drink on the counter and readjusted my sweater.
Austin shot me a lopsided grin. “I’m pretty sure I’m his problem or, more specifically, my interest in you.”
Heat crept across my cheeks. Did Austin just admit he liked me? “That’s not it,” I said, choosing to ignore the hint. “He enjoys making my life a living hell. It’s a game for him.”
He set his cup down and grabbed my hand. “Since I’m not sure how long he’ll be gone, let’s make the best of it and dance.”
A grimace curled my lips, and I hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. You’ve seen me. Walking is sometimes a challenge. My dancing could take lives, possibly yours.”
He shook his head, throwing his messy brown locks in his face. “I won’t let you hurt anyone.” He winked one of those big brown eyes. “I promise.” He pulled me away from the kitchen and into the living room.
This was going to be bad. Very, very bad. The last time I danced at a party, I ended up falling into the coffee table, bringing a guy and his girlfriend with me. All three of us needed stitches.
Austin spun me before wrapping his hands around my hips and pulling me toward him. This close he smelled like minty gum and clean soap. It was nice, but it wasn’t anything compared to Jayson’s intoxicating scent.
Ugh. Stop thinking about him.
I shook the thoughts off and attempted to cleanse my mind of the Neanderthal. He was still there. I’d probably need an exorcism to rid me of the half-angel.
“See. It’s not so bad.” Austin swayed to the beat of the music, using his hands to steer me.
“Just wait,” I muttered.
He closed the distance between us, his body brushing mine. A little twinkle of delight flickered in his eyes. Austin was definitely cute and seemed really sweet, not at all how I pictured the captain of the football team. Any girl would be lucky to have him. I should be flushed, and my heart should be fluttering like crazy.
Unfortunately, Jayson’s image remained in the forefront of my mind, staring at me from across the street in his bedroom with those intense, ever-changing eyes. One look from him, and I turned to mush. And, as much as it pained me to admit, I wanted to be dancing with him instead of Austin.
My hips swayed as I searched the living room for the lurking Neanderthal. A pang assaulted my chest when his hulking frame didn’t appear. He must have left. So much for being concerned over my safety at the big scary party.
Dancing suddenly lost all its appeal. I was moments away from pulling back and telling Austin I had to go when someone tapped my shoulder.
I turned around, coming face to face with a scowling Melinda Mickens.
Clearly, she didn’t like me getting up close and personal with Austin. She pretty much said so by tossing her drink on me.
A gasp fell from my lips, and I tripped over my own feet, crashing into Austin. Luckily, he had fast reflexes and caught me before my ass hit the floor.
“Melinda! What the hell?” The quarterback’s loud voice cut through the music, and about thirty pairs of eyes were now glued to the drama unfolding.
Just craptastic.
The blonde pouted and fluttered her fake lashes. “It was an accident. I tripped.”
Lying psycho.
My chest had taken the brunt of the liquor-cola mix. “Yeah, right,” I mumbled.
This was my cue to leave, but before I could get the words out of my mouth, Austin spun me around.
“I’m so sorry, Lena. Let me get you a dry shirt.” He put an arm around my waist and began pulling me toward the stairs. “You can borrow something of my sister’s.”
“Okay,” I said, letting him lead the way. I really didn’t want to drive home smelling like a bar.
Normally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a room alone with a guy I barely knew at a party like this, but here I was looking for clothes to change into. I grabbed the first thing I saw out of his sister’s closet, a blue long
-sleeve knit shirt.
Austin pointed toward the ensuite bathroom. “You can change in there. I’ll wait for you.”
I nodded and shut the door behind me.
“I’m really sorry about Mel,” he said from the bedroom. “She wasn’t always like this.”
“Uh-huh.” It was hard to see her as anything other than the hateful hag. I tossed my wet shirt on the gray quartz counter and shoved the clean, dry one over my head. I opened the door, and stepped out, my foot striking the edge of the threshold. I tripped.
Really? This was happening now?
Austin ran forward, catching me before I cracked my head on the hardwood floor. “Are you okay?” His arms encircled me as he helped me stand.
“Yep. Just a regular, run-of-the-mill day in my life,” I said, a light blush blossoming in my cheeks. As clumsy as I was, you’d think I’d be immune to the humiliation.
I wasn’t.
A boyish smile tipped the corners of Austin’s lips. “I don’t mind catching you a couple times a day. I’ll just put it on your tab.” He winked.
And then the bedroom door swung open, revealing a hulking form.
Oh, hell’s bells.
Jayson barreled in, his face carved out of stone. His dark eyes narrowed on the space between Austin and me or lack thereof. “Get out,” he growled, pointing at the guy currently holding me close.
Austin released me and crossed his arms against his chest, bulking up his biceps. “You can’t tell me what to do in my own house. I didn’t even invite you.”
My eyes widened. Oh crap. This poor boy had no idea he was going against a supernatural creature that could break him in half with his bare hands.
The Nephilim stepped forward, his frame swelling. “Are you challenging me, quarterback? If you are, you might want to get used to the idea of a wheelchair.”
“Jayson,” I hissed. “Don’t be such a Neanderthal.”
He ignored me. “I suggest you move away from Lena, now.” His body radiated anger, every muscle taut and poised for an attack.
Austin licked his lips and swallowed hard. “Maybe Lena doesn’t—”
I put my hand on his arm, stopping the rest of his words. “It’s okay. I need to talk to him anyway.” I didn’t want Austin getting hurt because of me.
He glanced over his shoulder, his velvety brown eyes uncertain. “Are you sure?”
I gave him a smile. “It’s fine.”
“I’ll see you downstairs then.” Austin trekked toward the door, glowering in Jayson’s direction.
Mr. Football was going to get his ass kicked if he tried that again. I had no doubt.
Once he was gone, I turned on the irritating Neanderthal. “What the hell was that for?”
Jayson closed the door before stalking toward me. His eyes began to take on a luminescent glow in the dim room. “What are you doing in here alone with him? Do you know the kinds of things he was probably thinking of doing?”
Heat flushed my cheeks. “Where do you get off telling me what to do, Jayson? Maybe I wanted to be here. Maybe I wanted him to do those things to me,” I lied. All I seemed to be able to do lately was think of this damn Neanderthal.
A furious storm brewed in those hazel eyes. Streaks of gold lightning began to appear, brightening the otherworldly orbs. The tendons in his jaw flexed hard.
Every drop of moisture had evaporated from my mouth. An icy shiver spilled down my back. Jayson hadn’t said a word. He didn’t need to. His wrath flooded over him like a second skin. I felt it in my pores and even in my chest. I could taste it, metallic and bitter.
My heart pounded, slamming into my ribs over and over. Jayson wouldn’t hurt me. But I was still wary of the thoughts swirling through his head. If only I could read his mind, then I’d know what he was planning on doing.
Jayson stepped closer, and I inched back. Just because I knew he wouldn’t hurt me didn’t mean I felt like being in close quarters with him. I wouldn’t be able to think straight.
As if he knew that, he continued. For every step back I took, he took one forward until I hit the wall.
Crap on crackers.
“I’ve never met anyone that pisses me off like you do,” he growled, his voice rougher than usual.
“What can I say? I have a special talent.” My breath quickened. It was difficult to keep my thoughts from straying to dangerous places. My gaze flicked to his mouth. “Why do you care who I spend my time with anyway?”
His nostrils flared. “Because.”
“Because? Because is not an answer, Jayson!” My hand pressed against his chest in a failed attempt to shove him away. All it did was remind me of those hard, etched muscles beneath. Images of him working out in his bedroom all hot and sweaty bubbled up.
He sensed the change in me. His arms extended, trapping my body against the wall. “You have no idea what’s going on, Angel Eyes.”
I shivered. I sure as hell didn’t. “What do you want from me?”
“Lots of things.” His voice dipped to dangerous levels, sending my insides cartwheeling.
“Like what?” Goose bumps popped along my skin, and I was hot and cold everywhere. Jayson’s expression was no longer hard and unyielding. It was softer but still consumed in something just as volatile as his rage.
Hunger.
My stomach clenched. I couldn’t breathe. I knew that hunger. It was the same thing tearing my own insides apart.
Jayson’s arms bent, and he leaned in, his salty ocean sent swirling over my senses. Nothing could have prepared me for what was coming. Nothing could have even come close to helping me understand what was happening. “Angel Eyes.” His burning gaze lowered to my mouth, lingering. “I need to know how sweet you really taste.” His lips descended, crashing down on mine in a possessive, soul-stealing kiss.
Chapter 20
Electricity sparked through my body, igniting an inferno everywhere Jayson touched. Fire and passion sizzled between us, something tangible in the air. I melted into him, surrendering to the crazy feelings and urges I’d had since the moment we met.
Our movements were frantic. We were dying of hunger, and a massive feast had been presented to us. We couldn’t get enough. He tasted like the best parts of Heaven and the wickedest parts of Hell all rolled into one. Salty-sweet and so addicting.
It was far better than I could have imagined.
Jayson’s rough hands slipped to my hips, drawing me into him, keeping me prisoner against his body. We fit perfectly like two pieces of the same object, broken and now fused back together.
He deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine, savoring me. “Lena,” he murmured, making my pulse quiver.
Everything slowed and held a different kind of intensity, one that made me tremble. My hand trailed up his chest, feeling his muscles along the way until my fingers tangled in the soft hair at his nape. Jayson groaned as I pressed even closer. Not one single molecule of space existed between us.
Flames still smoldered around us, but something deeper was the driving force behind the intimate moment. A belonging spread through my chest, a rightness I’d never felt before. Jayson and I were connected in a way I didn’t understand. Not at all.
“Jayson, I don’t know…” It was difficult speaking around his intoxicating kisses. “What is this?”
“You feel so good.” His hands drew languid circles on the small of my back.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” I whispered, my words uneven.
His lips curled into a smile. “I’m glad you think so.” His forehead rested on mine, warm breath blowing over my face. “Because it’s going to be pretty hard to tear me away from you.”
Then his phone rang, and I came crashing back to Earth.
He cursed and dug it out of his pocket. “This better be important,” he growled, his free hand still curled around my hip as if afraid I might run off. His expression hardened as he listened to whoever was on the other end of the phone. He hung up. “I have to go.”
&nb
sp; So much for being hard to tear away.
“Who was that? What’s going on?” My voice was too breathy.
Jayson shook his head. “You’re not involved in this. You should go home.”
My mouth dropped—the same mouth he’d just been attached to. “Excuse me? I think it’s pretty obvious I’m involved in whatever is going on.”
His nostrils flared, and he released my hip. “No, you’re not. Knowing all of this will just put you in danger.”
I tossed my hands up. “You can’t keep me in the dark, halfway in and halfway out. I need to know.” I motioned between us. “We’re bound. I’m in your world now whether you like it or not.”
A hard mask slipped over his face, hiding the passion and desire that had been there moments ago. “You don’t belong in my world.”
His words were like knives through my heart. How could he kiss me one minute, and then tell me I wasn’t a part of his world?
Screw him.
“I’m so done with this.” I snatched my jacket off the bed, yanking it on. “Just leave me alone.”
Jayson grabbed my arm before I could storm off. “That’s not going to happen.”
I yanked out of his grasp. “I bet you regret doing it, don’t you? You should have just saved yourself the trouble and let me die.”
His head snapped back, eyes wide. I took the opportunity to slip past him, sprinting down the stairs. Thankfully, I didn’t bust my ass on the way down. I also didn’t run into Austin or his evil ex Melinda.
I was outside within seconds. Tears were already burning my eyes, threatening to flow down my cheeks. I just experienced the best kiss—that was more than a kiss—of my life, and then the asshat stomped on my heart. He had some crucial Nephilim job that was more than guarding a gate to hell, but I thought I was important enough to be involved.
Apparently not. We may be bonded, but I would never be allowed in. My place was on the outside, beating my fists against his impenetrable brick wall. Even my avis status didn’t grant me access to his secrets.
Nighttime coated the neighborhood, and the woods surrounding Austin’s house made the street even more intimidating. Why did I park so far away? Danger could be lurking within the shadows.
