For the first time that night, something other than anxiety and confusion ran through me. But of course, I played it cool around my parents. The last thing I wanted was Mom asking for intimate details about Alex and me. How embarrassing.
Despite my nonchalance, I felt my parents’ eyes following me as Alex and I twirled around the dance floor. Once a slow song came on, my parents joined us. At one point, I caught Mom’s eye, and she winked.
I sighed. She would definitely be asking too many questions later.
“Are you having a good time, sweets? Alex asked, his hand shifting lower on my back, compelling me to press closer to him.
“I am,” I said. While I intended to fill my friends in on what my parents had told me, now wasn’t the time. I wanted them to enjoy the night. “I always do with you.”
A smile bloomed on Alex’s face, and he dipped his lips to meet mine. And even though my parents were right there, even though just months before, I would havediedif they saw me kissing a boy, I didn’t even balk.
Instead, I let the night dissolve in his kiss.
Chapter Thirty
“We had so much fun with you, honey,” Mom said, pulling me into a tight hug.
“I had fun with you guys too,” I said, meaning every word.
After the Yule Festival, I spent the next three days with my parents. We’d split the holiday break between Portland, Maine and Wandstown. As my only prior experience in Wandstown had been devoted to staging an intervention, my second trip was much more relaxed.
Plus, since Mom and Dad felt bad about keeping the prophecy a secret, they’d spoiled me rotten. I scored a cute pair of winter boots that would look amazing with my leather jacket. They also bought all the snacks I liked, and a sound system for my room. While I didn’t really miss having a phone, I definitely longed for streaming music services. This system used satellites, and once I programmed it, I’d have beautiful, crisp audio. Eva would be so stoked.
“We loved meeting all your friends, pea,” Dad said. “I’m glad you’re fitting in here.”
“Even if you didn’t want me coming here?”
Dad pulled me into an embrace. “We don’t want you to be miserable. Just safe.”
“Actually, after meeting your friends, I feel a bit better about everything,” Mom added. “They all seem capable . . . especially Alex.” She winked, and I was glad that Dad didn’t see it.
Although I’d done everything to avoid relationship talk, Mom had cornered me in a shop and made me spill about Alex. I’d begged her not to tell Dad; I could only take so much mortification.
“They’re all great,” I admitted as Dad and I broke apart. “They monopolize the top of our class rankings.”
My parents shared a look that I couldn’t decipher, and Mom cleared her throat. “That may not last for long, honey. Now that you’re unbound, you may find your power advancing quickly.”
I nodded. I had been getting better, but I was still nowhere near Hunter and Alex, or even Eva. “Well, I can’t say that I wouldn’t mind kicking their butts in a few magical subjects.”
Dad roared with laughter. “That’s my little pea!”
Mom smiled. “I’d expect nothing less from a Dane. We’d better get going, but promise me one thing?”
Oh my God, please don’t say anything about using protection. I can’t take that talk again.
“What’s that?” I asked innocently.
“Don’t go looking for trouble.”
“Duh, why would I do that?”
“No reason,” Mom said. “I just wanted to make sure I said it. Mom duties, you know? Stay safe, my love. See you after your summer internship—we’ll plan a late birthday celebration.”
With that, my parents slipped into the rental car, and I waved goodbye until they were out of sight.
“Oh my God! This sound system is the shit!” Eva exclaimed as I turned the volume up one more click. “We’re gonna have the party suite!”
I laughed. While I hoped what she said wasn’t true because I loved my space, it made me happy that she enjoyed my present. I’d received it at the perfect time, as tonight we’d be celebrating Alex’s birthday, which was the next day, and New Year’s Eve.
