“It’s black! And that shirt has too many buttons. How are you supposed to take it off fast? Wait, don’t tell me you’re going back to the coven,” Zin said.
I went back to getting ready and continued styling my hair. “Daren is going to take me out, and he likes my hair black. He’s a good guy.”
“Pah-leese. You’ve got to be kidding me. A good guy wouldn’t make you change for him. Change your hair color, wear human clothes, and hide your beautiful blue skin. All the while, he knows you’re an imp. He’s an ass.” Zin paused his rant and gasped. He grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. “Oh, Fates! He’s not your spark, is he? Tell me he’s not your spark,” Zin asked.
I brushed off his hands and turned away. “No. He’s not my spark. I like having fun with him. His bite is orgasmic.”
Zin groaned. “Thank Fate. If he’s not your spark, I don’t see why you’ve cut everyone else off. You’ve changed since meeting him. When have you last gone to the Satyr gathering? Or when was the last time you had sex with anyone other than Daren?” Zin sang Daren’s name, mocking the vampire.
I twirled around, growled, and lashed out, “Shut it, Zin Tal Lin. I’m not the only one who’s changed. What’s going on with you? Gavin says you’re not as pervy as you used to be. And you’ve been acting different ever since the spring trip you took. What happened to you?”
Zin was frozen for a moment, and I saw sadness flash in his eyes before he gasped again and dramatically brought his hand to his chest. I knew I hit my mark, and I knew I hurt him, but I also understood why I snapped at him. I wanted to get him off my back and not mention my choices, even though a part of me believed what he said was true.
“You take that back, Zander. That’s not true. I’m as pervy as I’ve ever been,” Zin said.
“That’s not what Gavin said. He said you haven’t tried spying on him and Dimitri and King Krispin said the same thing,” I replied.
“They aren’t doing it as much. Gavin is pregnant. And hot stuff has been busy with the wolves. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped being pervy. I can prove it. I’m going to the satyr’s orgy tonight. Can you say the same?”
I scowled and turned back to the mirror. “I have plans tonight.”
“Yeah, with an arrogant—”
“Zin. Stop,” I interrupted quietly. “I don’t know why I keep going back. I feel like something is there and I need to be at the coven or I’ll miss it. I can’t explain the feeling. In the meantime, I’m having fun with Daren,” I explained.
I held his gaze in the reflection, and he stared back at me. I saw his resolve crumble when his broad shoulders slumped.
Zin humphed. “Fine. I’ll stop after I say this one last thing. He should accept you as you, Zander. You shouldn’t have to change for anyone. Just because we’re different doesn’t mean we’re less. There, I’m done. I won’t say anymore, but please be careful, big brother. I don’t say it a lot, but I love you. If you need me, call, and I’ll be there to kick ass.”
“Thanks, Zin. I love you, too. Have fun at the satyr’s party tonight,” I replied.
“Oh, I will. Japtic will be there. He’s hung like a horse. I think he might be part centaur,” Zin laughed before waving and flashing out of my room.
I sighed and stared at myself. Zin was right; the black hair looked awful. I snapped my fingers and allowed my deep green hair to shine. I smiled; that was better. I took a deep breath and flashed to the coven. Flashing was second nature to fae. It allowed us to travel in and at the speed of light—getting us where we needed to be in no time.
I appeared in the small room Daren had set up for me. It allowed me to slip in and out without causing much commotion.
“Yeah, I’m waiting for him now.” I heard Daren say. I was about to open the door when it flew open.
Daren looked down at me. He was taller than my five feet by several inches, which wasn’t surprising. Most people were taller than me. He had a large frame and copper skin. His ebony hair and black almond-shaped eyes accentuated his Asian descent. He was smartly dressed, as always, in a navy-blue suit and white shirt. He had his phone to his ear while he gave me a nod in greeting.
“Yeah, he just got here. We’ll be down in a moment,” he said into his phone, irritation filling his voice. “I’ve been waiting for you. Come on. We’re going to be late. My friends are already waiting,” Daren said and briskly walked away.
I frowned. I’d hoped for at least a hello kiss, but it seemed Daren was in one of his moods. I noticed he would be hot one moment and cold the next. It was as if he was two people in one body.
“Come on. I told you my friends are waiting,” Daren growled again.
I sighed at the mention of Daren’s friends. They appeared alright and were always nice, but something about them was off. It was as if their niceness was forced. I’d gotten the same vibe from Daren before as well, but then he’d lay on the charm, and I’d forget about it.
“I thought it was just going to be the two of us tonight,” I said, walking through Daren’s apartment.
Daren didn’t reply right away. He waited until we were going down the elevator to answer. “It’ll be more fun with all of them there. It’s the new club, and they’ve all been dying to go. Besides, we’re going to be meeting some people I know from out of town that I want my friends to meet.”
“New club? I thought you said we were going out to dinner,” I replied.
He looked down at me. “Plans changed. Why is your hair green? You know I hate it. Turn it black quick before the doors open.”
My hands clenched into fists at my sides, each of Zin's words echoing in my mind. “But I like my hair green.”
