His hands brushed down to my bare thighs. I wore heels, bringing me much closer to his height, and I pressed into him, taking another kiss. Ilia didn’t care; she was basically climbing Calen, and … nobody cared in the supernatural world, actually. We were all horny fucks.
When we finally came up for air, Calen stepped toward me, brushing his thumb across my cheek. He released Ilia fully to lean over and press a kiss to the same spot. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
The Atlanteans had all been very affectionate since we had returned. They touched and hugged me all the time. They showed me every single day how much they loved me. It didn’t seem to bother Ilia or Larissa—who was still hung up on Rone—and I knew that was because there was no jealousy in our friendship group. They knew and accepted that the six of us Atlanteans had a special bond, and even though Calen and Rone loved them too, they wouldn’t come between the Atlantean-six.
Blessed.I was so blessed. That was the only reason the year of purple was going down as a favorite as well. All my relationships had deepened this year. We’d been through hell and back, almost literally, and despite the ups and downs, I was finishing this year with the knowledge that the bonds I shared with everyone were stronger.
The dance this time was held out in the back field, where we’d been supposed to do sports every Wednesday. That hadn’t really panned out this year, but Princeps Jones was going to try again next. He was determined to foster unity among us, and I was all for it.
“This isn’t an official dance, right?” I asked as the huge dance floor came into sight. Usually they hid away their underground dances, but this time we were right out in the open, with the floor, bar, and huge speakers blasting music.
Larissa dashed up to us. “Dad’s turning a blind eye because he’s just so damn happy that none of us got killed at the god smackdown.”
That made two of us. Rone was close behind Larissa, his eyes glued to her in the shimmery silver dress she wore. Dude was hooked. He looked away long enough to hug me though, pressing his lips to my forehead. “Hey, Mads,” he said. “You look like a wet dream and bad mistake all wrapped up in one purple package.”
I snorted. “Yeah, you look hot too, buddy.”
He did. He was dressed all in black, and his fallen angel beauty was breathtaking.
Jesse’s strong arms wrapped around me and I sank into that familiar shifter scent. It was wild, earthy, and felt like home. “Gorgeous,” he said softly, “you’re a fucking sight.”
I chuckled against him. “Thanks, Jess.”
Axl was last; he was quiet as he held me tightly. He’d been a little reticent since we all returned—he wasn’t handling it well. His super-brain kept calculating the future, and apparently it didn’t look good.
“Not everything is black and white, Ax,” I murmured as I pulled away. “Some things can’t be calculated. The future is one of them, so enjoy tonight.”
He smiled—reluctantly, but it was a smile. “I’ll try, Maddi.”
I patted his arm. That was all any of us could do.
“Where’s Connor?” I asked, and all I got were some shrugs in return. He hadn’t really grown on anyone, but I still felt some responsibility to my sorta brother.
The beat changed then to something with lots of bass and I found my hips and ass moving. It had been too long since I let loose. I was determined that nothing was going to ruin tonight.
“I’ll get drinks,” Calen shouted before he tucked Ilia under his arm, and together they walked off.
The rest of us headed toward the main dance space, and all too soon lost ourselves in the beat. The drinks flowed, and by the end I found myself more than a little drunk.
Asher didn’t leave my side … or maybe it was me that wouldn’t leave him. We danced, his body pressed against mine, turning me into a hot mess of hormones and sexual needs. I wanted him to fuck me right here, but since that would be a little inappropriate, I settled for long, hot kisses that kept me almost as intoxicated as the fey wine.
A magical barrier above kept us dry and warm, and I was having the best time. After a few hours, I needed the bathroom, so I hurried over to pee, hoping to get back before the end of the song. It was one of my favorites. As I stepped out of the room, feeling better, I swayed on the stupid heels and a strong arm wrapped around me, keeping me steady.
“Oh, thanks,” I said, throwing my head back to see who it was.
My heart stuttered in my chest. Sonaris. Dressed in a charcoal-colored suit, looking like a dark nightmare.
“Wha—? What are you doing here?” I choked out, stepping back. Now that I knew it was him, the energy connection between us sprang to life, and I wondered at the delay.
The god’s eyes ran over me, lingering on all the bare skin, and I almost felt the heat that trailed after that look.
Bastard.
“Just here to say hi,” he said softly, power wrapping around me as he brushed a fingertip across my cheek. “I wouldn’t want you to forget…”
The deal.Like I would ever forget that.
Jabbing him in the chest, I went toe to toe with him. “If you want your favor, ask for it. Otherwise … fuck off.”
