“Oh, you mean you didn’t hear that side of the story? Hmm, fancy that.” I look right at Emer as she shoots laser beams at me. I quickly wonder if that’s another power I need to worry about. Damn, I should be studying instead of partying.
“Emer here apparently is very well versed with Fae Fire,” I spit out, and the crowd that has gathered around goes silent.
Murmurs start up as they put two and two together. Harpy thinks she’s going to make ME feel awful about surviving her attack. Well, think again, bitch.
“What!” Knox roars, wrenching himself away from them. He visibly starts shaking, and I notice everyone backing up a few steps.
“Knox, calm down. She doesn't know what she’s talking about,” she pleads, reaching for the shifter. “The doctor that saw her was easily mistaken. You know how some doctors are just loopy,” Emer laughs nervously, trying to play it off.
I’ve done my research though, once I found out what Fae Fire really was. Dr. Steinbeck is the top-notch of all of Nova, and before he came back, he was in high demand back on Earth. I mean, this man was flown in to see patients no matter what country.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess you’re right,” I say, waving off my mistake, and Emer beams. I swear she makes it too easy sometimes. “Dr. Steinbeck must be a quacker to mistake Fae Fire for a smack,” I say and notice Ryker tensing up.
“What? Dad looked you over?” Ryker asks, and I’m momentarily confused.
Levi pulls me in closer to whisper in my ear, “Dr. Steinbeck is Ryker’s dad.”Oh!
I give Ryker a nod, and he turns his fierce look in Emer’s direction, and she flinches. I don’t miss how her eyes dart to where Levi has wrapped his arm around my waist, and she sneers.
“Are you really going to take her word over mine?” She gives him a hurt look. “After everything I’ve done for you Princes, and for what?” She looks around at the guys surrounding me, “A human who apparently snuck in here to cause chaos? She’s nothing but trouble!” She screams, her huffing and puffing turning her a shade of pink that matches her hair.
“Go and enjoy the party, Emer,” Levi says icily, kissing me on the forehead sweetly, and I about melt. Aww, public display of affection, that’s good enough for panty dropping action after this party.
‘And swallow the pixie ball, you constipated sea cow,’Lynx says, and Knox snorts.
I shoot him a sharp look, and he’s covering his mouth.Hmm. Maybe Lynx was right. Looking back at Emer, I catch a glimpse of shock right before it quickly slams down to the passive looks we always see. Her eyes burning with fire, she gives me one last look full of pure hatred. Promising death, she does a hair flip and walks away with her head held high.
The music starts back up when I hear, “What did I miss?” Moni asks. Some best friend I have.
* * *
The party is in full swing and I have to admit it’s been a blast so far. Well, besides the little standoff with Emer, it’s been fun. I’m glad JP talked me into coming with him. It’s not that he had to fight too hard, plus it didn’t hurt that he was hot. Feeling eyes on me, I pull my focus away from Moni talking more about her cat tree and glance around. JP is at the drink table fetching me a refill and the other guys are across from me by the bonfire chatting and sipping on their drinks.
I catch Knox watching me for a moment before his attention is pulled back to Ryker as he answers something. Those pesky butterflies take off in my stomach causing all sorts of inappropriate feelings. I hate to admit I like the attention of the hottie, but I’m torn since he was such an ass before. Heat colors my cheeks and I know it’s not from the fire but a blush I’m sporting. It’s been like that all night. Little glances while he doesn’t think I’m looking, and it’s beyond confusing.
“Whatcha lookin at, ma chérie?” JP wonders, coming up and handing me another drink as I bite my lip.
I try to play it off by shaking my head and thanking him for my drink, but it’s too late. He looks in the direction I was looking and catches Knox's glance and gives a head nod in greeting.
Oh my God! Way to make it obvious!
JP chuckles at my thought.
“He’s really not that bad once you get to know him,” he offers his input.
“Yeah right. He made Moni feel like shit and made me look like a fool,” I huff and take a sip of my berry tasting concoction. For a strong ass drink, it tastes like kool-aid but with less sugar.Perfect.
JP quirks an eyebrow my way and studies me for a moment.
Squealing, Moni darts past me, making me jump, and almost spilling my drink. Turning around, I follow with my eyes as she runs over to the boys. Knox steps out of their circle and reaches for Moni before she can sidestep him or faint again. Taking hold of her hand, he leans down and starts talking to her. Her shoulders drop and a small smile appears on her face, making my heart float a little. I can visually see her melt and I have to admit I’m touched at seeing this giant of a man bend down so low to talk to my bestie. After a few moments, she lifts off and hovers so Knox doesn’t have to bend down to talk to her and it makes a small smile grace my lips knowing that things will work out between them.
I glance back and find JP smirking down at me.
“What?” I snap out and his smile grows bigger.
“I told you he wasn’t that bad. It looks like they finally made up,” he says and points back at the guys. I follow his motion and see Moni and Knox hugging. Quickly schooling my face, “So?” I say nonplussed.
“You don’t fool me. You’ve been practicing, but you still can’t block me, at least, not yet,” he smiles and takes a sip of his drink. I do the same in an attempt to hide my emotions from him.
