“Heeey, Ryker,” a girl flirts as she passes by, shaking her ass in a short skirt, and the answer clicks.Pussy.
That’s why I used to come here all the time without complaint. Any social event I was attending turned into a smorgasbord for the picking. It’s nothing to take home a girl, or three, from these types of functions, but now I just find it irritating as hell since my dick hates me.
The only reason I’m here today is because of the guilt trip Levi gave me about needing to show support for JP. Well, not until he mentioned it after the party, since we royally fucked that up too. It never even occurred to me with the council focusing on Rez that Moni and JP would feel like they had been used. Talk about feeling two feet tall. I have never felt this shitty before, so it wasn’t a big push for Levi to get me to come along, even though I wanted to do anything else. Though in the end, it’s worth it to see JP beam when he wins his first two contests. He isn’t participating in all of them, but his last one is the desserts and I know he’s gonna kill that also.
Who knows, maybe this place will be good for everyone and Zeke will show up and get out of his funk. Lately, he’s been a complete ass, and that’s saying something coming from me. He’s been distant and constantly angry, but maybe if he shows up and focuses on someone else for a change, he might find himself smiling again.
After hearing from Moni that Rez actually left their dorm room, a small part of me was hoping to run into her here while we’re out, but Knox ruined that with one fucking text.
The lucky bastard.
I mean, I’m glad he got an opening with her, if only because it proves there’s still hope Rez isn’t completely shutting us out. But it also means I need to up my game. It’s not like I can take her flying whenever she wants, but what can I give a woman that doesn’t seem to want me for sex?
The only two beneficial things from coming here are the chance of finding old artifacts in the shops for my collections and feeding residually off a few creatures here and there. However, most of the attendees are nowhere near the sexual buffet that I was getting at the Beach party. Which reminds me, I need to get that orgy planned and STAT. Next weekend could be good, and if I can earn Rez’s forgiveness by then, maybe I can somehow convince Rez to join. Until then, I will have to make do with the equivalent of scraps at a dumpster.
Speaking of which, I take in a whiff and pick up something different in the air. It’s not as potent as Rez, but it’s definitely better than the shit I’ve been picking up. Like an old Earth commercial, I ‘follow my nose’ to the source and just about retch when I find it. There in front of me is Moni flirting with a tall blond man.
Um. NO!
Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Hitting on my little sister! Moni catches my eye as her skin flashes a pale white before going back to her normal green. She smiles back up at the man at her side and quickly says something to him before he nods and squeezes her hand and heads off to a refreshment stand.Smart Moni. Don’t want him around to hear my tongue lashing, huh?I think to myself as I make my way across the plaza.
Before I get there though, a group of harpies show up. I don’t know how Rez came up with their nickname, but we have all accepted it. I can’t help but chuckle at how accurate the term is for them. Why we had never thought of it before is beyond me. When one is on the attack, it seems like all of them are. Like now, they divide and conquer. While the fish-faced lady walks up to Moni, a couple of the others break off to approach the man that left her side. No matter their looks, I guess you could say all of their attitudes are ugly.
“Look here, you little bug. I don’t know who you think you are but he’s mine. Stay away from him,” the harpy I don’t know growls out, getting into Moni’s face. Pride takes over as I watch Moni stand up for herself.
“He’s a grown man and he can decide for himself. He doesn’t have to listen to you, so—” she gulps but doesn’t back down “—please back off and leave us alone.” She stands firm.
The harpies are so focused on Moni that they don’t see me coming in at their flank until it’s too late. The fish-face-looking one pulls back her arm to strike Moni, but before she can I’m there with my knife close enough to her neck to allow the Fae Fire’s heat to radiate against her throat.
“You heard her. She asked you nicely to leave her alone, and I suggest you listen.” The woman slowly lowers her arm as her eyes promise retribution for my interference. “Next time, I won’t be asking.” I lower my dagger but keep it in sight as she gives Moni a scalding look before bringing her attention back to me.
“And who are you?” Her condescending voice is like nails on a chalkboard, and the other harpies’ eyes bug out as they recognize who is standing in front of them.
“Weare someone you don’t want to mess with. Now leave our sister alone,” Levi demands, coming up behind Moni. The other harpies grab their friend and start apologizing profusely as they start pulling her away. Hopefully they will quickly educate her on who we are and not to fuck with Moni again. I really don’t want to draw blood during the first quarter. I’m a lover, not a fighter, but for my family, I’ll bathe in blood.
“Here you go, Firefly. A fireweed milkshake. Oh. Who are you?” The tall blond male walks up and hands Moni a drink but eyes Levi and me suspiciously.
“Oh, thanks, Chester. These are my brothers, Levi and Ryker. Guys, this is Chester. I—He—We…” Her skin flickers between pink, yellow, and white before she clams up and her shoulders slump.
Oh shit. I didn’t mean to make her upset.
“We’re dating,” Chester squeaks, and I almost burst out laughing before Moni sends me a chilling look. Oh wow. Someone is protective. Her skin flashes a pastel yellow as she looks up at Chester.
“So who was the new harpy?” I inquire, putting away my knife when Chester eyes it for the second time.
“Oh, that was Gertrude. Serafin’s cousin. She’s my new neighbor,” she waves away my question.
Great, the harpies are multiplying like mutilated rabbits.
“It’s nice to meet you, Chester.” Levi reaches out to shake his hand, and I know what he’s doing, the sneaky bastard. He’s trying to gauge his intentions through his feelings. “Just do right by her,” he says before letting go and fixing his lapels on his suit.
Moni isn’t new to the game, squinting her eyes at Levi but not saying anything. He gives me a nod before taking off back to the festivities, leaving me with Moni and her…boo? Well, not wanting to interrupt their moment, I do what’s best and embarrass Moni further.
Pulling her into a side hug, I say, “Now remember, Moni. Your body is like a Pringles can. Once you pop, you won’t be able to stop, so make sure to get lube.” She blushes a bright pink as she pushes me off of her.
“Oh. My. God. You’re horrible,” she shrieks and Chester blushes behind her.
“Just honest,” I tease, winking and backing away from her swinging fist. Turning with a grin, I leave her with her man as I continue to walk around this festival for some more entertainment.
