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“Come on, it’s gonna be fun,” Asher whines, before picking up the hammer he was using and smashing it into the tables again, creating a ricocheting bang.

Blake turns towards me, brown eyes now adorned with red on the outside, a euphoric look on his face. “I’m only going if you’re going.”

“I’ll go!” Jordie chimes in casually, padding across the floor to examine the bar.

I’m not in the least bit interested in attending another one of Lacey’s parties, but just like that, my decision is made. “I guess so.”

She spins, throwing daggers in my direction. I know there’s words tinkering on the tip of her tongue, but she doesn’t say anything. I pull my lips between my teeth, adjusting myself in the chair while I tilt my head at her.

“Fuck yeah!” Asher chants while Blake groans.

“Now it’s three against one and I have to go,” Blake complains.

As my eyes stayed fixed on Jordie’s, there’s a challenge in those ocean eyes of hers that I’ll gladly accept.

“You’ll be absolutely fine, my darling. I’ll protect you,” Asher coos, grabbing Blake’s cheeks between his fingers and thumb, making kissing noises at him.

“I’m not scared, dickhead.” Blake shoves him away while Asher laughs, grabbing his hammer again.

Jordie’s been wearing the same clothes for days, so I’m going to assume she’s not going to have anything to wear to this party, which means I have something I need to do before if she really wants to go.

She continues her eye assault on me, and I have a feeling this party is about to become whole lot of interesting.

10

Jordan

5 Years Ago - Aged 18

It’s pitch-black when we arrive. The yellow wall lights surrounding the castle hardly provide any brightness. It’s not a tall building, but it is wide. It’s near enough a maze inside and I’ve only ever explored the government wing, including Kain’s wing.

Plumes of white frost swirl in the air with every breath as I follow my mother up the stone steps, the fluttering in my gut rolling with speed the closer I get to see Kain again. For some reason, I think just us being in each other proximity will somehow expose us.

My mind hasn’t been able to rest since being caught by Dorrian earlier, and there’s a sinking feeling in my gut as the doors groan open as if by themselves. The wine and gold interior of the castle is revealed. It’s a sudden hush as we enter, the previously hidden staff closing the doors behind us. Last night this castle was bustling with partygoers, and today it’s… silent.

“Welcome.” A servant stands in a doorway that leads to a long stretch of hallway with tall windows. “Please, follow me. The Westbrook family is waiting.”

It’s uncommon for us to have dinner with the Westbrook’s, I assume this has something to do with some type of promotion for my mother, because those are the only rare times we do.

At the end of the hallway, we approach a much taller door—the red shade darker, with intricate, ornate patterns adorning it. The servant opens the door on a creak, revealing Heath, Kain and Dorrian sitting at the very end of a long dining table. Small name plates sit on the opposite side of them, grazing platters spread across the expensive linen. Heath’s chair scrapes on the wooden floor as he stands, and Kain’s eyes land on me—the only soft feature on his face with the rest sitting with hard lines, probably wishing he was anywhere but in this room. And I don’t blame him. But with both of us here we might just be able to get through the night.

“Nice to see you, Heath,” Mother says, her arms stretching out.

Is she offering him a hug?

That’s awfully friendly.

Heath and Mother embrace each other, and I keep my features neutral. Dorrian’s gaze is focused on his empty plate while Kain studies their every move, eyebrows twitching in the same confusion as me. His eyes drag to me, a ghost of a smile sitting on his lips and bringing heat to my cheeks. Why does he have to make it so hard not to look at him? I catch Dorrian giving Kain a small shove with his elbow, and Kain rewards him with a scowl when he rips his gaze away from me.

Heath leers at me, bringing those uncomfortable shivers spreading over my spine. “Jordan.” He smiles.

“Mr Westbrook.” I return his gesture with an insincere half smile.

“Please, take your seats.”

My name plaque sits directly opposite Kain’s, and Mother’s is settled next to Heath’s. I notice the fire burning in Kain’s eyes as he stares at his father who's helping Mother into her cushioned chair.

Why don’t I have a good feeling about this?