“Lexie! Miles is here!” Rory shouted. I picked up my water bottle and opened the door for Hades. He hurried downstairs, eager to see Miles. By the time I reached the living room, Miles already had Hades on his leash. He had changed into jeans, sneakers and one of his Zelda shirts.
He looked up from Hades and smiled. “Ready?”
“Definitely.” I turned to Rory. “Curfew?”
Rory thought about it. “You’ll get until midnight tonight.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yeah, just don’t make me regret it,” he warned.
I smiled. “Thanks, Rory!”
Miles handed me Hades’ leash and held the door open. I hurried out, grateful to get away from the house and Tara, who was blaring music in her bedroom.
Miles got in the driver’s side of his sedan while I let Hades in the back and climbed in the front.
He pulled away from the house while I adjusted an air-conditioning vent for Hades, then myself. When I had air blowing on me, I turned to Miles. “So, how big is this party going to be?”
“It’s usually rather large,” he said. “People from Northridge and Dulcet end up coming down.”
My brows went up. “Really? That big?”
He nodded and his brows drew down. “Yes. Are you sure you want to go?”
I thought about it now that I knew how big the party would really be. “Will there be room to go outside and breathe?”
He glanced at me. “Yes, the property is enormous. The house is rather large. There is usually a bonfire, a dock for fishing on the lake, even row boats if you want to go out on the water.”
“Wow,” I said, impressed. “So, there’s room to go out and take a break.”
He chuckled. “Yes, there is.”
Miles pulled off the road and into a long, wide driveway. We found a line of cars and parked at the end, on the right-hand side. We were far enough away that we couldn’t see the house.
Before we got out, I said, “I have something for you.”
He turned to me with a small grin.
I smiled as I shifted so I could reach into my pocket. I pulled out the sachet and handed it to him. “It’s to help you sleep. Or at least, it’s supposed to help you sleep.” I shrugged. “I figured since the betony is working on the house that it was worth a shot.”
He grinned as he smelled it. “What did you use?”
“Lavender, chamomile, and some rosemary,” I explained. “Anything that is supposed to help with sleep.” My face warmed. “It might not even work.”
“Even if it doesn’t, thank you,” he said softly. I turned back and met his eyes.
“You’re welcome.”
He smiled down at me before putting the sachet on the console. Pushing open the door, I got out and let Hades out of the back.
We started up the pavement. The woods were thick along the driveway, the trees making it at least five degrees cooler. It was nice. Miles’ phone rang.
“Yes?” Miles answered. Hades pulled to the side of the road. He led me through the cars to a tree and lifted his leg.
“We’ve parked, but I don’t see the house yet,” Miles said. I smiled. It was probably Zeke wondering where we were. Hades put his leg down.
“Good boy,” I told him and gave him some love. He wagged his wrinkly butt. I walked back to Miles’ side and we started walking again.
“Alright.” He hung up. “The guys are on their way.”
“Is everyone here already?” I asked as we walked.
“Yes.”
“Isaac has already been drinking, hasn’t he?” I asked, my voice quiet.
He sighed. “It sounded like it.”
“I’m worried about him,” I told him. “He’s been so… I don’t know… over the top lately.”
“I am too,” he admitted. “But there’s nothing we can do until he’s ready to talk about it.”
The sound of an electric motor was coming towards us.
“So, we just wait and try to stop him from doing something stupid?” I asked, not quite believing it.
"Unfortunately, yes." He turned to me and met my eyes. "We've tried to talk to him about it, we've tried to get him help, but if we bring it up he just shuts down."
I hated that he was right.
The electric motor grew louder. A white four-seat golf cart came into view. Asher was driving. I grinned.
Asher pulled to a stop next to us. “Want a lift?”
“Hell yeah.” I let Hades climb into the back seat. Before I could climb in, Miles joined him. I shot him a playful glare that had him smiling before I climbed into the front with Asher. “Where is everyone?”
Asher did a three-point turn and headed up the driveway. “They’re watching Isaac.”
“How long has he been drinking?” Miles asked.
“A half hour.” Asher glanced at me. “Ally, I hate to ask, but you’re the only one who has ever been able to stall him.”
“I’ll take Isaac duty when we get there,” I promised.
“Thanks,” he muttered.
Asher drove around a bend in the driveway. My jaw dropped. This place was enormous. As in, as large as Miles’ house. The stacked log walls and large alpine windows made it look like the biggest ski lodge I’d ever seen. Every light was on in the house. Music was blaring and the place was packed.
“When you said packed, you meant packed,” I said quietly.
“We can still leave if you want?” Miles reminded me. I took a breath and let it out slowly as we reached the parking for the golf carts. Four others were already parked there.
We climbed out, Miles handing me Hades’ leash before he got out. We followed Asher into the foyer, the oiled timber walls and random artwork added to the ski lodge feel. That was all I could see. Every room Asher led us through was full of people. At least the crowd parted for Hades; I was the only person in the room not crowded. I bit back a grin as Asher brought us into a game room. Video games were being played on several large TVs, a game of poker was happening in one corner, there was beer pong, air hockey, quarters - every party game you could imagine was being played.
Asher led us through it all to the bar at the back of the room. Zeke came into view first. He was, after all, giant and easy to spot. When the crowd parted for Hades, I found Isaac at the bar playing quarters with a dark-blond guy. He wasn’t bad looking. I remembered seeing him around school sometimes. Asher moved to stand with Ethan and Zeke. I followed.
“Hey,” I said as I watched Isaac pound down a shot. “How many has he had?”
“Three shots, two beers,” Ethan listed, his voice boiling. Without looking, I reached out and took his hand. He squeezed my fingers gently.
“Okay, keep your phones on, guys,” I told them.
“Are you sure you want to handle this?” Zeke grumbled. I sent him a smirk over my shoulder as I headed for Isaac.
I walked up behind Isaac with Hades clearing the way.
The blond boy noticed me first. “You must be Lexie.” He tapped the quarter in his hand on the bar. “Isaac has told me a lot about you.”
Really? I raised an eyebrow at Isaac. He grinned.
“That’s me.” I turned back to blond boy. “And you are?”
He gave me a smile that rivaled Asher’s. “Aaron Cooper, nice to meet you.”
“You too. Your house is nice.” I turned to Isaac.
“You should see my bedroom,” Aaron said with a leer. Isaac’s head snapped up. Oh, not good.
“No thanks, I’ve got an allergy to bad pick-up lines,” I said with a straight face. Aaron chuckled. I turned back to Isaac. “Hey, Cookie Monster, walk with me?”
Isaac glared at Aaron. “Sure.” He took my hand, got to his feet, and led me through the house.
When we stepped outside I took a deep breath of the pine air. Isaac walked beside me. The backyard was huge. The swimming pool was full of people, and so was the hot tub. Further back in a corner a fire was going. Isaac led me through the
crowd to a dirt path through the trees.
“How long have you been here?” he asked as we walked deeper into the trees.
“Just got here.” I stepped over a downed branch.
His hand squeezed mine. “And they asked you to babysit,” he grumbled.
I shot him a look. “I’m not babysitting. I’m not getting paid. I’m hanging out with one of my favorite people in the world.” I let go of his hand and wrapped my arm around his hard waist.
He half smiled and wrapped a tense arm around my shoulders. “Sorry, Red.” He gave me a squeeze. “The guys have just been on my ass about everything.”
“That’s what she said,” I said instantly. He chuckled. I squeezed him back. “They’re just worried about you.”
“I know,” he grumbled. “They shouldn’t be.”
“Why not?” I asked quietly. “We love you, so we worry about you.”
“You shouldn’t,” he repeated. “I’m fine.”
“Really?” I asked, my voice quiet. He nodded. I grinned up at him. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it.” I leaned closer until I was nose to nose with him. “But I’m still hanging out with you.”
He gave me a smile that reached his eyes; his body relaxed.
“Want to head back?” I asked.
“This path is a loop,” he explained. “We’ll come out on the other side of—”
Hades pulled on his leash, jerking me away from Isaac. I caught my footing and held him back. “What’s wrong, baby?”
The large bush beside a tree moved. Isaac stepped closer and a little in front of me as he took my hand. Dylan came out of the bushes fastening his jeans. His sapphire eyes lifted and met mine. His mouth dropped open.
“Uh…” He swallowed hard. Even the stunned look on his face couldn’t detract from his good looks.
“Dylan, wait for a sec. I can’t find my panties,” a girl’s voice called from behind the bushes. I raised an eyebrow, eyed him, and fought back a laugh. Wow. In the bushes? Really?
“Lexie…” Dylan’s eyes were pained, his face burning red.
“Enjoying yourself?” I asked, trying not to smile.
“I…” Dylan couldn’t seem to say anything.
Isaac squeezed my hand. “Come on, Red.” He tugged me along to start us walking.
“You’re with Isaac now?” Dylan asked, his voice sharp.
I shot him a look over my shoulder. “I wouldn’t be talking, bush boy.”
“Hope you kept an eye out for poison oak!” Isaac shot over his shoulder. I snorted as we walked around the bend in the trail.
When we were out of earshot, Isaac whispered, “Are you good?”
I chuckled. “Yeah, I’m just glad he hasn’t started calling since the restraining order expired.”
He squeezed my hand. I squeezed back.
“Are you nervous about your match?” I asked in the quiet.
“Kinda,” he admitted. “I haven’t fought for months. Sparring, yeah. But it’s different when you’ve got someone doing everything they can to take you down.”
“I think you’re going to do okay,” I told him. “Just don’t let him knee you in the face…”
We both started laughing. Getting a concussion from a knee to the face was enough that Isaac’s mom had yanked him from fighting months ago.
“Yeah, I know,” he muttered. “I’ve been looking at video of all the fighters who are registered. Trying to find weaknesses, mistakes.”
“Did you find any?” I asked, looking up at the trees.
“Some, but I don’t know if it will be useful. I still don’t know who I’m fighting.” He took my hand again.
“Keep to your technique, keep moving, and be patient,” I said, repeating what Dave, my trainer, always told me. “And don’t lose your temper.”
He grinned down at me. “I know.”
I smiled. “Sorry, I’m just worried something bad will happen.”
He squeezed my hand. “I know.”
We both grew quiet and enjoyed our walk.
Zeke
I growled under my breath as I moved through the damn crowd. Why the hell was I here? Some asshole ran into me. I glared at him. His face grew pale as he moved away. I kept moving through the crowd, hating every moment. How did anyone deal with this? My shoulders grew even more tense as I finally found my way out the front. Grumbling under my breath, I turned to walk around the house. This was fucking ridiculous.
I was almost around the corner when—
“Zeke!” Tara’s voice shouted. I gritted my teeth and kept walking. What the fuck did I have to do to get her to leave me alone? I quickened my pace. “Zeke! Hold on!”
I didn’t bother stopping in the side yard. I was sick of being nice.
She hurried down the deserted yard to walk beside me. “I thought we could get a drink and talk.”
“No,” I bit out before picking up the pace.
She hurried to stay with me. “Look, Zeke, I want to get to know you better—”
“Stop,” I bit out as I stopped and turned to her. “Just back the fuck off.”
“Zeke-”
“I. Don’t. Like. You,” I stated clearly.
“You don’t even know me. That’s why I want to hang out—”
“I fucking know enough,” I growled. “I don’t need to know more.” I turned and started walking again.
She snorted as she followed. “You only know what Lexie says.”
“You’re spoiled. You’re jealous of Lexie. And you’re the kind of person who blackmails her cousin,” I stated, my voice hard.
She stopped walking. “Sh-she told you!”
“Asher fucking heard you,” I growled as I kept going. “Now, fuck off.” I walked around the corner and towards the backyard. I was going somewhere Tara couldn’t follow.
Lexie
By the time we got back the party was getting rowdy. People were jumping off the diving board into the pool, one guy was doing a keg stand. It was chaos, but good chaos. Isaac led me through the crowded house and found Ethan with his bandmates.
“She’s all yours,” Isaac announced before kissing my temple.
“You mean I get to keep her?” Ethan asked, his face hopeful. The guys chuckled,
“You don’t want to keep me, I’m a lot of upkeep,” I warned Ethan. Ryan and Oliver laughed. Brooklyn, their new singer, watched me from the corner of her eye. She had a sweet angel face. Her blue eyes were ringed in black, her hot pink hair reached her shoulders in a choppy haircut. When we first met I had tried being nice, but she just watched me. Like she was watching me now.
Isaac gave my shoulder a squeeze before he ducked into the crowd. I pulled out my phone and texted the guys.
Alexis: Someone else is up.
Asher: On it
Alexis: Thanks.
I tucked my phone back into my pocket. Brooklyn was still watching.
Ethan got to his feet and took my hand. “Come on, Beautiful. I want a dance.” I smiled as he pulled me through the house to the living room, where the speakers were blaring. I told Hades to stay in the corner while we danced within his sight. Ethan smiled, spun me under his arm, and brought me back. As we danced I relaxed into him. We moved to the music. When a slow song came on, Ethan pulled me close. I draped my arms over his shoulders and took a deep breath of his spicy cologne.
“Thanks for dancing with me, Snoopy,” I said softly.
His hand moved up my spine slowly. “Always, Beautiful.”
“How are you doing?” I asked.
His chocolate eyes met mine. “Better, thanks to you.”
“I just listened,” I reminded him as warmth washed through me. “You could have called any of us.”
The corner of his lips lifted. “I don’t see myself calling Zeke in the middle of the night because I need to talk.”
I smiled at the image. “You’d probably get cursed out and lectured at the same time.”
He chuckled and held me closer, his hand running slowl
y back down my spine. My heart raced. Our dancing slowed.
“You know you can call me any time, right?” he whispered.
“I know.” I ran my eyes over his serious face. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “I just had a bad dream last night. Don’t worry about it.”
“What happened?” I asked.
His eyes ran over my face, his arms held me tighter. “I lost you,” he said, his voice just over a whisper. “You died. In front of us. We were all there, trying to get to you, and we just couldn’t…” His eyes filled with shadows. My heart ached.
“Hey, I’m okay,” I reminded him. “I’m here, I’m safe.”
His eyes met mine again. “I know, it was just a bad dream.” He tried to smile as if everything was fine.
I hugged him tight. “I’m okay,” I whispered in his ear. “I’m not going anywhere.” Please don’t let me be lying. My heart ached as I shoved the thought to the back of my mind.
He squeezed me back and took a deep breath.
We were still dancing when his phone went off. He checked it and cursed. “I need to go watch Isaac.” He texted back while I got Hades’ leash.
“Who’s got Lexie duty?” I teased.
He chuckled. “We’re meeting Miles.” He led me through the loud crowd. The music was starting to make my head hurt. It was roasting with so many bodies in here, not to mention the smell of so many sweaty people. Was everyone drunk already?
Miles
I handed off the controller to Chris and headed toward the doorway of the game room to meet Lexie and Ethan. The party was getting rowdy and people were bumping into each other everywhere. That’s not going to be good for Angel. The thought had me moving through the crowd faster. I finally spotted them waiting in the hall just outside the door. She was leaning against the doorjamb of the glass French doors, her fingers rubbing at her temple with her eyes closed. A headache? Ethan and Hades were between her and the crowd. Good, less chance of her getting bumped. I finally reached them.
“How’s your night going?” I asked them.
Ethan smiled. “I got a dance; it’s awesome.” Lexie smiled a tired smile. Ethan chuckled before he leaned down and kissed Lexie on the cheek. I looked away from them to the crowd, my fingers tapping on my thigh. How were the twins so sure she wanted to be touched? How did they know without her telling them? I envied them that skill.
When Evil Comes to Play Page 4