“Fine,” I say with a smile as I take a seat, knowing this isn’t going to end anytime soon.
“It was great! Thanks for asking, Mrs. Williams,” Barry says and smiles in a way that makes me want to roll my eyes. He’s such a kiss ass.
“It was fine, Mom. What about you? How was your day?” Henry asks, and takes a seat next to me.
“Oh, it was fabulous. I got a lot of things done for Jazzy’s party. Leland took me to pick up the dresses and suits, and he was lovely enough to take me to see an old friend.” She might be smiling, but that twitch above her left eye and the dimple on the right side of her cheek that’s showing, proves to me exactly how annoyed she is at the moment.
“Oh! That’s great, Mom,” Henry says.
“Oh, it is,” she says and smiles evilly at Leland, who leans back against the counter.
“Lily-bean, be nice. Scarlet Jones has been bugging the shit outta me for ages to bring you by,” he says and adds his own annoyed look that almost imitates hers, minus the dimple on her cheek. His is on his chin.
“Oh no,” Henry says and slowly drops his head to the table.
“Who’s that?” Barry asks and looks between the four of us.
Scarlet Jones was our neighbor at one point. The most annoying person on the planet, and Mom literally threw a block party the day she was totally moved out of the house across the street.
“She’s sweet,” Leland starts, his long-time defense. He thinks she’s sweet because she’s one of his biggest fans and always made him homemade granola bars and diet friendly treats for him to travel with.
“She might be sweet, but lord have mercy, her mouth never stops and she laughs out her nose.” Mom sniffs.
I work to keep my laughter under control. “So, Mom, what were you two arguing about when we got home?” I ask, hoping to end this sometime soon.
She looks at each of us for a minute and rests her eyes on Barry, who straightens his posture and folds his hands in front of him. “I would like to know what my son’s letter was about. I’m guessing he showed you it?”
Barry nods. “Yes, Ma’am. It explained that he isn’t human. He’s a Halfling, part human, part shifter.”
She nods but her brows furrow in confusion. “And what does this mean for him? Was his biological mother an addict of some kind? Henry seems well enough, but should I make an appointment with a psychiatrist for him?”
I bite the inside of my lips together to keep from laughing.
“Lil, don’t make Barry show you. Dear god, stop,” Leland pleads with her.
She looks between him and Barry for a second. “I need to know.”
Henry sighs. “It’s real, Mom. This isn’t a prank, I’m supernatural.”
She snorts and opens her mouth to respond when Barry takes off his shirt.
“Oh, no,” Leland mutters. I look away, not knowing how much clothes he’s taking off.
“This is not a strip club! Put your clothes back on! Especially in front of my daugh…” she stops in mid-scold. I look over to see Barry transforming. Mom stumbles backwards, and Leland jumps to her side to steady her. I look away so I don’t have to watch again.
“Mom, relax,” Henry yells, trying to keep her calm, “he’s fine.”
I glance over again and see Barry’s wolf standing in our kitchen, swallowing up the empty floor space.
“Wha… bu… he… I…” Mom stutters. I smile and try to think of the many things she could be thinking. She looks from the wolf to Henry and back again. “Barry?” She asks and the wolf nods its head. She looks back over to Henry. “You do this?”
He purses his lips. “Not yet, but I might not ever be able to.”
Mom pushes Leland away and comes over to sit at the table. “Barry, can you uh, come back?” she asks cautiously, and the wolf trots out of the kitchen. Mom stares at Henry silently, for a long time. The anticipation of her thoughts is getting to the both of us. Henry’s finger is tapping against the table, and my knee is bouncing. She finally cocks her head to the side. “It actually makes sense now,” she says, and surprises not only me, but Leland and Henry, too.
“How does this make sense?” Leland asks.
“Well, think about it,” she says and points to Henry. “He’s protective, but still kind. He’d rather be outside running or hiking than playing video games. He likes hunting and fishing but hates the grocery store. When the moon is full, he’s got more energy than you on game day when you make the series.”
I laugh so loud and hard, I begin to snort. “I’m sorry,” I say around my laughter. Henry laughs, too, and Barry finally comes in the room.
“Mrs. Williams,” he starts.
“Lil,” she corrects him.
He nods. “Lil, we’re not linked to the moon.”
She smiles. “Maybe not for shifting, but animals are in fact linked to the moon. It’s the way of nature.”
“I never actually noticed my energy being at a higher level,” Henry shakes his head.
Mom smiles and reaches across the table to pat his arm. “I noticed because I’m Mom. I raised you, and I see everything.”
Barry slowly backs away from the table. When I look at his face, I see what I interpret as pain.
“Why can’t you shift?” Mom asks and looks between Henry, Barry, and Leland.
“Hey, I remember this one! He’s part human, so it takes longer for his wolf to come around,” Leland explains.
“What the hell does that mean? Barry has a wolf…” she pauses and stares at him, “inside of him?”
Barry smirks. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“If the wolf isn’t inside of you, then how do you shift?” she asks in disbelief.
“The wolf isn’t so much inside me, but more like my wolf is part of me.” Mom looks at him like he’s crazy. “It’s like some people can dance as though they are part of the music, and others can’t for lack of rhythm. For shifters, our spirit animal is part of us.”
“Why can’t Henry shift? Where’s his wolf? I’m assuming he has one because of his biological father,” Mom asks.
“I haven’t felt any different yet.” Henry shrugs. “I might not shift, but when I need my wolf, he’ll make his presence known somehow.”
“Okay, what about the Deva-thingy-majigger mentioned in that note? What’s that? What do they do? Who are they? Will the thingers…”
“Slow down, Mom!” I interrupt her. “Don’t have an aneurism.” I roll my eyes. “Devux, they’re Devux.”
Mom looks at me, wide eyed. “How do you know what they are?”
I swallow my initial reaction, because they’re hunting me! “Because I ask questions.” I shrug.
Leland glares at me, and I duck my head. “From what I understand, they’re demons,” Leland growls and takes a deep breath. He doesn’t want to tell Mom about this entire situation either.
“Okay, so these demon devux thingies are where? Will they harm my boy?” she questions and glares at all of us.
“Not likely,” Barry interjects. “He’s like a dirty little secret right now.” He smirks and taps Henry in the back of the head. “He’ll stay a hidden Halfling until we know if he can shift. If he shifts, he’ll need to join a pack. If not, he’ll be protected by my father’s pack like…” he trails off and clears his throat. “Like all humans and creatures in the area.”
Mom shakes her head. “I think Jazzy’s right,” she sighs. “I don’t need a mental explosion, no more questions.” She’s quiet for a long time, just staring at Henry. Barry goes back over to hold up the wall again, and Leland and I just watch Mom. “I knew you were special.”
Henry smiles. “Thanks for not thinking of me as a freak.” He gets up and walks around the table.
I stand and head for the stairs to go to my room. I don’t think anyone should tell her about my issues yet. One mind-blowing experience a day is enough for now.
“Are we free to leave?” Barry whispers, as I walk past him. I nod.
***
/>
Skeeter barges into my room carrying two duffel bags and a dress bag. “Jazzy, why are you not super stoked for tonight?” She drops the bags on my bed and spins around to face me. “Dancing with our guys, showing off awesome dresses, and killer dance moves,” she says and twirls in a circle. “A friggin’ band is gonna be there! Come on! Get up! Turn on some tunes and wiggle with me!” she laughs, and pulls me up.
“Alright!” I laugh. “I’ll put on some awesome music to ‘wiggle’ to.” I laugh as I find my ‘dancin’ playlist and hit shuffle. Skeeter squeals when the music flows from the speakers. She grabs my hands, and we dance around like idiots while singing along to a Mutemath song.
After our showers, we paint our nails, and Mom comes in to help with hair and make-up.
Mom and I have a small argument while Skeeter laughs at us, because I think she’s salon quality. She thinks my opinion doesn’t count because I don’t get this kind of thing done regularly. We agree to disagree.
I look at myself in the mirror. My blonde hair is swept off my neck in a half up-do with the ends curled. Mom also hair-sprayed the crap out of it, I hope she doesn’t plan on lighting any candles or I might go up in flames.
She did a smoky eye with grays and a hint of blue to compliment my ice blue eyes. Then she added pink shimmer gloss to my lips and a light dusting of blush. I won’t need it. I’ll be blushing like a fool once we get there.
I grab my dress bag and head to the bathroom to allow Skeeter to change in my room. My chiffon cocktail-length dress is light blue with spaghetti straps. A layer of fabric crisscrosses over my chest and gives the illusion that my “girls” are fuller than they really are. The dress flows with the breeze, I’ll have to be careful outside and while dancing.
Entering my room, I look at Skeeter, she has her short, black hair done in a spiky do. Purple and white shadow her electric blue eyes. She added a touch of shimmer powder to her chest and neck, and topped it off with a clear glittery gloss.
Her A-line, strapless dress is violet and black, mid-thigh short, and hugs her body like a latex glove. It has a bubble-shaped ruffle at the bottom.
She blabs excitedly as I tie up the corset back for her, and then we slide on our heels.
I grab a small purse, and throw in my phone and a pair of ballet flats.
Mom knocks and comes in. She has a camera in her hands. “I forgot to get pictures of us getting ready!” She shouts as she rushes towards us, her teal floor length dress licking at her heels.
She starts taking pictures of me, then Skeeter, then both of us doing silly poses. She yells for Leland, and he takes a picture of the three of us and leaves red faced and silent. I raise a brow at Mom to see if she understands what just happened.
“He’s okay,” she promises. “He’s choked up. You look gorgeous tonight.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “He’s proud, and remembering and missing Dad and Soph,” she rambles, and fans at her face before squeezing my arm and leaving the room.
I just watch, frozen, as she leaves. I can’t believe I haven’t given myself time to think about my birthday being celebrated without Dad and Sophie.
Skeeter takes one look at me and drags me out of my room. “Let’s go see if the boys are ready, shall we?” She giggles.
The guys.
I groan. Henry hasn’t seen this dress, neither has Barry. “Do you think I’ll get yelled at?” I whine.
She raises a brow. “For what?”
I sigh and point to my dress with one hand on my hip.
“If any of them say anything other than how amazingly gorgeous you look, I have a four inch heel with all of their names on it,” she promises.
I smile and link arms with her again. She’s right. She would kick them or throw a shoe at them if they started their protective-wolf-crap.
While I enter the living room like a normal person, Skeeter trips over her heel-clad feet and bursts into a loud laugh, effectively announcing our arrival. I use my hand to shield my laugh before noticing there are way too many pairs of eyes looking our way.
My palms moisten, my chest tightens, and I have that wild urge to run as fast as my heart, away from my family and friends.
I fist my hands and focus on my breathing, while staring at Henry, who hasn’t noticed my presence yet. I follow his entranced eyes, and see him watching Skeeter, who is fixing the strap to her heel.
That’s all the distraction I need. My breathing has returned to normal and I’m fighting off giggles.
Mom enters the room and claps her hands loudly. “Is everyone ready?”
Everyone responds, except me.
My eyes are glued to Seth like a moth to a flame. My mouth pops open and all breathing has stopped.
The entire length of the room is between us. It feels like miles and at the same time, it feels like I’m already wrapped in his embrace.
His green eyes seem to simmer and pop against his black tux. He definitely should be off to some fancy dinner with a client, on the red carpet, or even a runway. He’s far too gorgeous to be going to a seventeen-year-old’s birthday party.
Right at this very moment, Skeeter should be reminding me to breathe and close my fly catcher before I drool on my dress.
Seth crosses the room, eyes locked on mine, at too slow of a pace. “You look amazing,” Seth says huskily.
I audibly swallow and take in every inch of him. “Handsome seems too blasé a compliment,” I choke out.
He grabs my hand and places it in the crook of his arm. “Are we ready?”
I nod, and we head out to his car to follow a convoy of vehicles to Kingston Hall, in a comfortable silence.
The inside of the hall has been decorated black, white and blue. I scan the room for anything that might harm me. Seeing nothing too hazardous, I make my way into the room with Seth holding my hand.
Seth’s parents flock to us like seagulls in a parking lot, and Claire fawns over my dress. I’ve just thanked them for coming when Sam comes over wearing his own tux and a smirk.
“Will you three quit hogging the Birthday Girl?” He jokes.
Seth rolls his eyes. “I’m allowed to hog her.”
“Save a dance for me?” He pouts, and I nod, fighting off laughter. “By the way, Happy Birthday.” He does a Prince Charming bow, winks, and walks away, leaving me giggling.
We find our table, the one closest to the stage. That takes care of small talk, I snort.
I watch as more guests arrive, and drop off a bag, box, or envelope at the gift table, then find their place cards.
Soon enough, it’s time to eat and we figure out who our table mates are. I’m glad the guys are all together, but it is my party. What are they going to do except rag on me? We could’ve used another girl or two at our table. Skeeter and I are totally out numbered.
After we eat, the band opens the curtains, and wishes me a happy birthday. When they start playing the first song, I’m Here, I grab Skeeter, and we beeline to the dance floor, not caring that we’re the only ones. We stand right in front and dance and shout. Soon the guys join us, as well as most of the other guests, including Seth’s mom, who yells just as loud as Skeeter and me.
Someone touches my elbow. I spin around to see my old friend, Susie, smiling at me. I quickly give her a hug, and go back to watching the band.
After a few songs, I grab Seth, and we weave our way back to the table for a drink.
Susie follows us.
I take a gulp of my water and turn to find Susie ogling Seth. I clear my throat to get her attention. “Susie, this is my boyfriend, Seth. Seth, this is my old friend, Susie.” They shake hands but Susie’s eyes seem to travel back to Seth.
She finally gets her bearings and stays focused on me. “Henry is letting you date now?” Her eyes go wide. “Since when?”
I grin and shrug. “Since Seth.”
Her eyes travel the length of him, and I fight the urge to stand in front of him as a shield. “He could make anyone say yes,” she says, while fanning herse
lf.
Seth, the gentleman that he is, smiles to Susie. “It’s been a pleasure.” Then he leans to my ear and whispers, “I’ll be over with Henry.”
I nod and discretely check his emotions. Uncomfortable. I fight a smirk.
She watches him walk away and sashays next to me and shakes her head. “He sure is easy on the eyes,” she grins and clears her throat. “I haven’t heard from you since the funeral,” she frowns. “You don’t answer my texts anymore so I was a little surprised to hear from your mom.” I flinch slightly. “Hey, I’m glad she’s home again.” She smiles.
I sigh and blow out a breath. “To be honest, I was fed up with everyone.” I shrug. “I miss you all, but the pity, and hushed conversations that you all thought I didn’t hear was just too much for me.” Her frown returns and guilt shines in her eyes. “Mom is selling the house, and we’re staying with Leland for a while.” I don’t offer an apology or any promises of a friendship like we had before.
She sputters. “No flippin’ way!” She shouts over the music. “Jazzy, no!” She growls. “You were supposed to come back to our school. How can you stand that place? And why sell that house?!”
I frown. “I don’t want to sell it either, but Henry and I have no say in the matter.” I feel the caress on my mind and close my eyes to see an image of me in Seth’s embrace flash behind my eyes. I smile and open my eyes again. “It’s not all that bad. I mean, I did meet Seth my first day.”
Her look softens slightly. “That’s cute.” She looks out to the crowd. “Happy birthday, Jaz. I’m gonna go find the girls in that mess. I see some cuties out there,” she says with a wink. “Aside from your man, your brother, and your hot-ass uncle, I mean.” I laugh, as she weaves her way through the crowd like a cheetah stalking her prey. My guess is she’ll end up barking up Barry’s tree.
Before I head back into the pond of people and creatures on the dance floor, I figure it’d be good idea to run to the ladies room first.
I wash my hands and take three steps into the hallway before looking up. A feeling of dread washes over me. I dart into the bathroom again and lock the door. “Oh yea, ‘cause that’ll stop Derik and whoever he brought with him,” I mutter to myself, looking around to see if there’s a vent I can crawl through or something random to use as a weapon.
True Connection (The Soul Mate Series) Page 21