“What’s up?” His voice was so casual, so unfeeling.
“What’s up? That’s what you have to say to me? Why are you going to the dance with Patty? If anything, I thought we would go together.” I shifted from one foot to the other, feeling uncomfortable even talking about this. I hoped that seeing me and talking to me would snap him out of it, and make him stop being this alternate version of himself.
A dark chuckle played on his lips. “We can do something else some other time.” He lowered his voice. “Or any time you feel like sneaking into my room again.”
Black eyes or not, my temper snapped. Did the hex give him free reign to be a complete dick? No! I hauled my hand back and smacked him with everything I felt, the frustration of being stuck in the school, of not knowing who to trust, and most of all wanting to trust my soulmate and not being able to. “Snap out of it!”
When Tucker’s head snapped back, his eyes had turned back to warm honey. The palm of my hand stung with the force of the hit, and before I shed any tears of frustration I shook my hand out and looked him dead in the eye. “Back to normal?”
He nodded. “I think so.” He ran his hand over his cheek where my hand print was out lined in an angry red. “Thanks?”
“My pleasure.” Everyone was watching us, and I knew it. I whispered, “We need to figure out what’s wrong with you as soon as possible.”
He glanced over his shoulder at Patty. “Tell me about it. Did I just agree to go to the dance with her?”
I stifled the need to gag. “Ugh, yeah.”
“I’ll break that off now.”
He moved to step in her direction and pressed my hand to his stomach. “No, you agreed to it, everyone knows. Just go with her so we don’t draw anymore attention to us.”
He shook his head. “I don’t know about this, Zin.”
“Just don’t kiss her, okay?”
He pressed his lips into a hard line. “You have my word.”
“Good, now I’m going to get ready for this stupid thing and then we are going to figure out what the hell is happening.” I glanced around at our crew. “It’s time to pool our resources and get some help. Becks and Gray can help us.”
He nodded. “Agreed, after the dance we stop whatever this is. Until then we keep quiet.”
“Deal.” I spun around and walked out of the room. I felt their eyes on me. I knew every one of the crew was watching my every move, but I didn’t care. I threw my shoulders back and held my head up. I could stomach this for a few more hours. What could go wrong?
Chapter 25
Zinnia
I stood before my standing mirror, turning in all different directions to look at the dress I’d found in the back of my closet. It was cute enough, a simple dark purple baby doll dress with spaghetti string straps and a pastel purple bow just under the bustline. I pulled my combat boots on and finger combed my hair. I shrugged at myself in the mirror. “Guess this is as good as it’s going to get.”
Ophelia leaned in beside me and smiled. “You look great.”
“Don’t lie. I wore this dress last year to my best friend’s sweet sixteen. It kind of makes me look like a little kid.” I pinched the hem of the dress and let it drop back into place. Last year I’d been a completely different person. Someone who backed away from uncomfortable situations. Now I faced everything head on. “I just wanted to be more, I don’t know… more me? This is so basic.”
“It is kind of BB.” Ophelia fluffed up her hot pink tutu. I had no idea how she found the things she did, but she was in full-blown eighties glam, with black stockings, a hot pink tutu, a black silky tank top and the same leather jacket she’d worn earlier in the day. She was pulling my flat iron through her hair, making big curls.
“BB?” I bit my lip and shifted around, looking at how the back fell so plain, so boring.
She placed the flat iron on the table. Then took a tube of lipstick and painted on the dark ruby color. She blew a kiss at herself in the mirror then fluffed out her hair. “You know, basic bi—”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” I moved toward the closet. “I get it, I’ll change.”
“Into what? The dance has already started. I can hear the music.” She nodded her head toward the door. “Come on, who cares what you’re wearing? Let’s just go.”
I kicked my boots off. “Just go ahead. I’ll meet you there.”
“Fine, but you better hurry up. I’m not going to cling to Nova the whole night. It’s my first dance ever, and I want to enjoy it.” Ophelia gave a little wave, then walked out the door.
I stood in my closet, staring at the rows and rows of black clothing I kept and not one dress that would catch Tuck’s eye. If I was being honest, deep down I wanted to look my best so he would remember who he belonged with and wouldn’t fall to his hex again. But I just wasn’t the dress type of girl. There was a light knock at the door, and I left my closet completely frustrated. How could I have nothing? “Did you forget your key, O?”
I reached out and pulled the door open and took a small step back. “Cross, hi.” I looked back over my shoulder. “Ophelia already left for the dance.”
Cross was a stunning guy with his dark hair falling to his jaw and into his gold eyes. He had a strong chiseled jawline and overly full lips. He wore a navy button-down shirt with the first three buttons wide open, his standard leather pants and biker boots. “I’m not here for Ophelia.”
“You’re not?” I leaned up against the door frame blocking him from coming in. “And here I was thinking you guys were a thing.”
His tongue darted out over his lips. “What gave you that impression?”
I was so tired of keeping secrets and tired of dancing around people to try and figure them out. If he was my enemy, let the chips fall where they may. “I saw the two of you talking yesterday.”
“And?” He shrugged.
“And I know you two are both here for purposes that are your own. Neither of you trusts the other, and I think because Ophelia asked you to keep him away from me that you are the reason Tuck is taking Patty Pinch Face to the dance. Have I left anything out?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
Cross rubbed his hand over his stubbly jawline. “Things with O are complicated right now.”
I threw my hands up. “What about the rest of it?”
He held his hands out in front of him in a surrender motion. “Look, I’m not here to hurt anyone if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Then why are you here?”
He sighed and glanced down the hall way. “To take you to the Solstice Ball.”
I shifted from one foot to the other. “But I don’t trust you.”
“It’s a good thing you don’t need to trust me to dance with me.” He offered me his hand.
This would be the first ball I’d been to where I had a date. He wasn’t the one I truly wanted to be with, but he was gorgeous, and it could be fun. At least if I showed up with Cross people wouldn’t be looking at my crappy dress.
I slid my hand into his. “Okay.”
“But first, is that what you’re going to wear? It doesn’t seem like you.” He made a show of looking me up and down.
“No, I hate this dress. But stupid Alataris is hanging around the city and no one knows why. So, I couldn’t go get a new one.”
A deep chuckle vibrated in his chest. “Oh, Zinnia, just because your dad is being a dick doesn’t mean you’re stuck.”
I opened my mouth to yell he wasn’t my dad, but Cross chuckled and shook his head. “Your secret is safe with me. Some of us know what it’s like to have a father we aren’t proud of.”
“If you say anything to anyone, I swear I’ll… well, I don’t know what I’ll do, but it’ll suck for you.” I jabbed my finger in his chest.
“I have no doubt it will.” He lifted his hand and spun me in a circle. “Now about that dress, what’s the point of having all this power if you’re not going to use it for fun once in a while?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Crimson mist rose from the palm of his hand, and a wicked smile played on his lips. “Just hold very very still.”
I took a small step back into my room and he followed me in. The door clicked shut behind him and my heart shot up into my throat. My eyes went wide. “Cross?”
Chapter 26
Nova
Somehow, a canopy of threes sprouted up over the past few hours, covering the whole courtyard like a perfect tent. The branches all wound together, and multicolored fall leaves decorated each of them. Twinkle lights slowly flickered like stars in the night sky. Mason jars hung from the branches, and pixies fluttered from one to the other, lighting them up. The fountain poured in a soft rhythm. Couples swayed back and forth on the dance floor to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. Tables were scattered all around the courtyard, and a long buffet table stood packed full of all different kinds of food.
At the table furthest from everything sat Matteaus and members of the Fallen. Incredibly, there were eight of them. I’d only seen three of them and now here they were. Each of them draped over chairs that didn’t hold their too-big bodies. An array of weapons was strapped all over Matteaus. It was the first time I’d seen him carry his legendary dual swords, and I wasn’t the only one to notice. Every student who passed by their table stared. They were beautiful to look at, beautiful and deadly, each one with wings blacker than the next. Even the other professors and Niche where there, sitting around the table with them. Which meant no one was paying attention to us.
Grayson held a silver chalice to his lips and took a deep sip. “Bloody good stuff that is.”
“Thanks, you look nice too.” I flattened my hands over my dress and smoothed out the silver satin material.
“Don’t be put out. You know you look amazing.” Grayson winked down at me. “I was glad you decided to come with me.”
Serrina sashayed up to us. The girl was movie-star beautiful with her long streaked blond hair, pouty red lips and skin-tight black dress. The dress hugged every inch of her from the thin straps all the way down to just above her knees. “Has anyone see Brax? He’s supposed to be my date.”
I shook my head. “He’s really been MIA lately.” I poked Grayson in the side. “What’s up with him?”
“What? What do you mean? I don’t know anything.” Grayson started to turn away and head back toward the buffet.
“Freeze.” I pinched his suit jacket and pulled him back toward me. “That does not sound like you know nothing. Fess up.”
“On pain of death, I will not.” He took another deep drink, and when he dropped the glass from his mouth, a hint of thick red liquid was left on his lips.
“Oh, for the love of Pete.” Serrina held her palm up to her mouth and blew across it. Red magic seeped from her fingers and blew straight into Grayson’s face.
He sucked in a deep breath, and the magic drifted up his nose. He swayed on his feet and tried to shake it off. Tabi moved in next to Serrina and laughed. “Oh, make him dance like a chicken.”
She tilted her head back and started laughing. Her wild curls fanned out from her face in all directions, and the shining yellow of her dress gave her mocha skin a warm sunny look that I envied. Bright beads were sewn into the halter strap around her neck and across the bodice.
Serrina held her hand up. “Just a second. Grayson, where is Brax?”
Grayson’s eyes went heavy lidded. “In his room.”
“Why is he in his room?” Serrina blew another round of magic into his face.
“He’s got himself a puppy and he’s obsessed.”
“Aww, he’s always wanted one.” I leaned in and whispered, “But isn’t that against the rules?”
Grayson nodded sleepily. “Indeed.”
Serrina shrugged. “I guess I can forgive him for ditching me for that.”
Tabi put her hands on her hips. “Speak for yourself. Beckett just straight up disappeared, and I have no idea where he went. Adrienne is obsessed with getting better at magic and won’t leave the library, and Ashryn has decided—and I quote—‘I do wish to attend this event.’ More than half our crew is missing.” She popped her hip and sighed. “Someone needs to explain to them all that once in a while we need to sit back and enjoy life. Also, I can’t believe Tuck is here with Patty Pinch Face. She’s a bitch with a capital B. What has gotten into that guy? And where the hell is Zinnia?”
“She’s coming. She was changing when I left her.” Ophelia strolled up and slid in next to me. Tabi and Serrina grew silent at her arrival. Even now, it was hard for me to get used to having her in the school, let alone talking to the rest of us. Ophelia had always been our fallen queen, the one on Alataris’ side, and now I didn’t know whose side she was on. Only time would tell, but did we have the time to wait? The prophecy had said it would take all five queens to stop Alataris. We started with one man down and now she was back? Or was she playing both sides of the fence?
Ophelia swayed to the music. “Yeah, this isn’t awkward at all.”
When she turned to walk away, I placed my hand on her arm. “Wait, don’t go.” I looked at the others, then back to her. “You look good. Must’ve been hard to pull all those together from what we gave you.”
“Actually, it was so much fun. I’ve never had clothes like this before.” She snapped her mouth shut and pressed her lips together like she’d just spilled a secret. “What I mean is, um, well, you know I only had those gray dresses I used to wear. Kind of like a uniform my dad picked for me.”
Here I was thinking I had it tough. My heart sank for her. No one else said anything, and I wanted to make her feel comfortable with us. “Well, I like it a lot.”
“Thanks.”
The music dropped to another slow dance, and everyone seemed to stop and stare at middle of the dance floor. “Oh…my…god.”
Cross moved out to the middle of the dance floor looking hot as ever in his leather pants and button-down shirt, but he was not who everyone was staring at. Zinnia was at his side and beaming in a strapless heavily gold-beaded leotard that matched the gold in Cross’ eyes. The sweetheart neckline dipped low enough to draw the eyes of a lot of guys at this dance. A burgundy sheer skirt fell from her waist all the way to the floor with a slit in the side that showed off her legs. Long strands of her hair were piled on top of her head in an alluring crown of waves. Gray smoky eyeshadow surrounded her baby blue eyes, making them sparkle like stars in the night sky. Cross wrapped one hand around her waist and pulled her in close to his body, and with the other he held her hand up and started to slow dance with her.
A streak of auburn hair rushed past me, and I leapt into action, grabbing on to one of Tuck’s arms. Ophelia leapt in front of him and pressed her hands to his chest. “What do you think you’re doing?”
The muscle in his jaw ticked. “Cutting in.”
I pulled him back. “Oh, no you’re not. You made your decision to go with Patty. You don’t get to cut in after the way you acted.”
Tucker shoved a hand through his hair and kept his eyes locked on them. “Yeah, but I didn’t mean to…Shit, I don’t remember.”
Ophelia’s jaw dropped. “Wait, what? What don’t you remember, Tuck?”
He turned and began pacing, all the while watching Cross with Zinnia. “Nothing. Forget that I said anything.”
“No, it’s not nothing.” She snapped her fingers in front of his face. “You need to tell us.”
“Oh, Tuckerrrr.” Patty’s high-pitched voice stopped us from talking. When she moved in beside him, she walked her fingers up his arm. “Don’t you want to dance me with?”
“Ugh, yeah, sure.” He grabbed her hand and practically dragged her out onto the floor. All the while, he watched Zinnia, who didn’t look at him one time. Not even when he tried to get closer to her.
Chapter 27
Zinnia
“Don’t you dare look at him.” Cross bent low and whispered in my ear.
“I won’t
look at him if you stop staring at Ophelia.” I followed his steps around the dance floor.
He pushed me away from his body, spun me and then pulled me back in. My dress fanned out around my legs, then fell back to the floor. The bodice was almost corset-like and cut across my legs like a bathing suit. I could feel Tuck’s eyes on me like two flames that warmed my skin, yet I didn’t turn toward him. If staring at me was what it took for him to hold off the effects of the hex then let him stare.
Cross sighed. “She’s kind of hard to miss.”
“What is up with you two anyway?” It was good to know that Tuck and I weren’t the only ones who had a difficult relationship.
“It’s complicated.” The song blended into another, and around the dance floor we went.
“Isn’t everything?” Just then, I looked up and my eyes met Tucker’s. The honey color swirled in his eyes, and tiny embers smoldered out around them. At that second, I wished I was in his arms instead of Cross’s. I knew Tuck wasn’t himself but seeing him here with Patty was a personal kind of torture. Living as a queen in Evermore was an overwhelming responsibility with so many secrets. Even now I wanted Tuck. All of our adventures were a rollercoaster ride of emotions I didn’t want to get on. Such high highs and painful lows. I couldn’t decide which was worse, having to hide what we were to each other or watching this hex ruin what little peace we had between us. He tried to deny everything between us for so long. And when he finally admitted it all we were faced with more obstacles to overcome.
“Can I cut in?” Ophelia stood before us. She narrowed her eyes at Cross and pursed her lips.
I dropped his hand and stepped away from him. “Of course.”
“Thanks.” It was the first time I’d seen Ophelia give me a dirty look since we got to Evermore Academy. I know the feeling. Yes, I knew exactly what if felt like to see your crush with someone else…it wasn’t a good feeling.
Wicked Hex (The Royals: Witch Court Book 3) Page 14