by J. N. Colon
I reclined back while Mac pulled my feet in his lap, slowly peeling off my shoes.
“Awe baby,” he said when he saw how red and swollen they were. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
I shrugged. “I was trying to be all proper and royal.”
He shook his head. “Next time tell me if you’re this uncomfortable. You’re allowed to. It’s part of being royal.”
“’Kay.” I lounged back and let him work his magic on my feet—oh and believe me it was magical. My eyes roamed through the room and spotted several pictures of his mother. “Your mom’s all over the place in here.”
A soft smile split his lips. “Yep. That’s the way my dad likes it.”
“What was she like?”
“Kind, gentle, wicked smart, and she had a beautiful laugh.” His smiled broadened while he stared pensively, reliving a moment. “Her love for books was contagious.” He met my gaze and winked. “Of course you already know that.”
“Yep.” Mac’s love for literature stemmed from her, something I realized not long after we met.
Watching him talk about his mother Miranda brought a glow to his eyes that was rarely there. His love for her ran deep and it saddened me he lost someone so precious. It made me want to keep him in my embrace forever.
He turned to me with a ghost of a smile. “My mom was a people watcher. She liked to sit back and watch the world around her unfold.” He wiggled my toe. “She would have gotten a kick out of you.” Mac tilted his head. “She probably did when you were five, but I don’t remember.”
Whitmore told me I met Miranda when I was at Highland all those years ago. “I wish I remembered her.”
Mac nodded, his expression wistful.
I knew Whitmore made her, but no details beyond that. “How’d your parents meet?”
His brows knit momentarily. “My father saved her from some really bad vampires. He says he knew instantly she was the one so he turned her.” A twinkle sparkled in his jade eyes as he gazed at me tenderly. “Just like I knew you were the one when we were only five.”
My heart quivered and breathing accelerated. “Really?”
“Yep. It just took me eleven plus years to remember.”
I wanted to grab him and kiss the hell out of him and was about to when the door swung open and Brant sauntered in.
“It took me forever to find you lovebirds.”
Mac sighed, disappointed by the interruption. “What’s up?”
“Come downstairs. We’re having our own little party.” He shook a silver flask.
Mac’s brows lifted. “Who’s we?”
“Some of the shifters and me.” The high tone of Brant’s voice made it perfectly clear which shifter in particular was included.
Mac groaned.
Brant held his free palm up in defense. “Before you say no we have pizza too.”
I perked up from my end of the couch.
A crocodile smile split his lips. “Meat lovers.”
I could barely contain my whimper.
“I guess we’re going downstairs.” Mac winked at me.
Brant led us down to an entertainment room where the posh décor matched the rest of the house. Dark hardwood floors glistened under crystal fixtures and contrasted with vanilla walls. Plush cream rugs were spread out in front of leather couches and chairs. A wraparound bar was in the corner with several tall stools stationed in front. A giant television was mounted to the wall and a pool table in the center. An old school 50’s juke box was tucked in another corner.
All the shifters with the exception of Adalynn were present. She was probably cuddled up next to Tristan upstairs. Vera and Travis were shooting pool. Jared and Demy were playing blackjack on the coffee table in front of the couch. They both had their jackets off and sleeves rolled up.
Demy’s eyes flickered up to see us enter.
“Let’s get this party started.” Brant handed me a cup of coke and liquor.
I shooed it away. “I’m here for the food. Pizza. Now.”
He pointed to the bar and I darted over. Gooey, meaty, cheesy pizza was against my lips in a nanosecond. I pigged out, unconcerned by my audience.
“Damn Mac.” Travis whistled. “Your girl can chow down. And I thought Vera was bad.”
“Hey,” Vera hissed, skewering him with her dark eyes. “I have a very healthy appetite.”
Jared chuckled. “I think Rubi would give Demy a run for his money.”
Demy’s eyes didn’t leave his game. “Not likely.”
Mac scoffed as he tossed his jacket on a barstool. “You’d be surprised.”
Those violet eyes finally looked up, landing on Mac. “Yeah?” His studded brow arched in curiosity. They’ve been treading on new water since the night after the basketball game. Neither one wanted to admit they had worked together concerning me, but it was obvious something had changed between them. Normally they’d either be ignoring each other or trading insults.
Mac motioned a thumb toward me. “She’s overcompensating for her vegetarian parents.”
“Okay everyone.” My voice was muffled by food. “I’m starving.” I pointed to the ceiling with a piece of crust. “That stuff upstairs is not food. It’s torture.” I glanced at Mac. “Sorry.”
He only chuckled.
Jared held up his drink. “I second that.”
“Me too,” Vera said, sinking the eight ball. “Yes.”
Travis swore. “One more time. Give me a chance to win my money back.”
Everyone laughed. Apparently this was a repeating event.
“Who got the Pizza?” Mac asked, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt and loosening his tie like the other guys.
Jared motioned toward Demy with his chin as he eyed his cards. “He snuck away and got it.”
“Thanks man.”
I think for a split second you could hear a needle drop. And then Demy nodded. “Yep. Someone had to feed your girl.”
Mac flipped him off, but didn’t drop the grin from his face.
An hour later we were sitting around the coffee table, playing the stupidest game alive and of course it was Brant’s idea.
“I’ve never…” His lips pursed in thought. “Went skinny dipping.” His hazel eyes landed directly on me.
The guys whistled, assuming Brant was looking at me for a reason.
I scoffed. “Come on. I live on a private beach and have a pool. Of course I have. It doesn’t mean anyone saw me.”
“Drink,” he demanded, ignoring my argument.
I rolled my eyes and took a small sip along with everyone. I was sitting on the couch between Vera and Mac. Brant and Travis were on the floor. Demy and Jared dragged barstools closer and perched on those.
“My turn,” Travis said, tapping his chin. “Let’s see… I’ve never… gone skinny dipping while not alone.”
Oh crap.
Mac’s expression turned incredulous when I put the drink to my lips. “Hey! I thought you were alone.”
“I didn’t say that.”
He clucked his tongue in annoyance. “It better not have been with Mr. Surfer dude Jason.” He mimicked the sluggish tone of a surfer/ stoner that sounded nothing like Jason.
My cheeks were reddening with each moment. “It was Jill and Eric,” I mumbled under my breath.
He gasped in mock outrage. “Eric saw you naked?” He was aware we’d known each other since practically birth and had taken several baths together as babies.
“Whoa!” Brant threw his hands up. “Who’s this Jason guy?”
Travis’s phone vibrated on the table with a text. “It’s Marissa.”
All the shifters groaned.
My brow rose. “Who’s Marissa?”
“She’s his clingy ex-girlfriend who can’t seem to understand the word break-up,” Jared answered with a shake of his head, tossing his golden brown locks.
“I know!” Travis scrubbed his face and stood. “I’m going to go set crazy straight. And then block her number.
”
“Maybe you should change yours all together,” Demy suggested, ripping his tie off and tossing it on the arm of the couch. He rubbed his neck as if the thought of a clingy girl was literally suffocating.
“Maybe.” He threw on his blazer and disappeared up the stairs.
Demy rubbed his hands together like an evil villain, his violet eyes lit with mischief. “My turn.” He looked like he was on a mission to nail someone. Good thing he didn’t have any dirt on me.
He cleared his throat dramatically. “I’ve never made out with two girls at the same time.” He wiggled two fingers in the air as his violet eyes landed on Mac.
Mac made a face. “Seriously?”
I recoiled from Mac as my lip curled in contempt. “You want to explain that Mr. Davenport?” I was aware of his experience with the opposite sex and how well and vast it was, but multiples simultaneously?
Laughter tumbled out of Demy, emotion filling his face like it had when I kicked him out my bed.
Mac pointed an accusing finger at him. “He made me do it. We were twelve!”
“That’s supposed to make it better?”
Everyone was laughing now and even I fought back a smile. If they were twelve I highly doubt it was something as serious as Demy portrayed. I had to remember how duplicitous he was.
Demy waved his hands in the air, admitting defeat. “It really wasn’t his fault. We were at a party with our parents and all the kids snuck away to the pool house. Mac went in a closet for seven minutes in heaven. I told the girl I liked to meet me in the same closet, not knowing it was already occupied. When I got there Mr. Suave had both girls fawning over him with this terrified, helpless look in his eyes.”
I chuckled just imaging poor little Mac being attacked by two girls. “That’s pretty funny.”
He nudged my shoulder playfully. “They were very forceful!”
“Okay, okay,” Vera said between giggles. “My turn. My turn.” She sat up on the couch, straitening her purple dress that had gotten hiked up in the process of her laughter. She bit her lip and narrowed her dark eyes in contemplation. “I’ve never… seen Rubi in her underwear.” She eyed Mac hard. “Drink up prince.”
Oh damn. This might get bad.
Mac tilted his drink while Brant mirrored him. “What the hell!”
Brant couldn’t suppress his crocodile grin. “It’s not what you think.” He pointed to me. “Tell him Rubi before he kills me.”
Mac shot me a stunned expression while silver danced precariously in his jade eyes.
I sighed and slumped into the couch, embarrassed. “It was before we were even together. Unbeknownst to me, he was waiting for Aspen in our room. I came out of the bathroom clad in only my bra and panties. The end.”
Mac’s brow was deeply furrowed and lips thin, glaring at Brant.
“I looked away like a gentlemen,” Brant said none too convincing.
“Sure,” Mac mumbled, picking up his drink.
I happen to catch Demy lifting his. Panic punched a hole in my chest and I tried covertly signaling him to abort his confession. He wasn’t aware I kept that little incident from Mac.
Unfortunately Mac caught the gesture and froze. “What the hell was that?” Deep seeded suspicion laced his voice as his eyes flickered between Demy and me.
“Nothing,” Demy lied.
Mac’s brows slammed together. “Bull shit!” He smashed his cup on the table, sloshing liquid. “When the hell did you see Rubi in her underwear?”
Tension thickened the air, palpable and suffocating.
“Oh shit,” Vera mumbled.
Chapter 18
“Mac, it’s not what you think.” I reached for his hand, but he stood out of my reach.
“Let me guess,” he hissed, his green eyes filling with silver. “You changed into a harmless little animal and decided to play peeping tom on her.”
Okay. It’s exactly what he thought.
Demy slipped out of the stool, crossing his arms against his chest. A smirk twisted his lips, but didn’t reach his eyes. “What can I say? I couldn’t help myself.”
Jackass.
A growl rippled between Mac’s teeth and he lunged for Demy. Brant stood and blocked his path, barely able to hold him back as he snarled and thrashed like a wild animal.
“Chill,” Brant ground out between his teeth.
A deep, bone shaking growl echoed out Mac and he tossed Brant aside. He was on Demy in seconds, slamming him into the wall hard enough to crack plaster.
“Stop!” I yelled, running toward them. “This is why I didn’t tell you.” My heart was pounding and hands trembling. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt over this, over me. Enough people were in harm’s way to protect me from hunters. I didn’t need them fighting each other.
Demy’s lips curled back in a snarl, his own growl piercing the air. “Back off Mac before I shift into something and rip you to pieces.”
I tried squeezing in between them, but Jared grabbed me. “Are you crazy! You’re going to get hurt.”
Mac clutched Demy’s collar. “Oh please shift. I’d love to see what form you took to trick Rubi.”
A deep, vicious laugh rolled out of Demy. “I should probably confess everything.”
Dread sank into my chest and I wanted to punch him right in his stupid, emotion-hiding face.
“I spent the entire night in her room.”
Vera gasped behind us.
Mac’s entire body trembled with anger and his knuckles showed white as he kept his hold on Demy.
I struggled in Jared’s grasp. “Demy stop,” I pleaded. “Don’t make this worse.”
He ignored me. His fury laden violet eyes burned in his sharp face. “I also wasn’t a furry little animal the whole time…if you get what I’m saying.”
The green was completely gone from Mac’s eyes, leaving them gunmetal silver and his fangs descended to dangerous points. “You little piece of…”
His words were cut off by shattering of glass followed by a cacophony of screams.
My heart jumped in my throat, constricting my airways to stop the gasp from clawing its way out. Groups of hunters clad in black, bearing silver weapons flashed through my mind. Their predatory eyes searching for me while their hands relentlessly grabbed for me.
Oh hell. Were hunters finally here for me?
Mac immediately released Demy and gripped my shoulders. “Rubi, stay here.” He glanced at Demy. “Stay with her.”
Demy nodded, his violet eyes taking on an otherworldly sheen.
“Mac!” I cried out as he disappeared without another glance.
What the hell! They were ready to tear each other apart and now he leaves me with Demy to survey the dangerous situation unfolding upstairs.
“Vera, Jared.” Demy motioned his chin toward the stairs and the other two shifters followed his orders.
I took two steps toward the stairs, but he hauled me back, pinning me against his chest.
“Stop, Rubi.”
I wriggled in his grasp. “But Mac is up there. I have to see…” My voice cracked, terror exploding through every nerve ending.
“He’s fine.” Demy’s arms tightened around me until I relented.
My heart assaulted my ribcage and my entire body trembled against his. Fear and panic were clouding my brain, making it hard to think. “But… I… what if…?” Tears shimmered in my eyes, leaking down my cheeks. I didn’t like being separated from Mac. I didn’t like him risking his life to protect me. Wasn’t his life important, maybe even more so than mine? He’s the prince.
“You’re safe Rubi, I promise.” Demy’s breath blew against the back of my neck. “Everything will be fine. They’re taking care of it upstairs.” He rocked me from side to side just a little as if it would calm me.
Maybe it did.
My body responded and I snuggled deeper into him, wanting to close my eyes and pretend this was a nightmare. That everything was fine. No one was hurt. It was only one of my big, bad
dreams.
“Demyan!” Vera’s strangled cry reach us from upstairs, smacking me awake.
This was reality.
He stiffened instantly, signaling something was very wrong. Dread lit my insides again as he pulled me up the stairs, half dragging half carrying me. I glimpsed blurs of people out the windows, dispersing through the nearby woods at inhuman speeds.
Vampires.
Tension wove through the deafeningly quiet living room once we entered. A small group was huddled around a figure on the floor, shooting a giant lump in my throat. Mac was suddenly by my side, grabbing me away from Demy. The two locked eyes—burning jade on glowing violet—and shared a silent communication.
“I’m sorry.” Mac voice was barely audible, sadness lacing it.
In a flash Demy parted the people and collapsed on his knees with a strangled cry. On the floor laid Travis white as sheet, shaking. Crimson pooled down his throat from the open, vicious wound.
My gasp echoed through the hushed room and my legs buckled. Mac gripped me around the waist and held me against him as I shook.
“Travis, no. No, no, no.” Demy pulled the bloody Travis into his lap.
The shifter was miraculously still alive, his amber eyes staring wildly up at Demy. The blood was blindingly bright against his pale skin and splatters of it contrasted dramatically in his blonde curls.
My stomach rolled and mouth went dry. Every single one of my fingers and toes felt like they’d been dipped in ice water. He reminded me of Patrick when I found him still struggling for life at Highland. Images shimmered through my mind, flickering between the past and present.
Oh god. It was happening all over again. Murders and torment.
What did this? Why?
A human hunter wouldn’t kill a shifter by ripping his throat out. Madison was the exception and she had her own crazy agenda.
But what would be strong enough and that vicious to inflict a wound like that on a shifter?
The unknown answer sent ice through the remainder of my body.