“Here, don’t forget this.” Quinn bounded off the bed, looking luscious herself, her pink hair tumbling in waves over her shoulders. Her maxi dress slit on both sides exposing long, lean legs. Taller than me by a couple of inches, she pulled the longer length off better than I could. She picked a silk wrap off the back of a chair and handed it to me. Other than my make-up, the deep lilac wrap provided the only splash of color.
“So, this makes me done. Quinn, the bathroom’s all yours. Just let me grab my lip gloss.” I ducked back in the bathroom, checking myself one more time in the mirror before giving up the bathroom to Quinn. She wanted to put the finishing touches on her hair.
Erin lingered on the balcony and I went to join her. The sun beat warm across the dunes, but the breeze was steady. I leaned down beside her, resting my elbows on the wood rail.
“Quinn’s right. You look amazing,” she said, her brown eyes more hazel in the sunlight.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I patted my hair, not used to having it pulled up. Maggie had even managed to incorporate a couple of braids in my short strands.
“I think it’s perfect.”
Laughter floated up from below us. Noah, Jeb, and Daniel were on the patio, all more finely dressed than I’d ever seen them. Of course, Noah stole every bit of my attention. It was impossible to take my eyes off him. He had on a pair of off-white linen pants and a pale green button up shirt that matched his eyes. His hair was pulled away from his face. Tiny braids on either side of his head blended seamlessly into the ponytail secured at the back of his neck with a leather string. He literally made my heart ache.
“You’ve got it bad.” Erin bumped me lightly with her shoulder.
“Yeah, real bad. Look at him. Is this just a case of beauty’s in the eye of the beholder or is he really that beautiful?” He looked so happy with that smile that wouldn’t quit, and watching him, I couldn’t quit smiling either.
“Ahh, he’s all right,” she said, her face bright with teasing. “It’s funny. Sometimes he reminds me so much of Jamie, not so much his looks, but some of his expressions. Like that one.”
Noah listened to something Jeb said, and you could tell he didn’t really care and wished Jeb would shut up already.
“Jamie cocked his head just like that. Same look on his face.” Erin fanned her eyes, her lip trembling. A flush rose in her cheeks.
“Oh, Erin. I’m sorry.” I put my arm around her and pulled her close for a shoulder hug.
“I’m okay. Sometimes it just hits me that he’s gone.” She tried to laugh it off, eyes brimming with unshed tears. Noah caught sight of us and his smile slowly faded, concern creasing his eyes.
“Is she okay?” he mouthed.
I nodded and she must have seen him because she leaned forward and said to him, “Yes, I’m okay. How can you worry about me with this gorgeous creature standing next to me?”
“She is gorgeous,” he said, and that smile was back, the one that was all for me. I barely noticed when Erin left. Barely heard her say, “I’m going to get a drink.” I was stuck staring down at Noah. I’d gladly stay stuck here forever. “Come here,” he said.
“I’m not jumping over. Not in this dress.”
“Then meet me at the bottom of the stairs.” He started for the back door.
I rushed through my room and took to the stairs, nearly colliding with my dad in the foyer at the bottom. He stopped short when he saw me, his eyes going wide. ”Wow. You look… where’s your dress?”
“This is my dress,” I said.
Thomas came up behind him, broad smile in place. He patted my dad’s back sympathetically then came around to hug me, careful not to muss my hair or makeup. “Caris, you look stunning.”
“It’s not overdone, is it?” My hand floated over the makeup and jewels caked around my eyes. I wondered when it was going to start itching.
“Absolutely not. And this?” He fingered the sheer wrap draping across my back and arms, his artist’s eye bright with appreciation. “Perfect touch.”
“Can you spread that out a little?” My dad reached over, trying to expand the thin fabric.
“Don’t listen to him,” Thomas said. “This is your night to be fabulous.”
“I’m sorry you can’t go. If it were up to me…“ The Soulfast was an all breather affair. No regular humans allowed, the one exception being my dad.
“I know. Just as long as you have a good time.”
“I think I just might.” And that was the truth. What had started as an obligation was turning out to be more fun than I thought, and the main event hadn’t even started. This is what I wanted. I wanted to be a part of the tribe, embrace my heritage. And now that I’d come to peace with Athen, nothing held me back.
My dad and Thomas made a not-so-subtle exit when Noah appeared at the bottom of the steps. Wordlessly, Noah took my hand and guided me down the hallway toward my dad’s office in search of a little privacy. He stopped outside the office door and turned me so I faced him.
“You’re beautiful.” His eyes leisurely took in my face, lighting on every feature. “I want to touch you but I don’t want to mess you up. At least not yet.” His fingers skimmed over my arms, so light and soft like he thought I might break. “And that dress.” His eyes roved appreciatively over my body.
“My dad doesn’t approve,” I said, feeling the tickle of his ardent gaze.
He laughed. “Yeah, I can see where he might not. If you were my daughter, knowing what I’m thinking, I would probably make you wear something else. But since I’m your boyfriend, I totally approve. I may not let you dance with anyone else, though.”
“So, there’ll be dancing?” I asked, having been kept in the dark about what would actually take place.
“You can dance. I’ll watch.” His fingers closed around mine and he raised my hand to his lips. They pressed full and warm over my knuckles.
I smiled up into his face as he beamed down at me. I thought we were going to be doing that a lot tonight, I was just that happy.
“I see Maggie got a hold of you too.” I pushed a loose strand of hair off his cheek. It was just enough imperfection to make him look perfect.
“Yeah, she gets into this kind of stuff and it’s been a while since we’ve celebrated like this as a tribe.”
What he didn’t add was that it had been a while since the tribe had anything to celebrate.
“Kiss me now and you can mess me up later.” My hands skimmed up the front of his shirt, the fabric silky over the hardness underneath. He wasn’t the only one who was going to have trouble keeping his hands to himself. The next few hours would be their own form of exquisite torture.
* * *
I must be dreaming. No other explanation existed. The empty stretch of beach had been transformed into a place that could only be described as enchanting.
I’d balked at first when I’d seen all the people. People like me, members of our tribe, most of whom I’d never seen before. All as beautiful as the setting. Dressed in flowing pastels that flittered in the breeze, making everyone look like they could take flight at will. And for a second, it stole my breath, because we really were a gorgeous species, especially the males. Physical specimens of near perfection. Hair like silk, eyes like jewels. Creatures made for a life in the water.
Torches created a perimeter around a central area nearly as big as a football field. Seats and couches had been sculpted out of the sand in large circular patterns, perfectly shaped and covered in fabrics with fire pits set in the center. I guessed these were what Noah, Jeb, and Daniel had spent so much time preparing. The fires in the center of each one flamed bright, lighting the night. Clear plastic bubbles illuminated from the inside floated overhead, held in place by some invisible string, like giant blue and green beach balls.
My stomach was full of scallops I’d plucked from one of the dozen tables laden with every kind of seafood imaginable. I just wished Maggie and Thomas could be here to see the fruits of their labor
. I owed them both a big hug.
I stood with Quinn and Mrs. Jacobs, and we were going through a list of Who’s Who, but all the names and faces were pretty much running together. Out of the hundred or so people I guessed to be here, I could put a name to maybe a dozen faces. One particular group of four people were making their way through the crowd and it took me a few seconds to realize the one with the pretty girl on his arm was Levi. When you’re used to seeing people in only shorts and a sheen of gulf water, it’s startling to see them perfectly groomed and fully dressed. Obviously, the girl on Levi’s arm was the sister Quinn had mentioned. As for the other two males following in their wake, I recognized Levi’s younger brother Sammy, and could only assume the guy with them was part of their family. The physical resemblance was unmistakable. Red hair, golden eyes. Tall and willowy. Levi’s face caught on a smile when he saw me and he made a quick tactical change in direction and headed our way.
“Hey, Caris. Some party,” he said before he leaned in and kissed my cheek, his faintly earthy smell enveloping me. “This is my sister, Farron. And my cousin, Zach.”
“Hi, Zach. Hi, Farron,” I said, my gaze holding to Farron’s. Her pale blue eyes were streaked with gold and looked like shiny marbles. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. Levi’s told me a lot about you. Said you have a mean right hook. That kind of thing impresses him.” Her smile was open and honest and had an innocent quality that I found appealing. She was like Ariel from The Little Mermaid personified.
“Yeah, he’s a pretty good teacher.” I bumped his thick arm with my fist.
“And he keeps you too isolated,“ Quinn said, going in for a hug. “You need to come hang with us sometime.”
“I was lucky he brought me tonight,” Farron said before she waved her hand at her little posse like swatting at yellow flies. “Shoo guys. I want some girl company.”
“Fine,” Levi said. “Come on you goobs, let’s go pick a fight.”
“You better not,” I said, not sure if he was serious or not. Knowing Levi, he was.
“Kidding.” Levi arched one eyebrow. They sauntered off, joining the ever-swarming crowd.
“I’ll never remember everyone,” I said, somewhat dismayed.
“No one expects you to,” Mrs. Jacobs said. “I don’t even know everyone. But Patrick looks a little lost. I think I’ll go keep him company.”
“Thanks,” I said, knowing he had to be feeling as overwhelmed as I did and probably a little out of place.
That left Quinn, Farron, and me to chat and comment on fashion choices like we were moderating the red carpet. I noticed a trend toward pastels and light airy fabrics. My own color choices had shifted over the last few months. I hadn’t bought a black piece of clothing since I’d been here. They were all grays and pinks and violets and oranges. Colors of the sky.
I also noticed a subtle shift in the crowd. The overwhelmingly male crowd. It was like the three of us were the sun and everyone wanted to bask in our heat. I mean, we weren’t the only females. I’d seen a dozen or so others, but we were, as Quinn had observed, the only ones in our age demographic. I looked over the sea of males, feeling hollow and a little sad. They seemed to spin themselves closer without even realizing it. Not in a lecherous, creepy way, I didn’t get that vibe from any of them. Their attention, their furtive glances in our direction, almost felt worshipful, hopeful even. But where was the hope in numbers this skewed? I was aware of the discrepancy but it wasn’t until now, seeing the reality of it played out in front of me, that it struck me how much of a problem it really was. No wonder they fought so much. How did a species thrive in an environment such as this? Quinn’s speech about duty made a sad sort of sense. And it went beyond duty. This was about survival. I was about to become a part of the tribe officially, and those same expectations, that same sense of duty, would be put on me in a way I hadn’t experienced yet. Was I really ready?
“Hey,” Quinn said. “Don’t look so glum. This is supposed to be fun.”
I forced a smile and said, “It is. I just didn’t realize…” My voice faltered.
“Yeah, it’s like a slap in the face,” she said as if she understood exactly what I was feeling. “But it is what it is. And tonight’s about you. It’s about all of us.”
She was right, and I did my best to put any and all depressing thoughts aside. I had noticed the quick lights of attention Jeb kept sending Farron’s way, only she seemed totally oblivious. Her eyes had their own target and every few seconds she hit it with round and lingering stares. I tracked her line of vision, surprised to find all those thoughtful looks appeared to be for Sol. He was standing beside one of the food tables, plate in hand, unaware of Farron’s adoring glances. My eyes dropped to the leg of his linen pants. It was hiked up over his foot, caught on the monitor he wore. My face descended in a scowl deep enough to dislodge one of the jewels on my face.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I said to Quinn and Farron then walked over to him where he proceeded to fill a plate with an assortment of shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes.
“I got to ask.” I sidled up next to him. “How are you here? Should we run for cover?”
“You didn’t think I’d miss the big event did you?” He cut his eyes at me.
“Well, I assumed you’d blow to bits if you touched land,” I said. “What gives?”
“It’s a dummy.”
“What do you mean, it’s a dummy?” I stood up straighter and my arms fell to my sides, hands clutching my wrap.
“I swapped it for the real one.” He looked up from his plate of food. ”Well, I didn’t swap it. I have friends that can do stuff. They swapped it.” He stuffed a crab cake in his mouth and stared at me blankly. With his eyes as dark as they were, it was an effective look.
“Where’s the real one?” I crossed my arms over my chest, unable to ignore the little hairs that rose on the back of my neck. A warning for something, I just wasn’t sure what.
“Whoever is keeping tabs on the real one is probably learning a great deal about the mating habits of the king fish. They’re very randy this time of year and tend to cover a lot of ground.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I said, suitably impressed.
“I’m a freakin’ genius. This has been the best alibi ever. I may keep it.” He inclined his head toward me and narrowed his eyes as he took in my dress. His gaze landed on every jewel on my cheek. I waited for the smartass comment I knew was coming. “Who did the makeup?”
“Maggie.” My eyes dared him to make fun.
“You look good,” he said, swiping a couple of oysters on the half shell from a tub of ice about the size of my bathtub.
“Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself.” I turned to go find Noah, made it a few steps then stopped dead in my tracks as the meaning behind all those little hairs rising finally sank into my brain. I blamed the excitement of the party for my inability to put two and two together sooner. I spun back around, my eyes slamming into his. “Derrick,” I said. “That was you. I told you he stares at my boobs and you went straight over there and roughed him up.”
“I didn’t rough him up,” he said around a bite of grilled shrimp. Cocktail sauce globbed at the corner of his mouth and he wiped it off with his napkin. “I took his pants off and tied him up. He liked it. Believe me.”
“He didn’t like it so much when he fell in the pool,” I said, crowding him a little. “When I had to put my mouth over his and breathe for him so he didn’t drown before his friends could get him untied.”
His lip curled in distaste, but that was the only reaction I got out of him. Had I really expected him to be sorry? I’d hoped. Just two nights ago he’d pulled me back from a dark place. He was like two different people. One I kind of hated and the other I kind of needed.
“I had to put my mouth on him, Sol,” I reiterated in case he didn’t quite get it. His jaw clenched. That was it? “Everyone saw him. They took pictures and video.” They blamed me. He called me a f
reak.
“That was the idea. Look, if you want an apology, I’ll give it to you. I’m sorry you felt compelled to intervene and save the prick.” He picked an oyster off his plate, his dark totally unrepentant gaze on me.
“Stop using me as an excuse to hurt people, Sol. I don’t appreciate it,” I said, my words clipped.
“Fine. I’m sorry.” He sighed. “Are you done bitching? Can we get back to the party?”
My fists balled. I wanted to punch him. “I really don’t like you sometimes.”
”That makes two of us,” he said, his tone derisive. “Now bottoms up.” He held the craggy oyster shell next to my lips.
I recoiled and turned my head. It didn’t do any good to be mad at him. He simply didn’t care. “I’m not eating that.”
“You’ve never had an oyster?” His tone indicated this might be some horrible offense on my part. Worse than, say, tying someone up and leaving them to drown.
“No. Is that a problem?” I challenged.
“It’s about to be.” His face broke on a devious smile. Not just his lips but his whole face. “For you.”
Sol set his plate aside, picked an abandoned glass off the table and held it up, clinking his fork on the side in an effort to get everyone’s attention. It worked, sort of. Those in the immediate area turned our way, giving Sol their undivided attention.
“I don’t know how she’s managed it, but we have a virgin on our hands.” Sol’s eyes cut to Noah, who had come up behind me. “You’ve been slacking.” This was met with a few snickers before Sol announced formally, “Oyster up.”
All eyes centered on me and I looked at Noah quizzically, but he just grinned and took an oyster from Levi, who had taken it upon himself to make sure everyone had at least one, in most cases two, oysters. One for each hand. Sol lifted his own oyster like he was making a toast and leveled dark twinkling eyes on me. I didn’t even know dark eyes could twinkle. I did know I didn’t want to eat an oyster.
“Happy Soulfast,” he said, tipping the shell to my mouth.
Waterdreamer (The Emerald Series Book 2) Page 20