by Tl Reeve
“I’m always me. It’s what makes me so amazing. But, since you begged, I guess.” She shrugged.
“Is Rocky aware of the fact you get off on people begging you?” She grabbed another tray out of the fridge and put it on the counter behind her.
“Umm, yeah, but he gets off on making me beg.”
Bell covered her face with her hands. “Stop. Just stop.”
“I got your food count. You have a total of one hundred and fifty pieces of food. That’s not enough.”
No, it wouldn’t be. Not with over a hundred people already in the backyard and more arriving by the minute. Where the heck did Zoe advertise this?
“Thank you, Captain Obvious. It’s why I freaking asked you to count!” Bell drew her fingers through her hair. This is a disaster of epic proportions. What am I going to do?
“Relax. I’ll text Rocky and ask him to pick up some wings and stuff to cover.” Zoe reached into the pocket of her leather pants and removed her phone. “Go do something. I got it.”
Grabbing another batch of punch, she then walked outside into the cool night air and to the table they’d designated for drinks. Though the bowl remained half full, she wanted to make sure there’d be enough. Zoe followed her a few moments later, carrying out the food.
“Did you want people to actually drink that?” Nico’s arms were loaded down with bags of ice for the coolers.
“What’s wrong with it?” She raised her voice over the burgeoning crowd as she glanced down at the bowl. Orange and lemon rings floated around, along with strawberry slices and raspberries. If something was wrong with it, she’d rather find out now, before more people drank it or approached the table for a second glass.
“It’s bright red and orange.” He placed two of the bags into the coolers near the table.
She quirked a brow. “They’re our sorority colors.” Her tone held a bit of a “duh” quality to it. “It’s how we wanted it.”
“It looks fine, Bell.” Hayden came up behind Nico. “Go put the ice in chests by the other table.”
“Bell, you need to pull the punch. It’s got alcohol in it.” He dipped the ladle into it and poured a small amount. “Taste.”
Taking the glass, she smelled her drink. Fruit, sugar, and juice. Determined to prove him wrong, she gulped the contents.
Then promptly regretted it.
She gasped and choked, the alcohol burning all the way down her esophagus and heating her already-queasy stomach. “Oh God. This is a bad idea. I told you guys. But did you listen to me? Nope.” She ran the back of her hand across her mouth, unsure if her lips were numb or wet or both. “Big fucking surprise. None of you ever listen to me!”
Zoe joined them with the last tray. “Did she just say fuck?”
She growled again at her sister.
“What did I tell you?” Zoe snapped.
Turning to a surprised Hayden, Bell pointed to her sister. “Keep her away from me. Please.”
“Zoe.” Hayden kept her tone soft and soothing. “You’re not helping.”
“If she’d just pull the damn stick out of her ass, she’d see the humor in this.”
Bell lunged, hands raised, ready to claw her favorite sibling. Hayden wrapped her arms around her waist trying to settle her.
“Go,” Hayden demanded. “Let her calm down before everyone sees her lose her cool.”
“Sheathe your claws. People are going to notice.”
Bell complied, and the red haze covering her vision cleared.
“You know, if you gave your lioness what she wanted, you’d be whole helluva lot less confrontational,” Hayden quipped.
“Huh?”
“Don’t play dumb. It’s not becoming.” Hayden reached up to push Bell’s wayward hair behind her ear. “You need to mate with Christoph and Jackson. The need you’re experiencing, the bitchiness? It’ll only get worse.”
“How’d you do it, Hayden?” She hated the tiny wobble in her voice.
“I left him, determined to make a new life for myself. Don’t be fooled, though. It killed me every single day,” Hayden admitted, love clear in her voice. Bell had been ecstatic her cousin got her happy ever after. “Can we talk about this, later? Bodhi is done setting up the music. The food is out. So are the drinks. You need to relax. Otherwise, instead of drawing in pledges, you’re going to scare them away.”
“Did we get a good turnout?” She would do whatever it took to get those pledges. She couldn’t lose the house.
“Yes. Raquel is here.” Hayden scanned the raucous crowd in the yard. “She’s over by the fire pit.” She pointed to a spot near a group of giggly girls drinking the punch. “Short girl, all in black, long black hair with multicolored streaks running through it. I think she might have more tats than Zoe. She’ll be a good fit here. I’ve already talked to her. She’s interested. Go talk to her.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Hayden smiled.
Strolling to the fire pit where Raquel lingered, she glanced around. People mingled, their conversations filled the shabby area, while others relaxed, drinking and eating. For the first time since this idea had been brought up, she could take a deep breath and unclench a little.
“Raquel?” She tapped the girl on the shoulder.
She faced Bell, her cornflower-blue eyes, rimmed heavily with black eyeliner, meeting Bell’s gaze. Raquel had style, even if it wasn’t something Bell could pull off, on a good day.
If goth and punk rock had a love child, it would be the girl in front of her. Random-sized paw-print tattoos dotted above her right brow to her hairline and down her temple. On anyone else, it would’ve looked horrible. But it worked perfectly with Raquel’s dark locks and pretty blue eyes.
“That’s me. You must be Bell.” Raquel’s husky tone held a slight accent. One she couldn’t quite place.
“Thank you for coming. Hayden told me you guys spoke, but I wanted to introduce myself and thank you for taking a chance on us.”
She froze. They’d agreed to Top 40 hits, stuff with a beat so their guests could dance. Instead, a popular children’s song about a purple dinosaur began a nauseous loop of sickly sweet baby music.
“That’s an interesting selection of music to play at a sorority party.” Raquel took a sip of her drink. “Or I’ve had way more of this punch than I should have. Props to its maker. Stuff is wicked.”
“I’m sorry. Would you excuse me?” Without waiting for an answer, she ran to where Bodhi stood furiously pressing keys on his laptop.
“Bodhi?” The earlier panic returned, and her hands trembled. “What is this?”
“I’m not sure.” He glanced up at her. “My laptop has locked up on me.”
“Locked up? What do you mean?”
“I can’t turn the damn music off unless I unplug the entire system.”
“Do it! Anything is better than this!”
The music changed, and “The Wheels on the Bus” began to play.
“I’ll take care of it, Bell. Calm down.” He pulled the plug, cutting off the preschool music.
“I seriously wish everyone would stop telling me to calm down. It just pisses me off even more,” she hissed at her cousin.
“It’ll be fine.”
“It’s a party. We need music!”
“I’ll go get your iPod stereo. It has a docking station. I can hotwire it into the speakers. We’ll be golden.” He closed his laptop and took off for the house.
“What else can possibly go wrong?”
“Hey, blondie.” Jackson came up beside her with Christoph hot on his heels. “Your white knights are here.”
Fucking perfect timing. If everyone wasn’t watching her, she’d run screaming and crying from the yard. Instead she stood tall—or tried to with her petite five-foot-four frame—and lifted her head proudly, walking toward her mates who hadn’t mated her yet.
Chapter Two
“Here come her bodygu
ards. Everyone stay out of the way.”
The obnoxious tone of the half-wit Laney, rankled Jackson’s nerves. Never mind her garish laughter. It reminded him of fingernails on a chalkboard. The girl didn’t know when to shut up and admit defeat. The little— Don’t say it. Don’t drop to her level. Bell needs you.
The scent of her upset, twined with frustration and humiliation, tasted bitter on his tongue. Blowing fire on it all would only serve to destroy her home, and he couldn’t do that, either. He pushed his way through the crowd in the yard, accompanied by Christoph. He’d been wrong to think, even for a millisecond, people would show a little respect for the alpha.
“How much you want to bet she called them crying.” Reagan joined in with their taunting.
“I bet the sex is horrible. She’s a cold fish, I tell you. How could she ever be mated to those two?” Laney muttered.
Jackson clenched his fists, trying desperately to rein in his rage. Bell needed him and Christoph. He’d deal with the little twits later. He came to a halt in front of Bell and her cousins. Each one appeared frazzled and at her wits’ end. “Hey, blondie.”
The second her gaze locked with his, the wave of relief wrought with embarrassment mule kicked him. “Looks like you could use a little help.”
She sagged. Christoph caught her. “I’m screwed. Ruined even. There’s not enough food or too many people. The music is messed up because someone or something locked Bodhi’s laptop, and the coup de grâce—someone put alcohol in the punch after I specifically said no booze.”
“Breathe.” He took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. “The music is easy.” He glanced at Christoph who already headed for Bodhi. “The drinks, not so much. Might want to announce it’s been spiked and everyone is drinking at their own risk.”
“What if someone gets hurt, or worse…you know.” She grimaced, and he understood what she’d been talking about. Raped. Bell would never forgive herself if something happened to anyone, male or female, at her party.
“Better to tell them than be accused later of doing it on purpose. We’ll have to stay vigilant.”
She blew out a breath and gave a quick nod. “You’re right. Make the best of this. My dad wouldn’t allow me to throw a pity party at home. I can’t pull one here.” She marched to where Bodhi and Christoph worked to change out the laptop for his phone and the stereo station.
“This will give you about fifteen minutes to figure out why your laptop locked up and if you can get it going again.” Christoph clicked the jack in place on his phone.
“Wait.” She stopped him from pressing play. “I need to make an announcement.”
“Sure thing.” He leaned in and nuzzled her. “You’re looking amazing tonight, kitten.” He placed a kiss on her neck.
Shit. Why hadn’t he thought to do the same? Jackson mentally slapped himself. He’d been so busy trying to keep her calm he hadn’t even noticed her beautiful appearance. She wore a white pleated-linen tennis skirt, a powder-blue button-down shirt, and, as always, a white cardigan sweater lay draped over her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled at Christoph’s compliment. If he said anything, he’d be glomming onto the lion’s affections.
Later, he’d say something.
If he got the chance.
“Thanks.” She kissed his cheek. “Both of you are the best.”
Bodhi handed her a mic. “You’re on.”
Jackson and Christoph stuck close to her side while she stood before the crowd.
“Welcome to the Sigma Epsilon Xi mixer!”
The warm round of applause filled his little mate with excitement and a bit of something else, maybe acceptance? He couldn’t tell for sure, but he enjoyed seeing her happy.
“Just a couple of quick announcements, since the system went on the fritz. First, if you’d like to pledge with either Sigma Epsilon Xi or Xi Beta Xi, we have applications inside by the sliding glass door. Also, some knucklehead has spiked the punch, so drink responsibly. If you need help getting home or a place to stay for the night, our house is yours. Enjoy the party!”
The music came on, and the party went back into full swing. Crisis averted. Somewhat. “I can have one of my guys go get some food if you want.” Hell, he’d shift and become a dragon if it kept her happy.
“No, it’s okay. If I try to control all of this, I’ll be too distracted.” She smoothed out the front of her skirt, a nervous habit he’d noticed the first time he met her.
“You’re perfect, blondie.” Jackson dipped his head and kissed her lips. “Smell even better. Like ripe strawberries on a warm summer day. Bet you’re juicy like one, too.”
She sucked in a breath. The spice of her arousal grew thick. “Jackson. You’re a naughty dragon.”
“Yes, I am. I’ll wait for forever and a day to show you, too.” He kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Don’t let these stupid little harpies try to ruin your night.”
She relaxed into his arms, and he found himself falling harder for her. For him, a mate meant something more than just a binding of their souls. It’s a simple truth down to the molecular level. Dragons don’t always find a mate. They procreated, and, over the last few centuries, they’d stopped doing that. He and those of his ilk of dragons would be the last.
“I won’t. Let’s party. I’ve already invited a few pledges to come stay at the house.” She grinned, and damn if it didn’t hit him right in the solar plexus.
“You’re killing me here, blondie. I’m trying to be good, but, with your smile and your happiness, all I want to do is sneak you off to a broom closet and have my wicked way with you.”
The scenery switched to an ultraviolet hue, indicating, his eyes had changed to those of his dragon. He knew the irises of his eyes danced in brilliant shades of orange and red with hints of yellow and flakes of blue. He’d seen it one time when he’d gone flying and stopped to get a drink. He didn’t know how long he’d stared at his reflection just to watch the way the fire flickered in his gaze.
“Your eyes.” She cupped his face. The wonder in her voice did little to keep the tethers holding his sanity together secure. “They’re beautiful, Jackson. Tell me you’ll let me see this part of you more often.”
“For you, blondie, I’d give you every star in the universe just to see you happy.”
“Gag me with a spoon.” Laney pushed between them and stormed to where Christoph stood with Bodhi. “What happened to stopping by my party?”
Oh for fuck’s sake, just what they didn’t need. A jealous bitch.
Christoph witnessed the interaction between Bell and Jackson play out in front of him, and all he could think about was Bodhi hurrying the hell up so he could get over to where his mates stood. But when he spotted Laney pushing her way through the crowd, heading right for him, he realized it wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. He didn’t have the patience or the time to deal with her bullshit.
Didn’t help any when she loudly announced his invitation to her party. Bell stiffened. Hurt filtered through her features, and her normally sweet scent, soured. Jackson wrapped his arms around her protectively, which set his lion off. Big fucking time.
“I’m talking to you, Christoph.” Laney’s voice dripped with disgust.
He had to deal with her; otherwise, like a mosquito, she’d continue to buzz around him till she got the blood she craved. Pulling his gaze away from his mates, he finally looked at the woman who drove him bat-shit crazy with her constant nagging. He’d been a means to an end for her. A status symbol. Bagging the alpha would be a huge win for her. Especially since Laney had a wild hair up her ass with regards to all the Dreyer’s and anyone that associated with them.
Unfortunately or, he guessed, fortunately for Laney, she had overheard a phone conversation between him and his father several months ago, with regards to the person his parents wanted him to mate. Of course, it didn’t matter to his dad he didn’t love the other woman, or the mating scent being missi
ng. That’s irrelevant. Mating this other woman would help the Pride, not supply Christoph with love, which his father didn’t give a fig about.
Laney used this knowledge against him. She started her shit with him during the games, forcing him to attend the ball on her arm. In the interim, it gave Jackson the opportunity to step from the shadows and claim what rightfully belonged to him—Bell. Anger helped propel him into action, and at that moment, in the community building, with Laney standing there, he allowed it to consume him. He grabbed Bell and kissed her, sealing his claim.
“You didn’t ask,” he snapped. He wanted to growl at her and tell her to go fuck herself. But, he needed to bide his time. He’d deal with his parents first then Laney. “You demanded. I don’t do well with demands.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Jackson approached them. “You heard him. He never said he’d go. Why are you here?”
“Clearly, I came to find Christoph.” She huffed.
“Clearly, he doesn’t want to attend your stupid-ass party. You should leave.” Jackson snarled, his eyes turning an eerie color.
Surprise washed over him when Jackson confronted her. Never had anyone ever backed or stood up for him. As an alpha, he handled his own shit. Even the shit with his dad.
“I never!” Laney screeched.
“That’s not what I heard. I heard you took on the entire football team in less than forty-eight hours,” Zoe snapped. “In my book, we call that being a slut.”
“Are you going to allow them to speak to me like this, Christoph?” Laney stomped her foot and crossed her arms.
“He’s not allowing anything. I’m doing it.” Jackson took a predatory step toward her. “You’ve already been asked once. I won’t ask a second time.”
“If you forgot, the way out is that way.” Zoe pointed to the gate. “If you need help, I’ll gladly show your skanky ass out.”
“Don’t you touch me!” Laney screamed.
“I didn’t touch you. Yet.” Zoe cracked her knuckles.
“You should go.” Christoph stiffened when Bell approached—only letting out the breath he’d been holding when she situated herself between Jackson and him. She placed a comforting hand on their lower back, soothing his tattered soul.