I hesitated at the entrance to the Great Hall. The wide wooden doors gaped open, spilling light, music, and a wall of laughter into the corridor. Booths hugged the walls, each advertising a different path within the family: fight, physical, spiritual, technology, science. In the center, a raised stage demanded attention. Two men stood opposite each other, glowing with magic, until a sudden explosion cracked between them. Cheers erupted as yellow sparks fanned out above their heads. Along the back wall, a minibar run by the Happy Rooster was churning out drinks faster than the night I bought a round for the whole pub.
Although a few enforcers in their black uniforms patrolled, most of the partygoers were dressed to impress. Everly accented her lush blackbaby doll dress with so much jewelry that she sparkled from a mile away.
Cayden’s gaze slid over me in a slow, deliberate sweep that sent warmth blooming across my cheeks. I let my eyes wander in return, tracing the lines of his body. The dark-green shirt clung just enough to hint at the strength beneath, tucked into loose khaki cargo pants that somehow still fit like they were made for him. A thick gold necklace rested against his chest, drawing my attention to the way the fabric framed his refined strength.
I forced myself to calm the storm of feelings swirling inside. Cayden had his chance to kiss me, and he’d backed away. It stung. If I were being honest with myself, it hurt like hell. But he still wanted to be my friend; he hadn’t pushed me away completely. I’d take whatever I could get, even if it wasn’t what I really wanted.
Cayden’s expression told me nothing. If he felt a hint of the storm I did, he was keeping it locked down. Maybe the almost-kiss had been in my head. It wasn’t like I had men lining up before either.
Cayden ended his once-over with an approving nod, making Hero groan as if completely disagreeing.
“Really, sister?” Hero plucked at my sleeve. “You’ve dressed your suitor in one of my old tunics?”
I bit my lips together and looked away from Cayden. Tonight wasn’t about boys; it was about me. Focus, I would.
Everly batted her twin's hand away from the exceptionally frilly cuffs of my flamboyant white tunic. “Yes. Brother. You wouldn’t want me showing up with him in his uniform, would you?”
“I don’t want him anywhere near you,” Hero responded, giving me a dark look.
Everly kissed me on the cheek and wrapped an arm around my waist. “Ignore him, my little birdy. Let’s get a drink.”
I had to bite my lips together to keep from giggling and very carefully walked into the Great Hall.
“Relax, Quinn,” Everly leaned down and whispered. “You have to spin three times to trigger the spell. You’re not going to do that by accident.”
I tried to relax, well aware of the number of circles I’d turned while tripping on magic and anti-crazy meds in the forest in my time. My time. I tripped on nothing. Only Everly’s strong arm kept me from face-planting.
Was I so convinced this was real that I viewed my old life as if it were from the past?
Cayden came up on my other side. “We’ll grab drinks for the ladies.” He tugged on my bicep, and I released Everly.
“You have us. All of us.” He pointed at Everly. “Everly’s a Grierson; they are powerful. The Lawson name is feared, for good reason.” Cayden cracked his neck uncomfortably. “And Brit is a hell of a fighter. You’re not alone.”
“I’m more than hell-a, Cayden.” Brit thumped him on the back, and I jumped, not realizing she’d joined us.
Tight leather pants hugged her shapely legs. A pink tube top accentuated her broad shoulders and interwoven muscles. It wasn’t fancy, but she looked badass and ready to party.
She leaned down close to my ear and whispered. “Hell, Hero might like you if he realizes you don’t have a dick you want to stick in his twin.”
I giggled.
Cayden cleared his throat. “We were getting drinks for the ladies.”
Brit beamed. “Hero’s pretty enough. I’ll hand him his,personally.”
Brit and I exchanged a glance, making Hero look at us skeptically before he rolled his eyes. As expected, he refused to leave his sister’s side. Soon enough, we each had a drink in hand.
My girlfriends slid me between them, safe from Hero, as we circulated. It was an odd collection of people that braved Cayden and Brit to say hi to Everly. Hero clasped a lot of hands. I don’t know why it surprised me that he made friends while also guarding his sister. Everly introduced me to two more women who seemed nice enough, but stuck with their little packs of fawning admirers.
I spotted Brody through the crowd. He didn’t acknowledge me, but I could feel him watching. Or maybe I was being paranoid. He’d left me alone for the last few days. Maybe he finally got the message.
The atmosphere was something between a festival and a party. I thoroughly enjoyed the booths and endless displays of power rocketing around the room. The technology booth stood at the halfway mark, and I found my cheeks flushed from the drink and my energy high. Another burst of color filled the ceiling of the Great Hall. Okay, I was having a blast. Magic was everywhere. I loved it.
I sipped my pear cider while examining the table of gears, computer bits, and what looked like a Nokia phone.
“Is this like the train?” I asked, recognizing Adam, my train mentor, behind the booth.
Adam grinned at me. “It’s the same engine-unity.”
