Ivy didn’t miss a beat. They spun around, then sat right on my lap and twerked their ass. Strands from their long hair got stuck in my mouth. I threw my head back in laughter. Ivy was only on me for a second before they threw their leg over Ava’s chair and gave her a lap dance. Ava whooped and hollered.
The beat dropped for the chorus, and Ava’s Uncle Jonah came on stage, his voice blaring through the speakers. Ivy and Jonah coordinated perfectly, with Ivy singing a matching harmony. They began to dance in a choreographed motion, and though I couldn’t keep track of the movements, Ava did her best to describe it to me.
My uncle went all out!she raved.He’s wearing a sexy red sequin dress and the biggest blonde wig I’ve ever seen!
At the second verse, Ava squealed so loud it could be heard over the music. “Ahhhhhh! There arestripper polescoming down from the ceiling!”
Ivy and Jonah spun around the poles, whipping their hair so hard I could feel the air coming off it with my magic. Smoke machines hissed, and I coughed as the smoke filled the dance floor.
I’m getting in there,Oberi insisted. She didn’t care if she was invited or not; she strutted up between them, her hooves smacking the floor to the beat of the song. She spun in circles so fast that she got dizzy. She was forced to shift into a husky, or she was going to fall on someone and break their legs. Oberi stumbled to the side, his head landing in my lap. I shoved him off of me, and he went strutting around the dance floor again.
By the end of the song, fireworks were going off around the room, and embers rained down upon us. Ivy grabbed my hand and dragged me out of my chair, and Jonah pushed Ava forward. We spun and danced around, while our guests stormed the dance floor with us.
We were surrounded from all angles. Another song thumped a deep base, and suddenly, people were pushing and shoving each other. I heard the sound of punches and kicks connect, and panic swept through me.
“Ava!” I cried out. I was too far away from her, and I didn’t know where she’d gone. Then I heard her laughter, and I knew she was safe.
I’m okay,she told me through the bond.Jonah got me out of the way.I’m with Kallie getting drinks. Go have fun!
A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, and my grandpa’s gruff voice came from behind me. “There’s nothing to worry about, my boy! A brawl at the end of the evening is an Elvish wedding tradition. Didn’t you know?”
A fist came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face. I didn’t know where it’d come from, though it wasn’t my grandfather’s. Pain shot through my nose, and blood trickled down my face. I tasted copper. Chancey’s maniacal laughter faded as he raced away from me before I could get him back.
A huge grin spread across my face. It was like the Villain’s Ball all over again, and Ilivedfor the high of a fight.
“I fucking love the Elves!” I cheered.
I shoved my grandfather, and he hit me back. It wasn’t enough to hurt— more like I was roughhousing with the father I had never had. I laughed gleefully as he got me in a headlock. I punched him in the stomach and ducked out of his arms. I dodged away from him and could still hear his laughter far off.
Oberi scurried up to me and bit my pants. He tugged, though not enough to rip fabric. He was being playful. I tried to kick him off, and he snapped his jaws at me. His sharp canines dug into my leg. Thankfully, he didn’t draw blood, but it still hurt.
“Ow, Oberi!” I protested. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”
So siphon some of my strength, Elf boy, he teased.Show me what you’ve got!
I wrestled him to the ground and curled my arms around his neck. He spun in circles, dragging me along the floor, but I didn’t budge.
Fine, I yield!he insisted.
I hopped off his back. As soon as my feet were back on solid ground, someone shoved me again. It had to be a vampire, judging by how strong they were. I tried to siphon his strength, but I noticed his magic was just as strong as I was. Fucking Danny.
I shoved him, and we ended up in a bloody brawl on the floor, both of us laughing the whole time. It felt really good to finally punch this guy in the face. I’d been waiting far too long for it.He landed a few good punches himself, and I could feel a bruise forming above my eye. He was one of the few guys who could actually give me a run for my money.
Danny slipped away, and I ended up smacking a few strangers before getting into it with Ez for a bit. I went easy on him, though, even though he was crushing the life out of me. I couldn’t tell the difference between his grapples and bear hugs.
I stumbled off the dance floor laughing more than I think I ever had in my life, blood dripping from my face and all over my suit. My stomach was starting to hurt, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Someone caught me and helped me stand up.
He dusted off my suit coat, and I realized it was my grandfather. “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
“Very much!” I cried. “This is the best nightever. Thank you so much for doing all this.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said. “This is everything I wanted to give you, and everything you deserve. I hope the night has been wonderful, despite your father’s words at dinner.”
My smile started to fall. “It didn’t ruin anything, promise.”
“I want to apologize. He doesn’t mean to hurt you, but he’s never been good with words.”
“I understand,” I stated. “I don’t need him, because I have you.”
