“I know, but Heath took care of that.” I stand up and wander toward the window, my cup in my hand. “I thought I was doing it on the sly, but apparently, he had someone stalking me. He showed up and finished the job.”
“Who is stalking you?”
“Kade and Cash. They meant well, and I’m kind of glad now.” I lean against the glass. “I want to forget about it. It’s finally over. All of them are dead. They can’t hurt me or anyone else.”
“I’m proud of you. That took guts.”
“Thanks. I almost puked out my guts when I tried to cut off his cock.”
“Oh, shit. I don’t blame you. You made me picture it,” she groans.
“Imagine being there,” I point out.
“Stop. Please.”
“Alright, alright.” I take a drink. “What time is the party?”
“We are meeting at seven. Sally should be sending out a group text soon.”
“What are you doing until then?” I ask.
“Hmm…”
“Don’t say it,” I snap.
“You’ve seen my mates.”
“Yes, and they are like brothers. I don’t want to think about it.”
“Fine. I’m going to eat breakfast,” she sings.
“No fair,” I whine, and I hang up as she laughs. Sliding my phone in my pajama pants, I take a sip and stare out the window.
I didn’t meet Haven in person until recently. We had talked about everything, yet I didn’t reveal that I was a shifter until she was driving to see me. She took it rather well, and it’s a good thing she did. Once she arrived, we went to my fight, where she met Hunter, Remy, Bane, and Lawson. I was annoyed at first, but only because I was looking forward to having her all to myself. It didn’t take long for me to get the stick out of my ass and be happy for her. I’ve known Hunter and Bane for years. They work for Heath, and I was thrilled when they found their brothers, Lawson and Remy. They are jaguars and good men. There hasn’t been anyone in my life who was just mine. Haven was human before she met them. No one here knew her, and Iwas looking forward to spending quality time with her. I couldn’t help being a little sad. Many of the shifters here have a mate or multiple mates, so although they have accepted me into the fold, and we have many gatherings, no one here is just mine. I suppose that is one reason having a mate is somewhat appealing. Pushing away everything else that being mated comes with, they would be dedicated to me and only me.
There is no use thinking about it. I doubt anyone could handle me and my past.
After spending some quality time in the bathroom because of the taco incident of twenty-twenty-six, I soaked in the tub for an hour. I had to refill the water three times. I was lost in a book, and the heat felt good on my skin. I de-pruned and began the process of getting ready to go out.
I park in front of the club, text Heath to say I've arrived, and take a minute to breathe. For years, I had panic attacks when in large groups. I did exposure therapy for a long time to adjust, and usually I don’t have any problems. It doesn’t hurt to prepare, though. Taking time to choose my clothes and to make myself feel good also helps. I don’t dress to attract, but to cope.My dress covers me from neck to knees. The sleeves are long, resting against my palms, and the fabric is tight to my waist. It flares slightly around my hips, and there is a slit that shows off my thigh. My favorite part is the sparkly blue color. My hair flows down my back in waves, and my makeup is dark. I paired it with red lipstick. My heels are high, and the straps wrap around my calf, nearly to my knee. Instead of bringing a purse, I strapped a wrap around my thigh, hidden beneath my clothing, which holds my identification, phone, and money. I always like to be prepared for an emergency.
I step out of my car, smooth the fabric, and lock it. My key slips easily into the band's little pocket. If I were ever to lose it, I can open my door with a code. Most people don’t think about all the scenarios I do when they leave their house. Doing it makes me feel in control, and as long as the thoughts don’t consume my life, I don’t see a problem with it.
The line to enter the club is long, but thankfully, I don’t have to wait. Ryker and Bash are vampire friends who own it. They are powerful. Their mates are beautiful and kind, though I haven’t spent much time with them outside the family. The guys are gorgeous and could kill you in a second. Fortunately, they are on our side. I would hate to be on their bad side. The club is always full, so Ryker reserves a private area for us. I’ve been here many times with and without the crew.
“Lance, what’s shaking?” I ask as I stop at the front of the line.
“The dance floor,” he says, grinning.
“Sounds right. I’m a little late. Is everyone here?”
“I believe so.” Lance is a lion shifter. He’s been working at the club for a couple of months. Other than staring at my legs a little too long, he is nice and doesn’t cross the line. “It’s packed inside, so be careful through the crowd.”
“I will. Have a good night.” I smile at him, and he opens the door.
“Will do, Rylee,” he says.
This is the worst part. I stop inside the door and exhale slowly. He wasn’t lying. The room is filled with humans, shifters, and vampires. Most of them will be on their best behavior, but there are always new people who don’t know how to follow the rules Bash and Ryker set. I don’t like being touched by strangers unless I give permission, so traveling through the crowd on the dance floor to get to the staircase across the room is a challenge. I can do it, I just don’t like it, and I will grit my teeth the whole way. I clench my fists and lift my foot.
