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Lowering the curling iron, I run my fingers through my dark-brown hair, loosening the fresh curls. I smooth my hands over the soft fabric of my dress, inspecting myself in the mirror.
Kali and I actually got the chance to go shopping yesterday, using our severely neglected school currency on new dresses for tonight—a fact which left Adrian chagrined. He apparently had an idea in mind for my dress tonight, but I had to get some alone time with Kali and a break from all the testosterone. It sounds like a sexy, fun time living with four guys, and don’t get me wrong, sometimes it is. But other times, a girl just needs to hang out with one of her best girlfriends.
Madame Cora was beyond thrilled to see us, since of course news has traveled throughout the academy about my four mates. A topic she had a million questions on. She helped us choose our dresses, along with a few pieces of lingerie, especially when Kali finally spilled that she and Stacia are official. I can still picture her brilliant smile as she told me the news, the memory bringing a smile to my face. I’m so elated that she’s found someone that brings her so much joy, because she deserves nothing but the best in life.
I chose a floor-length scarlet gown with a deep V neckline, showing off my ample cleavage. My heart flutters in excitement to share tonight with all of my guys, a sharp contrast to the event last semester when I had really only gotten close to Adrian. My lips pull down slightly as I think of Mateo, my mate that fought so adamantly to insert himself into my life a short couple of months ago, who is now more distant than ever. He either stalks off without a word or gives a normal Mateo response, followed by a pained look, then retreats once more.
Enough is enough, I’m going to get to the bottom of whatever is bothering Mateo tonight if it’s the last thing I do. I’m tired of space and distance between me and any of my gods. I’m all in this, and it’s about time they understand what that means.
My spirits lift at that thought, determined to make things right with all of my mates. I giggle as I slip on my heels, an excited grin stretching my face.
My attention is drawn to the door at the sound of raised voices from downstairs. I cock my head to the side, listening intently, attempting to make out the shouted words.
A female voice is louder than the rest. My mind stalls for a moment before I burst into action. Not wasting another moment, I clasp the brass doorknob and whip the door open. A gust of air breezes against my face with the movement, brushing my curls back from my face.
I take a hurried step out the door, completely having lost track of time. Adrian must be back with Nelle. He bravely volunteered to pick my best friend up from the mortal realm as I got ready since Domenic couldn’t dissipate yet. She still isn’t his biggest fan after he left Mexico, but promised me she would try to be nice to him.
I almost trip over my feet as I come to an abrupt halt and turn on my heel. My momentum causes me to hurtle forward as my dress catches under my shoes. I throw my hands out in a last-ditch effort to stop my fall, a barrier shooting out before me to catch my tumbling form.
I let out an oomph as my shoulder absorbs the impact, grateful that my face wouldn’t be red and bruised for tonight. Pulling myself to my feet, I smooth out my gown, a small smile playing on my lips at how natural these powers are becoming. I barely had to think before that barrier shot out as if it was an extension of my will, my mind instinctually pulling at that sea of power in my center.
I take a few careful steps back to my room, making sure another trip isn’t about to happen, and scoop up my clutch—the whole reason for this near catastrophe. I take smaller measured steps this time as I make my way back towards the stairs, not wanting to risk tumbling down them this time. That really wouldn’t be the graceful entrance I’d hoped for.
I keep my gaze trained on my footsteps as I descend the stairs one at a time, lifting the hem of my dress, so it doesn’t get caught beneath me again. Confident I’m not about to tumble down the treacherous stairs, I look up to my four guys and Nelle watching me in amusement.
“What’s going on?” I ask hesitantly, pausing even though only a few more stairs are left to go. I would stop to stare regardless, I realize, as I take in the guys’ appearances.
Mateo brushes a hand back through his chestnut hair, still dressed in his usual leather armor, clearly not wanting to part with his weapons despite the formal affair. His lips quiver as he fights back the smirk that begs to pull at them. His smiling hazel eyes betraying his amusement.
I shift my gaze to Adrian, who doesn’t bother to hide the broad grin on his face, his crystal blue eyes sparkling with delight. His fitted black suit is perfectly tailored, with a red tie matching the exact same shade as my dress. I huff out a breath of amusement, unsure now if this is actually the dress I bought yesterday or a copy made by Adrian. Since I know I hadn’t shown him my dress yesterday. But I don’t let my thoughts linger there too long, already feeling my cheeks heating at the thought that he must have snuck in to see it, leaving me to question if this is actually my dress or one of his illusions.
I flick my gaze over to Kyros, a small grin showing off his dimples. He sweeps a hand through his light brown curls. I swear he must practice how to sweep his hair back to look so delicious. His honey-brown eyes warm with a hint of concern.
Finally, I focus on Maximus—of course, he’s still black, in his usual black jeans and T-shirt, coupled with his leather jacket … well, a leather jacket. I can’t help the grin that spreads across my lips as I notice he’s wearing a new one, the weathered jacket I’d grown so accustomed to, replaced with the shiny new material.
Maximus notices my gaze and glances down at himself, his lips twisting into a grimace. He folds his arms over his broad chest, narrowing his emerald green gaze on me, before huffing out a breath of annoyance. But I don’t miss the slight brightening of his cheeks, making me want to rush over to him and squeeze them. No focus Liv, they’re obviously up to something, don’t be swayed by how hot, sweet and cute they look.
“Girl, for some all-powerful god, I thought you would have gotten a bit more graceful.” Nelle snickers, stepping in front of the guys, her long, forest green gown swaying behind her.
I rush down the last few stairs at the sight of my best friend and sister standing in the middle of our hallway. I make sure to grip the banister so I don’t trip again, and rush into her open arms. My own immediately slapping around her to embrace her, uncaring of her black curls tickling against my nose.
I freeze as realization hits me, Nelle’s words only just registering. I push back from her form and give her an indignant glare, her chest already shaking from her laughter.
“You all saw me trip?” I ask in a horrified gasp, wanting the first time they saw me to be more, mouths agape, in shock over how beautiful I look, rather than muffled laughter over my clumsiness.
“Don’t act like it’s the first time we’ve ever seen you trip over your own two feet.” Adrian teases, quirking an eyebrow at me. He attempts to stifle his laughter as my mouth pops open in disbelief. The audacity, my mates, and my sister are all ganging up on me—this is so not fair.
“But the dress—ugh, never mind, it’s not even worth it.” I huff out on an exasperated sigh, not wanting to prolong this any further. Let them laugh it out. At least the arguing I heard earlier has ceased.
“I, for one, think it’s adorable that you were in such a rush to see my handsome face that you forgot how to walk properly.” Mateo chuckles, and my breath catches at his easy tone. This may just be the turning point I’m looking for.
His eyes shutter a moment later, as though just remembering himself, and whatever his issue is. He grits his teeth, as though he doesn’t want to be holding back. I observe his facial expression as I formulate a plan.
“Well, I was just telling everyone that Kyros is my favorite, but now I’m not so sure.” Nelle props a hand on her hip, eyeing Mateo with new found interest, never having met my god of war before.
Maximus grumbles something unintelligible under his breath, and I move over to him at the sound, twining my fingers with his. I draw in closer to his side, and his eyes widen a fraction, as though he had expected no one to notice his annoyance.
“Idon’t have any favorites, and that’s what matters,” I tease, tilting my head upwards and raising on my toes, his height making it impossible to capture his mouth on my own. To my delight, he obliges, meeting me in a tender kiss that sends a shiver of desire up my spine, heating my skin.
