AllFreeNovel
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Natalie was right. When we were kids, I was allowed over to her house all the time. Because our mothers were so close, it was easy for me. This was before my mother was so strict, and before she lost herself in whatever crazy idea she now had of keeping my blood safe forever.
These days, I never went over there. It was much easier for Natalie to drive over to my apartment.
“Have you ever been to a carnival?” I asked her.
After Zac brought it up last night, I was dead set on not going. But after a couple of hours, the idea of seeing Alek again became heavy enough to sway my decision. Natalie, of course, was instantly excited about the idea.
“No,” she answered. “Although I’ve been to plenty of parades. I think they’re probably pretty similar. Food, crowds, music.”
“Carnival rides?”
She smacked her lips. “Alright, they’re pretty similar minus the carnival rides.”
My chest bubbled with excitement. “I hope I can ride one of them.”
“What you really mean is you hope you and Alek can make a trip over to the kissing booth.” She made her best attempt at a kissing face.
“I already told you it’s not like that!” I defended, but Natalie wasn’t buying it.
She rolled her eyes. “I know the real reason you’re dragging me here is for him. Don’t worry, I get it. I’ve done plenty of crazy stuff for boys.”
“Going to a carnival isn’t crazy,” I said. “And it’s not for a boy. This is for myself.”
“Right,” she said with a snort. “Whatever you say.”
I knew the carnival would be crowded, but I didn’t think it would bethiscrowded.
Natalie pulled the car into the large dirt parking lot. Kids, teenagers, and adults of all ages wandered around us. I could see the lights and a few tall rides from the carnival a few blocks away.
“Are you nervous?” she asked as we began walking.
“No,” I lied.
“Don’t be. You should focus on enjoying yourself. Don’t worry so much about Alek.”
“I’m not worried about him.” The carnival came into view ahead of us. Beyond the front gates, a chaotic crowd buzzed with energy. It felt both exciting and intimidating. Music, flashing lights, and sounds from what I assumed to be carnival games all mixed over the low roar of voices.
And that smell.God,it smelled amazing. My stomach rumbled in response to whatever food was responsible for that warm, delicious scent.
“Good,” she said. “Because he’s right over there. And he’s coming this way.”
My heart immediately dropped to my stomach.
I looked in the direction of the carnival and, sure enough, Alek was stalking in our direction. And he didn’t look happy.
“What the hell are you two doing here?” he asked when he was close enough. He wore a black leather jacket and fitted black jeans. His hands were in tight fists at his sides.
Clearly, Zac didn’t give him the heads up that we had been invited.
“We’re here to enjoy the carnival,” Natalie answered. “If that wasn’t already obvious.”
Natalie may have been the only person to ever act sassy to a demon.
“I can see that,” Alek replied, crossing his arms over his chest. “But why?”
“Why not?” Natalie retorted.
“It’s dangerous here. We have business to take care of.”
