Page 48

The last of the champagne goes down smoothly, fizzing as it glides down my throat. Cedric bumps me with his elbow, bobbing against the music falling through the speakers. He grabs Rai’s hands, forcing her to sway with him. Her head shakes back and forth, but she smiles, letting him lead her to the beat.

Grand chandeliers dominate the high ceiling, their crystals cut in a way which catches the light perfectly, giving off a golden glow. Ornate pillars line the walls, caging the room in their marbled architecture. Ivy climbs around the structures, vining over the snowy tulle that drapes from doorway to doorway.

There’s one thing the witches do well, and that’s the Centennial. The room is buzzing with energy. Everyone is dressed in their finest attire, nothing but suits and gowns. Couples move gracefully around us, spinning, dipping, twirling.

I’d half considered not coming. Partly because this isn’t exactly my scene anymore, and partly because of the headaches. I’m noticing them more and more. They aren’t painful, exactly. More distracting. Just another symptom of my doomed future-to-be. And really, I think that’s why I did come. Unless by some miracle I find a way out of this shit, this is my last year to enjoy the witch’s ball.

Ashen makes a joke about the wine, saying it’s too fruity, then immediately chokes on it. I laugh, ready to make a snarky comment, but stop dead in my tracks when my eyes land on the girl who just walked in.

Silvery blue clings to her body, the floor-length gown strikingly distinct among the sea of shorter dresses. A slit rises high up her thigh, giving me a view of her long, tanned leg with every step. The garment’s neckline swoops low, granting only a peek at her chest while still being modest enough that she’s not on full display. Her back, however, is there for the taking. Not an inch of fabric until just above her ass, which I happen to notice when she turns to talk to someone.

I rake my eyes higher, my attention drawing to the thin straps over her shoulders holding the gown in place. One small tug and they’d snap. That pretty little dress would fall to the floor at her feet.

Sumner plays the role of elegance well, apart from the fact that she has her arm laced through the mutt’s.

“Damn,” Ashen exclaims beside me. “How did the human get even hotter?”

I turn to see he’s also looking at her.

His description is inaccurate. Sumner isn’t hot. She’s stunning.

Wolf boy points out the table of drinks. She shakes her head, and he removes his arm from hers, leaving her free to the vultures the moment he and the rest of the dogs head for the refreshments.

The lights dim, emanating a faint glow over the room. The music’s melody grows softer, shifting from upbeat to slow and mellow.

Ashen shoves his drink at me, saying nothing as he stalks toward Sumner. He holds out his hand to her, fucking bowing like some refined man with only good intentions.

Setting his glass on the table, I watch in amusement, ready to see his act get shut down with one of her famous middle fingers to the face. Ashen rarely gets denied when he wants something, but Sumner says no to everyone. The queen of indifference when it comes to the people of this world.

She laughs, which I expected, then places her hand in his. He pulls her into him, wrapping his arms a little too low around her waist.

So, she just dances with assholes now?

I glance at the mutt. He stares at the two of them, only just realizing he lost his date.

“Baby!” Siena’s voice comes from behind me. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we coordinated outfits. She’s wearing all black, the fabric falling to her upper thighs. “I’m so glad I found you. Come on, let’s dance.” She slips her fingers through mine, tugging me forward and tangling herself around my neck. The sequins covering every inch of material enveloping her scratch at my skin, irritating my wrists, so I loosen my hold on her.

“You look amazing,” she coos. “So handsome.”

“Thanks.” My eyes drift over the people around us.

“Do you think I look good? I picked this dress just for you.”

I hear her talking, but I’m not paying attention. She’s always talking.

“Rhenn?” Siena chirps louder, demanding my focus.

“What? Yeah. You look great.”

“You think so?” She leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder. “After the party, I was thinking I could come back to your place?”

Finally, I spot them. Fucking glued to each other. One of Ashen’s hands rests just above Sumner’s ass, the other is threaded through her hair. He’s whispering something in her ear, the sudden comedian, it would seem, because she’s laughing.

She doesn’t even like him. So why the hell is she at his ear now? What fun little secrets could they possibly be sharing when they don’t even know each other?

His mouth moves to hover over her neck.

If he fucking bites her, if she fucking lets him… Instead, he presses his lips against her velvety skin.