I knew danger could find them through me on a grander scale than most of them realized. I couldn’t leave them in the dark, especially if one day they, too, would be faced with the choice to fight by my side.
“I’m also sure that most of you know there is more to me than human and wolf. I can do things that tend to set me apart. Things that attract attention from creatures of all kinds. It’s time for me to tell you what that really means to the rest of you.”
Chapter Twenty-One
It felt strange to be back at Lucy’s Lounge after spending so many nights at The Wicked Kiss. It was a foreign world, a primarily human one. It was nice to sit in the large corner booth with my friends and be able to enjoy the setting instead of being on the lookout for serious trouble.
Lucy’s Lounge was smaller than The Wicked Kiss, but it had an upper floor. There was nothing special about the small town club. It had somewhat of a country feel to it even though top 40 music pumped out of the speakers and everyone was dressed in club wear. I loved something about the small town vibe; it felt like home.
I was having a hard time relaxing despite the easygoing atmosphere. I glanced down at my attire, second guessing it even though it was too late for that. It was the fourteenth of June, my birthday, so I’d gone all out. It seemed like as good an excuse as any to go shopping.
The black and white knee-length dress encased my body like a glove. Nearly all white with a stripe of black that wound diagonally across the bodice and around to the hem of the skirt, the dress had caught my eye from a shop window. I had to have it. Jez had talked me out of my usual knee-high boots and into a pair of four-inch stilettos. With my long hair pinned up, I was feeling more feminine than I had in a long time.
“Aw, Jez, no. I told you guys not to get any gifts.” I protested when she slipped a box across the table to me.
“Too bad. You know I don’t do what I’m told. Besides, I made it myself so you have to accept it.” She shrugged and tossed a golden lock of hair out of her eyes. “Open it.”
I’d never been so happy to see Jez looking like herself again. She had recovered from Kale’s attack physically, but the emotional scars were there. In a tight leather skirt and a black bustier with those amazing red-painted lips, she looked great. But, I knew she was holding a grudge, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. I’d invited Kale to the party, but he had a tendency to avoid these things. I couldn’t help but think that might be best tonight for several reasons.
Kylarai and Zoey watched me untie the ribbon holding the box closed. I felt like I was being put on the spot. I’d specifically told everyone that I didn’t want any gifts.
I lifted the lid of the box, finding the most magnificent stake inside that I’d ever seen. It was made of cherry wood and had my name etched into it. It brought a smile to my face.
“Thank you, Jez. This is so cool of you. I can’t wait to use it.”
“I’m sure you’ll get your chance sooner than you think.” She smirked and reached for her glass, finding it empty. “Dammit. Where’s that wolf with our refills?”
I scanned the crowd near the bar for Shaz. “I’m sure it won’t be long. Calm down booze hound.”
“We got you something, too, Lex. It’s back at the house. Too big to carry in here. Want to know what it is or should we keep it a surprise?” Kylarai’s smile lit up her whole face. The pain was still there, in the depths of her eyes, but she wasn’t letting it define her every moment. I was glad to see the strength that I knew was inside her.
“No, don’t tell her,” Zoey interrupted. “It’s one of those things she just has to see.”
I was curious to see what kind of gift those two would come up with together. I sensed Shaz’ approach and looked up to find him juggling a tray laden with drinks. My heart skipped a beat as I drank him in.
His hair was stylishly spiked so that it went every which way. He was casual but sexy in blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a leather jacket, my favorite look for him. Watching him glide through the crowd, deftly maneuvering the tray to avoid any spills, I might have swooned a little. He could still make my heart race.
“It’s about time,” Jez proclaimed when he set the tray before us. She wasted no time setting tequila shots in front of each of us. With a wry smile she raised her shot in a toast. “To Alexa, for making it longer than I ever thought she would. Bottom’s up, my friends.”
I slid over in the booth so Shaz could sit beside me. His musky wolf and pine scent hit me, and I savored it. I still felt ill when I thought of what he’d been up to at The Wicked Kiss, but I knew I had to deal with it since I had gotten him wrapped up with vampires in the first damn place. All that mattered was that I needed him. We’d overcome so much already. We were strong enough to survive this, too.