The Prophecy

I stood there, stunned as I watched his form retreat effortlessly through the crowd, quickly disappearing within the shadows. A couple bumped into me, knocking whatever was left of my senses back into place. I looked around for Rose, and found her standing off to the side of the dance floor, a smirk firmly in place as she watched me. I stormed over to her, grabbed her arm and hauled her toward the shadows.

“Why in the hell did you leave me out there?” I hissed, my migraine from early coming back, throbbing into my temples.

“What? You looked like you were having one hell of a time. I didn't want to interrupt.”

I felt like shaking her. “While your snide attitude is normally accepted, at this current point in time, it's not. Seriously! You could have at least told me you were leaving the floor!” My temper started to flare and I felt the first stirring of the darkness. It was returning, faster than ever.

Her eyes hardened, locking with mine fiercely. “I'm not your mother so I'm not going to hold your hand or coddle you. You were fine so don't turn this around on me. I'm not the one you were rubbing up against. Besides, I tried to tell you, but you were preoccupied.”

I felt my face redden as my anger started to snap. The pain in my temples increased, making my vision become slightly blurry. I threw my hands up in the air and turned away from her only to run into Gabe. Looks like my night wasn't going to get any better.

“Easy there, new girl.” He flashed a smile at me and gently eased me away from him. I forced a smile in return, and sent a 'we're not finished' look back at Rose. She just waved me off. Yes, I definitely wanted to shake her.

“Sorry.”

“No problem.” He was really cute when he smiled. “I was wondering if you want to dance with me?”

I felt my face drain of its angry color. Yes, I danced with Andrei, and that was a big mistake. I knew that Gabe wasn't as much as a threat to my hormones as Andrei was, but I still felt it would be a bad idea. Namely because of Jenni.

“Uh, I don’t know. What would your girlfriend have to say?” His smile increased as he pointed toward the dance floor. I followed his direction and saw the evil Barbie plastered against Brandon. I almost chocked on my laugh at the look on his face.

“So, how about it?” I looked back into his eyes and felt myself start to cave. He really did have the most beautiful amber gaze I had ever seen. Besides, we were friends, nothing more. It couldn't hurt.

I smiled slightly and pulled on his arm. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

So maybe that wasn't one of my best ideas, but it definitely wasn't the worst. So far. There was something extremely comfortable about being in Gabe's arms. While I didn't feel the uncontrollable urge to rub up against him like I did with Andrei, it was still nice.

I shook my head as I compared them. While Andrei seemed to have no problem navigating my wings, Gabe seemed to be smacked in the face at every turn. I would have laughed if not for his almost vulnerable appeal. Andrei was taller than Gabe, and while Gabe would be considered tall, dark, and handsome, Andrei exceeded it. I was comfortable with Gabe. He was safe. Andrei was a danger to me in the most primal way, maybe more than just primal.

I turned my thoughts away from the comparison and tried to make myself feel the music. I just couldn't seem to focus though. Jenni's icy glare probably had something to do with that. She had pushed Brandon away as soon as Gabe and I stepped onto the floor. She stood there, arms crossed, looking like she was preparing for battle. Did I mention it wasn't one of my best ideas? I could almost see her calculating how much force would be needed to strangle me with my own wings. I sighed, my night quickly going from bad to completely ruined.

I thanked my lucky stars as the song finally came to an end. I hoped to get out of dancing with Gabe unscathed, but by her continuous glare I knew I had just jumped into a heap of trouble. While we remained mostly silent during the dance, the walk off the floor was even more so. Gabe kept looking over to Jenni, a frown marring his face.

“Well looks like your girlfriend minded after all.”

He turned his eyes back to me, amusement filling them. “I don't see why she would care though. She's danced with almost every guy here already and will probably make her second rounds soon.”

I could feel my anger brimming at that reminder. I didn't want Gabe, but I cared for him. Sure, he could be annoying at times, but he was really sweet beneath it all. Her abusing their relationship like that set off all of my moral alarms. I never understood girls like Jenni. She reminded me too much of Becca.

I shrugged, trying to seem like it was all inconsequential. “Well maybe you should go placate her. Get her to stop her glare of death.”

“You worried?”

“It may seem silly, but I am rather attached to my head. I'd hate to lose it.” His laughter warmed me, placating my temper until I looked over and found Jenni in the arms of yet another guy. “Or not. Looks like she's handling it all rather well.” I pointed to where Jenni was dry humping the guy on the dance floor. Gabe's frown returned and I almost felt bad about it. Almost.

He forced a smile my way, and that did make me feel bad. I didn't like to see him hurting. With a pat on the shoulder and a longing look, he walked away, heading toward Jenni.

I stared after him for a moment, then turned around, thoroughly done with this night. Rose and Brandon were off in a shadowy corner. Anyone who saw them would think they were in a passionate embrace. Luckily for me, I knew they weren't so had no qualms about interrupting them. “Can we go now?”

“What? You're not having fun?” Brandon looked at me questioningly. I hated to be the party crasher, but I was done.

“Look, it doesn't matter. If you guys want to stay longer, then go ahead. I'll just head home.”

“Oh come on, it's not that bad here.”

I cast a glare at Rose. “Whatever. I've just had all the fun I could handle tonight.” She sighed and started to gather her things. “No, you guys stay. Have fun.”

“You sure?” Now Brandon looked concerned. Great.

“Yup, I'll see you guys tomorrow anyways. We're doing the movie thing, right?”

“And the graveyard.”

At Rose's reminder, a chill raced up my spine. I put a smile on my face and nodded. “Of course. I'll see you guys tomorrow then.”

I dropped my smile as I turned around and began fleeing the gym. This wasn't a good night, but I had a feeling tomorrow would be even worse. I shook my head as I made my escape.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

I woke up with such a feeling of dread that I didn't even want to move from the bed. Unfortunately that didn't stop Rose and Brandon from ambushing into my room and scaring the hell out of me.

“Jesus H!” I bolted upright as they pounced onto the bed.

“Morning Sunshine!” I glared at Brandon's cheery smile, wishing they'd vanish. Rose rolled her eyes and held out a to-go cup of coffee. Being friends with someone whose mother owned a coffee shop definitely had its perks.

I grudgingly took it from her, the intensity of my glare diminishing some. I still wasn't completely happy, but the coffee helped.

“What time is it?” I asked between inhaling the God-like aroma of caffeine.