Page 205 of Seeds of Malice

She chirps, "Yep! I also told him you were awake early this morning, and I picked you up for school. He doesn't know you missed it."

Relief fills me. "Thanks, Avery. You're such a good friend."

"No problem. I'm outside, though, so take a quick shower, put some clothes on, and get out here," she orders.

I glance out my window and see her headlights. "Where are we going?"

"We're going to celebrate your induction."

"But I didn't get inducted."

"That was Dax's fault. The sisters agreed to let you take your vows next time you're at the house."

"They did?"

"Yes. But get your booty out of bed. I have a surprise for you. Dax isn't going to ruin your achievement."

My heart hurts thinking about Dax. I question, "Is he okay?"

Avery groans. "Of course he's okay. He's moping over you, but you two will work it out. Don't worry. Now, put on something nice. I'm taking you somewhere special."

"Okay." I slide out of bed.

She adds, "It's a really awesome dessert place. You're going to love it."

Excitement fills me. "Sounds fun."

"Oh, it's going to be. Now, get your sexy self out here," she demands and hangs up.

I put my hair in a claw clip, jump in the shower, and quickly freshen up. I get out, dry myself, and put on a little bit of makeup. I stare at my closet and then select a black dress and heels. I get dressed, go outside, and get into Avery's car.

She leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. "You look great." Her eyes dart over me, reminding me of how Dax looks at me.

My insides light up. Her scent swirls around us. My cheeks heat, and I suddenly feel a bit shy. I reply, "Thanks, so do you."

"Of course. I always do." She smirks, then laughs.

I laugh too, wishing I could be more like her. Avery comes across so confident. I make a silent vow that I will be just as sure of myself one day.

She whizzes through town and pulls into a fire lane, just like Dax, and I laugh.

She arches her eyebrows. "What's so funny?"

"You and your brother. There are so many things you do that remind me of him."

"Well, he's learned them from me," she claims.

I laugh again. "I'm sure he'd claim the same."

"Yep, he sure would," she says and gets out. The valet opens the door for me and I step out onto the pavement.

Avery comes around, links her arm around mine, and we walk into a dimly lit restaurant.

"Ms. Carrington, so good to see you," a young man coos.

Avery replies, "You too, Peter."

"Perfect timing. I have your table ready. Follow me," he chirps. He picks up two menus, leads us to the back of the restaurant, then stops.

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