Page 66 of Beast: Part Two

Brooklyn grabs Hawk’s hand and leads him to the table in the yard.

Ari and Many are the next to show up. Ari is wearing a burgundy skater skirt with suspenders and a white turtleneck. Her curly hair is in a high puff at the top of her head. Many has on a T-shirt that matches her skirt and black slacks. They look adorable.

Malia and Seth walk out next. Malia has on a black body-hugging dress with a deep V-front. She also had one of those bodies that could wear a brown paper bag, and she would be stunning. Seth is wearing a simple white Tee with a leather jacket and dark jeans.

Fem and Priest walk out together. Fem is wearing a black catsuit that makes her seem like she’s six feet tall. Priest is wearing a gray button up with his sleeves folded up and black jeans.

Zel and Maksim walk out next. It brings me joy that they also got dressed up for the event. Maksim is wearing an actual blazer over his crisp button up. Zel has on a black turtleneck and gray dress pants.

“Little sister,” Maksim says in his gruff voice. “I do not know how I feel about this dress.”

I do a spin. “What? You don’t like it?” I tease.

“You’re going to get us all killed tonight,” Zel says plucking a grape off the fruit tray and popping it in his mouth. “But I’m here for the entertainment.” He walks away with his hands stuffed down in his pockets.

“Should I change?” I ask Maksim.

He chuckles. “I’m with Zel. I’m here for the entertainment.” He heads to the table with the others.

Now I was feeling very insecure about my dress decision. Maybe I should go in and change.

“Summer, come sit,” Malia calls out.

Fuck it, I’m here now.I head over to the table with everyone else.

“As soon as Gabriel gets here, we can eat,” I say to everyone.

“Is he here?” Seth asks. “I thought he left.”

My heart falls to my feet. Did I do all this for his attention, only for him not to attend? Yes, I wanted us to have good night in general, but this was for him.

“Oh,” I say shaking my head. “Well, I guess we don’t have to wait. We can eat.”

“It’s okay,” Maksim says. “We can wait.”

“No. really. Go grab food.”

“You don’t have to tell us twice,” Ari gets up. “We are starving.”

Many stands and joins her. Everyone else gets up and heads over to the food table.

“For what it’s worth, you did a damn good job with this,” Malia says placing a hand on my shoulder.

“And you look drop dead gorgeous doing it. It’s his loss,” Brooklyn adds as she makes her way over to the table with Hawk at her heels.

We all fill our plates with food. The chatter is pleasant, and everyone seems to be happy at the moment.

“Steak and potatoes,” Priest says. “You’re my type of girl, Summer.”

“Only thing she’s missing is your Jello cup for after your meal, grandpa,” Brooklyn jokes.

I laugh. Suddenly everyone seems to go quiet. I look up to find them all staring at me. However, I quickly realize it isn’t me they are staring at. I turn around to find Gabriel behind me. He’s wearing a dark green Henley with a black leather coat. Thebuttons of the shirt are undone showing his chest. His black jeans are pristine and his usual black combat boots are on. His long dark blonde hair is hanging down with a messy side part. He looked so damn good if I’d had panties on, he would have melted those bitches off.

I notice way too late he’s holding a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands.

“You got me flowers,” I say even though it’s obvious.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he stares down at me, his nostril flare as if he’s having a hard time breathing.

---