Page 63 of His To Claim

Stella said she wasn’t sure why, but her uncle and the guys,along with their fathers, were all gone. She went to visit her aunt last weekend but learned no new information.

Now it’s the Friday before Halloween and we’ve come into town to grab our gowns for the masquerade ball tomorrow night. Tomorrow night is All Hallows’ Eve, and therefore the last of the Halloween parties this month. I swear I feel like there has been a party or school event every week since we arrived here. How these kids manage to keep up their grades is beyond me.

The masquerade ball is a black-tie, formal gala that is being held at Servite Manor, the Servite’s estate at the top of the highest hill in Hillcrest Hills. Stella’s only been a handful of times recently but was always there as a child.

“It’s dark, I know that for sure,” she says about the manor as we enter a dress shop at the promenade, the indoor shopping center in the town square.

“It’s like some old Victorian castle that’s been in the Servite family for generations. Like centuries ago, old. It’s kind of always reminded me of Dracula’s castle.”

“Dark, old, and creepy. Got it,” Jade says, sipping on her iced coffee.

Ruby skipped out on dress shopping today to hang out with Jax, so I told her I’d pick something out for her. The dress shop is full of extravagant dresses made from the softest, most lavish fabrics ranging in many colors. But according to Stella, wearing a dress of this quality is a requirement.

As students of Servite Academy, we represent the school wherever we go, that requires always looking our best. We look through the racks of dresses and I can’t seem to decide which one I wouldn’t mind wearing. I’ve never been a dress and heels kind of girl, always preferring jeans and hoodies or sweatshirts. Especially no dress this expensive.

I turn to Stella and see her eyeing a pink lace dress with a heart-shaped neckline and full tulle Cinderella style skirt.

“That one’s cute,” I say to her and she smiles shyly. I turn andfind an off the shoulder silver beaded gown with small crystals embedded in its flowing chiffon skirt. “But this one’s perfect for you, Stella.”

She turns to me as I hand her the dress.

“Hell yes! That would look amazing on you, Silver. I swear I don’t know why you don’t play off your name more often. If my last name were Silver, that’s literally the only color I’d wear,” Jade jokes but I think she’s actually serious.

“It’s too flashy and attracts too much attention,” Stella answers softly.

“Stella, you’re meant to be seen, not hiding out in the shadows,” I say.

“But I prefer not to be. Besides, it’s not like anyone would even notice me.”

“Stella Ivy Silver!” I shout, remembering her middle name. I grab her shoulders, turning her body to face the full-length mirror in front of us. “You are absolutely stunning. You have the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair, literally flawless, porcelain skin, the biggest eyes in the prettiest shade of gray. You are gorgeous, never let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

She blushes lightly as I tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear.

“But I’m not like you, Scarlett. You’re a different kind of beautiful. A kind that demands attention, demands to be seen. You’re perfect. Beautiful, sexy, and every guy with eyes falls in love with you with just one look.”

“But I know of one that has his eyes on you,” I answer and her skin flushes brighter. “Kai is gonna die when he sees you in that dress,” I say, winking at her.

“I thought you said I shouldn’t.”

“I said you needed to tread carefully. Kai is amazing. Like I said, he’s loyal, protective, fierce but damaged beyond repair. He’s had to deal with some tough shit growing up and it’s only made him jaded and left to feel unworthy. We get it, we’re all the same. But you, Stella, I think you have more in common with us than we firstbelieved. I see in you the same sad, lost look I see in him. I think you’re what he needs,” I say, smiling softly at her.

“And in that dress, there is no way he won’t be able to see it too,” Jade adds.

“Yeah, well, what about the two of you? I see the way my cousin looks at you, Jade, and I’ve caught you losing your composure around him, which is something you never do.” Jade’s jaw drops open and I can’t help but laugh. “And you too, Scar. You are hot and heavy with Drake, but I’ve seen, hell we’ve all felt the sexual tension when you and Ace are in the same room. It’s an undeniable pull you two have, like two magnets drawn together. I’ve known Ace for a long time and have never seen him have that connection with any girl.”

“Wow, Silver, so it’s true you hide in the shadows but see everything.”

The three of us laugh loudly but our fun is cut short when Carrington and her posse of spoiled skanks come by.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the dirty little orphan girls and their newest charity case. Or is it the other way around? The orphan and her two charity cases?” Carrington spews out. I swear nothing but venom comes out of that woman’s mouth.

“I guess it works both ways, Carrie,” Kinsley says as she takes her place beside her.

“Wow, how original Carrington. We literally have never been called orphans before,” Jade mocks, but I refuse to give her the attention she so desperately craves. Instead, I keep looking through the racks of dresses.

Carrington rolls her eyes, flipping her bleached blonde hair back. “Just came to warn you girls about tomorrow night. It’s a classy event being held at a very prestigious location. There will be some particularly important people in attendance so don’t make fools of yourselves.”

This time Wynter Servite chimes in, and I think it’s the first time she’s ever spoken to me. “In other words, don’t embarrass theacademy or my family. The gala is being hosted at my family’s mansion and well, unfortunately, I couldn’t convince daddy to keep out the trash.”

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