Page 78 of North

“Maybe I’m thirsty too,” Marc said. “I like cocktails.”

Colbie wagged a finger. “Girls only. You definitely don’t have the right equipment.”

I leaned into North, smiling as I listened to Colbie and Marc bickering. I felt a sense of belonging. I belonged right here. With my new friends, and a man I was already on the way to falling in love with.

I knew that my mom and dad would be happy.

“Ready to head home?” I asked.

He smiled. “With you, always.”

The monsters couldn’t destroy us. They’d never understand friendship and loyalty. Never understand how much we had to fight for.

And they’d definitely never understand love.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

North

When I stepped into Hemi’s, the smell of beer and the sound of laughter hit me.

It was busy as usual and filled with the after-work crowd. I’d finished my workout in the gym with Zeke and showered. Jess had left me a note to say she’d gone to girls’ night, and that she’d see me at Marc’s barbecue.

I grinned. It was nice to come home and see her makeup in the bathroom, some of her clothes in the closet, and a note that told me she was thinking of me.

I couldn’t wait until the barbecue to see her. There was nothing that said a man couldn’t pop into a bar for one quick drink.

Scanning the place, I spotted her by the bar. My body clenched. She was wearing a tiny pink dress, and the fabric shimmered under the lights. Tiny straps showed off toned shoulders, and her dark hair spilled down her back.

My chest locked. This was the woman that I’d love for the rest of my life.

Nothing had ever felt this right. I took a step forward.

“Hold it, buster.” A short redhead slapped a hand to my chest. It took me a second to realize it was Colbie. She looked different with her sunset-red hair loose and wearing a green dress. It had a neckline that tied up behind her neck.

She aimed a scowl my way.

“Which part of girls’ night didn’t you understand?” she asked tartly.

“I’m not going to ruin your night. I’m just here, separately, to get a drink.”

A snort came from the table beside us and I glanced at Sasha. She looked lovely in a red sequined top that contrasted with her black curls.

“The barbecue is in an hour,” Colbie said.

I looked back at Jess. “I couldn’t wait that long.”

Colbie sighed. “You’re a goner.”

“Yep.” I’d happily tell anybody who’d listened that I was gone for Jess Ramos.

Our pilot’s lips twitched. “I’m happy that you found someone, North. I like seeing you in love.”

I smiled and bopped her on the nose. “Me too.”

She shook her head. “It’s lucky you’re handsome and I like looking at you.” She stepped back and joined Sasha at the table. “Go get your girl.”

That’s when I saw the cocky firefighter from the other night step up to join Jess at the bar. He pressed a hand to her shoulder.

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