Page 53 of Vexing the Viper

We wait in line, and I use the time to glance at everyone around us. Of course there are humans walking around, but my eyes are on all the monsters and how happy they seem to be. We have Mummies, Wolves, and holy shit, a fucking Hydra casually walking by. I know I'm a monster, but I am still fascinated by the other species of creatures that attend Creelin U. And for the first time, I realize many of these are students I know who never walk around in their shifted form, and I start to feel something stir in my chest. Maybe there are monsters who are jealous of me the way I am of them. It's a pretty common thing to be envious of what you don't have.

I'm shaken out of my thoughts when King taps my shoulder. "You ready?" he asks, jerking his head in the direction of the photo booth.

I nod my head, leading him over to in front of the camera. Turning him around, I step in front so that his chest is to my back. Grabbing his arms, I wrap them around my waist, giggling when King barks out a laugh.

"Are we doing the prom pose?"

"I thought it was appropriate." I chuckle, turning my face to the camera. The Zombie working the camera snaps a picture, the flash shining bright in my eyes. Flipping around, I face King smiling. "And now one like this," I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. The Zombie takes another picture before King grabs me and positions us into a new pose. He grabs my leg, pulling it up into an L against his leg. King pulls off my beanie and tosses it to the side, letting my snakes free from the confines. Throwing my head back, I laugh, the flash going off at the perfect moment.

"I don't think you need this anymore. You no longer need to always be hiding," he whispers, leaning down to my ear.

"I think you're right," I whisper back, dropping my leg back to the ground. "Come on, let's go see what else there is."

24

KING

I'm not goingto lie, I was nervous as hell to take off Niko's beanie, but I was telling the truth when I told him I'm in love with all of him. And I want everyone else to see the amazing man the way I do.

Niko throws his head back, a huge belly laugh leaving him. The flash goes off, and I'm thankful it was caught on camera. His smile is so damn infectious. Goosebumps rise on my skin, and I can't help but grin at him like a fool.

When I was sitting on the stairs, I was debating with myself about what to say when I went home and confronted Niko. I knew we needed to talk to him, but I never expected for him to come and find me. Niko is stubborn as hell, and sometimes he needs a gentle push.

"I don't think you need this anymore. You no longer need to always be hiding," I tell him, my love for him only growing.

"I think you're right. Come on, let's go see what else there is." He pulls my hand, and I easily follow behind him. I would fucking follow him everywhere.

We walk over to a group of students when I recognize who Sam’s standing next to. "Is that Mateo?" I gasp, seeing the huge Werewolf standing next to him.

"Yeah, I've barely seen him in his shifted form, but he looks so peaceful."

And he does. His coat is a dark chocolate fur that's similar to his hair, but it's his eyes. They look so hopeful and free. Making our way over to them, I grin when Niko walks up to Mateo and starts petting his head. Sam eyes Niko before looking at me.

"I take it everything is good now?"

"Yeah, thanks man. For whatever you said to him. Apparently, we’re both stubborn shits, so we definitely needed the push."

"Hell yeah, you did." He snickers, bumping into my shoulder. "But I'm happy for you. Sometimes it's hard to see how easy it is to fix things when you're in the middle of it."

"Damn, when did you get to be so wise?" I joke.

"I'm always wise. Just not when it comes to my own life apparently." He gazes over at Mateo, a melancholy look on his face. I don't know what's going on with the two of them, but neither of them have talked about it, and I haven't asked either. I figure when he's ready he'll let me know.

"Sure, sure," I joke, trying to break whatever emotions are going through him right now. "This place is beyond amazing. I love seeing everyone in their shifted form."

"I know, right? It makes me even more excited for the game coming up."

"Same, man." We fist bump, and I turn back to the dance floor. A huge Hydra with three heads walks over to us, and I'm in awe seeing the multi-headed Dragon. His scales are bright red with yellow woven throughout, and his eyes are pitch black.

"Hey, Porter, Thompson."

"John?"

"The one and only." He stands up tall, spreading his legs wide and my jaw drops.

"Fuck, you look killer. I can't wait to see you out there on the baseball field like that."

"Can you imagine the throws I'm going to get, or shit, how well I'll be able to catch the balls," John says, lifting his arm up and flexing.

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