Page 18 of Ares' Shield
Is that why he was so interested in coming to this party where we are watching people get drunk and hoping everything doesn’t turn to shit?
An upbeat song comes on and I sway my hips to the beat. Jayden is so close that I’m practically grinding on him.
His hand slides up my back to the nape of my neck and he holds me to him possessively as we rock against each other on the dance floor.
“What the fuck,” someone yells, breaking the moment to pieces.
I turn to peer over my shoulder and see Draven and Dax squaring up to each other. Their eyes are glassy as if they’ve had too much to drink.
“Shit. What are they doing?” I grumble.
Jayden’s arm flexes around my waist as he pulls me even tighter to him. “Let them fight. They’ll get it out of their system.”
“Drunk people with magic and working out their anger… Yeah, what could possibly go wrong?” I roll my eyes.
Dax glares at Draven. “Get over it, dude. She wants him. You’re acting like a tool.”
Wait, what? This is about me? I glance back at Jayden, and he shrugs. He has no idea what’s going on either.
“You wanted her too. We all saw you kiss her,” Draven accuses.
“I do, but she picked who she wants. I’m not going to whine about it and throw a fucking tantrum. Neither one of us ever stood a chance.” Dax shakes his head.
Guilt creeps in for Dax. I feel bad, but in the end, he’s right. They never stood a chance. I have wanted Jayden since the beginning. It’s probably why I was so mad at him when I thought he was with Mia.
“Fuck that, I have a chance. Just because you gave up doesn’t mean I’m going to.” Draven turns his glare on me and Jayden.
Jayden stiffens, ready for whatever attack Draven is about to launch at us.
His arm falls away and he shifts me behind him, snaking his arm behind his back to hold me in place.
“Jayden, are you serious?” I ask.
“He wants to attack me, Beth, not you.” Jayden’s grip on me tightens.
The music cuts off as everyone turns to watch the drama unfolding. I peek over Jayden’s shoulder to see what’s happening. Draven has magic pooled in his hands as he glares at Jayden.
This is going to be very bad if no one stops it. My eyes lock with Dax’s who shrugs helplessly. He’s stronger than Draven, but he won’t be interfering in a fight that has nothing to do with him.
I can respect that. I may not like it, but I can respect it.
Even if demigods are entitled assholes, they at least have honor. Mostly.
“Draven, stop,” I say, stepping around Jayden even as he growls and tries to lock me in place.
I bat his hand away. I’m not going to take this macho crap.
“Beth, you could get hit with stray magic. Get back.” Jayden reaches for me.
I step out of his reach and plant my hands on my hips. “You’re drunk, Draven. Go sleep it off. You don’t want to start a magic fight while drunk. Someone could get hurt.”
“Yeah, him and that’s exactly what I want. He doesn’t deserve you. His father is evil.” He takes a step and stumbles.
He can’t even walk and he’s starting damn fights. What the fuck.
“Draven, this is stupid. Stop.” Lightning crackles beneath my skin.
Jayden’s shadows snake around him and coat the ground like liquid. He’s losing control. This is getting out of hand fast.
