Page 12 of Fractured Constellations
“Okay, just for an hour,” I find myself saying, and Thorn gives me a Cheshire Cat grin.
“Of course, you can always call Percy to bring you home at any point.”
“Be ready in ten minutes,” Chase commands before they turn on their polished heels and leave me gaping in the doorway.
“Okay, you’ve got this, Luna,” I affirm to myself, shutting the door and hurrying over to my closet. Riffling through the dresses that I think would work for an event like this, I’m relieved to find one that has a high neck, the material gathered in a collared band so my port will be hidden.
It’s a turquoise color but covered in an abstract floral pattern, has short puff sleeves, is mid-calf length with a slit up one side, and gathered in at the waist with a fabric belt. It doesn’t take long to get on, and I finger-comb some styling mousse in my hair, quickly doing my make-up to be natural but bringing some much needed color in my cheeks. I grab my favorite glitter converse, a purse which is also sparkly and rainbow and just fucking perfect, then call it, rushing out of my room and down the stairs to find all three guys waiting for me.
I pause partway down the stairs, their intense gazes making me second-guess my choices.
“Is it— Is the dress okay?” I ask, my fingers tangling in the silk skirt.
“Who knew you could scrub up so well?” Thorn states, his voice lower than usual and with a rasp that sends shivers fluttering all over my skin. Though I still frown at the backhanded compliment.
“The dress is fine, let’s go,” Chase orders curtly, and I roll my eyes, deciding that I don’t give a fuck if they like it or not. It makes me feel pretty, so I’m wearing it.
I follow them out of the front door, a large, brand new Chevrolet in matte black idling in the driveway.
“Nice ride,” I comment as Blade gets in the driver’s side, Chase the front passenger, and Thorn in the back. Huffing, I make my way around to the other side, opening the door and climbing in the back too. Gentlemen, they are not.
No sooner do I have the door shut than Blade is revving the engine and speeding out of the driveway. My heart thrashes as I quickly buckle up, cursing inside my head at his reckless driving.
“Don’t worry, Goldie. Blade won’t kill us.” Thorn chuckles from beside me, and it’s not exactly reassuring, but I decide not to say anything, just in casetheydecide they still hate me and kick me out.
Soon we’re pulling into another driveway, the mansion similar to ours. The front door is open, music pouring out of it, and there are valets waiting to park the cars. One takes Blade’s keys, getting in once we’ve got out, and driving the car around to god knows where.
“No one touches you,” Blade snarls into my ear before all three head inside, leaving me gaping in the open doorway.
What the fuck was that about?
Shrugging, my heart pounding because I’ve not been to a party since I was nine years old, I take a deep inhale, planning on finding a quiet corner to pass the hour and manage the nausea that got worse as we drove over.
I spot a place in the crowded living room, and just as I take a step towards it, three girls step into my path.
“You're the Banks’ triplets’ new stepsister, right?” the one with pin straight blonde hair and wearing a form-fitting mini dress that shows off her incredible curves asks. My inner bitchy voice tells me the boobs are fake, but they look good on her, so who am I to judge?
“Um, yep, Luna, that’s me,” I awkwardly reply, but they all titter like it’s the funniest thing. My mouth turns dry, not knowing if I should laugh too.
“They told us to take care of you,” she states, holding out a glass of what looks like fruit punch.
“Oh, thanks, but I don’t drink,” I tell her, giving a smile that I hope covers the fact that my stomach is swirling and there’s the very real possibility that I'll upchuck all over her pretty heels.
“Yes, they said,” the brunette one adds. “It’s a virgin cocktail.”
“Oh, thanks,” I reply, taking the drink and having a small sip. It’s good, fruity and sweet. Just as I’m about to say something else, they turn around and sashay off, leaving me alone again.Weird.
I resume my original plan, slowly sipping the drink and heading to the corner that clearly has my name on it, given it’s out of the way and a bit in shadow. I people watch as time passes, something I’ve become accustomed to doing, when suddenly a wave of dizziness rushes over me, my heart pounding inside my chest.
Swallowing back the nausea that has returned with a vengeance, I look around, trying to locate one of the triplets, but can’t see them. It’s too crowded in here, and it’s so fucking hot. Maybe some fresh air would be good, might help clear my head.
I stumble my way outside, the sound of the music fading in and out until the night air hits my face. It makes me feel a little better, though my vision keeps blurring. Seeing a bench in front of me, I slump down into it, just focusing on breathing as I set my drink next to me before the world turns dark.
“WAR OF HEARTS” BY RUELLE
BLADE
I lost Luna when one of those annoying bitches came to talk to me, and as I gaze around the interior of the living room, I don’t see her in the corner she’s been occupying all night. Ignoring the calls from people I know, I look around, catching a glimpse of blonde curls as the person heads into the garden.
