Page 10 of Protected Promise
“Tickets,” a girl said at the door. She seemed pissed off at having been issued the duty.
Jackson handed them over.
“You don’t get to bring two dates, Jackson,” she said clearly knowing him.
“Come on. He just got into town. Give us a break, it’s supposed to be fun tonight.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine, whatever. But the theme this year is masquerade. Masks are on the table, wear them or else.”
I held up my hands in peace and slowly backed away.
“Don’t even ask. She’s just a bitch,” Tobi said as she led us to a table lined with shiny sparkly masks.
Tobi browsed the table for a minute and then picked out a mask and held it up to Jackson. She grinned and nodded as she fitted it to him before picking out one for herself. Then she looked me over. I sighed. It seemed stupid to me.
She picked up a mask and I squatted down so she could reach my face. Her nose scrunched up and she quickly returned it for another, and then another. She picked up one studded in jewels. I scrunched up my nose in disapproval. This time she smiled.
“That’s it. You look like a handsome prince now.”
I rolled my eyes.
She shook her head. “Don’t let those steel gray eyes steal any hearts tonight.”
I groaned at her teasing. “Fat chance of that happening.”
“Come on, boys, we have a party to attend.”
She linked her right arm to Jackson’s, and then her left through mine.
“People are gonna wonder just what kind of Pack I’m running.”
Tobi laughed.
“She doesn’t care, dude.”
“But why don’t you?”
Jackson shrugged. “I know my girl’s heart. She loves you, but she loves me more.”
I laughed. “I think you’re right about that.”
“Besides, this works in my favor.”
“How so?”
“I don’t really like to dance, so you can handle that part.”
I shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’m happy to take all the fun parts.”
Jackson started to correct me, but Tobi instantly cut him off causing us both to roar with laughter.
“I can’t even tell who anyone is here with these stupid masks on.”
“I think we’re over here,” Jackson said dragging us both to a far corner across the room.
As we walked through the crowd, a shiver of awareness shot up my spine and I froze in place. Tobi tugged on my arm pulling me along with her as I frantically checked my surroundings.
I had never felt anything like it. The air was tinged with the sweetest smell and for a moment, I thought I must be high.
