Elora
“Our party Queen!” “Ay, Elora!”
“How’s the hangover?”
“She’s a champ, look at her go.”
I shyly smiled at the football team as I passed them on the way to class. Unfortunately, I’d been getting comments about my ‘party animal’ behavior all day. I was just glad they were focused on me being completely trashed and not noticing my limp.
Obviously, it was out of character for me to go as ‘hard’ as I did, as my peers put it. It would be a long time before I went to another party, that was for sure.
Luckily, I hadn’t seen Willow yet, which I was thankful for. I was furious with her; I wanted to plan what to say so it wouldn’t come out as pure rage.
Still super sore from my punishment, I dressed comfortably in sweats, a tank top, and a cardigan. After I’d eaten my crêpes, I fell asleep and woke up in Felix’s arms this morning. He helped me shower and get ready. He even helped me pick out my outfit. Before I left for the day, he gave me some hot chocolate that he heated up for me. It was incredibly bland and watered down, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him.
Luckily, I didn’t have any plans for after school. No sports, clubs, or meets to attend.
“Elora!” I heard a familiar voice call as I took a seat in chemistry.
I rolled my eyes, ignoring her. She wasn’t my friend–not by a long shot. Willow was a horribly mean person, and our personalities couldn’t be more different.
She sat next to me, and I couldn’t help but silently curse the teacher for the open seating chart. “Hey…” She kept sneaking nervous glances at me.
“Can you sit somewhere else, please?” I asked with a glare. She pushed her head back, looking offended. “Elora, I–”
“Please fuck off.”
She sucked in a breath, a regretful look in her eyes. “Okay… I just wanted to say that I’m sorry,” she gave a half-assed apology that didn’t sound genuine at all. Even if she apologized and meant it, I wouldn’t have cared. Friends don’t treat friends the way she treated me at the party. She set me up.
She was pathetic. I started gathering my things. If she wouldn’t move, I would. “Willow, stop. I don’t want to talk about it. You’re not my friend, that’s all there is to it. Stop being so dramatic,” I deadpanned.
As I stood up to leave, she practically yelled: “But I have chlamydia!”
She should get that checked out… and probably not announce that to the whole class.
I smiled at a table full of familiar girls I’d studied with before. They greeted me kindly, and I took a seat, glad to be away from the mess that is Willow. She was seriously self-destructing.
 |
By the end of the day, rumors were flying around the school. Willow must have told every single person she had an STD. That was all anyone could talk about.
She’d also somehow gotten her senior class President status revoked. No one knew how it happened, but people said she went into the principal’s office for a whole class. When she came out, they called me into the office and offered me the position.
Of course, I said yes; I’d earned it, after all, not before making my own terms, though. Being on the debate team and with Eugene’s excellent negotiation advice, I knew exactly what to do. I was no longer on the tennis team or debate club.
Honestly, now that my guys were all back, I didn’t need as many distractions. I loved being president; it meant I could control things. I absolutely loved making decisions and organizing–especially when I got to boss people around (in a helpful way, of course).
Jason was our treasurer, so he got bumped up and was now Vice President. I was actually pretty happy with how the day had gone. I was prepared to be miserable all day, walking around with a limp and really sore. Karma came through big time.
The halls were emptying as students began leaving for the day. Dane was probably waiting for me in the parking lot, so I hurried to gather my things.
Closing my locker, I heard a loud slam against the lockers around the corner. “Get your fucking hands off of me!” I raised my eyebrows at Jason’s unusually harsh tone.
Knowing I should be minding my own business, I peeked around the corner to snoop. Daniel had Jason pinned against the lockers, looking absolutely livid. “You could have warned me, man. That’s why you broke up, right? Because she has chlamydia,” Daniel gave him another shove, and I flinched.
Uh oh. I didn’t want them to fight, but I wasn’t stupid enough to get between two guys that were twice my size.
Jason let out a small chuckle, but it was anything but humorous. “Dude, if you do that again, I’m going to kick your ass,” he warned, pushing Daniel away.
Daniel stumbled back, practically flying across the hall. “We didn’t break up. She cheated… with you,” Jason rolled his eyes. “You can have her. I’m not going to fight you over some girl I don’t even want,” Jason let out a huff of air, turning to walk away.
Daniel ground his teeth in anger, shaking his head. He sped up to Jason, shoving his shoulder. I flinched, hoping the violence was done. Why did Daniel want to fight him so badly? Jason was clearly trying to be the bigger person and walk away.
Jason turned around and narrowed his eyes at Daniel. “What’s your fucking problem?”
“Everyone saw you leave with Elora,” Daniel spat, and I froze. What was wrong with that? …I should not be listening to this.
Jason ran his hands down his face, chuckling. “That’s what you’ve got your panties in a knot for? Because I drove her home,” he deadpanned with a pointed look.
Daniel narrowed his eyes. “You’re a fucking creep. You obviously fucked her to get back at Willow and me. Who takes advantage of a drunk girl like that? She’s literally limping–”
“You’re accusing me of rape?” Jason asked seriously. Daniel smirked. “I’m telling you that I know what you did.”
What. I couldn’t let Jason’s name get dragged through the dirt like that. He was so nice to me; I couldn’t believe Daniel would even think such a thing. He and Willow were a perfect match.
I hit my foot against the lockers, making a loud sound before I went around the corner, so it wouldn’t look like I was eavesdropping.
Daniel and Jason both looked at me before giving each other a glare. “Hey, guys,” I smiled, playing dumb.
“Hey, Smalls,” Jason responded, not looking away from Daniel. He seemed murderous, his chest heaving up and down like he was going to lash out any second.
Daniel didn’t break eye contact either, like they were in some kind of stare-down. “How are you feeling?” Daniel asked.
“Oh, I’m fine. If Jason didn’t rescue me and take me home when he did, I probably would have thrown up on your bathroom floor; you should thank him,” I said honestly.
Daniel looked down at me, pushing his eyebrows together. “You remember that?” He asked.
I smiled. “I remember pretty much everything, including you and Willow sneaking upstairs. You really shouldn’t have slept with her if she was drunk, by the way. You could really get a bad reputation if the word gets out,” I threatened sweetly. She may not have been at my level, but she had a lot to drink, too, and was definitely drunk.
Jason smirked, giving me a knowing look.
Daniel’s words caught in his throat, looking caught. “She wasn’t that drunk–”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Maybe before you judge others, you should assess your own actions,” I deadpanned.
Daniel looked between the two of us. “But you’re limping, I thought…” He didn’t finish the sentence.
“I fell,” I lied.
Jason grinned at Daniel, patting his shoulder. “This must be embarrassing for you. If I were you, I’d get tested because you’re both too stupid to wear a condom.”
Daniel blushed before quickly walking away.
Jason and I shared a look for a second before we both laughed. We started walking to the parking lot. “So, how long were you hiding around that corner for?” He asked.
Caught. I blushed. “Long enough. I thought I’d better save you before you got beat up,” I teased.
He nodded. “Thank you, I definitely needed saving,” he said sarcastically. “I don’t know why, but lately, I get upset so easily. I don’t usually let people bother me, but everything and everyone has been annoying me,” he admitted. He ran his hand through his hair. “I mean, I was seriously going to hurt him.”
To be fair, he’d been going through a lot with football, then Willow, and now he had the weight of Vice President on his shoulders. Of course, I was happy to help him, but it wasn’t a simple task. Jason was easygoing, but all those things happening at once must’ve hit him hard. I struggled a lot with getting overwhelmed easily, and if I was able to help him, I would.
I nudged him. “If you ever need anyone to talk to, you can always come to me. Sometimes you just need to vent, you know?” I suggested.
He smiled. “You’re such a sweetheart, Smalls, you give me a toothache,” he joked. “Thank you, I might have to take you up on that.”
“You should.” We walked in a comfortable silence. A thought popped into my mind, and I couldn’t help but voice my curiosity. “Hey, Jason?”
“Yeah?”
“I have a question about something you mentioned earlier.”
He glanced down at me. “She didn’t get the chlamydia from me,” he immediately defended.
I giggled. “No, not that. What’s a condom?” I asked. I’d heard the word before but never knew what it was. My best guess was a pill that helped prevent STDs.
Jason widened his eyes, a puzzled expression on his face. “Uh,” he let out a sudden laugh. “Is this a joke?” He narrowed his eyes, studying me.
“It’s just a question. You don’t have to answer–”
He stopped walking, lightly pulling the sleeve of my cardigan to stop me too. “Smalls, you’re telling me you don’t know what a condom is when you have handcuffs in your shower?” He deadpanned.
My cheeks heated up in a blush, averting eye contact. “Shut up…” I mumbled.
He pressed his lips together, an amused grin trying to overtake his features. “Smalls, I’m going to pray for you because I think I just figured out why you’re limping,” he muttered.
“I fell!”
“On a dick?”
Yup. Sure did. Seven of them.
I flicked his arm. “Jason,” I warned.
He put his hands up in surrender, “Sorry–sorry,” he grinned. He sighed. “Look, a condom goes over a guy’s dick and collects the jizz so we don’t get girls pregnant,” he explained.
What. We hadn’t been using condoms–not once. My stomach sank, terror plaguing me. I’d never wanted kids, and none of my guys did either. I was too selfish to share my attention with anyone else. “Oh, okay,” I answered casually as if my mind wasn’t swirling.
Jason chuckled. “Come on, let’s go before you ask me to demonstrate with a banana,” he joked.
We walked out to the parking lot, where we parted ways.
Instead of Dane’s car, I saw Felix’s truck, and he was standing outside, leaning against it. He smiled at me as I approached him, “How was school, Baby?” He asked.
“I don’t want a baby! You were irresponsible and didn’t even tell me about condoms–I wasn’t thinking about reproduction at all. We need to go to the store because you’re all wearing them from now on. That’s final. What the hell were you thinking I–”
“Elora, stop,” Felix said firmly.
Pointing a finger at him, I continued to ramble. “No! You all know about these things, and I don’t. I’m very angry with all of you,” I ranted, in full panic mode. “Obviously, I know how babies are made, but I didn’t think of it until five seconds ago, and now I think I’m going to throw up,” I continued. I blinked a few times. Didn’t pregnant people throw up? “Oh my God, this can’t be happening–”
Felix covered my mouth with his big hand. “Baby, you’re not pregnant,” he said calmly. “Nor will you ever get pregnant. We can’t produce live sperm,” he explained.
My whole body relaxed, and I sighed in relief. That was a close one.
He removed his hand from my mouth, opening the passenger door for me. I climbed into the seat and buckled in as he started the truck. “Where’s Dane? He always picks me up.”
Felix maneuvered out of the parking lot, his hand resting on my thigh as he drove. Okay, Daddy… I smirked for a second before I looked up at him as he started talking. “There’s something I have to tell you. I figured it’s best I soften you up with milkshakes,” he gestured to the middle console with two cups filled with yummy ice cream treats.
Oh, yay! I grinned as I picked the pink one up and started eating. “I’m listening…” I urged. And Eugene says I’m the master of manipulation. No matter what, I could be won over with sweets and attention every time.
He glanced at me. “You know I’m the king of vampires–”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I said quickly, unable to help myself. Ever since I found out that I wasn’t pregnant, I gained a newfound optimism.
“Elora,” he warned, not in the mood for jokes. “Sorry, Daddy,” I said sweetly.
Felix gave me a look, it was definitely a warning, but his smile as he looked back at the road made me grin.
“As the king, I must host a meeting every ten years,” he continued. “In the past, I’ve always held the meeting on an island off the coast of Italy. This time, it will be at the manor. Every vampire will be in our home on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from dusk till dawn,” he informed.
I chewed on the spoon, trying to collect my thoughts. I trusted Felix, and I was sure he had a good reason for having the meeting at our house. It made me uncomfortable, though. That was a lot of vampires in one place. “How many vampires?” I asked, trying to have an open mind about it.
“A few hundred, give or take a few. I know you don’t like the idea, but I think it’s important they meet their Queen at least once,” he gave me a hopeful look.
Queen? I didn’t understand; no one mentioned the Queen–wait–”Are you talking about me?” I gasped, leaning towards him.
He smiled. “Yes, my love. Technically, you’re the Princess, but soon enough, you’ll carry the title of Queen,” he said proudly.
Me? But I didn’t know how to be a queen or a princess. I was clumsy and the least graceful person I knew. I got nervous and shy when talking in crowds. I desperately needed a user manual or something; I knew absolutely nothing about this. I needed to study the history of vampires!
“Relax, Baby, no one expects you to make a statement. All I want you to do is be present for one announcement I make. You’ll just have to stand next to us. That’s all I ask,” he said soothingly, running his thumb over my thigh.
“What if they don’t like me? The French people didn’t like Marie Antoinette and killed her,” I recalled. I didn’t like rejection.
Felix chuckled. “They’ll love you. Marie Antoinette was a selfish, fashion-absorbed, gluttonous woman–”
“Hmm, who do you know who’s selfish, loves sweets, and may or may not have bought three new outfits online today during lunch?” I stared at him with pressed lips and wide eyes. “Me!”
With one serious glance in my direction, I decided it would be best if I just listened. With a huff, I threw myself back in the seat and stuck the straw in my mouth.
“There will be some who will try to shake you and test you if they get the chance. There will be men who don’t like the idea of a human ranking higher than them. I want you to ignore them, Baby. We won’t tolerate anyone disrespecting you in any way, do you understand?”
My heart skipped at the pride in his voice. “I understand,” I said with a smile. “Um, I don’t have to be around them, do I?” I asked, hoping he’d say no. Crowds made me uneasy, and the thought of being surrounded by a mass of vampires was daunting.
He shook his head. “Of course not. Lucifer detests the gatherings, so you’ll be away from everyone with him,” he assured me.
I smiled in relief. That didn’t sound too bad. While I was nervous, spending a whole weekend with Lucifer seemed manageable.
“I’ve been looking forward to having you all to myself, Kitten,” Lucifer said, his tone intriguing. I raised my eyebrows in curiosity.
Felix drove us home, answering any questions I had about the upcoming meeting.
During the ride, I learned a lot about vampires. They had clans, each led by a leader who reported to one of my guys monthly. Some vampires drank animal blood, but it was rare since it weakened them. Age was crucial; the older the vampire, the stronger they were.
“One more question,” I said with a smirk. “Do you have a crown?” I giggled at the image of Felix in some grand, ridiculous hat. It was hard to imagine him looking anything but formidable.
Suppressing his own laughter, he grinned. “No,” he replied, “but I’d be happy to let you sit on my face. Make me your throne, and you’ll be my crown.”
