Elora
Rll my guys were rushing around, setting up tables and chairs. I guess they hadnโt used the ballroom in years. Iโd only been in the
room once or twice, but everything was always covered in dust and cobwebs.
It was Thursday evening, and the clans would be here early Friday morning. My vampires had been cleaning and setting up all day, and I was beginning to feel attention-deprived.
Sitting in the middle of the ballroom, I watched them bicker about the table placement. Of course, I already had a glorious mind map of where I would put the tables and chairs to make the room look pretty and functional. Unfortunately for them, Eugene told me to stay out of the way, so now I was watching them struggle. Quite pettily, might I add.
So there I sat, looking pretty in my pajamas, hair in a braid, lollipop in my mouth, ready for bed. Quin gave me the lollipop to keep me quiet after I came in here. They were all being so serious. It was rare that I got to see them so frazzled; it was amusing.
Theo liked to try and delegate everything when he really just wanted to boss people around. Felixย actuallyย bossed them around but had no eye for decor. Lucifer was doing his own thing, getting the cobwebs out of the corners. Duke and Dane both lookedย over itย with bored looks and crossed arms. Eugene and Quin would start throwing punches soon, both of them getting in each otherโs faces.
Men…
โMaybe if we didnโt put this off until the night of, we would have been able to plan it,โ Duke glared at Theo dully.
I smirked. Coming from the man whoโd given me hundreds of lectures about procrastination.ย Ugh, Iโm loving this.
Theo clenched his jaw, pointing a finger at him. โThatโs not on me! You know I canโt be trusted with these kinds of things,โ he shot back.
Quin narrowed his eyes at Theo. โWe know, so stop trying to fucking give orders.โ
โYouโre one to talk, Quin,โ Eugene shoved his shoulder. โYou want the tables to go diagonally!โ He shrugged his shoulders as if it was a ridiculous idea.
Itย wasย a ridiculous idea. Continuing to lick the sugar stick, my eyes joyfully bounced between them.
โEveryone should just calm down,โ Dane tried.
โShut the fuck up!โ Everyone yelled at him in unison.
I fought a giggle. Awe, my sweet Dane… To be fair, he should have known they would react snappily. Tensions were high, and they were running out of time.
Felix slowly shook his head. If vampires could get headaches, he looked like heโd have one. โEnough!โ He shouted, making me flinch as his voice echoed off the walls.
โThat was a little dramatic…โ Theo mumbled, unphased by his booming voice.
Felix pointed to the tables. โWeโre setting them up in rows of three, leaving a few feet between the rows,โ he instructed.
Thatโs not… thatโs not going to work.ย My brain buzzed in the annoying way it usually did when I knew something wouldnโt be even. I made a sound, trying to keep my thoughts to myself.
Felix slowly turned to me, the smallest amount of annoyance in his eyes. โYes, Baby?โ He challenged.
Finally! I stood up, walking over to where I would put the first table. โIf you do them in threes, there wonโt be walking space. But if you zig-zag them,โ I took a few steps and stood where Iโd put the following table. โIt looks pretty, people wonโt have to worry about popping someoneโs bubble if they lean back, and thereโs plenty of walking space,โ I explained, giving them a sweet smile.
They all stared at me for a few seconds before they turned to each other, each with a puzzled expression.
โI fucking hate you,โ Theo gave Eugeneโs head a hard smack as he started towards me.
Folding my hands behind my back and bouncing on my heels, I grinned up at him.
โAnd how long have you had that figured out for, Princess?โ
Lucifer dropped down from a ledge that overlooked the whole ballroom. โAbout an hour,โ he answered.
Quin sent Lucifer a harsh look. โAnd you were just going to keep that to yourself, huh?โ
โAnd watch you all bitch over goddamn tables?โ Lucifer smirked. โYes.โ
That man had an appetite for destruction that I couldnโt relate to.
Felix was about to say something when three loud knocks echoed through the house. Everyone looked at each other in confusion. No one was supposed to arrive until early morning?
Theo shook his head, smirking, but the dark look in his eyes told me he was anything but amused. โIf thatโs who I think it is, Iโm gonna lose it,โ he chuckled.
Felixโs shoulders relaxed, and a faint grin was placed on his lips. โRelax, Theo, the only men stupid enough to show up here are our friendsโโ
The ballroom doors opened, and I flinched at the suddenness of it. Two tall menโor vampires strolled in, oozing confidence. The first had shaggy blonde hair, dressed in black cargo pants with silver chains hanging off the waistband. The other man was built like a wrestler, tall and uncommonly muscular. His dark skin made his striking red eyes stand out against his features. He was wearing dark jeans and a white t-shirt.
The blonde smirked at Felix. โNow, now,ย Felix, is that any way to greet us? We are here to help you set up after all,โ he teased, giving Felix a handshake.
Dane was by my side, draping his arm around my shoulder. I suddenly realized that my pajamas werenโt the best attire to meet anyone. They werenโt revealing or anything, just shorts, and a tank top. โReady for bed, Angel?โ He asked.
Still listening to my other guys greet the two men as old friends, I absentmindedly nodded.
โRamsey, Sabastian,โ Theo smirked as he approached the two, giving them each a quick half hug. โWhatโs it been? Ten years?โ
Ramsey, the blond, chuckled. โSomething like that. We had a hunch youโd be bickering like old ladies.โ
โYouโve always been shit at decision-making,โ Sebastian added.
Iโd never met any of their friends before. Zion and Gavin didnโt countโ they definitely werenโt friends. But Ramsey and Sebastian seemed nice.
โNot as bad as you,โ Eugene teased. โAt least when we make decisions, we donโt have to call anyone to save usโโ
โOne time! Other clans call you monthly; we have called once, and I was quite literally on fire,โ Ramsey defended.
โAre the other clans already lingering around the town?โ Duke asked.
Sebastian nodded. โWe only passed through, but thereโs vampire scent in every corner.โ
I bit my lip, feeling nervous. It probably wasnโt as bad as it sounded, but that many vampires in our tiny little town would make anyone uneasy.
โEveryoneโs eager; itโs unusual for you to host the gathering out of your manor, Felix. Zion has everyone riled up. Heโs been talking aย lotย of shit,โ Ramsey shifted his eyes toward me.
Ramsey and Sebastian both studied me, and I tried not to crumble. I didnโt like this; I was vastly unprepared to meet anyone. They were my guysโ friends, and I wanted to make a good impression. But no, they got lollipop in mouth, barefoot, pajama girl.ย Way to go Queen Elora.
โSo the rumors are true,โ Sebastian commented.
Felix gave me a proud smile before he curled his finger at me. โElora, come here, Baby.โ
I glanced up at Dane, who gave me a small smile before letting me go. I padded over to Felixโs side quickly, hating that all eyes were on me.
Felix wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. โBaby, this is Ramsey and Sebastian,โ he introduced. โTheyโre old friends of ours.โ Felix looked at the two, โBoys, this is Eloraโโ
โSheโs the Princess,โ Theo winked at me, and I blushed. I was still unsure if I liked being referred to as that just yet, especially since we had just metโฆย And I was in my pajamas… Oh dang the lollipop!
I quickly took the sugary sweet out and handed it to Duke, who immediately popped it into his mouth.
Gross or hot? Hot.
Giving them a small wave, I shyly smiled at the two. โHi, itโs nice to meet you,โ I greeted politely. Iโd already butchered the first impression;
maybe I could save some of my dignity, though.
โWell, arenโt you just adorable,โ Ramsey grinned at Felix like he was teasing him. โI almost feel bad for you, kid,โ he grinned at me. โOne of you and seven of them, I know your shits wreckedโโ
โRamsey,โ Quin warned.
Ramsey put his hands up in surrender. โJust an observation,โ he defended.
Huh?
Sebastian smirked. โMore importantly, who has the biggest dick, Elora?โ
They shouldnโt be talking about that… Itโs rude. I blushed a million shades of red at their insinuations. Looking up at Felix wide-eyed, I hoped heโd save me from this embarrassment.
Theo was fighting back laughs as Ramsey and Sebastian gave my guys amused smirks.
Dane grabbed my hand, gently pulling me out of Felixโs hold. โThatโs enough for tonight. Come on, Angel, letโs go to bed,โ he started walking out of the ballroom.
Oh, thank goodness. I squeezed his hand, traumatized that they even asked such a vulgar question.
โKeep it down up there, you two!โ Ramsey teased, and I felt like dying. โNow, whatโd you do that for?โ I heard Eugene chuckle as we walked
away.
โOh, come on, weโre just messing with her,โ Sebastian said. โPoor girl is going to have a lot more than light teasing when the rest of the clans meet her.โ
โSheโs shy, donโt mention it again,โ Duke deadpanned. My hero.
Once again, waking from my sleep, I cuddled into Dane. I kept hearing the sound of people talking, and each time it woke me. Peeking my eyes open, I noticed it was still dark outside.
Ugh. I threw my leg over Daneโs hips, pulling him closer to me. I snuggled into him, trying to force myself back to sleep. Unfortunately, after a few minutes, all I could focus on was the noise coming from downstairs… and his hip that was perfectly pressed against my girly parts.
Well, if I couldnโt sleep… and he was obviously up… and we were conveniently in bed, it was only fair that I should have my dirty way with him. Itโd beenย days,ย and I was no longer limping. It had also been days since they last touched me, which was far too long.
Opening my eyes, I tilted my head to look up at him. He was staring at the ceiling before his gaze shifted to me. He cocked an eyebrow, looking confused. โWhy are you awake, Angel? Go back to sleep,โ he ran his hand down my back.
Hmm no.
Pulling myself into his lap, I shifted and straddled him. I grinned at him. โI canโt sleep,โ I gave him a suggestive look.
Dane narrowed his eyes at me, tilting his head. He looked at me with a calculating gaze for a few seconds before he raised his eyebrows, catching onto what I wanted. โItโs 4:30, Elora. Go back to sleep.โ
The moonlight glimmered through the window, and I eyed his toned torso for a few seconds, admiring how it reflected off him. I gave him a sweet smile. โI donโt feel like sleeping.โ I slowly rocked my hips, rubbing myself on the growing tent in his boxers.
Dane rested his head back against my headboard, gripping my hips. I smirked, knowing that I was getting my sexy time. Until his grip on my hips got tight and stopped my movement altogether. โDaneโโ I pouted.
He looked pained as he narrowed his eyes at me. โThe clans are here, Angel,โ he said.
So? Congratulations.ย What did that have to do with anything? That explained the noise coming from downstairs. I tried to move my hips again, but Dane let out a small chuckle.
โNo, Elora,โ he pointed to his ear, giving me a stern look, but amusement was behind his eyes.
Oh. Always my downfall… stupid vampire hearing. Iย knewย that; why didnโt I think of it?
I crossed my arms, annoyed. So close yet so far away. Dane let go of my hips and smiled up at me. โWhy are you awake?โ He asked.
โI canโt sleep. Theyโre being so loud,โ I explained, frustrated that he couldnโt just fuck me to sleep.
Elora Carmine… I thought, stunned at my own thoughts. What had they done to me?
Dane caressed the side of my face with his big hand. โIโm sorry, Angel,โ he placed a gentle kiss against my lips.
Immediately, I sank into the kiss, taking him by surprise. I wrapped my hands around the back of his head, pulling him close to me. I tilted my head to the side, giving him the freedom to take control.
His lips moved against mine slowly as his hands gripped my ass. Liquid leaked out of me, and I fought back a moan.
Dane pulled away quickly, giving me a stern look. โElora,โ he warned.
Oops?
He closed his eyes, leaning back, clearly trying to compose himself. He took a breath before he gave me a calm smile. โOkay, how about we have an early start, yeah? We can have a breakfast date; Iโll take you to a diner, then get you coffee before school. How does that sound?โ He suggested.
โOkay!โ I agreed happily. This was so weird, I was never up this lateโor early. We were going to eat breakfast in a cozy little diner. I was so excited! I think this was just his excuse to get us out of bed, though. Smart guy.
He looked relieved as I got up to go to the shower. I smirked. Vampires couldnโt hear as clearly over water, could they? I turned around, giving him a sweet smile as he sat on the edge of my bed. โComing?โ I asked, inching closer to the bathroom.
He groaned, chuckling as he dropped his head into his hands. โElora, Baby, please.โ
โBut Iโm cold,โ I pouted.
Pressed his lips together, he shook his head. He let out the smallest laugh, pointing to the bathroom. โTurn the dial to the left,โ he instructed.
Ugh, fine.ย He was one tough shell to crack. Iโd already had my way if I was trying to seduce Duke or Theo.
As a last-ditch attempt to tease him into the shower, I decided to undress here instead of in the bathroom. Sending him a mischievous smile, I slowly pulled my tank top over my head. He watched me, looking intrigued while slowly shaking his head. I did the same with my shorts, slowly pulling them down until they pooled at my ankles, where I made sure to bend down, giving him a clear view of my ass to pick them up.
As if saying a silent prayer for me, he closed his eyes. I grinned, walking to the bathroom. That was fun.
โAngel,โ he called.
Hopeful that he finally cracked, I turned to look at him. โI love you,โ he said, still grinning at me.
My heart fluttered. I had to bite my lip to stop the stupid cheesy smile that overtook my lips as I left to shower.
Dressed in a white skirt, a button-up, and a cozy pink sweater over it, I felt cute and appropriately attired. I actually had to impress people today, so Iโd better dress the part.
โReady?โ Dane asked, clad in black slacks and a button-up. Yummy.
โUh-huh,โ I hummed while eyeing him. I didnโt know what had gotten into me this morning, but If I could have just a smidgen of sexy time, Iโd be cured.
Dane narrowed his eyes at me, clearly knowing I was up to no good. I couldnโt help it, he was dreamy, and I was feeling quite slutty. He sighed, reaching his hand out for me to hold. โDonโt let go of my hand, Angel. Weโre going to go straight to my car, okay?โ He instructed.
I nodded. โOkay. Are there many people in the halls?โ I asked. I thought theyโd all be in the ballroom.
He shook his head. โNo, thereโs a few. I doubt theyโll say anything, but if they do, let me do the talking.โ
Please, like Iโd even know what to say.ย Hi, Iโm a teenage human who is also your Queen.ย That wouldnโt go over well.
Holding onto Daneโs hand, we exited my bedroom, starting down the long halls. The door to the ballroom balcony entrance was closed, as it always was. The voices got louder the closer we got to the ballroom. Dane was walking quickly, so I didnโt get a chance to eavesdrop.
From the top of the stairs, I saw four men standing near the bottom, all in some kind of conversation about a sculpture in the foyer. Eugene
collected all sorts of expensive art, filling the manor with them. I accidentally chipped one beforeโI was grounded for a day before Duke broke me out.
Their gaze shifted to Dane and me as we descended the steps. I really hated people staring at me, but Iโd gotten used to it over the years. As Vice Presidentโnow presidentโI frequently gave speeches. Public speaking was something I was good at, but it wasnโt something I liked to do. Being judged was what bothered me. I had a sneaking suspicion there would beย a lotย of judgment this weekend.
I recognized one of them as Zion and instantly felt defensive. Something was just not right with him. I didnโt think he was necessarily a threat; I thought he was a snake who couldnโt mind his business.
One of the men smiled at Dane as we reached the bottom. โI was wondering when youโd make an appearance, Dane. Everyoneโs been eager to see you and Lucifer; itโs been too long,โ he said.
Yeah, well, he was mine. They could have his attention while I was away at school. For now, I called dibs.
Dane skillfully moved me to his other side, switching hands. He distanced me from them but made it look casual. I took note of the sudden authority and power he carried as he stood in front of them.
โIโll join later this morning. As for Lucifer, he will attend if he wants to. For now, I suggest you all get back to the meeting,โ he said, his voice dripping with authority.
I tried not to smirk at him. There was nothing inherently sexy about this. Nothing at all. So why, for the love of God, was I turned on?
The man dropped his gaze to the ground. โYes, of course,โ he agreed instantly, turning to walk to the ballroom.
Feeling a bit surprised that they seemed so intimidated by Dane, I raised my eyebrows. He was harmless! Surely he was just putting on an act. He wouldnโt hurt a fly.
The other two followed suit, but Zion lingered for a few extra seconds. He seemed to size Dane up before his gaze fell to the floor, and he walked away.ย Weird.
Dane waited until the four were out of sight and in the ballroom before we turned to leave. โPancakes?โ He asked as we took off down the driveway.
โThey probably wonโt be as good as Quinโs, but Iโm a sucker for sugary breakfasts,โ I chirped.
โAnything for you.โ He glanced at me. โElora, itโs imperative that you arenโt alone for the duration of the gathering. You must always be with one of us, do you understand?โ He asked.
โ24/7 attention doesnโt sound bad to me. It should be like this all the time,โ I joked. I really didnโt mind this. Being around them made me happy.
We pulled up to a small diner thatโs parking lot was empty, seeing as it was still dark out. This time of day was oddly soothing.
Dane put the car in park and gave me a look. โTake your panties off and lift your skirt,โ he ordered, gesturing for me to climb over the middle console and onto his lap.
Watching him take his belt off, I was practically drooling.ย Oh wow, just for me?ย I glanced around the parking lot, nervous that someone might see us.
โDo as I say, Angel,โ his stern voice brought me back to reality.
I carefully took my underwear off, placing them on the seat before climbing over onto his lap. I grinned down at him, watching him pull out his dick, feeling smug that I finally got my sexy time. โWhat took you so long?โ I teased.
He smirked. โAs much as Iโd love to give into your every sexual demand, Angel. I donโt want every vampire to hear, smell, or even think of whatโs mine,โ he gave me a dark look.
Lifting my hips, he placed his hand under my ass. His other hand positioned his dick until it was lined up with my sopping entrance. โWhat if someone sees?โ I pouted, feeling guilty for doingย itย in a car in public.
He pulled me down suddenly, our thighs clapping together as his dick plunged into me. I cried out, gripping onto his shoulders.
โThen youโd better give them a good show,โ Dane rasped.
Despite my blush, my core clenched desperately around him. He gripped my hips and pulled me forward. I moaned at the new sensation as he pulled my hips back and forth. He wasnโt going in and out, instead, he had me grinding on him, hitting something deliciously deep inside me.
Daneโsโ head fell back as he watched me with sunken dark eyes. I leaned back, placing my hands behind me on his knees. Keeping the same movement, I took over, rubbing my pussy against him.
He ran his hands up my thighs, smirking at me as he ran his thumb down my slit. I bit my lip as he gently rubbed my clit. โYouโre so fucking hot, Angel,โ he moaned as he reached for his phone with his free hand. โNow, smile pretty and show the guys what a good girl you are,โ he instructed as he started recording me.
I giggled, glancing at the camera before eyeing Dane lustfully as I moaned. The thought of him sending a dirty video to my guys made my pussy throb.
After a few seconds, Dane put his phone down and grabbed my ass. He moaned as he lifted me up and pulled me back down on him.
I whimpered as he thrust into me and continued to bounce on him. My eyes rolled back, and I sighed happily. This was what I needed.
โYouโre so wet, Baby,โ Dane grunted, wrapping his arm around my torso and slamming me down onto him.
I shrieked in pleasure, feeling close as he roughly used me to fuck himself. โDonโt stop,โ I begged as my eyes filled with tears.
Kissing me sloppily, he moaned against my lips. His hot tongue licked my lips and toyed with my tongue, making my thighs shake.
I cried out as I came, my pussy greedily squeezing around his dick. โDane!โ
Dane whimpered. โIs this what you wanted? You want to be used like a little fuckdoll?โ He rasped out as he continued to slam me down onto him.
โUh-huh,โ I agreed breathlessly, feeling all my worries fade away.
Tangling my hands into his hair, I let him take my lips again. Meeting his own thrusts with my own, I heard him start to whimper in the cervix- crushing way he did before he cums.
I was satisfied, but I wasnโt done with him yet. I moaned as I felt his dick twitch, shooting that warm liquid I loved so much into me. He gripped my hips hard, thrusting into me a few more times as he finished himself off.
Dreamily watching him, I bit my lip.ย Heโs so hot; it made me want to cry.ย I really was the luckiest girl in the world.
He looked down at me with a small smile. โDonโt move yet, Angel. I donโt want to get your skirt messyโโ
โWeโre not done yet.โ
Dane pushed his head back, a look of surprise in his eyes. โWeโre notโฆ?โ He repeated.
Smirking up at him, I shook my head. โWe still have an hour until the sun comes up.โ
He narrowed his eyes at me like he thought I was joking. โAn hour for us toย eat breakfast,โย he gave me a pointed look.
Food? I wasnโt hungry anymore. Iโd much rather stay in the car with him and fuck all morning. The choice was obvious.
How did I put this gently? I shifted on top of him, putting my weight on my knees as I carefully lifted myself off of him. I quickly caught any cum that leaked out of me with my hand. I locked eyes with him before bringing my hand up to my lips and licking our cum. Swallowing the sweetness, I smirked at him. โOr you could fuck my brains out all morning,โ I suggested sweetly.
Daneโs lips parted as he stared at me with wide eyes. He seemed like he was at a loss for words. โWhat has gotten into you this morning?โ He whispered.
I really didnโt know, but I knew I was horny. Painfully horny, and it was giving me an attitude. โItโs what was takenย outย of me, Dane,โ I corrected.
He pushed his head back, narrowing his eyes at me. A small chuckle was his only warning before he tossed me over his shoulder and into the backseat.
I gasped as I landed on my back, and not two seconds later, he was opening the back door and climbing in next to me. He closed the door, instantly flipping me into my hands and knees. โLetโs get rid of that attitude, yes?โ He said darkly.
Without warning or hesitation, he pushed his dick into me, roughly pounding my petite body into the seat. I reached one of my hands behind me, trying to get him to slow down.
Instead, he grabbed both my hands and crossed them behind my back. I cried out as he used my arms as handles and fucked into me. My upper body hovered over the seat, only held up by my knees and his firm grip on my arms.
Dane grunted as he put force behind every single thrust, each time hitting a sweet spot that had me drooling. โOh, Dane!โ I cried out in pleasure.
Dane smacked my ass before palming my cheeks. โFuck, Baby, your little cunt is throbbing for me,โ he rasped out.
The car was shaking with every thrust, and I hoped no one else decided to have an early breakfast this morning.
I came quickly, unable to take his violent thrusts. โDaddโDane,โ I moaned absentmindedly.
Dane chuckled evilly. โAwe, Angel, is this too much for you, little baby? Is it getting hard to think?โ He teased.
A string of moans escaped my lips as I blushed. My thighs were shaking, and I was fighting to keep them from giving out. โIโI donโt have an attitude aโanymore!โ I cried out. He didnโt slow down, giving me no time between orgasms.
โWhat happened, Baby? You wanted me to fuck your brains out for an hour, didnโt you?โ
Whimpers and pants were my response as I nodded my head. What was I thinking? I couldnโt take an hour of this!
He pulled me flush against his groin, bending down, his lips next to my ear. โNow, are you going to keep acting like a spoiled little slut, or are you going to behave like my good girl and have a nice breakfast with me?โ He challenged as he gave another hard thrust.
My eyes rolled back as I flinched. โIโm your good girl,โ I panted out, looking behind me at him with glossy, rounded eyes.
He smirked, slowly pulling out of me, making me shudder. He wrapped his arm around my middle and pulled me into his arms. I took a few deep breaths as we sat in comfortable silence.
Dane leaned forward, grabbed my underwear from the passenger seat, and handed them to me. He sent me a charming smile as I put them back on. โHave I mentioned that Iย loveย the short skirts and dresses you always wear?โ He flirted.
โCuteย andย functional. You know Iย purposelyย wear them to tease you, right?โ
Chuckling, he lifted his brows. โLetโs get some food in you, my little nympho,โ he opened the door, holding his hand out to me. โI have a suspicion that youโre hangry.โ
I pressed my lips together and raised my eyebrows as I exited the car.
Huh, I was hangry.
The school day went by quickly. Probably because I was dreading going back home. I didnโt want to be around so many vampires; I didnโt think Iโd live up to their expectations. They must have thought I was someoneย specialย for their king and the rest of my super-important guys to love me. When in reality, I was just me.
I didnโt want to pretend to be someone I wasnโtโI couldnโt lie well enough to pull it off. Truthfully, I didnโt even know how I was supposed to behave. When I asked Felix for a handbook, he thought I was joking. I was too embarrassed to admit I was completely serious, and now I regret it.
Knowing myself, Iโd say or do something stupid or breathe too loudly, and theyโd all hear me with their insane hearing. I was only supposed to be in front of everyone for a short amount of time, so says Felix. Yet, that was all I could think about all day.
After my much-needed sexy time with Dane, we had an excellent breakfast, then he dropped me off. He said Lucifer would pick me up, so I knew to look for his car.
โElora!โ I turned, hearing Jason call after me.
โHuh?โ I questioned as he ran to me, unorganized papers and notebooks in his hand.
โI need your chem notes,โ he held out his hand.
Looking at his hand, I knitted my brows and stepped back. My notes were nice and tidy, color organized, and alphabetical. What if he got a fingerprint on a page? Or smudges ink somehow? Iโd have to redo it. โWhat for?โ
He narrowed his eyes at me. โOh, you know, light reading,โ he teased. โI slept through my alarm, missed chemistry, and the final is on Monday,โ he explained.
Chemistry had always been one of my strong subjects, and I understood it well. I knew Iโd do well on Mondayโs test, but I was selfish when it came to my things. โI can send you a picture?โ
โIโm late for practice, and you donโt have my number. Please, Elora, Iโll give it back as soon as possible, I promise,โ he begged.
I pulled the notebook from my backpack, hesitating as I considered whether to risk him damaging the pristine pages. โIโm not sureโโ
Before I could finish, he snatched the notebook from my hand and sprinted away. โThank you! Youโre the best. Iโll bring it back, okay?!โ he called over his shoulder.
Still trying to process what had just happened, I watched him vanish down the hallway. He had taken my notebook without letting me remind him to handle the pages carefullyโturn them by the corners and avoid creasing them. I hoped he was cautious, or Iโd have to give him a thorough talking-to.
Outside the school doors, Lucifer waited for me, parked at the curb. I smiled and got into the car. He was dressed in dark sweatpants and a black hoodie. โArenโt you dressing up for the meeting?โ I asked, noting how everyone had mentioned it briefly the night before and how polished Dane looked this morning. I had assumed it was a formal event.
Lucifer took my hand as he drove. โYouโre the only one Iโll dress up for,โ he said in his usual soft whisper.





