Mya studied her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was swept up into a simple French twist. And her strapless gown…it was one that would definitely make the males notice. Vibrant red, with slits on both sides that reached mid-thigh. The corset underneath helped push up her breasts, a nice distraction for the boys in attendance.
"Rather appropriate that I wear red. Reminds me of the blood spilled because of that girl." She ran her hands down her hips. Red high heels and ruby earrings rounded out her ensemble.
"Show time." She opened the bathroom door and was bombarded by the dull roar of the party-goers. The blaring, bass-thumping music produced an instant headache that she ignored. She needed to be focused. Otherwise, the plan would fail and she'd have to hide from that she-bitch, Zina. Plastering a smile on her face, she expertly wove her way through the dancing guests that blocked her path.
She ignored the catcalls of some boys by the bar. Stupid humans, as if she would give any of them the time of day. Except maybe lunchtime. Mya snickered at that thought. She spotted Britta in a corner kissing some guy and went in that direction.
As she got closer to the couple's spot, she caught a whiff of the boy and came to an abrupt stop. Britta was dating a Were? And unless her sense of smell was off, that male was from a Rhino family. Why was one of his kind here in the New Florida Territory? Her contemplation of this unexpected player was broken by Britta, who squealed a greeting and abandoned her amused boyfriend to give Mya a giant hug.
"I'd wondered if you'd show!"
She shrugged. "You know me. Always unpredictable."
Britta chuckled. "Too true. Look, go have some fun, Mya. And please, don't glower. You might scare off some of my guests."
She snickered at Britta's innocent expression. "I'll do my best, Britta."
"Thanks! Now I have to get back to my boy. He's always so lost without me. Oh, if you see Laylah and Donil, can you please send them to me?"
"Yes, of course."
"Great! You're a lifesaver. Thanks, Mya."
Mya sighed, moved away from the cuddling couple and debated on leaving. She caught her brother's scent as well as Laylah's unique odor. She bit back an incensed growl. She couldn't believe her brother actually went and got Laylah! Stupid male! Stupid, stupid, stupid, Donil!
"Mya! There you are! I wasn't sure if you were coming." Donil walked over to her, a huge smile on his face.
For one moment, she felt guilt for what was about to happen. But when she saw Donil's hand firmly holding Laylah's, her ire sparked. She fought for civility. She couldn't afford for her brother to realize something was up.
"Donil. Laylah." Saying the teenager's name left a rancid taste in her mouth.
"Mya, are you all right? You look upset." He reached for her arm.
She jerked it away. "I'm fine, Big Brother. I'm not into the teen scene."
He laughed. "Britta invited everyone age sixteen and up. Quite a few in here are in their early twenties, too. In fact, I see a couple of guys over there watching you."
She nonchalantly glanced around and almost gave herself away when she spotted the two Weres Zina had sent to the party. She knew Donil wouldn't recognize them since they were not from the New Florida area. She gave a small wave that was the prearranged signal to mark the prey.
"You know, you're right. I think I should go mingle. You two have fun." She was only too glad to get away from her brother and his Le Croix pet. She took her time going to the two contacts, Eric and Glenn, who indolently lounged against a wall, looking bored.
"All right, boys, show time." She giggled at their hungry looks. Yes, Laylah didn't stand a chance. "Remember, if my brother interferes, no harm comes to him."
"We know, Mya. Gerard and Alexis are in the nearby woods waiting with the rest of the gang."
"Good. I'll create the diversion in ten minutes. Until then, behave." Certain that they would do as she ordered, she left the dance hall and went in search of the circuit breaker.
~***~
Laylah couldn't seem to stop blushing. Ever since they had arrived, the covert glances Donil was giving her made her feel really warm and very shy. The way he looked at her made her think of a starving animal staring at food. It unsettled and intrigued her. No boy had ever made her experience this many conflicting emotions.
"Come, Beautiful, let's dance." Donil gestured to the dance floor.
"Dance?" she squeaked and took a step backward. "Donil, I don't know how. This isn't a good idea. I'll only embarrass you."
"Embarrass me? I doubt that. Besides, dancing is easy. I'll lead and you follow. You want to know what the key is?"
"Yes!"
"Being relaxed. Don't worry whether or not you're any good. And don't let the stares of people get to you. Remember, I'm here, and tonight is a night for fun."
He winked and she nervously giggled. "I'll try," she whispered, automatically dropping her head.
"Hey now, none of that!" He placed two fingers under her chin and gently tilted her face up. "You deserve to be here. You have nothing to be ashamed of."
"Donil." She stared at him, surprised once again by his caring. She was falling in love, but did he really feel the same way? What if he didn't? What if his niceness was as a favor to Britta? Her last thought made her stumble.
He easily caught her and peered into her eyes. She glanced away embarrassed that she had not paid attention to her dancing. "I'm sorry."
"It's all right, Beautiful. No harm, no foul."
"You're wrong. I keep screwing up. I mean, what does it say about a person when their only parent hates them? When that parent would rather slam punishments after punishments on a kid because they can?" She felt a tear run down her cheek. She felt so lost. More tears fell and she didn't notice him dance them closer to a wall and away from the crowd.
"Laylah, please don't cry. Your father is an idiot. You're beautiful, smart, funny and a great friend. Don't let his opinions and expectations warp that kind, caring person I know you to be."
His earnest gaze and honest words were too much to bear. She mumbled some excuse before pulling free from his arms. She didn't stop when he called her name. She needed air and to think about things!
"Laylah! Hey, Amiga, over here!"
She caught sight of her friend weaving through the crowd. Oh, no, she couldn't deal with Britta's energy, endless questions or perceptiveness. In desperation, she glanced about and spotted the doors leading outside. She ducked behind a group of giggling girls and slipped out into the cool night air. She stared at the beautiful gazebo and admired the cobblestone pathway leading to it. Laylah wanted to be alone to collect her thoughts and calm her fears.
"I'll just sit for a minute." She started down the path to the gazebo.