"She looks beautiful," Blaze suddenly said as he stepped in front of Selene and kissed my hand. He was shirtless and had black swirls of ink all over his body. So did Damien and all the other men I could see. His muscles looked like they were hand-sculpted. He was just as strong as Harlan and Damien, but I liked Harlan's body more. Maybe because I was biased.
"Thank you," I said with a smile.
"I helped pick her dress. Don't I get credit?" Harlan spoke, his appearance changing completely. His shirt was now gone too, and the swirls of ink had manifested on his skin.
I couldn't stop staring, and that had Harlan smirking.
"Like what you see?"
Blaze cleared his throat, and I was thankful I didn't have to answer that question.
"Where's the vamp?" he said, looking around. "Did she ditch us already?"
I looked around and wondered the same thing, but before any of us could answer, someone spoke.
"Impatient little wolf," Violette's voice echoed around us.
I scanned the area but still couldn't see her.
"You do certainly love to make an entrance, don't you, girl?" Elowen said, coming closer. She was wearing a cropped top and a long skirt with similar slits as Selene.
Suddenly, like her power created ripples in the world, she appeared, enveloped by shadows who cowered from the firelight.
"I am very fond of theatrics," she said, walking over in an outfit that made Selene look like a nun.
The first thing I could register was the chains. So many chains.
She was wearing what looked like a one-piece swimsuit.. but clearly wasn't.. with long stripes of sheerer red fabric floating around and underneath a tangle of little chains that outlined her body like a harness. All of her assets were on display, and she looked breathtaking. I was almost jealous.
"Wow," I blurted out.
"Is that how you were buried?" Elowen mocked.
I expected that comment from Blaze, but he was too busy trying to hide his gawking.
Did they chain vampires in their coffins in ancient times? Or was it a movie reference?
"You look amazing," Selene said with a smile, and Violette smiled back.
"I thought I'd come ready to fight," she said as she adjusted her loose hair.
"In six-inch heels?" Blaze spoke, trying to get his dignity back.
"Imagine how good it will feel if I stomp on your bare feet with the point of my heel," she mused, grinning with her red-tinted lips.
"Is there a reason why no one is wearing shoes?" I asked, now quite curious.
"The grass is soft. Easier to dance. Less to take off," Harlan explained once again.
But the atmosphere was anything but sexy. It was tense.
I glanced at Damien, who was still speaking with Arden and everyone else, and I couldn't help but wonder who was going to die tonight.
I looked at Harlan. "What should I do once the battle starts?"
He frowned. "Run, obviously." His expression was saying more than he was.
He would want me to run because he wasn't going to be able to protect me. Because he is weaker in his human form. Because tonight he can't turn.
"Selene will go with you," Damien came closer, Arden trailing behind.
Selene didn't look too happy about it, but it would have to be done. She was a fierce warrior, but she was pregnant. She had to protect her baby.
And with her near, Damien was distracted. It was the best for everyone. Except maybe for Selene's pride.
"The other alphas are aware of the situation," Blaze stated. "You must run as fast as you can to the nearest settlement. The alpha there is a close friend." He eyed Elowen, and she nodded.
"Why not send them on their way now?" Violette asked.
"Because if the rebels notice Selene is gone from Damien's side, it will be extremely suspicious," Harlan explained.
"What about her scent? Isn't she in danger if they know she's with child?" The vampire sounded worried.
"They won't know. Callum masked her scent," Damien explained, putting a protective hand over her still-flat belly.
Everyone here had so much to lose. But they were still fighting, if only because they had no choice.
I looked around at all the familiar faces in the small crowd, wondering which one would disappear. Wishing they wouldn't. Wishing it all would stay the same.
This place was now my home, and these people were now my family.
I really wished there was something I could do to help.
Harlan saw that look in my eye and pulled me away.
"Are you okay?" He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm scared something may happen to all of you.. to you."
"We'll be okay. We're strong," he assured me with a smile.
"You better be, because you still owe me ice cream," I said, trying to make the situation lighter.
"I'm pretty sure that is the very thing that will bring me back from the brink of death," he said with a small smile.
"It won't, because you will not be on the brink of death, you hear me?" I asked. My tone was light, but it had meaning behind it.
He only smiled. "Listen to Selene."
"I will." I would try. I wasn't sure what I would do if he was hurt and I was ordered to leave.
"Maya.." he stopped for a moment. "There's something I have to say to you." He looked away. "I promised myself I wouldn't, but you need to hear it. Maya, I.."
Silence. Too much silence.
Violette looked back in horror as time seemed to slow down. Damien and Harlan matched that look.
It was one word the vampire uttered that had Harlan shoving me behind him.
"Witches."