Supernatural Academy: Year One (Supernatural Academy #1)(57)

Two hours later I stood in front of the mirror, my best friends on either side of me, and we stared at our reflections. Ilia’s dress was a deep blood red. Of course. It was her color and I’d fight anyone who disagreed with me. It was a one-shoulder, slinky cocktail dress that draped across her lithe frame and fell in smooth waves to the floor. There was a slit all the way up one thigh, and every exposed part of her ebony skin was shimmery from where she’d dusted powder across it.

“I made a good choice with this dress,” she said confidentially.

“You definitely did,” I confirmed. Her makeup was also flawless: full red lips, and green eyes dressed in winged eyeliner.

On the other side of me, Larissa was just as gorgeous. Her blond hair was slicked back in a low bun that offset the simple white, floor-length, strapless dress she wore. The white made her brown skin look even creamier—she had the most perfect skin.

I was in the center, and I almost couldn’t believe it was me in the reflection. My long hair was curled, falling to midback, and Ilia had killed it with my makeup tonight; smoky dark eyes, a red lip, and shimmering cheekbone powder gave me a sultry, mysterious look.

“Thank you both so much,” I said, feeling a bit choked up about it again. I’d never had anyone care enough to try and give me a perfect dress.

They’d given me two.

The first dress was navy blue, with a halter neck and plunging neckline. It was gorgeous, and had I not seen the second one I would have worn and loved it. But it was the black one, with a fitted, ornately detailed bodice and off-the-shoulder straps that captured my heart.

I ran my hands down the corset front, amazed by all the perky boobs I had going on now. My girls were Ds tonight. “You look so beautiful,” Ilia said, her voice breaking a little. “My little supe is growing up.”

I laughed, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at her. “Seriously. I love you both so much. This is so much more than anyone has ever done for me. I won’t forget it.”

I held my arms out, pulling them in for a hug on either side of me.

“Stop,” Larissa said. “If you make me cry and ruin my makeup…”

We were all in danger of that, so we pulled away and finished getting ready. I slipped into black shiny heels. Larissa had on amazing silver heels, which brought her to my shoulder in height, and Ilia was a few inches taller than me in her red numbers.

“When are your dates getting here?” I asked, turning from the mirror.

“We told them we’d meet them there,” Larissa said.

I ground to a halt, halfway to the door. “What? Why would you do that?”

Ilia looked at me like I was stupid. “We wanted to arrive with you, of course. Hoes over bros.”

I was one lucky bitch.

“Let’s do this,” I said.

I was ready to see what this whole dance thing was about.





23





There had been a lot of talk about this dance, but since I hadn’t expected to go, I’d deliberately not paid attention to it. I had no idea where it was being held, and when we ended up in the practical magic area, I was surprised. I’d say sixty percent of the school was familiar to me now; I had classes in all quadrants, and even if I hadn’t been in every room, I had a good idea of what was around.

The dance was in a room I hadn’t ventured into. The ice land.

I shivered as we stepped across the threshold onto a white carpet. “Uh, should we have brought coats?” I asked, rubbing my arms.

“No,” Ilia said, shaking her curls. “The carpet walk is chilly, but the dance will be magically warmed. They really just want the winter wonderland theme. The first dance is always winter themed.”

We slowly walked along the carpet that led across a land of white snow. Despite the chill, I didn’t rush, enjoying the white rolling hills and snow-covered trees dotted about. Twinkling lights filled the sky as music drifted across to us from the band. One of the few whispers I had heard were over this band. Apparently they were a big deal in the supernatural communities.

“Packmates,” Larissa said, her voice high and excited. “They’re the hottest band in the world. I’m already dying.”

“All shifters?” I guessed, based on the name.

She nodded. “Oh yeah. Two wolves, a bear, and a panther. Neil, the panther, is my favorite. He plays the drums.”

More of the main dance floor was coming into sight now, and their music grew louder. It was a mix of rock and jazz, with lots of guitar and a strong drumbeat. When we reached the main platform of the dance floor, which was wood, circular in shape, and absolutely massive, I looked back along the carpet to find hundreds of formally dressed supes trailing along.

This was going to be insane. Half the school was here already.

The moment my heels clicked onto the wood floor, warmth surrounded me, and I let out a low sigh. It was almost too hot after the icy walk, but soon my skin adjusted and the temperature felt perfect.

I had a pretty clear view at the setup—there was a raised platform across from us that held the band. They needed the height for security reasons—they were already surrounded by screaming chicks. I watched them for a moment; the lead singer was covered in tattoos, his hair falling just below his ears in scruffy curls, and his voice was damn sexy. Husky and deep, it sent tingles down my spine.