Prisoner of Darkness (Whims of Fae Book 2)(8)

Heat rose on Scarlett’s cheeks. He'd noticed she’d changed.

“I tried a new look,” she lied, guilt settling in her stomach.

“It looks good.”

Her cheeks flamed hotter. “Thanks.”

“I miss this,” Teddy said. “You’ve always been one of my best friends.”

“Same here.”

Cheering erupted across the room. A guy hollered, “Teddy, you’re up, man.”

“Up for some beer pong?” Teddy asked her as he stood.

“Sure.”

Teddy grabbed Scarlett’s hand and helped her up.

She followed him to the dining room table, praying her glamour stayed in place as everyone stared at her.

“We’ve got a lady at the table,” one of their opponents said. “Maybe she can help you break our five-game winning streak.”

“Doubtful,” the other said. He glared at Scarlett. He looked like an ass, with a cold stare and too much hair gel.

“Guess we’ll have to see,” Teddy said.

Hair Gel threw the first shot, sinking it into the front cup. He smirked as satisfaction burst from him. His partner missed, throwing too long.

Scarlett breathed in the emotion around her, from the happiness of Hair Gel to the nervousness of a guy in the corner asking for a girl’s number. Scarlett’s power lit inside her.

Teddy sunk his first shot in the cup in the middle of the triangle.

Scarlett high-fived him. She had always been decent at beer pong, but now she had a new advantage. She tossed the ball lightly and willed it into the front cup. It landed with a small splash.

“Drink up,” Scarlett said. “Balls back.”

Since they’d both made their cups, they each got another shot. This time, Teddy missed, but Scarlett’s throw landed in the back corner.

Anger radiated from Hair Gel. His partner didn’t seem to care too much as Scarlett and Teddy kicked their asses, but Hair Gel grew livid.

“You haven’t missed,” he spat at Scarlett after she made the last cup, earning her and Teddy the win.

“Guess I’m just that good.”

Teddy held both hands high over his head. Scarlett jumped up and slapped them, their signature high five when they used to play pong together.

“Bitch,” Hair Gel said.

“Excuse me?” Teddy, irritated, turned toward him. “Apologize.”

“Make me.”

Scarlett tried to take Teddy’s hand to stop him, but he got away before she could grab it.

Within a second, Teddy was in Hair Gel’s face. “I never knew you to be such a sore loser.”

“There’s no way she’s really that good.”

“Apologize.” Teddy towered over Hair Gel by three inches.

But Hair Gel didn’t care.

Their fury seeped into Scarlett as she watched them, unsure what to do. They stared at each other until Hair Gel kneed Teddy in the groin.

Teddy buckled over and dropped to the ground.

Wrath consumed Scarlett, a spark of rage electrifying her nerves. Her heartbeat raced in her chest as she glared ahead.

Hair Gel reached for his neck as he fought for air. Everyone watching the scene take place murmured. Hair Gel’s eyes bulged out as he struggled to breathe.

Scarlett watched, revenge swimming through her. Her fingers shook and she was unable to break her vengeful stare.

When a girl ran to Hair Gel, panicked, Scarlett snapped out of her trance.

Hair Gel gasped.

It was Scarlett. She’d caused him to choke. Her anger took over and she’d lost control.

She went to Teddy and helped him up. “You okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” He walked gingerly as Scarlett helped him to the couch.

Natalie, beer in hand, giggled as she danced her way to them. “You two didn’t get far.” The smile faded from her face as she saw Teddy’s pain filled expression. “What happened?”

Scarlett explained, conveniently leaving out the part about how she caused Hair Gel to choke.

“Party’s over.” Natalie yelled. Everyone stared at her. “Now.”

Natalie was normally a perky person, but when she got mad, everyone knew to watch out.

The room filled with whispers, but no one dared defy a pissed off Natalie. People trickled outside.

Scarlett inhaled her rage as Hair Gel passed by with a cocky smirk. It took every ounce of willpower for her not to send him flying into the wall like she’d done to the pen. Next to her, hate radiated from Teddy.

Instinctively, Scarlett found Teddy’s hand and squeezed, sending a burst of serenity through them both.

Within ten minutes of Natalie shooing everyone out the door, the room had cleared.

“Nothing like one asshole to ruin a party,” Natalie plopped down next to Teddy. “But maybe it was for the best. The room is spinning.”

Teddy chuckled. “Better sleep it off, sis.”

Natalie kissed Teddy’s cheek. “Good idea, bro.” She leaned over him—Teddy wincing as her knee got a little too close to him for comfort— and hugged Scarlett. “Goodnight, my loves.”

After Natalie had gone to bed, Scarlett curled next to Teddy on the couch. Maybe it was the alcohol. Or maybe the high she’d felt as she’d caused Hair Gel’s lungs to constrict. Or perhaps the fear Natalie struck in the room when she kicked everyone out. Whatever it was, all she wanted was to be close to him. Not in a romantic way, but as someone who’d always been there for her.