Blonde & Blue (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #4)(81)

“Believe it.” Shaz spoke quickly. Maybe a little too quickly. “No kink. Ever.”

I was pretty sure he was stretching the truth on that, but I wasn’t going to say anything. It wasn’t at all what Jez was thinking, but there had been some intense moments between Arys and Shaz. Despite the fact that Shaz got off on a vampire’s bite, he clearly wasn’t ready to admit that it had all started with Arys.

After few more shooters, I was laughing off Jez’ playful harassment of Shaz. Knowing she was making him uncomfortable only made her eager to continue. He shot me a questioning sidelong glance to which I just shrugged. He thought I had told her the dirty details of our encounters with Arys, but I hadn’t. She was just a clever cat.

The newest Lady Gaga song started, sending flocks of people to the dance floor. Jez was determined to be one of them. “Come on, Alexa. You have to dance with me. Anyone else coming?”

Zoey and Ky shuffled around to let her out of the booth. When I stood up to join her the tequila hit me, creating a warm tingle in my limbs. I waited for the others to join us, but they all shook their heads, happy to stay put.

Jez frowned at them, shaking her head. “Ok then party poopers. I expect to see a new batch of drinks at this table when we get back.”

Dancing with Jez felt so good after the recent chaos in my world. The dance floor was crowded, filling my nostrils with the scent of alcohol, sweat and a myriad of perfumes and cologne. Once I got moving to the rhythm of the music, I let go of everything that had happened over the past few weeks and just danced.

I hadn’t fully realized how much tension I’d been carrying around until it slipped away. I could always count on Jez to help me focus on having fun and letting loose. She was a dream. If I didn’t have her, I’d be so tightly wound that I would have spontaneously combusted long ago. I’d never been so grateful for my friends as I was right then.

We were having a great time, dancing and turning down advances from the few guys that dared to approach us. The evening was full of laughter, music and more booze than even Weres should consume. Though it wasn’t anything fancy or elaborate, our little party was a lot of fun. Until Kale showed up.

Jez stopped dancing the moment I sensed him. She stood stiffly beside me while the flailing bodies of other people bumped into us. Her smile vanished, a fierce glare in its place.

“What the hell is he doing here? Did you invite him?”

“Of course I did.” Taking hold of her arm, I led her off the dance floor to avoid getting trampled. “I didn’t expect him to show up. He never comes out with us.”

“He tried to kill me, Alexa. I’m not sure things will ever be the same between us.” Anger burned in her eyes.

I didn’t know what to say to that. I let my gaze roam over Kale, appreciating the sight of him dressed head to toe in black, his leather duster flowing behind him. I was relieved that the loud music muffled my small whimper.

“Well…” I zoned out, unable to tear my gaze from him.

His short brown hair was gelled in the front, just a little. It was simple and stylish without being overdone or dramatic. He stood near the entry, surveying the bar’s interior. No sooner had his gaze landed on us than Jez was stalking angrily across the room toward him. Oh, shit.

I hurried after her, knowing that a tequila-fueled Jez was likely to say or do something she’d regret later. I was right. Before I could stop her, she slapped Kale with enough force to make me wince. Her hand connected with his face hard enough to be heard despite the loud music. I caught her wrist before she could land another slap or decide to turn that open hand into a fist.

“What are you doing here?” She demanded as her fury burst forth.

Kale looked her evenly in the eye while lightly rubbing his jaw where she’d hit him. “I was invited.”

“Jez, come on,” I pleaded. “This isn’t the time or place for this. If you have something to say to Kale, it can wait until you’re sober and not about to ruin my birthday. Why don’t you go back to the table?”

I didn’t have to look at our table to know both Kylarai and Shaz had taken notice of Kale’s arrival. Geez, this was awkward for so many reasons.

“You shouldn’t have come, Kale,” she hissed, her tone filled with venom. Rage emanated from her, hot and tempting as it danced along my skin.

“Jez, go back to the table and turn all that hyped-up energy into something useful. Like getting to know Zoey a little better. Hmm?” I wasn’t suggesting; I was demanding. She had every right to be pissed at Kale, but she wasn’t going to take it out on him at my birthday party.

She looked at me with those flashing cat eyes, and I stared her down. Jez was feisty and daring, but she wasn’t stupid. She held my gaze for a moment before scoffing, “I don’t do crazy broads like Zoey.”

Stifling the urge to sigh, I gave her a gentle push toward the table. “Yes, you do. Now get your ass over there before I go a little crazy-broad myself.”

After a moment of consideration, she turned to go, but not before leaving Kale with one last remark. “You tried to kill me, Kale. I owe you an ass-kicking.”

He watched her go, a pensive look in his eyes. “I completely expected that. Actually, I expected worse.” Meeting my eyes, he shrugged and offered a forced smile. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. She’s right. But, I’m not staying. I just wanted to give you this.”