Blonde & Blue (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #4)(82)

From a pocket he produced a small box, covered in colorful birthday gift wrap. I was suddenly nervous when he pressed it into my hand. Our fingers touched briefly, and a spark of electricity passed between us before he pulled away.

“Oh, Kale you didn’t have to do this. Really.” I stared at the box, curious but tentative.

“Open it later. When you’re alone. And really, it’s no big deal. Just something I wanted you to have.” His gaze strayed past me to where Shaz watched from the table. He hesitated then pulled me into his arms. Holding me close for just a moment, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Happy birthday, Alexa. I wish you nothing but happiness.”

He turned to go, and though I wanted to stop him, I didn’t. Instead I turned the box over in my hands, certain that whatever was inside, it meant a lot to Kale. I returned to the table, hoping to avoid questions as I slipped the box into my purse. No such luck.

“A gift from Kale?” Kylarai inquired, her tone carefully neutral.

“Uh, yeah.” I didn’t want to look at either her or Shaz, but I didn’t have much choice. “It’s nothing, I’m sure. I’ll open it later.”

Shaz said nothing, but I didn’t miss the way his wolf seemed to creep up behind his eyes. I knew Kylarai well, and it was apparent to me there was something more she wanted to say, only Shaz’ presence stopped her.

I dove into another whiskey, seeking escape from the sudden discomfort. To my surprise Jez had slid in next to Zoey, and the two of them were leaning in close together so they could converse over the loud music. Soon Jez, with a bright pink drink clutched in one hand, dragged Zoey out to the dance floor. I was relieved to see that Jez hadn’t let Kale’s appearance ruin the whole evening.

“I’m going to reload the liquor supply and grab us a pool table. Sound good?” Shaz stood up to leave, and I moved to let him out of the booth.

Pool sounded like a good way to keep busy without awkward silences. I nodded my agreement and swallowed hard, knowing what was coming once he left. I sat there alone with Kylarai expectantly, but she only stared at me with stormy grey eyes.

“Ok, Ky. Just spit it out. I know there’s something you want to say.”

She tapped her long nails against her beer bottle, eyeing me thoughtfully. “Alright. I don’t want to make this weird, but I know about you and Kale. Shaz told me. Don’t be mad at him. He just needed someone to talk to. It came out the other day, after … after we lost Julian.”

I savored the taste of the whiskey, using it as a way to buy myself a few seconds before responding. I couldn’t be mad at Shaz. He had every right to confide in Kylarai. We were a tight-knit group. I just hated that he’d been the one to tell her. It should have been me. I should have had the guts to do it myself.

“I should have told you, Ky. I’m sorry. It was just once, and it won’t be happening again.”

She looked skeptical. “But he’s in love with you. I thought as much that night he helped us out after Zoey lost her mind. Seeing the way he looked at you tonight, I’m sure of it. So I have to ask, do you love him too?”

Choking on whiskey tends to hurt a little bit. I coughed it out, feeling embarrassed and completely put on the spot. Kylarai tried to hide a smirk as I regained my composure.

“That is not a yes or no answer. I wish it was. I feel something for Kale that is rooted in our friendship, in things we share. It’s confusing and hard to define, but it’s real. I don’t think I can give you a straight answer.”

She nodded knowingly. “So, that’s a yes.” I grimaced and she laughed. “It’s ok, Lex. I’m long over Kale. What we had was short-lived and never really got the chance to become more than deep affection. I just want him to be happy.”

Guilt rolled through me, and I sighed. “So do I.”

“Come on, let’s go kick Shaz’ ass at pool. We can team up against him.”

Doing something as mundane and human as shooting a game of pool was just what I needed. I’d been leery of Shaz’ insistence to celebrate my birthday. I didn’t think I could have an outing that wasn’t one supernatural incident after another, but this was nice. It was uneventful, for the most part, and I couldn’t have been happier with that.

It was well past one in the morning when I felt the thrilling rush of Arys’ presence. I was momentarily breathless, excited just by the sight of him. His hair was messier than usual, but it was no less sexy than any other time. I couldn’t wait to run my fingers through it. I couldn’t help but ogle his bare, muscular arms and the way his shirt defined his firm body. The dim lighting glinted off the silver rings in his nose and lip. The lusty urge to nibble the one in his lip was strong.

Arys swept past Shaz on his way to me, pausing long enough to smack the end of Shaz’ pool cue as he lined up his shot. Shaz’ cue slipped, knocking one of Kylarai’s balls into a nearby pocket. He whirled around to glare into Arys’ smirking face.

“Fuck you.” Shaz’ eyes flashed with a deadly light. Then a small grin broke over his handsome face, and he gave Arys a shove.

I couldn’t help but grow tense as I watched them. Though I’d never say it to either of them, part of me found it to be a bit of a turn on when they went at each other, as long as there was no real chance of anybody getting seriously hurt.