Mortal Defiance

Page 14

“Poseidon. Well, technically Paden is a descendant of Poseidon, too,” Weylin offered after swallowing a large bite of pizza.
“Hunky Paden has two godly patrons?” Teagan pulled her feet down from the table and looked at Paden with a sultry smile. “Now, that is interesting. Someone was planning ahead with you.”
“Stop baiting Ree, Teagan.” Sophie looked at the other woman shrewdly. “I don’t think you would like the outcome.”
Ree looked back at Teagan and saw her smiling. “Just testing the waters, Soph. There’s so much sexual tension in this room, you could cut it with a knife. I couldn’t resist. No hard feelings, Ree? I only wanted to know where you stood with your Guardians.”
“Um, no hard feelings.” Heat ran the length of Ree’s neck and face. She still wanted to crawl onto Paden’s lap to stake her territory. Paden, who was sitting next to her, had pursed his lips in an attempt to not laugh. Apparently, he had felt her jealousy just as much as she had felt his amusement.
“So, that leaves you two.” Looking at Bryce and Juliette, she tapped her mouth with a dainty finger. “Horus, because I can see your ring there.” She gestured at Bryce’s hand before turning back to Jules.
“She smells like sunshine, Teagan.” Drake sniffed quietly in Juliette’s direction, and she raised her eyebrows in annoyance. “Like a bright spring day.”
“Hm. Amaterasu? You look a little like her.”
“You’ve met her? What was she like?”
“Very bright.” She winked at Juliette. “It was very brief, and she didn’t say much. She was beautiful, though. Of course, most of the gods are.”
Juliette sat back in her chair, disappointment marring her beautiful face. “I can’t help but wonder what she’s like.”
“It’s usually wiser to limit your time with the gods,” Sophie said from her chair.
“What about you, Sophie? Who are you descendant of?” Ree bit her bottom lip, surprised she had spoken out loud. She had wondered for a long time, but had never felt comfortable asking.
“You might as well tell her, Sophie. She’s dying to know.” Roland was sitting at the computer working on something Ree couldn’t see. “It’s written all over her face.”
“Athena,” Sophie said, dryly. Standing up, she picked up her paper plate from the table and threw it in the trash can. Her face had settled into her usually blank expression.
Ree looked toward Roland to see if he had an explanation, but he gave a quick jerk of his head no. Maybe she would be able to get more information from him the next time he was on guard duty at her house.
“What about you, Drake? King Sniffer,” Weylin asked.
The flash of a bright smile flitted over the dark man’s face. “Teagan and I might not look like it, but we share a family ancestry.”
“Aphrodite?” Melanie’s voice squeaked the tiniest bit.
“One and the same.”
“No offense, but I would have guessed you would be a little more…” Weylin trailed off, looking for words that weren’t offensive.
“Flirty? Outlandish?” Drake shook his head and cast a meaningful glance toward Teagan. “Some of us godlings try to not allow our heritage to influence the way in which we conduct ourselves.”
“Oh, shut it, Drake.” Teagan threw her bunched up paper towel at him. He caught the paper and laughed. It was a musical sound, and Ree couldn’t help the flutter in her stomach that accompanied it. When she noticed all of the girls in the room had stopped to look at Drake, she shook her head. He might not want any of Aphrodite’s gifts, but it was clear he had them.
“So, what are we doing tonight?” Ree turned to look at Sophie as she cleaned some of the glasses in the tiny sink.
“Tonight we’re going clubbing.” Sophie smiled at Ree’s expression.
“Clubbing?” Ree couldn’t keep the horror out of her voice, and she was pretty sure it was reflected in her expression.
“It’s when people get dressed up in cool clothes and go dance with other people.” Weylin looked at Ree with a sincere expression. “Sometimes it’s even enjoyable.”
Ree flung her paper plate at Weylin’s head. “I know what clubbing is, dork! What I can’t understand is how we’re supposed to get in a club when most of us are underage—or look underage.”
“That’s hardly a problem if Roland’s going with you.” Teagan stood up and stretched. Her halter rode up even higher to expose more of her midriff. “Mr. Sexy over there just has to use his pheromone mojo to get past the bouncer.” Walking over to Roland, she placed a hand on his shoulder, her fingers massaging small circles. “Isn’t that right, Rols?”
“It only works on people that are attracted to males, Tea.” Covering her hand with his, a sly smile slid over Roland’s face when he looked up at the redhead. “As you should know.”
The immediate pang of jealousy surprised Ree. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Paden’s nostrils flare in anger, but she was hopeless to stop the feeling. Something inside her wanted to claw the redhead’s eyes out, and it was partly because she knew Teagan was egging her on. It didn’t help that she was pretty sure Roland was enjoying his chance to make her jealous too.
“What club are we going to? Do you have a lead?” Resolutely ignoring the discord floating between Ree and Teagan, Bryce kept his eyes focused on Sophie.
“We’re going back to the darkling’s club. It came to our attention that one of the silent partners has stepped up to take over.” Sophie looked at them, her dark eyebrows pulled together. “Shannon’s father is now in charge of Club Barlow.”
Hoping that her mouth wasn’t hanging open, Ree felt her stomach tighten. She couldn’t help but wonder if this was the connection between Shannon and the Dark Ones. Surely, Tristan wouldn’t be associating with Shannon unless he had a reason. Or at least associating with her and letting her live. Did Shannon’s father know about the Dark Ones? And if he did, how could he allow them to treat his daughter like a buffet?
“Well, I guess that answers some questions and brings up new ones.” Bryce sat back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful.
“Yes. Now, we need to hurry because I want to scout some before we enter the club.” Sophie set the glass she was washing down on the dish rack. “You guys need to change.”
“What’s wrong with what we’re wearing?” Frowning, Ree looked down at her clothes. Jeans and a sweater seemed reasonable, considering how cold it was outside.
“Ree, you need to look older. And jeans and a sweater scream middle school.” Weylin shook his head and frowned. “You need to sex it up some.”
“Sex it up? And what do you mean, middle school?” Ree pulled at her sleeves in annoyance. “I got this for Christmas.”
“From who? Your grandmother?” Snickering at Ree’s expression, Weylin tilted back in his chair and didn’t notice when Ree gathered the power to her. A quick shove had him rolling backward out of his chair and onto the floor.
Melanie pointed at Weylin, who was looking up at the rest of their group sheepishly. “You so deserved that.” Paden held up his hand to high-five Ree.
“It doesn’t change the fact that no one’s going to believe Ree is old enough to go in a club wearing that outfit. Roland mojo or not.” Setting his chair back right, Weylin shrugged his shoulder. “Sorry, Ree. You know I love you, but it’s true.”
Sighing in acceptance, Ree looked at the others. “Well, what should I wear to the club?”
“Oh, I have been waiting for this moment for years.” Grabbing Ree’s hand, Juliette snatched her out of her chair and headed for the stairs. “I know just what to put you in.”
Looking over her shoulder, Ree mouthed help as she was dragged up to the next floor.
Chapter 22
“It’s perfect.” Juliette looked entirely too happy with herself for Ree to feel comfortable.
“I look ridiculous.” Looking down at the clothes she was wearing, she pulled at the delicate shirt. “Look at me, I’m a mermaid.” Gesturing at the sequins, Ree met Juliette’s gaze in the mirror.
“Shut up, Ree. You don’t look like a mermaid. It’s perfect on you! Very romantic and sexy.”
While Juliette changed into a new outfit, Ree regarded herself in the mirror. The loose shirt was pretty; she just wasn’t sure about it on her. Soft fabric draped over her chest in a way that hinted to what was underneath without being overly suggestive. The jeans, on the other hand, were skintight and tucked into knee-high boots of the softest brown leather. Sighing, she tucked her loose hair behind her ears and looked at Jules.
“Stop tucking your hair behind your ears. You’re messing it up.” Sliding some gloss on her lips, Juliette glared at Ree in the mirror.
“Why can’t I pull it up again? It gets in my face.”
“You need to look older. A ponytail is counterproductive.” Snapping the lip gloss closed, Juliette turned and looked at Ree speculatively. She turned to dig through a tiny bag. “You need some makeup. Close your eyes and stand still.”
“We’re going to hunt Dark Ones, Jules. I don’t think I need mascara for that.” Wincing, Ree jerked her head back. “What the hell was that for?” Touching her head, she opened her eyes.
“You had a stray hair. Stop being a big baby and close your eyes.”
“No more tweezing!” Ree covered her forehead with her hands.
“I’m done! Stand still and let me finish.” Pushing Ree’s hands away from her face, Juliette leaned in and started drawing eyeliner across her friend’s eyelids.
“Tell me how you figured out how to get clothes from the gods. I know you haven’t been carrying club clothes around with you for no reason.” Standing as still as possible, Ree barely moved her mouth.
“Shh! I figured out that if I asked for something out loud or thought about it hard enough, it would show up. That’s how you got that killer jacket, right? I figured you already knew.” Throwing the liner back in her bag, she came back with mascara. “Look up.”
“I did want a warmer jacket. I was wondering how they knew.”
“Look down.” Running the brush through Ree’s lashes, Juliette drew her eyebrows together in concentration, her mouth forming a small -o-. “Well, it looks good on you, and I figure we should get something out of all this, you know?”
“Thanks, and you’re right.” Blinking, Ree leaned back and let Juliette examine her.
“Perfect.”
Looking in the mirror made Ree pause in shock. She did look older. The charcoal eyes and glossy lips gave her a mysterious, almost sophisticated, look. Soft blond hair hung down her shoulders, and heavy bangs swooped across her forehead. She raised her hand and touched the hematite necklace that hung from her neck, and couldn’t help but smile at her reflection.
“Wow, Jules. You did an awesome job.”
“I know.” Standing behind Ree in the mirror, Juliette laughed. “Grab your jacket and let’s go downstairs. But I want to go first so that I can see Paden and Roland’s faces when you get down there.”
“Jules!” Swatting her hand at her friend, Ree shook her head and felt her heart flutter. What would they think? True to her word, Juliette flew down the stairs, leaving Ree to trail behind her. Taking a deep breath, Ree grabbed her jacket and headed toward the rest of the group.
Looking smug, Jules was standing off to the side, arms crossed. Walking down the steps, Ree was more nervous than she had been in a while. Paden was still sitting at the table, wearing a dark brown leather jacket over an olive-green shirt. His hair was mussed and hanging low over his eyes, enhancing his intense stare when he looked up at her. Slowly, his gaze roved over her as if drinking in the sight. Heat warmed her cheeks as a slow smile curved his lips.
“Lookin’ good, Ree.” Weylin sat up from where he was lying on the couch and looked Ree over. “You look all grown up.” Smiling he gave her a thumbs-up.
“There was never any doubt.” Roland’s slight accent drew Ree’s attention. Standing in the doorway to the storefront, his face was shadowed, but she could still see the glint of appreciation in his eyes.
“Thanks, guys.” Shrugging on her jacket, she looked around the room. “Where did Drake and Teagan go?”
“They are here to help patrol the streets and watch over your parents. They won’t be accompanying us.” Sophie stood from her seat at the computer and slid a slim dagger into her boot. Ree shifted her leg in her boot to make sure that her own knife was hidden. The Guardian was also dressed in clubbing clothes. A shiny black top barely brushed the top of her black pants. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, emphasizing her angled cheekbones.
“Hey! She’s wearing her hair up!” Ree pointed at Sophie and glared at Juliette.
“Yeah, and she doesn’t look like she’s in high school. You don’t have that luxury.”
“I like your hair down.” Paden’s voice was low as he walked toward her. He picked up some of the hair lying on her shoulder and gently rubbed it between his fingers. “You look great.” Leaning down so his mouth was near her ear, he said, “But I like you in jeans and a T-shirt just as much. You never have to dress up to impress me.”
Warmth filled Ree as she looked into Paden’s eyes. Belonging and need combined to make her almost dizzy. She could see the same emotions reflected in his green eyes and she wished they were alone. Laying her hand on his chest, she could feel his heartbeat and stepped closer to him.
“Gah, get a room.” Weylin’s voice filled the uncomfortable void that had entered the room while Ree and Paden had been lost in each other. Taking a step backward, Ree looked down at the floor in embarrassment. Now that she wasn’t wrapped up in Paden, she could feel Roland’s jealousy, and it stung.
“Alright, let’s go.” Shrugging into her own jacket, Sophie stuck another blade into a sheath on her back.
They left the vehicles at the shop and walked toward River Street. The club was in an alley just off the busy tourist area. Since it was Tuesday, Ree didn’t think the dance spot would be very crowded, but there was a long line leading to the door. Sophie signaled for them to stay back in the shadows so they could survey the area before trying to get in.