Page 2 of Faerie Marked

I wouldn’t be allowed tolive.

“Look, there’s Jason.” Dawn pointed ahead through the crowd. “I know he’s been making eyes at you for the last three weeks. Is he still texting you?”

“Yeah, sometimes. It’s been three weeks of flirtatious fun,” I replied, then sent a silent wave ahead to the boy in question. Masculine blue eyes pinned me and held, drawing a smile from me. My first genuine one of the night.

Dawn gave me a nudge in his direction. “Why don’t you go talk to him? Start up the conversation and see where it takes you. I mean, it’s your party. He can’t say no to you tonight. Have fun!”

“There are other people to talk to…” I began, then trailed off.

My night, my rules.

With Dawn’s permission to release myself into the wilds of teenage flirtation, I crossed the lawn toward Jason, my footsteps silent and stealthy. The wolf inside of me took hold. Although only fifty percent of my genetic makeup, my wolf was everything I wanted to be but rarely felt: confident, strong, capable.

None of those things had ever described me. Not deep down where it really counted.

“Well, hello there, birthday girl,” Jason began the moment I stepped within earshot. “You look great.”

He’d slicked his rich dark hair around his ears, lending the appearance of classic boy-next-door. He had the sort of looks appealing to the masses and I knew he had his fair share of females sniffing around for attention.

I plucked at the simple black sheath dress bought specifically for this occasion. “Thank you.”

“Everyone has been waiting for you to make an appearance. I’m flattered you chose to visit me first.” His deep rumble came from his chest, a richer tone than his young face indicated. The beginning of a beard darkened his chin while the rest of his jaw remained spotless.

I pushed my hands through my hair and mussed the strands Dawn had meticulously put into place moments ago. “You looked lonely standing here by yourself. I figured you might want a little company,” I said.

“If the company isyou, then I’m in luck. I get to spend time with the prettiest girl here.”

A little light back-and-forth play did the soul good, I decided instantly,especiallywhen the guy on the other end looked like Jason. Yet instead of a quick return, something coy designed to get him to step closer or take my hand, I snorted. Not surprising to anyone who knew me. I rarely did well with praise.

“How about you and the prettiest girl get something to drink?” I suggested. “As long as you don’t mind ifItag along.”

“Tavi, you’re crazy,” he replied with a chuckle.

“I know. It’s a gift.”

He casually cupped my elbow as he escorted me back toward the throng of people. At least Jason didn’t try to touch me excessively. He’d grown up accustomed to wealth, so he knew the protocol. Not just within pack society, but the unwritten laws of the upper class as well.

“Your uncle did an awesome job,” Jason observed as we walked toward the refreshments.

I nodded my agreement. “He did. He always adores a good party. It’s his bread and butter.”

“I noticed guards at the gate.”

“Precautions,” I stated quickly, hoping not to scare him away. “Uncle Will always hires someone to watch the entrances and exits. He takes his job as alpha seriously. He does whatever he can to protect our people.”

I’d noticed the wolves standing guard at the rear, of course. They didn’t bother me anymore. Not when I’d grown up seeing the extra muscle around at events and meetings.

“It’s good to keep the riffraff away,” Jason said smugly. “I know how bright lights and shiny baubles tend to attract the undesirables.”

Theundesirables…?

My spine went stiff and I shifted my gaze toward his eyes. “I’m not sure what you mean. There hasn’t been a theft in the neighborhood in ages. Most people know to stay out. We have pretty good security in the area.”

“I’m talking about Fae and their like. All their little pixie and fairy brethren falling under the Fae umbrella. They’re fond of anything with glitz so I’m sure the display here is quite the draw.” Jason tucked his hands in his pockets, staring around the backyard with a scowl. “Have you had any issues before?”

Jason had no way of knowing his insulting statement struck a chord inside of me. I’d heard the words before and knew I repeated them myself in public only because I had no other choice. Otherwise everyone would know there was something wrong with me.

My mouth went dry. Despite it, I didn’t feel like having a drink anymore. “No. No issues,” I said vaguely, knowing no matter how nicely I tried to discuss the politics surrounding the Fae, it would do no good. Inside, I flinched, shying away from the harsh reality of the world. The inherent prejudices between the two races went deep.

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