Page 35 of Unmasked Prophecy

Music blasts from the clubhouse, loud and gritty, and I can feel the bass thumping in my chest. Women laugh and flirt, their bodies pressing against the bikers in ways that make me a little jealous. I would love nothing more right now than to let myself go like that. To feel a man up against me.

Talon’s rejection still lingers in my chest, making it sting every time I think about it.

Maybe tonight, it’s time I let go.

“Looking a little lost there, darlin’,” Kael says, appearing beside me, smelling incredible and looking equally as good.

“I’m just trying to figure out where to go first,” I laugh.

He chuckles, his eyes warm. “Stick with me, you’ll get the hang of it. Ain’t as crazy as it looks.”

I raise a brow. “I think you’re lying.”

His laughter is light, and it eases some of the tension in my chest. I watch as he moves through the crowd, his presence commanding, but in a way that makes everyone smile. He’s probably my favorite out of the entire group. He just has this easygoing vibe that makes me feel so comfortable.

Knox and Zane are by the grill, a haze of smoke rising around them, their faces set in concentration as they flip burgers and ribs. My stomach rumbles and I know that is going to taste damn good later. I bring the glass to my lips, sipping as I continue people watching, still not fully ready to go down there.

“It’s crazy, right?” Mera says, stepping up beside me. “I remember my first cookout, I couldn’t believe how many people came in.”

I nod, staring out over the sea of people. “I’ve never seen this many people in my life, which I think is sadder than anything.”

She chuckles. “Well, that means it’s the perfect time to let your hair down.”

“I’m ready,” I grin. “I need a distraction.”

“We could try Talon again you know, give him something to be jealous about,” Mera grins.

“I have a feeling he doesn’t get jealous.”

She winks. “Trust me. Come on.”

I take her hand when she offers it, following her, certain this is likely a very bad idea. Still, I can’t help but wonder what her plan is. It’s about time I let everything else go, and just enjoy one night. Hell, it’s probably the last night I have left and I’m not about to waste it.

Mera drags me down the steps and into the chaos, where music pounds and people mill around everywhere. Laughter and voices swirl around us, and I can’t help but catch the contagiousenergy. My heart does something strange in my chest, and I feel that unfamiliar pull of joy tugging at the corners of my lips.

“Dance with me!” She tugs my hand, not giving me a choice.

We move to a clear spot and when a song comes on, Mera starts moving, her smile infectious as she laughs loudly. I join in, laughing as she twirls me, my bare feet hitting the ground. I can’t remember feeling anything like this—free, unburdened, happy.

The music shifts, a deep bass line rumbling through my bones. Mera whoops, grabbing my hands, and we move together. I close my eyes and let it wash over me, pretending, just for a moment, that I don’t have a world of chaos waiting to swallow me whole.

I open them, and my gaze catches on Talon.

He’s standing near the doorway, arms folded, eyes locked on me. A rush goes through me, hot and electric, and I bite my lip to stop the need becoming clear on my face. He knows by now I want him, and yet the expression he’s giving me is almost hungry. When his lips drop to mine, my skin prickles.

Then I see her.

A blond girl moves up to him, her hips swaying with the music. I can’t move my eyes away as she turns her back to him, grinding against him as she moves, and he does nothing to stop her. Not a single fucking thing. He lets her grind against him and the entire time his eyes don’t move from mine.

Anger bubbles in my chest.

Mera sees my face and turns, following my gaze. She lets out a low whistle. “Looks like someone is trying to get a rise out of you.”

I shake my head, trying to act like I don’t care. “He can do what he wants.”

She laughs, pulling me back to face her. “Girl, please. I know what he’s doing, even if you don’t. Two can play at that game, you know.”

She’s right.

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