Page 136 of Taken By the Fae

“That won’t go away if you keep avoiding him.” His arms fall back to his sides. “Take time and figure your shit out, but if you allow what happened to keep you from Tristan, you’re letting Jules win.”

I stare at him, wide-eyed, for the longest minute of my life. He’s right—so fucking right, it makes my chest fill with pressure, as if it’s about to explode. “How did we end up talking about this? We were planning a birthday party.Youcame to getmyhelp.”

“I guess you needed me more than I needed you.” He shrugs. “You repeat this conversation to anyone, and I’ll kill you. I don’t give a shit that you’re fae now.”

I almost laugh. “Believe me, this conversation didn’t happen.” Even as I say that, I’m sure Max can see the swirls of gratitude surrounding me like a warm fleece blanket on a chilly day, and I make no effort to hide it.

He turns his face away so I don’t see the touch of a smile on his lips. “I’ll see you at the party.” With that, he shifts out of the dorm, leaving me standing there still struggling with that deep ache in my chest.

* * *

I meet Nikolai at the pub the next morning. It isn’t open yet, so it’s safe to talk without worrying about eavesdropping humans. He wraps me in a one-armed hug; it’s not weird, which is kind of weird.

“Hey,” he says, sliding onto the bar stool beside me.

I smile. “Hey.”

“How’s it going?” he asks, his eyes flicking across my face as if he’s assessing my appearance.

“Fine, I guess. We’re throwing a party here on Friday, by the way. It’s Oliver’s birthday, and Max asked for my help.”

Nikolai purses his lips. “Sure, you can take over my pub to host your human friend’s party. Thanks so much for asking.”

I roll my eyes. “Since when are you one to pass up a party?”

“So, this is my formal invitation?”

“That depends. Are you going to be able to handle yourself without pissing off Skylar?”

He smirks. “It’s just so easy.”

I shoot him a pointed look. “I’m serious. Oliver doesn’t know about the fae, and this is important. He deserves a normal party that doesn’t deteriorate into a battle between the fae courts.”

Nikolai lets loose a heavy sigh. “Relax, gorgeous. I’ll be on my best behavior. There will be other humans attending, I assume?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I’ll show you how to feed on them.”

My eyes widen, my chest swirling with a mix of excitement and anxiety—the two are often hard to tell apart these days. The idea of feeding on Oliver’s friends makes me uneasy. “You promise it won’t affect them?”

“You’ll only be taking small amounts from each person—they’ll be completely fine.”

I chew my lip as I contemplate it. “Okay.”

He flashes his usual charming grin. “Should I book a stripper? I’m sure I could find a dancing police officer or something.”

“Yeah, consider yourselfuninvited.”

He pouts. “Oh, please. It isn’t a party without yours truly.”

“You know, I think we’d manage.”

“I’m going,” he insists.

I slide off the barstool, zip up my jacket, and meet his gaze. “I’m serious, Nik. No funny shit. Okay?”

His expression smoothes as he raises his hand. “Scout’s honor.”

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