Page 84 of Riot of Autumn

“Leave me.” He waves us all away. “I don’t want to see your faces until midnight, when you will bond and then bow to me.”

“Sure thing, majesty.” Ruby smiles sweetly, but tugs me away before the Duke has the chance to respond.

Archer loops an arm over Octavia’s shoulder and leads her away, his other hand linked with Lena’s. As soon as we’re far enough away, we form a loose circle, for all the world looking as though we’re casually enjoying the party. The music has been cranked back up and everyone is dancing again and having a good time.

Greta joins our circle. “All the shots have been passed out.”

Ben and Julian are right behind her. “We’ve taken care of giving everyone bracelets or a necklace.”

“The majority of the town should be covered by one or the other charms,” Octavia says, examining the crowd like she can sniff out anyone we missed.

I pull Ruby closer to my side. “Now we wait.”

29

RUBY

Iwish I could enjoy the party. Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year, and I’m pretty pissed that the Duke and all his stupid Fae lackeys are ruining the night for me. Although, things are definitely starting to look up. The Duke just took his pirate shirt off and is bobbing his head to the beat of the music like his seat can’t contain him. Seraphina is back on her phone, and Scott is sneering at the crowd like he wants to start bashing in heads with his stupid stick. Anthony and Colton are both looking at the Duke with curious expressions.

I almost groan out loud when Cadence Bunchen saunters up to me with Loralei Sisily at her side. They both have ugly smiles plastered to their faces. All my friends are occupied, making sure the next part of our plan is in place, which is what I should be doing. Instead, I’m getting cornered by the bitch squad.

“Oh look, it’s a giant butt,” Cadence snickers as she eyes my costume.

I generally like most people. No, that’s a lie. I avoid a lot of people, but I’m not an asshole to someone just because it gives me a sick sort of pleasure. That’s exactly the kind of thing these two get off on. Loralei slept with my boyfriend in high school. I’m not all about girl hate or anything, I’m equal opportunity, I loathe my ex as well. Then there’s Cadence, who has been trying to get into Ezra’s pants for as long as I can remember and has generally been a shitty human to me.

“Funny, you must have coordinated your costume with mine, then. Really bold of you to go as a giant turd.” I cock my head to the side to look at Cadence’s outfit.

She gasps like I’ve thrown cold water on her. “I’m a cavewoman,” she shrieks, making my eardrums vibrate.

I know what her brown dress is supposed to be, but she started it. I am not the better person who does the right thing and takes it on the chin. Nope. I’m a petty mother fucker who won’t tolerate being insulted for no good reason. Beside her, Loralei has some kind of super short princess dress on. It’s white with pink trim on the bottom of the skirt. I tap my finger against my mouth. “And you’re…don’t tell me…a tampon.”

Loralei leans toward me, practically hissing as she gets in my face. “You’re just a jealous bitch. How long do you think Ezra will want to stay with you? You never could keep a boyfriend satisfied.”

Cadence laughs, her hands on her waist as she cocks her hip. “I don’t know what a piece of trash like you did to trap poor Ezra, but it’s only a matter of time before he’s in my bed.”

“Oh, are the two of you going to share? I’m not sure he can handle that much harpy at the same time.” I try to put my hand on my hip, but my costume doesn’t have hips.

“Someday, he’ll wake up, trapped, and chew his arm off to get away from you.” Cadence paints a lovely picture for me.

A warm, rough palm finds its way into mine, and for the first time tonight I regret my costume. I’d prefer Ezra’s arms around me, but I’ll take what I can get.

“Is someone talking about me? I swear my ears are ringing.” Ezra swoops down to brush a kiss over my lips. It’s really fucking hard not to feel smug at the death glares Cadence and Loralei are throwing my way.

Cadence straightens up and plasters a smile on her face. “Oh, Ezra.” She throws her head back and laughs like he’s said something hilarious before she reaches out to squeeze his bicep. “You’re so funny. We were just catching up with Ruby. Gossiping a little. You know, girl stuff.”

Ezra gives the two other girls that grin of his. The one that’s so hot it can set a woman’s panties on fire. The two of them melt under his attention. Honestly, it’s a little mean. There’s no fighting against that smile.

“Interesting. I thought you were shitting on my relationship with Ruby.” The smile drops off his face and both women go still.

“It sounded a lot like you were questioning how serious things are between the two of us. Let me tell you, there is no one else for me. Ever.”

“Ezra—” Cadence starts, but Ezra cuts her off.

“If I ever hear you speak to her that way again, I will ensure your name is synonymous with dirt on this island. Oh, and your mom asked me to sleep with her at the Beltane festival. Would you mind letting her know I’m not interested in either branch of your family tree?”

With that, Ezra steps in front of me, giving them his back and blocking them from my sight. He looks so stupid in his giant hot dog costume, but I’ve never felt more loved in my entire life.

“You know, I could have told them off myself.” I raise an eyebrow at him.

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