Birthday Prep

Alexis’ birthday celebrations were usually more reserved. While Alexis no doubt would have loved a wild and crazy party, her sister always kept her on a tight leash. As the one paying, it was an effective means of keeping her wild sister under control. I expected a huge celebration for her twenty-first birthday. The way Alexis spoke of it, I imagined something extravagant. All I knew was it involved a club, and Chloe was pushing hard for me to come along. From the amusement in her Noise when she spoke of it, I suspected there was something planned.

The idea of going to a club didn’t appeal to me. Crowds were already hard to deal with due to my Gift. Clubs were the exact opposite of what I considered a good time, with a higher density and people with a greater degree of emotional release and intensity. It wouldn’t be pleasant, but I could tell it was important to Chloe and Alexis. They both rode an emotional high for a few days after I agreed to come along. I was curious what the two had in store. I knew whatever it was wouldn’t be too ****, as Natalie was sure to keep her sister in line. Not sure how they expected me to get in, as I was still eighteen, but I was told not to worry about it.

Chloe ran her hand over the front of my shirt, as if smoothing out wrinkles only she could see. An approving look followed her lingering gaze. “I’m with Sophie, you should dress like this more.” Her Noise was alive with various emotions, but when she looked at me, I could see desire and amusement at the forefront.

I glanced over at the mirror to find the cold, calculating man staring back. It was too neat, too precise for my stoic features. I preferred the disarray and the slight rumpling I usually had; it gave a casual appearance that matched my mental image of myself. “I’m not sure it suits me.” My hand went to my shirt, wanting to button at least two more. That earned the offending hand a light slap from my girlfriend.

She shook her head as she adjusted the collar of my black shirt. “It does and you know it. Stop fussing with it.”

I raised an eyebrow as I let my hands drop. She smiled as she took me in. “I like it.” Her eyes met mine. “You look equal parts dashing and charming.”

My eyes flicked towards the mirror. “I look like a psychopath.”

She giggled. “No you don’t.”

“I do. I’ve seen enough movies to know that.”

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, no more cheesy vampire movies for you. I’m telling Natalie I’m cutting you off.”

“She will be heartbroken.”

She took my hand, pulling me towards the bedroom door. “She’ll live.”

When I didn’t move, she gave me a curious look. My gaze ran over her as I **** myself to appreciate her efforts tonight. Her outfit was more conservative than it normally was when she went out with Victoria and Alexis. Was it because I was going? The last thing I wanted was her adjusting to what she thought I wanted. Her dark hair was down, brushing past her shoulders. It highlighted the flawless pale skin of her bare shoulders, which was only emphasized by the off-the-shoulder black top. Her skirt started right at the top of her hips, the hemline short, ending above her mid-thigh. Her legs were on full display, highlighted by the smooth white fabric of the skirt. A pair of black boots and socks reaching over her knees completed the look.

Her expression shifted from curiosity to mischievousness as she noticed my attention. “Yes?”

I looked up to find her lips twisted in a playful smirk. There was an inquisitive quirk to her eyebrow as she tugged at my hand once more. I resisted the tug and reversed it as she allowed herself to be pulled closer. My arms slipped around her waist as I studied her eyes, seeing the teasing amusement within them. The dark eye makeup made her vibrant hazel eyes seem even more captivating.

“Just enjoying the view.”

She hummed. “I hope so. Took me hours to get ready.”

“Maybe we should stay—”

Slipping out of my grasp, she grabbed my wrist. “Oh no, you don’t.” She eyed me critically. “You aren’t going to talk your way out of this. Come on, they are probably waiting on us.”

I didn’t resist, trailing behind her as we left my apartment and went next door. Natalie was the one who answered. She shared a smile with Chloe before giving me a once over. She nodded to herself, approving. She waved us inside, stepping aside to let us pass. Her own outfit was quite different from Chloe’s. A flowy white top that showed some skin, but was far more modest than what Chloe was wearing. Snug jeans ended in flat boots that reached just above her ankles. Her Noise spoke of nervous excitement and anxiety as she led us into the apartment. Alexis popped her head out of the bedroom.

“Natalie have you seen my—Oh! You’re here!” Her eyes lingered on me for a moment before looking at Chloe. The desire in her Noise elevated when she looked at me, then spiked as she took in Chloe. “You look amazing.”

“So do you.” Chloe wasn’t lying. Alexis had also taken pains with her appearance. Her hair was more radiant than usual, framing her face in smooth waves of crimson. She wore a sheer black mesh top with strategically placed silver sequins, hinting at the black bralette beneath. Like Chloe, it left a hint of her midriff visible above her deep burgundy pleated mini skirt. A silver chain choker adorned her neck, and her chunky black platform boots earned her another inch. She had the same dark eye makeup as Chloe, bringing out the radiance of her green eyes.

“Be right back,” she said, disappearing back into her room.

Natalie gave me an amused look. “Surprised you are going.”

“I wasn’t given much choice in the matter,” I said, eyeing Chloe.

Chloe turned to Natalie, innocently ignoring my comment. “I take it Victoria is going to meet us there?”

Natalie nodded. “It simplifies travel. Ezra and I will be the DDs tonight.” She looked to me. “If you don’t mind me driving.”

“Can’t wait to finally meet him!”

I looked to Natalie. “I thought I would be driving.”

Something in Chloe’s Noise spiked, but before I could get a read on it, she **** my attention on her. Our eyes met as she kept me from eyeing her Noise. “Nope! We have plans for you.” I shifted my expression into a frown, earning a giggle from my girlfriend. “Relax. Nothing bad.”

“Just slightly illegal,” Alexis said as she returned from her room. A spicy scent lingered as she passed to hang her arm around Chloe’s shoulders.

“You know that doesn’t help, right?” I said.

Alexis laughed and hugged Chloe. “You ready?”

Chloe grinned. “Hell yeah!”

I met Natalie’s eyes as the two started for the door. “You approved this?”

She shrugged, lips curled in amusement. “A little bit of fun never hurt anyone.” I gave her a sidelong look, earning a laugh. “Relax, Jake. Promise you no one is going to end up in jail tonight.” She took my arm, guiding me along after the two giggling girls. “Probably.”