Chapter Nineteen #4
I accepted the drink and took a sip, warmed by her thoughtfulness. “Thank you. Did you like the set?”
“I like your songs–they’re great for running. Also, my brother is very jealous. He might be a fan.” She smiled a little.
“Well, one time we’ll have to get him to come.” I looked at the group. Carlos and Hale were sitting on one of the couches in front of the fire with Fiona on their lap. Saoirse sat in a chair nearby.
“We’re going to hit the afterparty?” I asked. One of my friends was the afterparty DJ tonight, so it would be a really good time. It would probably end up with me getting up there, too, which was absolutely fine.
“Sounds good to me.” Hale balanced his cup precariously on the edge of the couch.
Rummaging through his belt pouch, he took out a small tin and a bag.
“Okay, so I have the Hale-strom special, which is my party drug I created.” He held up the tin with small tablets in it.
Then he held up the little baggie with little pills in it.
“I also have this, which should be absolutely amazing. Not sure if it’s safe for Carlos, but I should have something that is for tomorrow. ”
“I also still have some recreationals, if anyone wants to be legal,” Carlos added. “Nobody needs to do anything if they don’t want to.”
“I’ll do some shots, but I’ll pass on the rest for now,” Saoirse replied.
“I’ll have shots with you,” I told her. “Also, I’ll take a recreational.”
“Hale-Strom? Like a hail storm?” Fiona asked.
Hale shook his head. “Like a maelstrom. I’m more of a water person than an ice person.”
“Fair. I like the snow.” I tipped my head back to catch tiny snowflakes in my mouth.
Carlos took one of the tablets, then handed me his tin. I took one of the gummy bears. Hale and Fiona took something, too. We all went to the bar and did some shots before they closed. Security started pushing everyone towards the designated afterparty area.
The tented stage being used for the afterparty was just as beautifully decorated as all the other stages. In front of it was a small outdoor area with a couple of food vendors, a bar, and more fire pits.
We went inside, where the party was already in progress, as the DJ spun tunes for those who still wanted to party.
Shit, I hadn’t heard that song in a while. I’d really liked that artist’s shit, but I hadn’t seen anything new from her in ages. I made a mental note to reach out about collaborating.
“Let’s dance.” Hale dragged everyone onto the floor and the five of us started dancing.
Saoirse was an amazing dancer. As the night wore on, we did a few more shots. It was nice to see her relax, though I noticed she never fully let go.
Then again, with her being an assassin, she could probably out drink Carlos, who was a professional athlete.
A song came on and Fiona’s eyes lit up. She grabbed Saoirse and the two of them started sexy dancing together.
“Fuck that’s hot.” Carlos came up next to me, as Hale left the dance floor, probably for the bathroom.
“Absolutely,” I agreed.
Hale returned, very high. He grabbed Carlos and started dancing with him.
I got everyone some water. When I came back, Carlos and Hale were making out with Fiona between them.
Going over to Saoirse, I handed her a bottle of water. “The three of them look cute together.”
“They’re having fun.” Saoirse opened the water and took a sip. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” I watched them. From the conversations I had with Hale, he was a really nice guy, but still at university.
I remember what Carlos and I were like at that age. Okay, we still weren’t the epitome of maturity. I wouldn’t mind someone serious in my life, which was part of why I’d been semi-pursuing Saoirse. But we were all still young with plenty of time to settle down and start a pack.
“You’re good with everything? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable,” I asked Saoirse, meaning both me, and with what was going on with Fiona, Hale, and Carlos.
When Carlos had invited Hale, I didn’t think he’d be into Carlos’ omega.
She shook her head. “It’s fine. She’s an omega. Sometimes she needs an alpha. While young, he seems better than the ones her fathers keep trying to pair her up with.”
“Maybe I should have my moms help find her an alpha that’s good with you and Carlos? They probably know a totally different kind of alpha than her dads,” I offered.
Saoirse gave me a look. “You really want me to meet your moms.”
“While they can be a lot, especially all together, they’re pretty great.” Taking my phone out of my pocket, I went to text them Merry Christmas, but there wasn’t any reception again. I’d call them later.
Carlos waved us over. “Come dance.”
“Let’s join them? I need to get all of the adrenaline out of my system so I can sleep.” Grabbing her hand, we joined them and handed out the water bottles. One of my favorite songs came on. I started dancing with abandon, everyone joining me–even Saoirse.
What a night. A great set, a good afterparty, and delicious food waiting for us at the villa.
This was the perfect Christmas, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.