34. An uninvited sleepover
An uninvited sleepover
KYRA
As always, the commute using my sigil is quick, and it’s Angie’s first-time tagging along.
No images flash, but I suspected they wouldn’t, and she grins as my sigil fades from existence.
Ashlyn and Alise decided walking fitted their mood, mentioning, “It’s a great moment to get to know one another. ” I regret not doing the same.
“Ohh, your room is cuter now.” Angie’s sparkling personality shows. “It’s cozy with rugs, pictures, plants, and stuffed animals. Wait…” I watch her smile fade. “Why do you have an abundance of stuffed animals, and why do they look like–this?” Grabbing one, she holds it by its elongated leg.
“Don’t worry about that.” Snatching it from her, I mutter, “Practice makes perfect.”
“No, practice makes progress, and progress makes perfection. You can’t skip steps, Kyra.”
“No one is–” *Sigh* “Anyways, I have something for you.” Tossing my failures aside, I pick up a box stashed beneath my bed, which reminds me to rid myself of the many failed copies it took creating her present. Twenty-three to be exact. “Here.”
“What is it?” she yells, animated and brewing with excitement. Unaware, or in her case, she might be aware that her breasts are bouncing out of control. A flick away from popping out of her dress.
“Simmer down, Angie. I’m not trying to get flashed.
” I chuckle at her dismissive wave. The gift is wrapped to near perfection, and it took two, maybe four, tries.
All white with cute, black skulls on the wrapping.
Even a black bow has a skull where the knot’s tied. “I tried making it to your liking.”
Being in a magical realm, I have endless possibilities of gifts, pizzazz, and other ‘wow’ factors. While I was raised by mortals, I didn’t start receiving gifts until well into my adult years, so wrapped presents mean a lot.
“Kyra, are you joking? I’ve never received a gift like this.” Perplexity flashes across her face. “I don’t know what you got me, but it’s already the best thing ever.” Her lips begin quivering, and her eyes water in an instant.
“Nope, don’t you dare tear up, Angie. You’ve done so much for me without asking anything in return. This is one of many thanks for being an amazing friend.”
Nothing surprises me when it pertains to her, but after seeing Angie cry over the smallest things, I’m convinced she is a hard softy. And by this, I mean she can stare death, danger, and other horrific adventures in the eye without blinking, but do something sweet and well…
I hand over the gift, forcing back a warming sting around my eyes, because we are not crying, and return a smile. I’m fascinated that she has never received a present like this.
“Can I open it now?” she asks, giving it a once-over with wide eyes.
“Of course you can. Sit right here.”
We move to my bed and perch, sitting side by side, when a thudding sonance draws my attention. She shakes the shit out of the box, and I’m beyond glad it’s nothing breakable. Though at this rate, I could be wrong.
“What is it? ”
“Stop shaking it and find out. I’m not ruining your surprise.” I chuckle.
“And you’re sure there’s no conditions attached? This is mine?”
“What? Angie there’s no strings attached, and yes, it’s yours.
” What has she been through where a simple gift comes with conditions?
Either way, it’s sad, and I’ll do better at giving her more.
“No one is taking this from you, so help the fay who tries. Open it,” I demand, facing her and sitting with my legs criss-crossed.
Excitement beams off her expression as she pulls both ends of the bow, careful not to damage it. She smiles big, placing it beside her, then proceeds with caution to unwrap her gift. If I had to compare, it’s equivalent to watching someone defuse a bomb.
This explains her eagerness when my mystery box appeared, containing the Awakening dress. Why haven’t Ethan or Alex given this sweet girl a present? A question I’ll bring to their attention.
Before long, Angie pulls the tape off the lid and is close to viewing what’s inside. Patience isn’t victorious at this particular moment, so I assist, awaiting her response. She shrieks, leaping up and tossing the box aside.
“Kyra!” Is the last clear word I hear before an onslaught of questions comes at me in rapid succession. I’m able to retain two out of many, grasping what is important.
“Where and how doesn’t matter. Make sure this toy is exactly how you remembered it.
” She ignores my response but follows up, asking if I got myself one.
I did. Hell, after so many mistakes, I’m lucky two of them work.
Then again, there is one with an electrical pulse.
A little too shocking for my taste but if Angie’s into it…
Despite it all, I’m still embarrassed. And it doesn’t help that this Academy is filled to the brim with attractive males. In all my years of living, I’ve never required a release this strong.
“Show me,” she demands, clutching the toy against her chest, which pushes her breasts up, leaving the vibrator snug between two fluffy tits.
I snort, setting mine on my lap, and speak in a secretive manner. “Meet B.O.B.”
“B.O.B.?”
“It stands for ‘Battery Operated Boyfriend.’”
Angie stares for what seems like years before offering one hell-of-a laugh.
“Kyra, that’s genius,” she exclaims, taking a seat beside me.
“I have about thirty different B.O.B.s, and like ten O.B.s. Those without batteries.” The grin she gives hints I should be happy for her, but what does one need with forty sex-toys?
“I’m…happy for you?” I giggle.
“Thank you, and it’s perfect. The color, size, ridges, and all three different extensions. You even got me the vibrating tongue that moisturizes while it licks–ohhh, and look, this long one wiggles, twists, vibrates, and pulses–the secondary does too! It’s an upgrade from my limited edition.”
“Yep. It’s an Angie exclusive gift which is why your name is on this side.” I point where her thumb sits. “And its name is on the other.”
She strokes a finger over her name and flips it to the other side, reading out loud, “Tri-Pleasure.” The vibrator has two pink shafts with red tips and an extended red tongue.
“Tri-Pleasure B.O.B.,” she says, holding it with wonder.
“I love it. Though nine inches is a little much, I’d rather have more than less. ”
“I figured on certain days you’ll need a little extra for those deep itches you can’t scratch. But the second one’s seven inches, if that helps,” I laugh at how we’re having this conversation of all things. “But I’m glad you like it.”
We continue on the topic, and I divulge how Russ put me in touch with the fay Ethan placed on the mountains; since they’re friends.
If anyone could remember what her favorite toy looked like, it was him.
We made a deal that if Angie loved her gift, I’d try rekindling things between the two of them, but I made no promises.
If she declines, all bets are off. I am not pressuring her.
I keep the last bit to myself for now.
In the midst of girl talk, my phone pings with a distinctive melody, a snippet from a song I’ve come to love.
After my first round of hacking, liberties were taken to customize my phone.
Each contact has its own ringtone and message sound, and Alex, who is messaging me, happens to be Babydoll by Ari Abdul.
During one of our past conversations, Angie had me on the floor laughing with stories about her making him watch mortal movies. She said they viewed Sucker Punch , and he spent the entire time going over how horrible it was. Thus, this song.
I know he hates the main character.
ALEX
Don’t respond, but I’m hoping you’re in bed resting. You left before our conversation was finished, so I’ll come by when the sun reaches your window. There are a few things we need to discuss. If I’ve awakened you, do try going back to sleep. See you in the morning.
Off instinct alone, my thumbs ready themselves, but he advised me against responding, so I don’t. However, he is sweet for caring about my rest. But why so early?
“What’s this?” Angie asks, pointing at the little brown book Mr. ‘I’d Rather Be a Ghost’ gave me.
“Blaise and I made a bet. If I can remember him come tomorrow, he’ll grant me reading access.” I check the time on my phone. “And it’s now eleven forty-five. He never said my time starts when the sun comes up. Once the clock strikes twelve, this little book is getting opened.”
We both laugh, and my phone pings again, startling me. Did Blaise somehow hear us? But a snippet of Monsters by Ruelle plays, telling me Raine is sending his goodnight text.
I’m smiling before opening the messaging app.
SHINING KNIGHT
Tell me, are you in bed or still at Haven’s Hole?
Are we getting possessive now? Do I have a curfew?
SHINING KNIGHT
I have my answer. You wouldn’t respond so quickly if the night continued claiming you.
Shit, he’s good.
Boooo, you’re no fun. LMAO. Yes, I’m in bed and you should be sleeping, sir. You have a mission in the morning.
SHINING KNIGHT
Not before telling you goodnight. I’ve yet to miss a morning and night since starting, don’t expect me to stop.
Well, excuse me.
Uh huh. We’ll see how long it takes until you become bored. Go to sleep. We both have an early start.
SHINING KNIGHT
Yes ma’am. Don’t stalk me too much while dreaming.
My eyes roll, but a grin stretching from ear to ear makes the motion less believable. Angie is still checking out the features on B.O.B. when it dawns on me her reason for coming over.
“You said you wanted to talk about something. What’s up?” I ask, placing my phone beside the book.
“Right.” She puts down her new friend. “I’m glad Alex informed you about your official ranking match tomorrow, but there’s more to it. Like all ranking matches, you can die.”