Blood And Breath

5

“I know what a girl’s night is in theory, but I’ve never actually been to one.” Becca’s mouth fell open as she turned to me in shock. “You can’t be serious.” “I am. My mom’s always been so overprotective that I haven’t had much opportunity. I’ve never had many close friends, and by many, I mean any. I certainly wasn’t allowed to do sleepovers or go to parties like other kids my age.” “No kidding! Some of my best memories are times with Ash in college and sleepovers with my friends back home in Texas.” “Once, years ago. I snuck out to go to a party that a girl from school was throwing. Her parents were super cool, and loads of people were going to be there. After the party, when I snuck back into the house, my mom was sitting in the dark waiting for me. I’ll never forget the fear I felt when I saw her sitting on the sofa, still as a statue.” “What happened?” Becca asked with wide eyes. The memory still stung, literally. “I got lashings, couldn’t sit for a week. After that, nothing ever seemed worth the risk.” “She lashed you? I don’t even know what that is, but it sounds barbaric.” “Be glad you don’t know,” I muttered. We walked the rest of the way to the apartment she shared with Ashley in a weighty silence. None of the doors were numbered, which was somewhat odd. Since they all knew each other, I supposed there wasn’t any confusion or need to label the apartments. Becca hadn’t even taken out her keys when the door flew open, and a grinning Ashley ushered us inside. “Come on in, ladies! Let’s get this party started—I’ve got margarita mix in the fridge, salt on the glasses, and limes already wedged.” Rebecca dropped her work tote by the door and returned Ashley’s warm enthusiasm. “That sounds ah-maze-ing. Let me get changed, though. I’ll just be a minute.” “You’re welcome to use my bathroom if you want to get more comfy,” Ashley offered me. “I’m fine. I don’t have to get dressed up like Becca.” I felt a bit selfconscious around the two older girls. They were crazy gorgeous without even trying. “Either way, you’re welcome to make yourself at home since you’re stuck here for the next thirty-six hours or so. I got a new deep conditioner and face masks we can try out.” “So that’s why your hair is always so gorgeous. I should really spend more time with mine, but it’s such a hassle.” My red curls had a mind of their own. I wouldn’t have said I hated them, but I was unquestionably jealous of Becca and Ashley’s silky locks. Even when I straightened my hair, it never had the glossy shine they could accomplish. “What?” Ashley gaped at me. “Your curls are adorable, and that color?” She kissed her fingers as if denoting perfection. I rolled my eyes. “It’s my burden in life. Never sexy or seductive, but I nail adorable every time.” When I lifted a brow in mock exasperation of my third-world trials, we burst into a fit of giggles. “What’s so funny?” Becca bound back into the room in pajamas and fuzzy slippers. “I was just telling Cat how gorgeous she is,” Ashley said. Becca’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’re unaware of how stunning you are. I bet you’ve had boys lined up since you were little.” “That shows how little you know. Not only were they not lined up but I’ve also had exactly two boyfriends if you could call them that. I’ve hardly even fooled around—I’m twenty and still a virgin!” I couldn’t believe I’d admitted such a scandalous fact. Maybe not scandalous, but a twenty-yearold virgin seemed like an urban legend in this day and age. What normal girl hadn’t fooled around at least a little? Me. That’s who. “Nothing? Even with the boyfriends?” Ashley stared at me like I’d confessed to having a secret love child with Justin Beiber. “It’s not that hard to believe, especially considering the circumstances of my family. I wasn’t allowed to socialize with just anyone, and the Druid boys were all … eww.” I sought an escape from their scrutiny off in the living room, sinking into the cushy sofa next to Knight, the giant white wolf who had sort of adopted the girls. He’d been sent by the Fae sorcerer Merlin to protect them, but I’d only seen him act like a big softie. Becca sat across from me. “Lochlan said he met with some of your elders yesterday to strengthen trust between the two groups. Well, mostly for the Druids. The Fae didn’t even know they existed until recently.” “I think my mom was there. She was in a right awful mood at supper.” That was being generous. She’d raged for nearly an hour about not only the Fae but the Druids who had agreed to the meeting and were entertaining open relations with the Hunt. Mom had been irate. “Yeah, he said she wasn’t impressed. Hopefully, they’ll come to accept that the Hunt isn’t the enemy.” “Some already have, but there’s a group of holdouts like my mom who are always fearing the worst.” Becca grimaced, turning to Ashley. “Cat’s mom is massively overprotective. She’s like the exact opposite of your mom.” Ashley grimaced. “I’m not sure which is worse.” I shrugged. “Well, it just means I’m that much more grateful for you two. You’ve already made my life infinitely better just knowing we’re friends.” I wasn’t sure if I was being presumptive to tell them how much they meant to me, but the words just came out. I couldn’t hide my fondness for them. I certainly couldn’t sever ties just because they’d been turned Fae. As far as I was concerned, they were just Becca and Ash. My friends. “Oh, my God, you can’t say stuff like that!” Ashley cried. “There’s no crying on girls’ night! I’m going to make the margaritas, and then no more sappy stuff, capisce?” She rushed back to the kitchen, leaving Becca and me alone on the sofa. When I looked back at Becca, I was surprised to find her sobered, eyes fixed on me intently. “Cat, I’ve debated about asking you something. As much as I don’t want to draw you in, I don’t think I have any other choice.” She chewed on her bottom lip and mulled over her next words, which were a complete mystery to me. “I have an errand I need to run out of town in a week or so. It might be an overnight trip, and I’d like you to come with me— specifically, I need you to drive. I’ll explain on our way if you’re willing to join me. If Ashley or any of the Huntsmen discovered the reason for my trip … it could mean trouble for them, so I’d like to keep them out of it, but I need someone’s help.” I was incredibly curious about what she could possibly need my help with, but she didn’t have to explain. I was more than happy to help her in any way I could. “Of course, just tell me when, and I’ll be ready.” The rest of our night was utter perfection.