The Coven

Chapter 5

 We walked in formation with mom in front and Ria and I at each of her shoulders. Dim behind me and Crow behind Ria. As we all packed into the corridors that led to the ballroom I could feel Dim’s eyes burning holes in both my asscheeks. I peeked back at him to watch him quickly look away but I was totally right, he's staring at my ass. Crow who obviously just witnessed the whole thing punched Dim in the arm, “whatchya lookin’ at Dimitri,” he said loud enough for me and Ria to hear. Ria glanced at me sideways and I rolled my eyes. 

“Apparently my ass looks good in this dress.” I said to Crow. Dimitri shook is head with a smirk while Ria bent backwards to get a look, “It does!” she exclaimed. I rolled my eyes at her again.

“Shut up.” As we approached the ballroom doors I could hear music playing and the hum of conversations, we walked through the tall archway into the warm light of the ballroom. The ballroom is long with ceilings that are high and big  candle lit chandeliers hanging from one end to the other. Two bars are on each side of the big arch way and round white tables spread out for people taking a break from dancing. The stage was on the far end of the ballroom where the band played upbeat music to get everyone celebrating. Hearing the drums and flutes almost made me run to the dance floor.

We were finally able to break formation and my mother moved to the opposite side of the dancefloor to be with her friends, along with my uncle Hyena. Ria disappeared, typical. I went to take a seat at a table where I could observe the room, while Dim went off to get us drinks. I saw a bunch of my coven smiling and happy, drinking and dancing. Many people came to me to compliment me on my leading the ritual. Some mentioned the beauty and resemblance of my mother and some complimented the strong will I shared with my father. I was exhausted from the ritual and the constant smiling and nodding. Dim touched my hand and motioned for the stone terrace that overlooked the field behind the mansion, I looked at him gratefully and followed him outside for a breath of fresh air. 

“How are you doing?”  He asked sincerely.

“After a few minutes out here I’ll be golden.” He laughed at my reply.

“Glad I could help.”  He placed his hand on the small of my back and offered me his drink. My face twisted in disgust as I shook my head no to his offer.  He laughed and for a moment I was lost in the sound of it. It's just the two of us out her in the brisk fall air, under the stars. I realized he ditched his jacket and he was just in his dress shirt and vest and damn if he didn't look good. With his sleeves rolled up to his elbows the shirt outlined his broad shoulders and the muscles in his arms. His hair is not as well placed as earlier and is falling in his face now.

“I wouldn’t dream of asking you to drink whiskey,” he said, pulling me out of my thoughts, “It’s soda. Coke, your favorite.” I smiled, see what I mean? This guy knows me better than anyone. “Thank you.” I said, the carbonation felt good on my throat as I chugged half the glass. 

““All that talking, smiling and nodding is actually exhausting.” I sighed.

“Yeah but you’re doing it and from where I’m standing you’re doing it pretty well.” he smiled and I couldn't help but smile back. I bumped him with my shoulder.

“Stop kissing my ass, Dimy.” I laughed as I used the childhood nickname. I held onto the banister and leaned back looking up at the stars. I closed my eyes and let the chill of the night breeze over my face. I opened my eyes again to realize Dim staring at me. 

“Yes.” I said teasingly, he jolted as if he was lost in thought and looked away to the dance floor.

“Are you dancing tonight?” he asked. I turned around to look at the dance floor and saw a bunch of wiggling bodies and smiling faces. Dim leaned into my ear.

“C’mon you know you want to,” he coaxed me, “I know you love to dance.” I rolled my eyes. 

“Fine,” I laughed and held out my hand, “dance with me?” 

“I’d be honored, Priestess.” he winked at me. I allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. As if the band knew we were coming they slowed the music to an obvious couples only kind of dance. He turned around and placed his hand on my waist and my heart skipped a beat, I was merely floating when my hand slipped into his. Together we swayed to the music. He was right, I really do love to dance and he was the best dance partner. 

I laid my head on his shoulder and breathed in his familiar scent. I could feel each tensed nerve loosen and I relaxed against him. Just what I needed, I thought.

“Ya know, Riv? Out of all the women I see here, you are definitely the most beautiful.” I looked up at him, surprised by his words.

“Thank you,” my voice coming out a little shaky, ”that’s very sweet of you.”  His eyes widened.

“Whoa Riv, your cheeks are on fire.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Correction that WAS very sweet of you.” he laughed. We continued to dance for a while before I spoke.  

“I think you look very nice as well, much better than anyone else here anyway.” he looked at me stunned. 

“You serious?” I met his gaze.

“Yes. Of course.” he smiled down at me as if he’d just been given the greatest award.

“Well, thank you, River.” he lowered his head so his eyes were in front of mine and our foreheads were touching, “ I did it for you.” I laughed, “sure.” I said sarcastically. Did you, though? I thought. Why would you do it for me? He smiled at me leaving my mental question unanswered. We smiled at each other and the music started to pick up pace a little bit. He twirled me out and drew me in again so that my back was up against his chest and his arms were around my waist firmly.

“You’ve always been a graceful dancer.” he whispered into my ear and I could feel his breath down my neck, it sent electricity through me. Before I could answer he spun me out and drew me back in this time catching so I’m facing him now. He dipped me slowly without breaking eye contact. I felt as if my entire body was on fire and every fiber of my body wanted him. What is going on? Am I falling for my best friend?

“It's one of the reasons you’re my favorite dance partner.” he smiled down at me, a smile that clearly meant he was up to no good. I raised an eyebrow at him. 

“One of?” He laughed softly and slowly brought me back to standing on my feet. I couldn’t look away from his green eyes. I was lost in them. Lost in the way he was holding me, in the way we danced. For a moment it was just the two of us. 

“Getting pretty hot and heavy in here, huh?” and there goes the moment, thank you sister of mine. I looked at her clearly annoyed while a groan escaped me.

“Oh, I’m sorry am I interrupting?” Ria asked, I rolled my eyes. You know you were, ya b***h. The music picked up its pace and the three of us moved to the side to get out of the way of the people coming to dance. Crow emerged from the crowd to join us 

“Found you!” almost yelling like he’d won a game, “ha.” He exclaimed, beaming looking over to Dimitri. 

“Good for you,” she said rolling her eyes. Her gaze met mine, “come have a drink with me.” it sounded like a question but I knew better then that. “I actually need to see you too, Dim.” Crow looked at me, “Guardian business.” both Dimitri and I sighed audibly.

Siblings, am I right? Dim thought to me. I glanced sideways and smiled before stepping away to go with Ria. She grabbed my hand and yanked me away from Dim. 

“Jeez, Ria what's up?” I asked as we were coming up to the bar. 

“Sister talk,” she turned and handed me a shot, “for starters, when did you start f*****g Dimitri?” my shot nearly came out of my nose.

“What!?” i said, nearly coughing up the shot i just took. Where in the hell does she get off?

“Wow, you’re gonna keep it from me AND play dumb?” Her eyes narrowed at me and she slammed her shot glass down on the bar, “I saw you guys out there, no one dances like that unless you're fucking.” Her anger is just pissing me off. I don’t know why she’s all the sudden worried about what’s happening between me and Dim. she has no right to question me about this in public and also be mad about it. 

“Even if we were, what does it have to do with you? He’s my Guardian,” I said annoyed, “ and why the hell are you mad?” She slumped in her seat and sighed, she turned to face me but her eye caught something behind me. She looked as if she wanted to say something so I tried to turn around, “ I’m not mad,” she distracted me. “I’m jealous,” she admitted. I looked at her puzzled.

“Jealous?” 

“Well yeah! Do you know how long it’s been since I got some action?” I didn't know nor did I want to. I sighed.

“We’re not fucking.” 

“Right” she dragged out the word sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

“Just shut up and drink.” together we rose our drinks, took a shot and slammed our glasses on the bar. We ended up laughing at each other and the fight was over. I soon realized my tolerance for alcohol was nowhere near my older sister’s. My word vomit started.

“I think I’m falling for my Guardian.” My eyes widened and I put my hand over my mouth. Did I just say that? She looked at me as if it was obvious.

“Careful about that,” she warned, “he’s good for you though.” she smiled approvingly.

“I can’t believe I just said that.” Why the f**k am I such a light weight? I thought, as I picked up another drink.

“Maybe you should take a break there, young padawan.” She said laughing and lowering my drink for me. Maybe she’s right, I thought while I took another swig. Ria just laughed at me giving up on trying to stop me. I noticed Dim’s black hair bobbing in the crowd as he and Crow weaved through people making their way over. I grabbed Ria. 

“Don’t you dare say anything.” I slurred out. She smiled and nodded as the boys came back and sat next to us. I sat there quietly trying hard not to give my intoxication away. The three of them continued conversations around me but after some time Dim started to notice my silence. He looked at me confused but I smiled at him and it seemed to be acceptable to him. Crow got his attention off me and I started to drift into my thoughts.

Do I really have feelings for Dim? I have to, right? I mean that’s what all this blushing and electricity is, right? No, I'm just drunk. We’ve been friends forever, almost the only friends either of us have. Dim is extremely important to me, a part of me and for sure I love him. With my entire heart. In love with him I’m not sure about but I know I love Dimitri. I’ve loved him since the day I knew he was to be my Guardian. I smiled as the memory flashed in my mind. A scrawny kid sitting alone while the other boy novices trained or played. I walked right over to him and sat next to him. 

“Do they not like you?” I asked, gesturing to the other boys. He looked up at me shocked that someone was talking to him or realizing that the person talking to him was the most important person in the coven.

“Uhh,” he stammered, “probably not but that's ok.” I raised my eyebrow at him.

“Are you mean?” 

“No, just better than them.” I laughed at how nonchalant his answer was. He was so confident in himself that I had to knock him down a peg.

“How do you know?” I taunted him.

“Because your father is training me, himself.” My eyes widened. This was the boy that dad had been talking about, the one that flipped a grown man right over and pinned him to the ground at just ten years old. From then on we had been completely inseparable, I had felt our souls starting to merge into one another slowly. It almost felt as if my father had hand picked him for me. It’s a little ironic that he teaches me everything he knows, which he had learned from my father. 

“You ok?” My head snapped up to meet Dim’s gaze. I nodded.

“She’s drunk.” Said Ria and to my horror I burst out laughing. Everybody at the bar was looking at me while I snorted and laughed at a joke only I found funny. Dim started to laugh with me and slowly so did Crow and Ria.

“Oh my god.” Dim said slowly. 

“You might want to take drunkers to bed.” Ria said to Dim. 

“Ooh bed sounds so nice.” I said while Dim laughed at me. He stood up nodding to Ria and held his hand out for me. I stood up with no trouble but then my heel got caught in my dress and I nearly fell on my face had Dim not caught me. This is great, your new Priestess people, drunk as f**k.

“Not used to dresses, yet.” I giggled. He smiled and wrapped his arm around my waist keeping me steady, “I got you,” he whispered.

“Have fun!” Ria called out in a sing-song voice and I turned around and put my finger directly in her face, my drunk attempt to look intimidating.

“You stop it,” I shook my finger at her, “stop, mkay. Just shhhh” she laughed at me while Dim lowered my finger while I continued to glare at her. Dim placed his hand on the small of my back to lead me away. 

“Alright, Riv. time for bed.” he led me through the crowd of people and out of the ballroom. We were almost there until mom appeared almost out of thin air.

“Hi. mommy!” I exclaimed. She looked between me and Dimitri.

“She’s drunk.” she said, I thought it was a question so I felt like I should answer.

“Yes, and she’s right here.” she looked at me trying to be mad but obviously trying hard not to laugh at me.

“I left her with Ria for five minutes, Mother Raven.” He said. I shook my head.

“Was not five minutes, nope.” I started beaming at mom, “ did you hear? I did good tonight.” she smiled and took my face in her hands.

“Oh sweetheart, of course you did,” she kissed my forehead,” but then you got drunk.” she joked.

“Pfft, I'm an adult. I do what I want!” I retorted while she laughed at me. 

“Get her upstairs, please, Dimitri.”

“Right away, ma’am.” we parted and Dim and I made our way through the mansion to my bedroom. He helped me down into my chair and went to my dresser to find some clothes to sleep in. He came back with some shorts and a baggy t-shirt. He even knows my favorite thing to sleep in, jeez, I don't think there's one thing that he doesn't know about me. 

“Alright, turn around so I can unzip you.” I turned around and felt his knuckles trace my spine as he unzipped my dress. 

“Hey, why do you know me so well?” I asked, not knowing if anything I said made sense.

“Well,” he replied, “I’ve known you for a very long time and we spend every waking minute with each other. You’re also my only friend, so, yeah. I know you very well.” he smiled up at me as he helped me put my shorts on. I braced my hands on his shoulders so I wouldn't lose my balance.

“Do I turn you on?” I asked, and quickly covered my mouth. How could I just blurt that out! Ugh, I hate being drunk.

 “I’m sorry.” I said through my fingers. He slowly stood and kept his eyes on mine, 

“Why are you sorry?” He whispered as his eyes came to my level. I could feel my cheeks getting warmer.

“I-uh-I-I” I tried as he laughed softly at me. 

“Bedtime, little Riv.” He said as he lifted me and laid me in bed gently, he then pulled the covers over me and I placed my hand on his cheek. 

“You’re pretty.” I said beaming at him. Dim’s face turned bright red either from embarrassment or struggling not to laugh.  He placed his hand on my head, “and you’re funny” he said while leaning to kiss my forehead. He was about to turn and leave but I caught his collar. I don’t want him to leave yet. 

“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?” he smiled sweetly. 

“Scootch over.” I did as he asked and settled in with his arm around me and my head on his chest. I breathed in his scent and almost fell asleep instantly within the comfort of his arms but remembered Ria and Crow separating us earlier.

“Could I ask you something” 

“Mhm.” he replied half asleep already. 

“Did Crow ask you if we were.. together?” he stayed quiet for a moment and I thought he’d maybe fallen asleep. “Yeah,” he finally answered, “Ria asked you?” I nodded against his chest and I felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled. “Siblings.” we laughed softly together. We laid there for a while just relaxing, the haze of the alcohol starting to fade now.  

“Do you think maybe we will someday?” I asked him. His arm tightened around me as he gave me a reassuring hug, “I think,” he trailed off thinking on what to say, “it’ll happen when and if we feel we’re ready.” I nodded, I liked that answer. Not no or yes. I yawned and stretched a little wrapping my arm around Dim and cuddling him like he was my favorite teddy bear. I started to feel sleep pulling me under and I allowed it. My eyes couldn't stay open anymore. Half asleep I heard Dim sigh and felt him pull me closer. “I love you, River,” he said softly as if trying not to wake me, “I truly do.” I was too far gone to answer him with my voice. I love you too, Dimitri was the last thing I thought before I fell asleep.