Emma POV
I don't think I'll ever enjoy parties like this. The blaring music assaulted my ears, piercing through the air with a grating intensity. The overwhelming stench of alcohol hung in the atmosphere, threatening to suffocate my senses. However, amidst this chaotic scene, I found solace in the company of newfound friends, Melody and Kris. Their genuine warmth and happiness at my presence eased my anxieties.
As the pulsating music continued its assault, I couldn't help but feel tense and out of place. But then, my brother came to my rescue. He handed me a shot and pulled me onto the dance floor. The familiarity of dancing with him brought a sense of comfort, reminiscent of the parties we had back home in our kingdom. Though the music was foreign and bizarre here, we moved together, our bond unbreakable.
Observing the peculiar dance moves of others around us, my brother playfully declared that we would show them how to truly dance. With his charismatic charm, he transformed our awkwardness into confidence. A genuine smile spread across my face as I let go of my reservations, finally embracing the joy of the party.
Lost in the moment, I lost count of the shots I consumed, despite my initial intention to abstain from alcohol. But surrounded by the safety of my brother I let myself surrender to the intoxication.
Occasionally, my brother would wander off to converse with Ryan, never venturing too far from my side. In those moments, Melody and Kris would instinctively come to my aid, understanding my discomfort in being left alone. They were my constant companions, ensuring that I never felt completely abandoned.
Sometime into the party, the overpowering scent of Clay hit me. I fought the urge to search for Clay, knowing that the encounter would only invite the gazes of the judgmental birch crew. I whispered to Inara telling her to forget about finding our mate for the night.
But then, Clay appeared on the dance floor, a vision of elegance, with Liz clinging to him like a stuffed animal. I couldn't avoid him anymore. His eyes bore into mine, filled with anger and disappointment, and I could feel the tension rising. Inara whimpered in my mind, sensing the impending storm. Thankfully, Noah, ever observant, noticed my distress and guided us toward the exit; however, luck was not on our side, as we had to deal with Liz.
As we stepped outside, the cool night air hit me, a refreshing respite from the suffocating heat of the party. My heart pounded in my chest.
Inara's anger ignited a fiery storm within me, causing my body to tremble with electric energy. As we walked, the rumble of thunder echoed overhead, intensifying the brewing tempest.
My brother's firm grip tightened around me, his worry evident in his touch. "Emma, you need to take deep breaths right now," Noah insisted, his voice filled with concern. As he spoke, I could feel the electric current coursing through my body, causing a wild frenzy within me.
Above us, the thunder rumbled ominously, adding to the building tension. "Emma, I mean it, take a deep breath," Noah repeated, his urgency growing. The storm was brewing, its presence palpable in the air. Raindrops began to pound down on our bodies, adding a wet chill to the atmosphere. I could now feel the electric current tingling in my fingertips, intensifying the need to regain control. My brother grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the nearby apartments, his touch providing a sense of safety amidst the chaos. "Just hold on, Emma," he whispered to me.
Exhaustion seeped into every fiber of my being, urging me to shift before I lost all semblance of control. As we approached the apartments, I noticed a commotion near the entrance, the sounds of people's voices mingling with the storm. It was clear that I couldn't enter in my current state. A small flicker of light danced in my fingers, a sign of the power within me.
My brother's strong grip pulled me close to him, pressing my body against his. As he guided me towards the side of a building, seeking shelter from the intensifying storm above, flashes of lightning illuminated the dark sky, momentarily revealing the ominous clouds. The thunder boomed loudly, shaking the very ground beneath us.
"I can understand why you'd want to unleash your anger on that girl," Noah sighed, his voice barely audible over the storm. Gasping for air, I struggled to calm down, feeling the overwhelming surge of emotions coursing through my body. Tears streamed down my face as I clung to my brother, desperately trying to control the dangerous energy within me. It was a constant battle, a curse that often made me feel isolated.
Noah growled in frustration, fully aware of my deteriorating state. He knew that I hadn't experienced an episode like this in over a year, and the consequences could be severe. "Stay close to me, Emma," he commanded, his voice firm yet gentle. Scooping me up into his arms, he urged me to keep my hands and body pressed against him, shielding the world from the dangerous current that surged within me.
I whispered through ragged breaths, my voice trembling, "Where are you taking me?"
"To the small wooded area, if you can even call it that. It's our only option. We can't risk bringing this storm inside a building, it would give us away. Here, at least, we have a chance." He explained.
Resting my head against Noah's chest, I tried to find solace in his presence. My body continued to be overwhelmed, but a flicker of surprise jolted through me as I heard Clay's voice. I hadn't sensed his presence before. "Emma, what's wrong with her? Did she drink too much?" Clay's voice held a hint of annoyance, but concern was evident.
“ I'll take care of her. We live in the same building," Clay offered. The electric current within me surged, my brother tensed, but he managed to maintain control.
"Follow us," My brother urged Clay, his voice strained.
Together, we hurried towards the small wooded area.
Noah's final instructions to Clay were urgent. "Keep watch. Make sure no one is watching. If anyone comes near, get them away.”
"What the hell is going on?" Clay asked, his voice filled with confusion and frustration.
"She's in trouble, you want to help, do what I say," Noah ordered with a low growl.
"Understood," Clay's voice reached me, the sound echoing in my overwhelmed mind. I couldn't think straight, my senses overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. Finally, my brother gently lowered me to the ground, my body trembling with the strain.
"Shift, Emma. I'll keep you safe," my brother's voice commanded, his words barely registering amidst the chaos. I screamed as my body transformed, the crackling of electricity filling the air, the energy so powerful that it felt like needles prickling against my skin. And then, Inara took control, her presence calming the storm slightly as we gained more control over our powers.
Locking onto Clay, who obediently followed my brother's instructions, I saw the shock on his face as he stumbled backward. Inara whimpered, the surge of electricity intensifying as the current flowed through us.
"Heal her Inara," my brother's voice surrounded me, his concern etched on his face as the storm subsided further. "Inara, you can handle this, Emma can't. You need to heal her now," my brother demanded, his urgency palpable.
Inara's voice echoed in my mind, her reassurance soothing amidst the chaos. "We will be okay, Emma. I'm gaining control," she assured me as she directed the remaining storm into us, pushing the current away.
"Good," my brother said, relief evident in his voice. Exhausted, I shifted back to my human form, collapsing onto the ground, the sensation of coolness against my naked skin.
The process had drained every ounce of energy from Inara this time. We may possess strength and power, but without gaining control, we would be nothing. "Emma," Clay's voice sounded closer. I felt him lifting me, his strong arms enveloping me as he gently pulled his shirt on my body.
"Tell me what's going on," Clay demanded, his voice filled with concern. "Who are you, and why are you with her?" he questioned my brother, his tone tinged with suspicion.
"First, we need to get Emma inside, but I don't know how with that crowd," my brother spoke, the worry evident in his voice. Unable to open my eyes, I relied on their voices to understand the situation.
"Leave it to me," Clay asserted. I felt him carrying me, his grip firm and secure, cradling me against his warm body.
“Watch out. She had too much to drink at the party.” I heard Clay.
Soon, the familiar smell of my apartment greeted my senses."Put her down on the bed. I need to make sure she's okay," my brother's voice instructed.
"You're not touching her," Clay's voice cut through the air, a hint of anger lacing his words.
I heard my brother growl. Then, he let out a heavy sigh, the sound filled with frustration. "Are you with Ryan?" Clay asked him.
"I'm glad to see you're protective of your mate, but I know her far better than you. She is my sister," Noah spoke, his voice laced with authority. As Noah's words reached my ears, I felt a shift in the atmosphere. Clay's warmth, which had enveloped me, suddenly disappeared, leaving me feeling cold and vulnerable. I sensed myself being gently placed down, my body sinking into the soft surface beneath me.
I tried to move slightly, the rustling of fabric echoing in the quiet room. "She should have a small red bag, usually kept in her bathroom back home. Get it for me," I heard Noah order Clay.
After a few moments of silence, Clay's voice broke through, "Here." The sound of something being handed over, followed by Clay's question, "What is that?"
"A potion. It will help her," my brother replied. I felt him lift me slightly, his touch sending a tingling sensation through my body. The vile pressed against my lips. "Emma, I need you to drink," my brother said, his words urging me to comply.
I finally forced my eyes open, the room coming into focus. I parted my lips, allowing the bitter potion to flow down my throat. The taste lingered, leaving a sharp, unpleasant sensation in my mouth.
"What happened?" Clay asked again.
"She got upset," Noah simply replied. "Look, it's not my place to tell you, but I expect Emma to in a few minutes," my brother said, directing his words to me.
"Do you have anywhere to be, hunter, or are you free for the night?" my brother then asked Clay.
"As of now, free," Clay responded.
"Then you are to stay with her in this room until she tells you. I'll be on the couch. Just come out when you two are done," Noah instructed, his voice carrying a sense of authority. He left, closing the door behind him, leaving us alone.
Clay walked to my dresser. I heard him open several drawers, the soft creaking filling the room. After a moment, he returned to the bed. "You were there," I finally managed to speak, my voice barely a whisper.
As Clay pulled the wet shirt over my head, I felt a chill run through my body. I was completely exposed to him, but he focused only on my eyes. "You're drunk. Is that why this happened?" he asked, his voice gentle yet filled with concern.
He then pulled a dry, fresh shirt over my head, the soft fabric brushing against my skin. Clay helped me dress, his touch cautious and respectful. I tried to sit up, but my body betrayed me, leaving me feeling weak and helpless. "I'm worried, Emma. You need to tell me what's wrong," he said, his voice filled with genuine concern. As he helped me pull on a pair of pajama pants, I sensed his unwavering support and care. This was the second time he had tended to me, his actions speaking volumes about his character. He was careful not to touch me too much, understanding the importance of boundaries when one is vulnerable.
“That’s your brother? I feel like a complete i***t for feeling upset watching him dance with you tonight. I wanted to be the one holding you,” he confessed. I needed to be honest with him. I looked towards the door, searching for the right words.
"Thanks Noah," I whispered through my link with him. In my mind, I could hear my brother's comforting words, assuring me that he had my back.
Clay's hand gently brushed against my face."Are you okay now?" he asked.
I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me. And in that moment, I knew what I needed. I needed to feel the connection, the bond between us. I needed to know that he was mine and no one else's. His lips met mine once again, and I lost myself in the sensation, finding solace in his embrace.