Cursed with Life and Death

NYE (pt. 2)

I take stock of how I’m feeling and realize it’s SO much easier to teleport alone. I laugh. Hell yes!

“I need a f*cking shot!” I say to Vi and step into the living room just as Katie and Jackson come out of the kitchen.

“Wait a second.. you can just teleport to and from New York City whenever the mood strikes?? That's F*cking wild. Where’s Xander?” Jackson says.

“Still having dinner with Elizabeth and.. Marcus” I bite out Marcus name in disdain, still angry.

“Ah. I see you spent some time talking to Marcus.” Katie says knowingly.

“Yeah.. What the hell is his problem? Like I get that he hates me and isn’t ok with me being ‘half human’,” I use air quotes, “but the things he was saying about how Xander should just force me to be his Luna even if I didn’t want to because ‘he’s the alpha and it’s his call’, legitimately worried me. Is that how it works???”

Silence.

Oh my god it is!

“It’s different for you Jade, you're royalty. You are an alpha of your own species so to speak. It makes sense that Xander would treat it differently than his dad would expect.” Katie says.

“So you didn’t ask Katie if she wanted to be your Luna?” I look at Jackson.

“Well no but it also was clear that she wanted to be with me.. you had options with your whole multiple mates thing.” Jackson says.

“But just because she wants to be with you doesn’t mean she wants to be a Luna?”

“That’s sort of the deal Jade.. I would never ask him to pick between his pack and me.” She replies.

Vi appears with a round of shots. I down mine instantly and she hands me a second, vanishing to pour another.

“To a crazy night!!” Av says clearly already tipsy.

I plop down on the couch and frown, not feeling too fun.

“Marcus also is known to have a mean streak. Especially when drinking. It’s best to avoid him if you can.” Katie says and quickly sips her drink looking away from Jackson and me.

I study her. She doesn’t elaborate but If I’m not mistaken there’s some fear there.

I hang out with my friends for a while, eventually loosening enough to laugh and dance a little. I check the time and realize it’s already almost 10:30. I should probably head back and find Xander.

I say my goodbyes to the increasingly rowdy group and teleport myself back to the pack house - the bubbles conveniently making it easier for me.

When I arrive I toss my sweater on and head out to hunt down Xander. I wander outside and head towards the large fire with people hanging around chatting.

I spot Nel standing off to the side alone so I go over to her. She hands me a beer.

“Thanks.” I take it and take a sip.

“So, I know we haven’t had a chance to talk since.. well.. Christmas. But I just wanted to say I’m so sorry about John.” I say looking at her.

“Thank you. At least he wasn’t my mate.” She says eyeing me. My heart starts pounding involuntarily, feeling like it’s in my throat.

“Yeah.” Is all I can say.

She clinks her beer to mine and we stand there drinking in silence.

Eventually a couple guys I don’t know walk up and start talking to Nel. She doesn’t introduce me so I nod and slink back figuring I’d go try to duck away and see where Xander is.

I miss a rock on the ground and fall backwards, knocking into someone and spilling their drink between both of us.

Sounds right. I sigh.

“I’m so sorry! Are you ok?” I say reaching down and helping them up.

I come face to face with Elizabeth.

“I’m alright. I was walking and must not have been watching where I was going.” She says nervously, glancing over my shoulder.

“I’m sure it wasn’t you, dear.” Marcus says from behind me with anger filling his voice.

Of course Marcus is standing there. I cringe at myself.

“It was definitely Jade’s fault. She constantly spills things and falls. We used to call her ‘coffee girl’ since she always managed to wear more than she drank if it.” Harmony sneers, walking up and standing awfully close to Marcus. He chuckles.

“Harmony, always nice to see you.” Marcus says.

“Harmony. What an unpleasant surprise.” I cut in, bluntly, the alcohol making me more honest.

She raises her eyebrows at me. “Why would it be a surprise that I’m with my pack? You on the other hand shocked the hell out of me by making an appearance tonight.” She sneers back.

“Well with such welcoming pack members such as yourselves, I couldn’t imagine why I’m not here more.” I reply cynically, still unfiltered.

“How dare you disrespect me? Know your place mutt.” Marcus seethes at me.

I seal my lips and look down, worried I’m so furious that my eyes are red. I take breath, grounding myself. I look back up at him.

“No apology?” His eyes burn into me with such obvious hatred.

“I’m so sorry you we’re offended by my sarcasm.” I taunt, meeting his eyes directly.

“You need a lesson in respect.” He growls at me.

“Sounds like you’re projecting.” I shoot back pleased that I’m standing up to this jerk.

“Watch it before I wipe that smirk off your pretty little face.” He threatens me.

“How respectful.” I glare at him.

“Enough, Jade.” Xander orders from the side.

I seal my lips automatically in response to him, but don’t stop staring down Marcus.

“Go inside. I’ll be in in a minute.” Xander orders quietly.

I turn and leave still furious. How dare Xander send me away?? Fine! If he wants me to leave I’ll leave!

I go straight to Xanders room, throw my sweater off and teleport myself back to New York.

“Where the hell did you come from??” Victor says but I shut my eyes, swaying a little. This will definitely have to be my last trip to and from tonight.

“Jade’s back!!” Av calls out from where she’s grinding with both Nikki and Eric.

“That’s what this is?? A way for you to get around?” Victor says, looking at the blue bubble-like barrier.

“Something like that.” I don’t elaborate more. I step out and look around.

Vi appears.. “you look like you could use a drink. Everything ok?”

“A strong one.” I reply still angry.. “Where are Katie and Jackson?” I glance around. Suddenly I hear the really distant sounds of them moaning, obviously banging in their bedroom.

“Are you guys planning on going out?” I ask, trying pretty unsuccessfully to distract myself.

“We were going to see what time it was when the dogs were done boning,” Nikki says, appearing with a small grin, clearly pleased with her pun.

“Watch it,” I glare at her. I see Victor pouring shots so I take one with him, wanting a stronger buzz to help my anger subside.

“Is everything ok with you?” Av says as I pour another.

“No. I’m f*cking mad. My future father in law hates me and doesn’t want me to be Luna. He teamed up with Xander’s ex to be a colossal jerk to me.” I complain.

“Seriously?? He doesn’t like you??” Vi says handing me a very lightly colored vodka cranberry.

I taste it and grimace. That’s a lot of vodka.

“Anyway. Let’s talk about something else. Maybe tell me a little about you guys?” I say motioning to the 3 vampires I invited into this place and who know next to nothing about.

“What would you like to know?” Victor says, appearing near me again.

“I don’t know. What’s your deal? Do you go around killing people? Do you guys live together? Are you all together together?” I dig a little to get to know them better.

“All good questions.” Victor say smiling. “No, not killing people, way too messy. We don’t really live anywhere, just move through life together. We are not all together together.” He says.

“But we’ve all been together together before” Nikki adds laughing.

“Have you ever thought about living in a coven?” I ask interested in how packs differ between the species.

“I’ve not found one I liked. They all seem to be run by elders so they’re more.. traditional..” Eric adds.

“Nothing like getting to chill in the sickest penthouse I’ve seen in New York City.” Nikki says, handing out another round of shots.

“For your in-laws.. Why don’t you just use mind control?” Victor says.

I take another gulp of my drink, trying to wash down the shot.

“What just force him to like me? He hates me openly enough that it would be suspicious if he suddenly did a 180 on me.” I think out loud. I hadn’t actually considered using magic.

“What if you just told him the truth about who you are? I mean you’ve been telling enough people and it’s been fine?” Vi adds.

“I don’t trust him enough.”

“Or.. and this is my vote. You ditch the @sshole pack and live the fabulous life of a billionaire princess, travelling the world and partying with your super awesome vampire and fae friends,” Av says as she shakes her drink at Vi to signify it’s empty.

Vi appears with another round for everyone moments later, motioning for me to finish mine so she can give me the new one, while also placing another shot in front of me.

I take a breath. This is a lot of drinks in a short amount of time and I wasn’t exactly sober from the last time I was here. My stomach growls reminding me I didn’t really eat dinner either.

“Here I’ll get you a sandwich, you drink up,” Vi instructs before vanishing.

I pick up my shot but it slips and dumps down the front of my dress.

Smooth Jade.

Now I’m going to smell like tequila.

I sigh and hop up making my way to the bedroom closet to throw something else on, aware that I only have nicer dresses here.

I find the least fancy one and pull it out. It’s black, long sleeved with a high neck, but is completely backless and obscenely short.

Definitely a bit sluttier than I would have picked out myself, but it’s better than reeking of booze.

I involuntarily think about Xander and my exchange from earlier and clench a little at the slightly frustrated state I’ve been in for hours, totally betrayed by my body obeying his orders to stay wet for him to have at any moment.

I sigh and throw my dress on. I need to find to him.

I head back out, eyeing the sandwich sitting by my drink. I thank Vi and immediately dig into it, happy to have some food in my system.

Vi appears behind me and fixes my hair, not so obviously smelling me. I flush.

“So I am all for you staying, don’t get me wrong.. buuut it’s well after 11 and you mentioned you wanted to kiss Xander at midnight.” She says.

Wow did I accidentally spend the basically the whole night in New York? I should definitely get back to Xander.

“Thank you Vi. You guys have fun and don’t trash the place!!” I say wiping my mouth on a napkin.

Victor hands out a final round of shots. “Happy new year, interesting new friends!” He says and we all clink glasses. I take it and hop up, swaying a bit from all the alcohol.

I take a number of breaths and make a point of visualizing arriving in my bubble safely, hoping that will make this easier. I count back and hear the thunder, immediately losing my balance when I arrive.

I reach out and try to stop my fall but end up grabbing the curtain and ripping it on my way down.

I take a few breaths, I’m alone and very drained.

I eye the bed but stay on the floor, determined to find Xander before midnight.

Okok I can do this.

I stand and make my way over to the elevator, stumbling from both the shots kicking in and not quite having enough energy for this, making me appear way drunker than I am. Not great.

Maybe Xander’s still inside?

I climb into the elevator and click the ground floor button, holding on to the railing for more support.

To my surprise it stops almost immediately instead.

The doors open and I’m hit with the scent of scotch before I realize who’s about to climb on.

Marcus.

“Well well well if it isn’t the disrespectful mutt, looking extra ssslutty for midnight.” He snarls at me entering the elevator, slurring he’s so drunk.

I make a move to exit but he grabs my wrist and yanks me back in, causing me to lose my balance and crash into the elevator wall as the doors shut.

Well this is not good.

He laughs. “Pathetic. I hope that wasn’t you actually trying.” He captures my other wrist and twists my arms behind my back, hard, keeping me pushed into the mirror wall with the railing digging into my hips. He hits the stop button on the elevator.

F*ck.

*Ruby, are you there?* I reach out to her, hoping she can help me through this.

No response.

Double f*ck.

He smells me and growls, his eyes traveling down me, pausing obviously at my short dress.

“You are a f*cking slut aren’t you? I can smell how wet you are. I’ll bet you like it rough like this.” He growls in my ear and I shudder, pulling at my hand again but still very weak.

“Marcus, no.. You’re drunk and I’m sure Xander is looking for me. Let’s just go back to the fire. It’s almost midnight.” I say as smoothly as I can, hoping to appeal to his common sense since I’m going to have a hell of a time fighting my way out in this state.

“Xander is with Harmony, they kiss each other at midnight every year. No one is missing you, so you may as well stay here with me.” He taunts causing my anger to flare up, giving me a tiny bit more strength.

He leans forward onto me again and I grunt, my shoulders feeling like they’re about to break, he’s twisting so hard. I shut my eyes for a second in pain .

He takes the opportunity to reach under my dress, his hand rakes against my bare skin, since I never replaced the panties Xander tore off me. I jump and try to pull away again, but he smashes me against the wall. A small crack appears where my head slams into the mirror.

F*ck f*ck f*ck ok I need to focus.

He laughs maniacally. “not even wearing underwear?? You’re really just asking for it. Normally I’d make you work for it a bit more but you smell so good I can’t help myself. Time to show me how you got Xander so wrapped around your.. finger.”

He reaches down with one of his hands and starts undoing his belt. I use that moment to stomp my heel down onto his toes, feeling the satisfying crunch of them breaking. He lets go of my hands and leans forward grabbing his foot.

I spin and bring my knee into his nose as hard as I can muster.

“Ahhh you f*cking b*tch. You broke my f*cking nose.” He screams as blood starts pouring down his face. He locks eyes with me and his stance shifts slightly.

“Kneel, slut!” he growls trying to alpha order me.

I dive for the button to start the elevator back up, but he lands a sloppy yet still really strong right hook to the side of my head instead. I fall to the floor dizzy and disoriented.

“Take this as a lesson in respecting your alpha, you little b*tch.” He snarls standing over me. “Now.. Kneel. ” He orders again in a hiss.

I grab the railing again and pull myself back up, not even the slightest bit affected by him.

“You are not my alpha,” I reply, looking at him dead in the eye, feeling rage coursing through every inch of me at the pathetic excuse for a man in front of me.

“In fact, you should be bowing to me.” I growl at him staring him down. I feel the lock on him click into pace as I will my power over him. “Kneel!” I hiss.

He drops down to one knee immediately and growls, absolutely fuming in front of me.

I turn to push the button to start the elevator again but I suddenly am smashed into the wall by Marcus diving against me.

The mirror breaks on impact causing the glass to shatter all around us. I fight to keep my eyes open but I feel him pick me up by the neck holding me off the ground against the jagged wall, choking me.

I claw at his hands but start seeing spots taking over my vision. I try to kick him but he doesn’t budge.

F*ck.

“What are you going to do now you pathetic wh*ore?” He snarls at me.

F*ck. This. I did not defeat an evil fae with a vampire army to die by this @sshole!

I throw him off me, sending out a magic pulse to push him away. He goes flying and collides with the opposite wall, crashing to the ground unconscious.

I cough as I also fall, gasping for air. The elevator lurches and bounces making a loud clanking sound.

Oh sh*t. Was that the elevator cable??

I look over at Marcus and roll my eyes trying to will a bit of my blood into him, just in case. The last thing I need is to murder Xander’s dad.. even if he is the worst.

I can’t do it - I’m too drained for more magic at this point.

I take a breath and carefully crawl over so I don’t make any sudden movements and make matters worse. I roll Marcus over and let a couple drops of my blood fall into his mouth from the cuts on my hand.

There’s another snap sound and the elevator lurches , clearly being held up by only one corner now. Both Marcus and I go tumbling towards the opposite corner , slamming into the wall with glass shards flying everywhere.

The final cable gives out with another loud clank and we start plummeting.

I close my eyes trying my hardest to magically protect us from the crash.

Please let me live through this..

It all goes black.