Chapter 7

I had a great day with Jacie. You can tell she’s the life of the party everywhere she goes. We spent most of the day setting up our room and talking, while sipping on vodka and orange juice. She completely changed my mood, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild year. 

“I can’t wear this, Jacie,” I said as I stood in front of the mirror checking out another skimpy dress, she had me try on. 

“Come on. This is college and you look hot. That little black dress shows off your curves perfectly. It looks better on you than it ever did me.”

“I don’t know, I planned on just wearing jeans to the party.”

She shook her head, “ no way. This isn’t that type of party. You need to dress up and make that boy toy of yours sorry for turning you down.”

I laughed, “I’m not sure if I want to though. Creed just confuses me. One minute I want him so bad I can barely stand myself, but then I think about things. I don’t think I want a boyfriend. I want freedom. This is my chance to do whatever I want.”

“OK well, we can still look hot and get lucky tonight. If a one-night stand is all you are looking for, that dress is going to make it happen.”

I laughed, she’s not wrong. Jacie is just as skinny as I am, but I’m taller. Everything that she has given me to try on is so short it barely covers my ass. This dress is also low cut and forms around my chest perfectly. It shows off my cleavage but still covers me some.

“You do realize that if my brother and the boys show up to this party, they are going to have a complete fit when they see me dressed like this.”

She waved her hand in the air and smirked, “we can handle them.”

I think the vodka is starting to take its hold on me. I looked back in the mirror and smiled. I do feel sexy in this dress, and I’m starting to feel confident enough to wear it.

We finished getting ready and downed a couple of shots before heading downstairs to the party. 

Jacie looked just as sexy. She had on a white dress that hugged every curve of her body. The difference between us was the confidence level. You could tell this type of dress was normal for her, and not me. 

I decided tonight to let everything go, all the stress, and every bit of worry. I stood tall and confident. Starting tonight, I’m free to do whatever I want. I don’t have to always do the right thing. Bring on the bad decisions. I smirked at myself in the mirror.

We took the stairs down to the ground floor and when we exited the stairwell there were people everywhere. Jacie grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd with her.

When we got inside, I took a minute to take everything in. The place was huge, and she was right. It was set up like an apartment. We entered through the kitchen, and there was an open floor plan. You could see the huge living room and a game room off of it. Looking to my right, you could see different closed doors all the way down the hall. I’m assuming those are the fraternity brother’s bedrooms. 

There’s a keg sitting on the floor next to the kitchen island and liquor bottles and mixers were spread out everywhere.

Jacie smiled at me, “it looks like we can have whatever we want tonight.”

I’m not sure if she’s talking about the drinks or the number of men that are casually checking us out.

The number of gorgeous eyes that are on us majorly upped my confidence level, but I couldn’t help it. I keep scanning the rooms for a particular set of sparkling green eyes. 

I’ll admit that I feel a little disappointed that he’s not here, but it’s fine. I’m not going to let it ruin my good time. 

We got a drink and within minutes we had a few guys coming over to us and trying to make small talk. Jacie took off to the living room, which was currently being used as a dance floor. I continued to sip my drink and scan the crowd as I tried to find a way out of this incredibly boring conversation with whatever his name is.

“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” 

“Me?” I asked as I looked at the smiling man that put his arm around me.

“Yes you. I turned my back for just a second, and you were gone.” He pulled me into a hug and smiled.”

I finally caught onto him and smiled back, “Sorry, I needed a refill.” I said as I wiggled my cup.

What’s his name nodded and took off to bother some other poor girl.

The guy took his arm off my shoulder and started laughing as he put his hand out for me to shake. “You looked like you needed someone to save you. My name’s Reese.”

“Thank you, Reese. I’m Bella and you are officially my knight in shining armor. I was working on my escape plan.”  I laughed.

He kissed my hand, “I’m not done saving you from a night of boredom yet. I would be honored if you would join me for a dance.”

“How could I refuse,” I smiled. He’s cute but definitely a party guy. I’m sure I’m not the only girl on his radar tonight.

I let Reese lead me to the dance floor and smiled as I watched Jacie very seductively dance with some guy. She looked like she was having the time of her life.

I decided to take her que, and I started moving my hips in sync with Reese. I spun around so my ass was pressed up against him. He held onto my sides and I slowly moved with the music.

I really tried to want him, but in reality, I felt nothing. Maybe I’ve just had too much to drink. I don’t feel right. 

Then the smell hit me. The amazing woodsy smell of my green-eyed Greek god. My body feels like it’s on fire. Like it's burning from the inside out. I tried to fight this weird feeling, but I was losing control. I laid my head back against Reese’s chest as I tried to regain control.

I can feel all my powers swirling in my gut. I feel like my body is going to combust. I can also feel Creed’s eyes piercing through me. He’s angry. I can sense it, but right now I just need to get out of here. 

I’m sweating, my head is starting to spin, and I can feel my body shaking. I can’t release my power’s. 

“Ryker, Ryker.” I whispered.

“Are you OK, you don’t look so good?” Reese asked me.

“I don’t feel right. I need to find Ryker Green.” I whispered as my eyes started rolling in my head. I have so much pressure building up on my insides I can’t hold it back much longer.

“OK, let’s find you a place to sit, and I’ll look for him.”

Reese sat me down on a couch that was pushed into a corner. I fell back against it as Reese was quickly pushed away from me.

“Get your fucking hands off of her.” I heard Creed yell. I can’t do this right now. I have to get out of here.

“Ryker, I need you.” I mind linked him.

“Where are you?”

“I’m at a party. I need to get out of here.”

I heard the front door slam open, and Ryker, Drake and Ezra were in front of me in a second.

“What the hell is going on? What the fuck did you do to her?” I heard Ryker yell at Creed and Reese.

“Who the fuck are you?” I heard Creed yell back. I can’t do this right now.

I can't even talk. “Get me out of here, I’m losing control.” I linked Ryker.

Ryker picked me up bridal style and ran out of the door. I heard Creed yelling profanities at him, but Drake and Ezra were dealing with him. Hopefully, they tell him that Ryker is my brother and not a threat.

Ryker carried me out through the woods and found a clearing with a pond where I could safely release my magic.

I released so much fire into the pond I felt like something exploded inside of me. I released everything. After the fire was out, I bent the water, uprooted a few trees and released so much wind it almost caused a tornado.

Ryker stood there patiently, and just let me get everything out. He never said a word until I collapsed on the ground.