Chapter 50 Friday Night Party 1
Phoebe
“Just leave it to me.”
Tyra cut into our conversation with her usual confidence. She was always the optimist—maybe even a little obsessed with me. Somehow, she had a sixth sense for knowing exactly when I was feeling unsure, and she’d always swoop in like a knight in shining armor. Well, if knights wore ripped jeans and combat boots.
Of course, she also had a habit of running her mouth.
I was used to it by now. If she got too carried away, I’d jab her ribs, kick her shin, or do whatever it took to make her shut up. Tonight was no different. She grabbed my hand and practically dragged me into her room, determined to work her magic on my look.
We had agreed that I’d come over an hour before the party. When I arrived, her mom greeted me with a big grin. She looked like a rockstar—long black hair streaked with red highlights, all-black clothes, and silver jewelry that caught the light. It was pretty obvious where Tyra got her confidence and wild energy from.
Though, physically, they looked nothing alike. Their skin tones, their facial features—completely different. Tyra must’ve noticed me staring because she smirked.
“I take after my dad. He passed away a long time ago.”
I hesitated before asking, “Did your mom ever find a second mate?” I was still a little fuzzy on how second-chance mates worked.
“Nope. Or maybe she just hasn’t yet,” Tyra said with a shrug, swiping mascara onto her lashes. “Honestly, I think she’s loving the single life, hanging out with her musician friends.”
I glanced toward the living room, where her mom was casually tapping on a cymbal, surrounded by a group of musicians tuning their instruments. Seeing them together, laughing and getting lost in their own rhythm, I could imagine the kind of life she lived—one where being alone didn’t mean being lonely.
Tyra suddenly squinted at my face. “Damn, your pores are tiny. I’d kill for skin like yours.”
I blinked at her. “What?”
She huffed. “Exactly. You don’t even know what I’m talking about. That means you’ve got great skin. Ugh, I love doing your makeup.”
I laughed. She really was obsessed with me. If only Phoenix knew about this—I’d be the first to ship them together.
Tyra leaned back, admiring her work. “Alright, all done. Girl, you look insane. Everyone’s gonna think you’re the new she-wolf at Livingstone.”
I turned to the mirror. My reflection looked almost unreal. I was dressed as Nova Starlight from Cybernetic Dawn—a sleek black leather jacket with glowing blue neon lines, my hair styled into effortless waves, my eyes lined just enough to look sharp and electric. I actually looked like the character—a genius hacker with an aura of mystery.
Tyra headed downstairs first while I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves buzzing in my chest. Through the window, I could see our classmates starting to gather in the backyard.
I stepped out of Tyra’s room and found Finley waiting by the door, arms crossed. His eyes widened slightly when he saw me, but he quickly masked his reaction with a smirk.
“Wow, Phoebe. You…”
I swallowed. “Is it bad?”
He shook his head. “No. You look incredible.”
A warm flush crept up my neck. “Alright,” I mumbled. “Let’s go.”
The backyard was alive with music and laughter. Tyra’s mom and her band had taken over the small stage, their sound filling the night air. I could feel eyes on me as we walked in.
“Who is she?” someone whispered.
“She looks like she stepped out of a video game.”
“Wait, is she a new transfer student or something?”
I fought the urge to fidget. Thankfully, Finley was right next to me, grounding me. I grabbed his arm, leaning in just slightly. “Don’t leave me alone, okay?”
His smirk softened into something more genuine. “Never.”
The party was actually fun. The music, the lights, the way people moved so freely—it was infectious. Finley and I danced, laughing as we spun around with the crowd. Every now and then, I caught a glimpse of Tyra, completely in her element, chatting and laughing with her friends.
After a while, we took a break near the drink table. I grabbed a cup of beer, sipping it slowly, letting myself relax. For once, things were going well.
And then the energy in the party shifted.
A commotion near the entrance made people turn their heads.
Zion and Adonis had arrived.
The second they stepped in, it was like the entire backyard held its breath. And then—the screaming started. Or, well, the excited kind of screaming. The girls from Livingstone practically lost their minds.
And honestly? I couldn’t blame them.
Even in casual clothes, they looked unfairly good. Effortlessly cool. Like they belonged at an exclusive rooftop party, not a backyard hangout.
I swallowed hard as they approached, heart hammering in my chest.
Zion smirked. “Damn. Can’t believe I almost missed this.”
Adonis gave me a slow once-over, his expression unreadable. “You look different, Phoebe.”
I shifted on my feet. “Good different?”
He didn’t answer, but the way his gaze lingered was enough.
Before I could process what was happening, they had pulled me into their orbit. One moment, I was standing beside Finley—the next, I was being passed between them as we danced.
Zion’s hands skimmed my waist as he leaned in close, voice low in my ear. “You don’t mind giving me a little attention, do you?”
I barely had time to respond before Adonis took his turn, his grip firm, commanding. “Relax. I’ve got you.”
Finley, ever the gentleman, danced with me in a way that was safe—steady hands, soft smiles. The contrast between all three of them was dizzying.
And I wasn’t sure which one made my pulse race the most.
As the song slowed, Zion suddenly murmured, “We should talk.”
His gaze flicked toward the upstairs window—Tyra’s room. Adonis caught on immediately, adding, “Somewhere… private.”
My stomach tightened. I had no idea what they were planning, but the thrill in their voices sent a shiver down my spine.
Up in Tyra’s room, things shifted again. The energy between us felt heavier. Zion was the first to move, brushing my hair back, his fingers lingering along my jaw.
“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this,” he muttered.
Adonis sat on the bed, watching us with an intensity that made my skin tingle. “You gonna keep teasing her all night?”
I barely had time to breathe before Finley, ever the calming presence, chuckled beside me. “Relax, Phoebe. You’ll be fine.”
And then—
A loud knock at the door made Zion pause.
We all froze.
Then, a voice came from the other side.
“Phoebe, are you in there?”
My heart stopped.
Why the hell were they here now?