Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“You got that right.” Aurora shook her head with a grin, back to looking out the window.
Austin didn’t comment. His brother would be freaking out if he knew this conversation was going on. He would not understand Aurora letting her hair down, even in such an innocent way. An alpha’s kids usually had a very strict upbringing, Austin and Kingsley included. Shifters thought it was good training for a life as an alpha.
But Aurora wasn’t Austin’s kid—nieces didn’t count—and even if they did, this wasn’t a usual pack. The rules were different in the convocation. Austin didn’t want to directly get involved, but he did think it was good for her. She obviously needed it, and she could be in no safer company to experience it.
He found a curb to park at. They were far enough away that the other cars in their party could park in front of them without raising suspicion. Austin watched as they did so. Those who needed to stay hidden would be taking the potions now.
“Jasper got shut down by this girl,” Aurora said, “who was a real dick about it. He was like, ‘Do you want to dance?’ And she said, ‘Ew, are you serious? No.’ And then he nodded thoughtfully, like that was some great philosophical question, and said, ‘Me neither. Want to get a drink?’” Aurora started chuckling. “And she rejected him again, but more aggressively. I was getting pissed by then. I would’ve tagged in and knocked her down a peg, but he just nodded thoughtfully again and said, ‘Me neither.’” She laughed harder. “He kept asking her more questions until she finally walked away. And when she did, she was half laughing because he was so chill about the whole thing. It was clear he didn’t much care one way or another—he was having a good time. It was great.”
“Never tell your dad if you get involved with a gargoyle,” Mimi told her. “Or anyone else.”
“Didn’t need to be said,” Aurora replied.
Jess nudged Austin before they got out of the car. “Did you hear that? Never tell her dad.” Then she pointed back at Aurora. “But honestly, gargoyles are really awesome. You’d have a lot of fun. You should date one or two.”
Austin stepped out of the car as doors opened and closed ahead of him. The potion was clearly kicking in, because only a few people from the group, those who’d be guests, were still visible. Patty was cheery and smiling, in contrast to Brochan, who would pose as Austin’s brother and was intended to stress people out. Mr. Tom couldn’t be talked out of “seeing to Master Jimmy’s needs,” so they would just have to deal with comments about his cape. Niamh was the last “visible” member of the group. Having failed to find any mages (or open bars) the previous night, she was excited about the prospect of messing with wealthy people. Matt’s family had no idea what they were in for.
Jess stepped out of the Mercedes and braced her left hand on top of the door. She took a beat to watch the diamonds glitter before she cleared the way for Austin to shut the door. She didn’t go far, though, reaching out to grab the edge of his jacket and step closer once he’d made it to the sidewalk.
“Will they at least have good food?” Aurora asked as she reached the sidewalk as well, wearing a snug maroon dress that ended just above her knees, showed only a tiny bit of her chest, and was adorned by a choker of pearls with five strands. Her hair was piled on top of her head with curls coming down everywhere, and a glittering diamond bracelet encircled her wrist. She looked prim and posh and sophisticated while still presenting as young and beautiful. It was the perfect ensemble for the situation. Not even Mimi could find fault.
As for Mimi, she wore black flared slacks, a long, bright red jacket with gold buttons, a glittering gold and diamond Chanel pin on her breast, and a white collared shirt beneath—a more flamboyant outfit than she’d usually wear. She clearly intended to stand out so people would come talk to her. Austin already felt sorry for those people.
“They get it catered, and it’s usually pretty good, yes,” said Jess, the belle of the ball. The whole house had weighed in on her outfit, but ultimately she and Austin had picked it out.
It was a champagne-colored satin dress with spaghetti straps and a cowl neckline. It was looser at the bust but then cinched in through the waist and flowed down her legs to her shins with a small slit up the right side, stopping just above the knee. The cut of the dress and fabric showed off the hard-earned muscle she’d gained this last year training and fighting, while emphasizing her feminine curves and showing off her natural grace. Her hair draped around her beautiful face with a soft curl. One of Austin’s more extravagant gifts, a diamond and sapphire necklace, hugged her neck. She didn’t wear a bracelet, not wanting to detract from her ring.