Tamed: A Huntress Spin-off Novel (18 page)

It was a relief to hear. I dashed my tears away and grabbed his arm, noticing a tattoo peeking out from behind his sleeve. I ran my fingers over the beautiful portrait of Tessa.

“I got it a couple of months after you left.”

“I love it.”

“Yeah. Fake IDs can do wonders sometimes. It was a seventeenth birthday present to me. My mom hated it at first, but there wasn’t anything she could do. The deed was already done.” He shrugged.

I turned and went into the cooler, grabbing two
Corona
’s and handed him one.

“So, what’s up with the bottles?” He gestured to the bottles lined up by the edge of the pool.

“My goal was to make all of the bottles wrap around the pool and then pass out for the day.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Nice. Well, it doesn’t sound like a bad plan considering the day. I could actually help you with this goal of yours.”

“You should. Maybe I won’t kill myself from all of the excessive drinking if I have you here to help.”

He looked down. “I usually spend my day at the cemetery. I take her favorite flowers, and sit there and talk about anything and everything. I couldn’t this year. I just didn’t want to do it alone anymore, so I thought about you like I always do and made the decision to come here instead.”

“I drink on days like this, especially on this day. The days where I can’t stand the thought of me even waking up in the morning.”

His sad, worried eyes found mine. “You’re an angry person, aren’t you?”

I took a drink of my
Corona
, hesitating before swallowing to savor the taste. “We all have our problems, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I guess so. It definitely changes people.”

“Are you still the life of the party?” I asked.

“I don’t party as much as I used to. Only here and there. My mom…uh…” He paused, sucking in a breath, worry and sorrow evident on his face. “She was diagnosed with lupus a couple of years ago, and I took a year off from college to help look after her. The muscle and joint pain can be too much for her sometimes. She does have her days where it makes it hard for her to function, and, unfortunately, her kidneys are starting to give her a fit. It gets a little hectic at home sometimes. I actually didn’t realize until now that maybe part of the reason why I’m here was to get away from it for a while.”

I wrapped my arms around his own and rested my head on him, hoping to comfort him. To watch his mother suffer had to be so incredibly hard, and to know that there wasn’t any cure for it, made it that much worse.

“I’m sorry. You came to the right place. We can run away together, and if you ever need to get away when it becomes too much, I’ll always be right here for you.”

“Thanks, Paige. It’s tough at times like this where I really miss Tessa. She was always the light out of the group. No matter what the situation was, she would always find a way to put a damn smile on your face, and I loved that about her.”

I smiled as tears stung my eyes. “She was the light to our darkness.”

I heard him sniffle, but I didn’t dare look up in his moment of sorrow. Instead, I let go of his arm and held him by the waist. I held him tight as I rested my head on him, and I could feel his chest shake with tears that he tried his hardest to conceal.

“Sean?”

“Yeah?” he choked out, then cleared his throat.

“We should let loose. You need it and I need it. We should forget all about the pain and struggles and have some fun. Let’s have a party. My dad has a cabin not that far from here. We can celebrate Tessa’s birthday and, of course, our reunion. What do you say?”

He was hesitant, unsure if it was a great idea, but if he was still the same Sean from three years ago, who was up for anything, then I had him hook, line, and sinker.

“Are you going to be up for it? You’re already tipsy.”

I snorted. “I’m no lightweight, pumpkin.”

“Okay then, I’m down, but I have no problem cutting you off if I feel the need to.”

I shrugged. “Okay then. I’ll send the text.”

“What, do you have a go-to party buddy or something?”

“She’s just an acquaintance. I met her through a friend at the last party I had. She’s apparently the go-to person to get the word out about parties.”

I watched him put away the last of his beer. “Party, here we come.”

Numbness, here we come.

Chapter Fifteen

Partygoers scattered around the expansive, luxurious cabin, acting wild and carefree as they carried on with their friends. EDM music filled the cabin as I danced in the living area with a group of people. Happiness exploded within as I let loose with not a care in the world and my stomach and chest, once heavy with grief, were finally numb. I was in my own little drunk world, and no one could destroy my joy.

I could feel someone watching me. Their stare was so effective that I stopped dancing and looked around.

He was lurking in the corner of the room, his eyes, seductive and dark, watching me as they called out to me with just one look. Silas was there. He was, without a doubt, the most irresistible creature I’d ever known. There was always that powerful, raw sex in the air when he was around, and all of the women drooled over his magnetic presence. His lust poured off him as it came creeping up over my skin, taking hold of me, and the sudden urge to have him grew. I went to him, stumbling over my own drunkenness.

“What are you doing here?” I grinned as I pressed my finger against the tip of his nose.

He grabbed my hand and smiled. “You’re drunk.”

“I guess this means you’re not angry with me anymore.”

I looked away for a brief second, not wanting to get so lost in his eyes that I couldn’t think clearly enough to even talk.

“I don’t like competition. I already have enough, don’t you think?”

“Sean is my childhood friend and that’s it.”

“Okay then.”

“I don’t remember telling you about my party. Are you stalking me? I think you’re stalking me.”

“Yeah, I’m the biggest stalker in the world.” He smirked.

“I believe it. You tend to show up out of thin air.”

He shrugged. “I heard there was a party, so here I am. I didn’t know this was
your
party, though.”

“Oh, right, I believe you.” I grinned.

His hands gripped my waist, pulling me against him, and my grin faded as his eyes, filled with lust, sucked me in once more.

“I was watching you dance…it’s sexy.”

My cheeks flushed as I smiled. “You’re always watching me.”

“You’re entertaining.”

He looked down at my mouth before leaning forward, and I parted my lips, while my stomach was flip-flopping, anticipating the touch of his lips. He kissed me slow and sensual, taking his time, and as he moved against my mouth, there was a coldness that chilled my lips and it spread throughout my body. When he pulled away, I grabbed my head as I fell into a dizzy spell. I sucked in a breath, all of a sudden feeling tired.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah, too much alcohol.”

“Do you want to sit down?”

The dizziness had passed, and even though I felt tired, I wasn’t so exhausted to where I couldn’t function. “I’m fine.”

“Let’s go in the hot tub,” he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement as they ran over my body.

“Okay.”

I grabbed his hand and led the way to the backyard patio, passing Sean in the kitchen, who was busy doing the beer bong while bystanders cheered him on.

The moment I stepped outside, I gasped and jumped back, bumping into Silas as two girls ran by naked and jumped into the built-in pool. I remembered then that Silas told me that he fed off sex.

I turned to face him and smirked. “Are you going to be able to control yourself with all of these hot, naked women around?”

His fingers gently glided down my throat, and I took in a breath, succumbing to the chill his touch had caused.

“Don’t worry; you’re the only one who has my attention.”

“Good. That’s exactly how I want it.”

I turned and began taking off my shirt, then my too short, jean skirt, revealing my bathing suit as I bit down on my lip to stop my smile from breaking free. I knew he was watching, and I enjoyed knowing that his eyes were on me. I looked back to sneak a peek his way, only to be met with the most sensual, yet wild gaze I’d ever seen. I climbed the step to the hot tub and got inside, joining another couple, who were at the far end with their lips locked. I watched as Silas undressed, my eyes running over his chest as his shirt came off then his pants. He joined me in the hot tub, his hand finding my inner thigh as he took his time running his hand over me, caressing my skin.

“You have seduction down well,” he said.

“So do you, but of course, that’s what your kind is all about.”

“You do just as good as I do. Maybe we were meant to be.”

I resisted the urge to laugh. I wasn’t ever a fan of the whole falling in love and letting people in thing, so I definitely didn’t believe in fate.

“Yeah…maybe.” I shrugged.

He glanced at the couple kissing, his brows furrowing as he let out a breath of frustration. I could tell from the annoyed look he gave that something was wrong.

“What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.”

I scowled. “You’re so mysterious all the time.”

He huffed. “Fine. I can feel what they’re feeling. It’s distracting.”

“Really?” I was actually amazed.

“Yeah, really. I can hear their racing hearts and feel their pleasure. I’m sensitive with what others are feeling when it involves sex. I’m able to control it most of the time, but when it’s practically right next to me, the emotions that run through me are much stronger.”

He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath through his nose before opening his eyes once more. My breath hitched when I saw that the color of his eyes had turned red for a brief moment before the green took over. I was afraid that he would lose control and reveal what was meant to stay hidden underneath the surface. I had to do something.

I splashed water at them. They gasped as the water soaked their faces.

“What the hell?!” the guy yelled, glaring at us.

The girl huffed and wiped her face. Her upturned nose crinkled as she scowled at us. “Geez, rude much.”

“Go find a room,” I said.

“Seriously, you splashed us for that?”

With his mouth set in a hard line, Silas stood with a cold glare to his face. “Why don’t you do what she said and there won’t be any problems,” he said through clenched teeth.

The irritation that poured from him made me wince from intimidation.

The guy’s glare faltered as he took a step back. There was something in Silas’ look that startled him, startled me even. He grabbed the girl’s hand and pulled her to her feet as they got out of the hot tub without another word.

Silas sat back down with his shoulders tense, and he shut his eyes. I was afraid to say anything at first, but I also knew that silence wouldn’t help him calm down either.

“Maybe you should calm down a bit.”

He sighed. “I’ll be fine.”

The tips of my fingers gently ran up his arm, forcing goosebumps to invade his skin. “Does this help?”

He faced me, his eyes laced with want. “No; it makes me want you, actually. I like your touch.” He frowned. “Is that what you do with Eli?”

My smile faded, and I shrugged. Something told me that the irritated mood he was in was permanent and I was the one who would get his wrath.

“You don’t seem to care what I do with him since you’re here not bothering to give up on me.”

I looked away from him venomous glare. He was scary when he was mad.

“Oh, trust me, I care.”

Eli and Silas didn’t know how hard it was for me. Both of them came into my life at the same time, winning my trust and my heart. It was going to be hard for me to cut one of them from my life …both if I had to.

“So, where is your other lover?” he spit out bitterly.

I cut him a look. “I don’t know. He left before I woke up.”

“Before you woke up…did you have sex with him?”

I nodded.

He gasped. “He didn’t.”

My brows knitted together. “What?”

“He used you for sex.”

“I was at his house, in his bed.”

“It doesn’t matter. He bailed on you. He left so he wouldn’t have to deal with you the next morning.”

I shook my head. “No, he wouldn’t do that to me. You don’t know him like I do. He’s not that type of guy.”

“Paige.” He cupped my chin and as I met his stare. I was instantly sucked into the beauty of his gaze. It took me higher to a different place, everything around me floated away, and I saw nothing but the powerful allure his eyes brought. “He doesn’t care about you. He was using you for sex. If he cared about you at all he would have at least left a note. You’re wasting your time on him. He’s only going to hurt you in the end. He deserves nothing more than a slap to the face.” As he spoke, a spark of anger and hurt exploded in my gut-wrenched stomach, shooting straight to my heart, poisoning the peace and joy that I worked so hard to feel. And suddenly, I wanted to hurt Eli for what he did to me.

I casted my eyes down. I was so angry that I wanted to cry.

“How could he do that to me?”

I looked up at him, expecting a reply, but he wasn’t even paying attention to me. His eyes were filled with so much hate as he glared at someone behind me. “Speak of the devil.”

I turned my head and saw Eli, Taylor, and Chelsea making their way to me. I stood up, my face turning into stone as I clenched my fists. It was excruciating to feel the excessive amount of anger and sorrow within. It felt as if my heart was being twisted. How could he treat me like I was some kind of one night stand? He was definitely going to get a piece of my mind.

I got out of the hot tub and stormed over to him. I didn’t care how irritated he was to see that I was with Silas. I wasn’t the least intimidated by him. I slapped him across his face, wincing as the contact made my palm sting. It did nothing to hurt him, but it sure did shock the hell out of him and only angered me more that I couldn’t hurt him.

His eyes burned with anger. “What is your problem?”

Chelsea grabbed me by the arm and yanked me forward. “Don’t you hit him! He came looking for you to see if you were okay. Kyle said you looked upset. You have no reason to lay your hands on him.”

“Get off me!” I screamed, as so much rage filled my voice.

Taylor pulled Chelsea back, forcing her to release me.

“Paige, what’s wrong with you?” Taylor asked.

Sean joined us on the patio. “Woah, what the hell is going on?”

Taylor looked at him in shock. “You’re here,” he said in disbelief.

“I came to see Paige.”

Tears stung my eyes. There were so many emotions running through me that I felt as if I could burst.

I grabbed Eli’s face, hard. “How could you?”

He grabbed my wrist and pulled my hand from his face. “What did I do?”

“You left me. You had sex with me then left me. You don’t care about me. I was your one night stand!”

“I left a note on my pillow, explaining why I had to go. Didn’t you see?”

I shook my head. “Stop lying to me. There was no note. It’s just like Silas said; I’m nothing to you.”

Eli glared at Silas, who was now dressing himself.

“Silas said, huh?”

Taylor’s brows rose as he pointed to him. “This is Silas, huh?”

Everyone around us gasped as Taylor took out his dagger and stepped forward, ready to attack.

Eli shoved him back. “No. There are too many outsiders,” he whispered to Taylor.

“And that’s my cue to leave,” Silas said.

Eli held his arm out, stopping him as he tried to walk past us. “You’re lucky there is a cabin filled with outsiders.”

Silas gave a wicked grin. “No. You’re the lucky one.” He then looked at me. “I’ll see you
very
soon. Dream of me.” He flashed Eli a smile before purposely nudging his shoulder as he walked past.

Eli’s face hardened as he let out a growl.

I grabbed Eli by the shirt. “Hey, I’m not done with you. You left when I needed you. You weren’t there when I realized what today was.”

With a look of concern on his face, his brows furrowed. “What is today?”

I bowed my head as even more tears coated my face.

“It’s Tessa’s birthday,” Sean said, his voice low and sad.

Taylor sighed. “Shit.” He bowed his head and shook it.

Eli tried to pull me to him, but I pushed him away and stepped back. “No…I’m fine.”

I stormed off into the cabin, grabbing a half-empty bottle of
Jack Daniels
from the kitchen counter and went straight upstairs to my room. I didn’t even bother to turn on the light as I walked inside and slammed the door closed. I walked straight ahead, knowing that my window seat was in that direction. I stubbed my toe on my bed, gasping as pain shot through my pinky toe.

“Damn you, bed!”

I hopped my way to the window seat and plopped down, rubbing the pain from my foot. I grabbed the curtains and pulled them open as the light from the moon shined through my bay window. I lay back on the silky pillows behind me, unscrewed the lid to the bottle, and took a long drink. I could still feel it…the fury that refused to go away. Everything was hitting me all at once. The pain that the alcohol had numbed from Tessa, Eli using me as a one night stand, it all came crashing into my gut, taking my breath away as tears slid down my face and I took another drink. I could hear the crowd dispersing and the music that vibrated through the floor and walls had died down, leaving me left in the dark with nothing but my raging thoughts.