Chapter HAPPY VALENTINE
Third Person Pov:
Night came in the blink of an eye, and the squad of five found themselves on the way to the house party. It had been a tough month for Bella, and since she had been away from school, she had no idea that Valentine's Day was the next day.
"Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?" Bella asked as they arrived at the party.
Hazel, who had been itching to spill the surprise they had planned for Bella, received a warning pinch from Kai, who sat close to her, causing her to yelp and cover her mouth.
They all exited the car, making their way into the indoor party, which was packed with students inside and out. This time, the event wasn't just for the popular crowd, and with over a month passing since the Beta's wife had died, the students seemed to have loosened up.
As they stepped into the living room, which was buzzing with energy, Bella noticed a small crowd gathered around a group of boys playing games. Her eyes drifted across the room, spotting Fae. For a brief moment, Fae locked eyes with Hazel before grabbing Sebastian's hand and pulling him to a quiet corner.
"I cannot stand her," Fae muttered, her gaze flicking toward Bella. "Does she look better? Did she get skinnier?" she asked Sebastian, but he was too busy looking over Fae's shoulder while trying to get a better view of Bella, but Ryder blocked his view by stepping in front of her.
"Son of a bitch," Sebastian grumbled under his breath, while Fae let out an irritated hiss.
"I can't believe I'm even asking you. Of course, you're still head over heels for her. Can't you see? She'll never love you," Fae spat, her voice dripping with contempt.
Sebastian scoffed, shaking his head. "And Ryder's going to love you anytime soon? Sure, I see that happening."
He walked off toward the beer table, a sinister smile curling on his lips as he had put Fae in her place. Fae let out a deep sigh.
As she stood there, a guy approached her, clearly interested.
"Hey, do you-"
"No," she cut him off before he could finish.
Her eyes remained locked on Ryder. She had to have him, one way or another. Pulling out her phone, she sent a text to Hazel.
"Your friend is driving me crazy, and I think I'm going to take that potion now."
Hazel glanced at her phone when the message came through and rolled her eyes before typing back.
"You think? You should definitely take it now because she's getting all the attention you deserve."
Fae's face twisted in annoyance. One thing she hated more than anything was being told what to do. Seeing Hazel's message, she decided it was too soon. She ignored Hazel's reply and walked to the alcohol table, grabbing a drink alongside Sebastian.
"Maybe it's time we realize we're not going to get what we want," Sebastian muttered, taking a long sip of his drink as he watched Kai and Ryder plant kisses on Bella's cheek before heading off to join the games, leaving Finn and Hazel with her.
"Suit yourself, loser," Fae snapped, uncorking the cap of her beer bottle and taking a huge gulp as her eyes stayed glued to Ryder, who had taken a seat.
She reminisced about the past, remembering how she used to sit on his lap while he played. Sometimes she'd make bets with him, saying her touch could distract him from his game. When he denied it, she'd get increasingly flirtatious until he eventually caved. Just thinking about the warmth of his lips on hers made her heart break.
"God, I miss him so much," she groaned, slamming her beer down on the table. She fished out her phone again and texted Hazel.
"Can she not vanish or something?"
Hazel, growing tired of Fae's constant texts, glanced over at Bella, who chuckled softly. Hazel sighed.
"I'm going upstairs. Maybe she'll follow me. I'm so sick of this game, and I want her to get out of my life," Hazel said before heading off.
Fae, seeing Hazel head toward the stairs, waited a moment before following. Sebasti let out a sigh of surrender as he saw them go. He had long given up on winning Bella's heart, but he had to keep playing Fae's game to protect the secret he held dear.
Hazel stepped into a room, but before she could close the door, Fae shoved it open and grabbed Hazel by the collar, her hands trembling like someone who had taken a truck load of drugs.
"Do
you have anything new for me?" Fae demanded, shaking her violently.
Hazel shook her head. "No."
"Come on, Hazel, she's driving me crazy! I might lose it. I just want her gone, and I want Ryder." Fae pleaded, her voice rising in desperation.
Hazel grabbed Fae's hand tightly, her grip strong enough to cause Fae to recoil in pain.
"Why did you do that?" Fae asked, wincing.
Hazel raised a brow, her voice firm. "You keep shaking me like I'm a doll. I'm alive, Fae. My head's killing me," she snapped, her face scrunching up in annoyance.
Fae backed off, pressing a hand to her forehead and taking deep breaths. Watching her, Hazel struggled to stifle her laughter, convinced Fae would lose her mind by midnight.
Meanwhile, Bella was downstairs, swaying gently to the music with her back plastered on Finn's body as he rocked her slowly to the rhythm.
"I'm trying to avoid drinking tonight," she said to Finn over the music, tilting briefly to see his face as he sipped from his cup of wine.
"Why? You should let loose tonight," Finn said, releasing his grip on her waist.
Then he took her hand, leading her to the alcohol table. He poured two cups of wine, handing one to her. "Come on."
Reluctantly, Bella downed the contents of the cup. Then, without hesitation, she grabbed the bottle and poured herself another glass, taking a faster gulp this time.
Finn watched her with a smirk playing on his lips. "You're tipsy, aren't you?" she asked, raising a brow.
"A little," Finn replied with a grin before leaning in to kiss her softly.
Bella smiled against his lips, her hands wrapped around his neck as she kissed him back. She bit his lower lip gently until he parted his lips for her. His hands slipped down to her waist, grabbing her tightly, and she let out a soft moan into his mouth.
Just then, Finn's phone beeped, interrupting the moment. He pulled away, groaning, and checked to see it was his alarm, and it was midnight.
"Do you want to get a room?" he asked with a mischievous grin.
Bella, who was getting tipsy, nodded with a giggle. Finn effortlessly lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her up the stairs, leading her to a penthouse with a terrace.
Finn set her down, and Bella started toward the bed, but he grabbed her hand, leading her outside to the terrace where Ryder and Kai were leaning over the balustrade, talking.
"There you are," Bella laughed, throwing her arms around them both, pulling them close. She leaned in to kiss them, but the sudden burst of fireworks in the sky startled her, causing her to pull back in awe.
The fireworks displayed the words, "Happy Valentine's Day, Bella."
The students outside erupted in cheers as everyone gathered to watch the fireworks.
Fae, standing alone outside, seethed with jealousy as she watched Bella kiss Ryder, her body burning with rage.
"It had to be him," she muttered under her breath, storming back inside. She bumped into Sebastian and Hazel on her way. "We need to talk. Now."