Off With His Head

31. Cue the awkward family reunion

"Yes, well." He shrugs as though it's no big deal, which it definitely is. In fact, it's huge. "I couldn't have you showing up in jeans when I could do something about it."

It's like they think the only clothes I own are jeans. Although, looking at the three dress options on my bed, one of which was for a wedding and another for a formal in high school, I can't really blame them. Zach and Caleb have only seen me in a dress once, the night we took down Henry, and it didn't even belong to me, I had borrowed it from Naomi.

"One more thing," he adds, just as his hand reaches for the doorknob. "Your parents will be in attendance tonight. They arrived about an hour ago."

Damn. I had known that it was possible I would see my mom tonight, but I haven't seen my dad since I found out about them being hunters. I'd prefer not to come face to face with them in a room full of people on a night that's supposed to be all about letting loose and having fun.

Cue the awkward family reunion.

"Thanks for the heads up, Zacharias."

His lips twitch upwards as though he's trying not to smile. "I thought you might need it."

¤

The dress that Zach brought for me is gorgeous. It's made of silver satin that falls to the floor. The top has thin straps that curve into a sweetheart neckline and the bust is adorned with intricate beadwork that sparkles in the light.

Who would have thought that Zach would have such good taste?

I've never worn silver, nor have I ever tried to, thinking that it probably wouldn't suit me. But, when I put it on, the material soft against my skin, I know that this is the dress I'm going to wear tonight. It fits almost perfectly, slightly loose around my waist and about an inch too long. Considering I had never tried it on, I would say Zach did an incredible job at selecting the size.

Once I've managed to secure the straps in place, I look sadly at the three options that Caleb had been kind enough to bring me, knowing that none of them compares to this one. For a moment, I feel so bad that I almost change into the one I wore for my cousin's wedding.

But then I realise that I'm just being silly. Caleb's not going to mind that I'm wearing a different dress. Besides, it was a struggle to get this one on with the ache in my stomach, there's not a chance I'm taking it off now. Why put myself through the unnecessary pain for no reason?

Once I have the dress on, there's not much else to do to get ready. I don't have make up here, and anyway it would feel like a bit of a waste. I force my hair into a side plait so that at least it's something different from my usual ponytail. I slip on my boots, fighting the temptation to tuck a dagger in one.

They definitely don't match my dress, but luckily the material is long enough to hide them. There's no chance of me wearing heels to this thing, not only do I not have any, but knowing my luck I would fall and rip open my stitches. I open the jar of pain killers Angie gave me and take my prescribed two with a sip of water from my bathroom tap. I wish I could take a couple more, just for tonight, but I know that's not a good idea so I will just have to make do.

I'm just finishing up when I hear another knock at my door. Hobbling over and opening it to find Caleb, looking smart in a button up shirt and tie, I can't help the smile that crosses my face. He's clearly attempted to tame his unruly dark hair, shoving it into place behind his ears. After only seeing him in combat and training gear, it's a bit of a shock to see him so dressed up.

"Jennings, you look," he pauses as though searching for the right word. "Breath-taking. But where did you find that dress? Is that one of the ones I brought? I don't remember it."

Heat rushes to my cheeks at his compliment, quickly chased away by a pang of guilt. "No, Zach gave me this one."

"Oh." For a moment I'm sure I see something flash in his eyes but it's gone before I can decipher it.

"I'm sorry, I should have-,"

"No," he cuts me off. "There's no need to apologise. You should wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. Besides, now I get to see you in this dress." He takes a step back to look at me properly. "You're beautiful, Jennings."

Elephants dance through my stomach at his words and my heart swells. I didn't think it was possible, but my blush deepens and I'm sure he can feel the heat coming off my face from where he's standing. "Thank you, Calloway."

"And I have to hand it to Zach, silver definitely suits you."

"I've never worn it before," I admit.

"You should wear it more often," he suggest with a grin. "Should we go?"

I nod and he reaches an arm out and wraps it around my waist, pulling me flush against his side. We head towards the dining hall, our progress slow thanks to my injury. Caleb stops every few minutes to make sure I'm okay, his arm never leaving my side.

But the truth is, I feel better than I have in days.

For the first time in a week, I'm not concerned about vampires, stab wounds, or Caleb and Zach going on a mission without me. Instead, I'm looking forward to the night ahead with the man beside me whose concern for my well-being is honestly adorable.

I'm also excited to see Zach, hoping that he will completely relax and have fun, releasing the weight off his shoulders for a few hours. I wonder if he will have dressed up, like Caleb, or if he will just wear his Hunters jacket. I barely ever see him without it and I remember so clearly how offended he was when I called his dress sense 'odd'.

It's going to be a good night. I can feel it.

"Wow," I say as soon as we enter the hall and see that it is packed with people. "Are they all Hunters?"

"Yeah they are," Caleb answers as he steers me towards the left where there's fewer people. "They fly in from all over the world for this."

"I didn't realise there were so many!" I exclaim, taken aback by the sheer amount of people in the room, all laughing, drinking and talking merrily.

"Believe it or not, this isn't all of them. Some wouldn't have been able to come if they were on a mission."

"Holy cra-,"

"Peyton." An all too familiar voice cuts me off from behind. "Language."

I turn to face a man I haven't seen in months. The stubble along his jaw has turned into a full on beard with the moustache I remember so fondly sitting proudly over his top lip. His dark eyes, devoid of his thick glasses for the first time in my life, glance at Caleb's arm around my waist before shooting back up to meet mine. His mouth, usually stern and pinched, spreads into a wide smile, visible even through all the facial hair.

Ah, here comes the inevitable family reunion.

"Hey dad."