My Life From Hell (The Blooming Goddess #3)

Membership Has Its Privileges (Part 2)

"Yeah," Pierce said in the sexy British accent that moved his whole vibe into stratospherically hot territory. "You should see her around girls she doesn't like." He grinned, and I could see that it didn't bother him at all.

"It's time to dance," Festos announced.

Hannah waved him off. "You guys go." She stared dreamily at Pierce, her hand on his rock hard belly. "We're going to go sit and chat."

"Nice euphemism," I teased. I didn't begrudge her much because, well, most breathing females, and more than a few males, would want to euphemistically chat with Pierce too. All night if possible. But I couldn't help feeling a little hurt. It was my birthday. She didn't have to third-wheel dump me so blatantly.

"We'll catch up with you soon," she promised with a breezy wave.

Theo caught my hand before I scratched more than a couple of times "Come on, Magoo," he said. "Let's dance." He paused and then added, "I think I needed this too."

Theo had spent the past seventeen years watching and planning and keeping me safe. All without his god powers. He'd lived like a human boy, hidden from family and friends. I was glad he could finally have this night for himself. Sometimes, a bit of self-care can make as big a difference as all the tough preparation in the world.

I squeezed his hand.

In a birthday miracle, Theo pulled me into a huge hug and held me. Theo hated hugging. I mean ha-ted. Even Festos could barely get more than a few seconds out of him. So this?

This was huge. This was Theo's "I love you."

My toes curled, I got a goofy grin on my face, and felt sunshiny joy pour through my body. Not all meltiness originates from swoony lover boys. Sometimes it comes from best friends. Because love is love and it is all great.

I smooched Theo's cheek, at which point he shoved me away like I'd spilled hazardous waste on him. I winked at Festos, who watched the whole thing with evident amusement.

Then, with a "come on" wave, Festos led us through the club and down to the dance floor.

It was tropical jungle hot and steamy on that level. Also sardine packed. But entirely fabulous. The music and energy were contagious. Even snaking through the crowd, the three of us sambaed along.

I was so lost in my own little world—trying so hard to take in this fantastical place—that I collided with a hard body, and felt the slosh of a drink against my front. "Sorry," I said, looking up. I found myself staring at Anil Patel and did a double take. Anil was a classmate and former flirt buddy of mine. "I'm not sure which question to ask first." I said.

Anil gave me his familiar warm grin. "How about 'Hey human, how did meat like you get through the door?'"

I laughed. "Okay. Let's start with that."

Last time I'd seen Anil, he hadn't known about the existence of gods and goddesses at all.

"I'm dating Cassie," he said, blushing.

"Really?" I tried to wrap my head around it. The popular star wrestler dating the kooky ginger misfit who also happened to be an Oracle. I failed. "That's uh—"

"Freaking weird. I know. It happened the night of the Winter Formal." His expression turned sheepish. "The night your mom dragged you out of school. Sorry about that, by the way."

"Not your fault." It wasn't. Anil had been unfairly screwed over that night, too. Underneath all his posturing, he was actually a nice guy. A friend. If he and Cassie had grown close, then I was glad that something good had come out of that mess. "Where is she?"

Holding two cocktail glasses, Anil gestured. A deep turquoise liquid pulsed and sputtered in one of the glasses, like angry waves in the ocean. I started as it crashed against the glass. The other drink looked like liquid sunset with streaky layers of red, pink, and gold that glowed magically. Anil caught me staring and brought me back to reality. "She's over here."

I looked around to tell Festos and Theo to go on without me, but they were already on the edge of the dance floor. So I headed over to Cassie and gave her a sneak attack hug.

She squealed when she saw me, her ginger curls bobbing over a cute green halter dress that made her eyes sparkle.

But that could have been her manic energy.

"I can't believe you're here!" she said. "I didn't think I was ever going to see you again! What happened that night? I didn't want to ask Hannah in case you didn't want to talk about it. Are you doing okay about next week?"

Her words were rushed and overly happy as if every statement deserved an exclamation mark.

"Are you okay, Cass?"

Anil gave me the tiniest shake of his head.

Cassie smiled brightly. "I'm fine! Ha! Ha! You know, getting closer to the equinox! Big day! Lots of prophecies!" Her smile wavered for a second before going extra mega-watt.

This was worrisome. Mostly for what it was doing to Cassie's mental well-being but also because new prophecies could mean new info I needed to have.

"New prophecies?" I asked. "Like what?"

She waved me off. "Nothing really! Just the old favs!" She took the sunset glass from Anil and tossed it back in one gulp.

Anil leaned in to me. "She's upped her Ativan. Swears she's fine but I'm worried she's going to snap."

I braced my hand on his shoulder, spoke directly and quietly into his ear. "Anything happens to her, even if she only gets a tiny bit worse, promise me you'll take her to Hannah. Hannah can get her to me and Theo, and we can help." I hoped.