“Something I don’t expect you to taste. I’m not sure it’s even consumable for humans.”
“Looks like tar.”
He smiles. “It’s not tar.”
“Is it a hallucinogen?”
“No. Mostly, just calming. It’s possible to feel a sort of high from it, not unlike marijuana, I’m told, but it would take a lot to feel it’s effects in any strong way. And yes, it’s completely legal.”
“Even at your age?” I nudge him with my elbow.
“Even at my age.”
I shrug and leave it at that. “Anything else I should know?”
“I’ll be with you the entire night. Go nowhere with anyone alone. Ever.”
I scowl at him. “I’m not stupid. But you don’t have to be linked to my side. I need to make friends, right?”
He examines me closely. “Tonight is our first outing as a couple. We should stay together, most, if not all, of the night. This is a primer. A showcase for our relationship. Once that’s solidified in people’s minds, they’ll begin to come to you on their own.”
I frown but nod. All right, we’ll do this his way.
We’re inseparable and in love. Or at least in lust.
My heart skips a beat as I consider exactly what that means. Will he kiss me tonight?
I take a large gulp of my drink and wince; this time, the liquid has a harsher bite.
Jarron smirks. “I suppose I should have poured you a larger glass.”
* * *
Jarronand I make our way through the pods of supernaturals. One group plays dart dodge—dodge ball with darts. Which is entertaining to watch for its high level of stupidity. But I suppose when you’re a wolf shifter that heals in seconds, what difference does it make?
One dart is deflected and soars straight toward us. I yelp and throw my arm up, but Jarron disintegrates the projectile with a flick of his wrist.
“Maybe enough dart dodge for me,” I mutter.
Jarron chuckles and curls his arm around my waist. He takes a seat in a cushioned chair near the low flickering fire and tugs me into his lap. My blush remains for the following thirty minutes as we chat with a female shifter and Manuela.
There is nothing overly sexual about the position. Yes, my butt is on his thigh and his arm is still hooked around my waist, but no one seems to bat an eye.
I nurse my second drink, not wanting to overdo it.
To be honest I was never much of a partier at my other schools. A couple of our friends would sneak a bottle of wine to share for movie night and we’d have spiked drinks during dances, but that was only a couple times every year.
I’m fairly certain this crowd does this nearly every weekend in some fashion or another. But supernaturals tend to have much quicker metabolisms than humans, which means the effects don’t last as long.
The female wolf shifter across from us is a pretty redhead with ballerina-like grace. Manuela takes the opportunity to introduce her friend Lucille and brag about her abilities, telling me she’s one of the most highly sought-after females in Elite Hall. That surprises me because I don’t ever see her with us at lunch.
Jarron’s right hand rests on my upper thigh casually; his left holds his tar-like beverage. He doesn’t add much to the conversation, though. Only answering when spoken to.
“It’s good to see him out,” Lucille says, her voice low and sultry, but not in a way that makes me uncomfortable. I notice many of the wolf shifters watching her intently. “Jarron doesn’t spend much time with us little people.”
Jarron snorts.
“And to see him with a female,” she raises a brow at him, “is even better.”
