Scarlett: (GxG)

Chapter 52

Zoey

There wasn't a single cloud in the sky which let the stars shine down unhindered. Going up the steps of the large conservatory, I couldn't help but tilt my head back to take it in for a minute. My family's ceremony couldn't have asked for a more beautiful night. It was a shame I couldn't enjoy it. My stomach was twisting and turning when we arrived and only felt even more upset when the two of us stepped inside and I was greeted with a sea of people. Most of the faces were unknown to me, but the way they stood as they mingled told me that I should have.

Jake approaching actually helped me get my feet wet a little. At least it was a face I knew.

"It's a packed house tonight. I hope you're ready to be social."

He wore a black dress pants and a shirt to match that pulled a bit tight across his chest, reminding me that there was real muscle beneath those expensive clothes.

"Being social is Jordan's job. We just need to keep an eye on who's coming in and out," Scarlett replied.

"Already on it. Cam's manning the emergency exit as we speak." Slowly Jake looked down at me standing between the two of them. "Nice threads," he gave my suit jacket a little tug.

"What can I say, I'm trying to look the part."

Beyond him the sea of people continued to mingle and it only took me seconds to spot the woman who towered over almost everyone. Red eyes glanced in my direction for a brief minute before looking elsewhere. I knew both Dad and Rosalynn had to be somewhere close to where she was.

I turned to look at Scarlett. Tonight she wore a leather vest that mirrored her jacket with its studs and spikes. Beneath that was a simple black shirt, the material thin and silky. Even though it showed off her muscled arms, I had a feeling it might be the closest thing to formal that she owned. The fact that she wasn't willing to conform, not even here, made me appreciate her even more.

"No goodbye's right?" she asked before I could say anything.

"Nope." I smiled up at her as her fingers slid over my shoulder. I wasn't sure what to say after that but I ultimately settled on something.

"I'll see you soon." I gripped the folded jacket tight in my hands before holding it out to her.

She glanced at it and pushed it into my chest.

"It looks better on you."

"That's a mighty bold statement, but I'll take it."

My hand couldn't help but grip hers tightly. Fingers didn't want to loosen and for her warmth to slip away but they had to.

I'd see her soon, I assured myself. When Dad was safe asleep and the Parlay solved all our problems by bringing everything to light to all the city's leaders, I'd get to touch her again.

The need to look over my shoulder and look at her until she faded into the crowd was immense. How I fought it and stared straight ahead while stepping through the crowd, I didn't know. But I managed to clutch her jacket tight and move toward the woman towering over everyone.

If things had been different, I would have loved being around so many people representing different groups throughout the city. If I'd had Scarlett with me, I knew she'd be able to sniff out every different type of shifter emissary that was here. As it stood, I only recognized Tish in her green dress, the small slit allowing me to see just a hint of the smooth brown skin at her thigh. She was oblivious to me as I passed her, talking intently to the muscle at her side that I recognized as one of the few hyenas Scarlett had fought with that day she'd come looking for me.