22. Warwick

Chapter 22

Warwick

I eye Cordia wearily as she passes all three of us a gold leaf filigree mask.

Florence sucks in a breath as they look over the one in their hand. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. The three of you deserve them, and what use do I have for them? I’m not partying.” Cordia gives us a soft smile. “They were passed down for generations. We used to wear them when we danced naked under the full moon during certain rituals.” Her cheeks go pink and I have to wonder what kind of rituals they were.

Ethan shivers. “I don’t think we need to know about sex in the woods.”

Cordia snorts and Florence side-eyes him, then the mask.

“Were these cleaned since their last usage?” They ask.

“Of course.” Cordia presses her hand to her mouth to cover her smile. “Go enjoy yourselves.” She shoos us away.

We’re already in our party clothes and slip on the masks.

Ethan wears a pair of black leggings I want to rip off him and a hot pink mesh tank top. Again, I want to rip it off him. Florence wears a cute skater skirt and a crop top. And I’m in a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt because I’m such a plain Jane.

“Ready?” I ask and hold out my hands to the pair.

The moment they touch me, I teleport us to Flutter and Fangs. Music thumps through the speakers so loudly I can feel it in my blood and the place is packed.

Fae magic shimmers from the ceiling like a cascading waterfall and tapestries transform the bar into something magical.

Ethan’s eyes widen as he takes everything in. I have to wonder if the masquerade party was this grand the first time around, or if Pike and Lark and probably Wren doubled down.

“It’s magical,” Ethan shouts over the music. I want to tell him he’s what makes it magical, but that feels too cheesy.

“I want every day to be magical to you.”

“It already is, Wick. We’re free and together. What other magic do we need?”

Florence bounces around and grabs Ethan’s hand. It takes everything in me not to snap at them. Then they grab my hand, too. They’re both rocking to the music vibrating through my body and I give in. Who cares what I look like? I’m going to enjoy myself and my little witch.

“Wick!” my brother calls to me and I stifle the laugh. He’s dressed like an angel, with a fake halo and all. He even painted his blue, leathery wings white. He wraps his arms around me. “I’m so fucking happy for you. You never gave up.” He slaps me on the back before letting me go. “Never take my advice. I always suck at it.”

“I know, but I still love you.”

We grin and I know I’ll never be mad at my brother for too long, even if he was the reason I was at my crossroads at fifteen. If he hadn’t of pissed off Poe, I may never have met Ethan and that’d be a tragedy. A shiver goes down my spine at the thought.

“Don’t be a stranger,” Van says. “I expect to try some of your yummy baked goods, too. Gabe spilled the beans that you’re really good.”

Ethan takes my hand. “Wick plans to open a bakery.”

“I look forward to it.” Van tips his head and disappears, probably to find Gabe.

“Dance Wick.” Ethan grinds against me and I still his wily hips. The rest of the dancers, other than Florence anyway, seem to be rubbing against one another and I let him go do to as he pleases. I decide to get caught up in the energy of the place instead of caring how I look on the dancefloor. Bright lights bounce around, making people blue and yellow and orange and pink. It’s glorious, this place we have to meet and play. I want to create something like this with my bakery.

“You’re thinking too hard, my demon.” Ethan pulls me down by a horn and I can’t help the moan. “Get lost for just a little bit. Let go.” He kisses me over and over and I let him take me away into a place I don’t think and just feel.