25. Its Dinner Time!

It's Dinner Time!

Now, where is Kuzco's poison?

I 'm standing just outside the restaurant—near but far enough away to watch, leaning against the cold brick wall like some kind of spy in a bad action movie. I've been here for a good ten minutes, watching the comings and goings, tapping my foot impatiently. My nerves are buzzing like I've had too much coffee, but I'm not backing down. Tonight's the night, and I'm not letting Kyla—or Sam, for that matter—get the better of me.

Then I see them. First, Sam, looking like she's been rehearsing for her part in the Mean Girls reboot, all smug with her short skirt and attitude. Next comes Bethany—her name finally clicks—looking as dim-witted as always. She's one of those air elemental fae types, the kind that always looks like a strong breeze might knock her over. She floats around in conversations, never really adding much but always there, like some sort of ethereal sidekick.

I don't even have time to roll my eyes before Kyla struts into the restaurant, her hand practically glued to Sebastian's arm. He's playing his part well, though—way too well. I can see it in the stiff way he holds himself, the slight tension in his jaw. He's letting her touch him, but I know he'd rather peel her off and toss her across the room. Still, he's committed to the game, and honestly, it's impressive how well he's pulling off the whole "under witch command" act. He doesn't even bother opening the door for her, which makes me smirk. Kyla's face tightens in frustration for just a second before she covers it up with another one of those too-sweet smiles.

It's almost funny—almost—watching her get so irritated at his lack of chivalry. What's not funny is watching her hands all over him, like she's staking a claim. My stomach twists every time she touches him, and I can't tell if it's anger, disgust, or just the overwhelming urge to yank her off him myself. Probably all three.

Her hair looks better than usual tonight, which I assume is thanks to whatever wig she's slapped on. Honestly, it's the best she's looked in a while. Too bad she's still the same insufferable person underneath. I take a deep breath, reminding myself why we're here. Patience.

There's another girl with them—Eva, if I remember right. She's a succubus, and let's just say subtlety is not her strong suit. Her entire vibe screams, "Look at me," like she thrives on attention, and not the good kind. She's batting her lashes like she's getting paid for it, and knowing her, she's probably already planning on stealing someone's boyfriend by dessert. But what really catches my attention is her lipstick—deep red, almost identical to mine. Well, isn't that just perfect? It's like the universe decided to gift-wrap my plans tonight.

Next to her is Miles, a pixie with the kind of overcompensating swagger you can spot from a mile away. Pixies always seem like they've got something to prove, probably because they're small but act like they can take on the world. He's puffed up like a peacock, and I can't help but roll my eyes. Between him and Eva, it's like watching a really bad soap opera, one where everyone's convinced they're the main character.

The whole group laughs as they take their table, oblivious to the fact that I'm practically fuming in the shadows. I don't know what's more infuriating—Kyla's fake smile, or the fact that Sam's sitting there like she didn't stab me in the back.

But then I see Derek, and my mood instantly lifts. He's strolling down the street, looking casual as ever but in that annoyingly sexy way only he can pull off. He's got on a collared shirt—nothing fancy, but enough to make him look like he's actually trying tonight, and damn it, I hate how good it looks on him.

I cross my arms as he gets closer, raising an eyebrow. "Nice shirt, Derek. Didn't know you knew how to dress yourself without help."

He grins, unfazed, and shoots right back. "Didn't know you liked your men dressed, Z."

Before I can retort, he leans in and kisses me, his lips lingering a bit longer than necessary. When he pulls back, he smirks. "Had to make sure your lipstick was on my lips before I walked in."

I chuckle and swipe at my lips with my thumb. "Sorry, it's non-transferrable. Magic, you know. Keeps things tidy."

He tilts his head, intrigued. "Part of the plan?"

I shrug, a playful glint in my eye. "Only for the moment." We share a grin before turning toward the restaurant. It's game time. As we walk in, I take one last deep breath. Let's show Kyla what happens when she messes with the wrong witch.

Derek and I are led to a table just a couple away from Kyla and her crew. It's a pretty busy restaurant, thankfully, which means we won't draw too much attention too soon. Still, my eyes keep darting toward Sebastian, who's playing his part as Kyla's puppet far too well for my liking. Every time she touches him, I can practically see him flinch, even though he's doing a good job of hiding it.

But I can't focus on that right now. Derek and I need to play our part too. As soon as we sit down, Derek gives me that playful grin of his. "Well, well, Z, look at this. You finally made good on that date you promised me."

I raise an eyebrow at him, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "This? This is the date? Watching my archnemesis paw at a guy I'm half-convinced is going to lose his mind if she touches him one more time? Not exactly candlelit romance."

He chuckles and reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "Maybe not the traditional route, but I'd say it's perfect. You're here, I'm here… the enemy's distracted. Seems like a win to me."

I tilt my head, biting back a smile. "Oh, so this is your idea of a good time? Spying and plotting revenge?"

He leans in a little, smirking. "With you? Absolutely. You make everything more fun, even sabotage and chaos."

I laugh softly, squeezing his hand. "You're impossible."

He shrugs. "You knew that when you agreed to this date. Don't pretend you're not having fun."

I shake my head, but I can't deny it. Being here with Derek, even in the middle of all this drama, makes me feel grounded. "Alright, fine. You're right. But don't think this counts as the real thing. I still owe you a proper date."

He raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh yeah? What do you have in mind?"

I bite my lip, thinking for a moment. "Something that doesn't involve restaurant espionage. Maybe dinner at a place where we aren't trying to bring someone down. A movie? Or I could cook for you—something that doesn't involve potion ingredients."

He grins wider, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "That sounds perfect. But honestly, this is exactly what I want. I don't care where we are or what we're doing, as long as I'm with you." My heart does a little flip at that, and I have to remind myself not to melt right then and there. I glance over at Sebastian, wishing he could be at this table instead of with Kyla, but I know he's playing the long game too.

"I just wish…" I trail off, my gaze flicking to Sebastian before coming back to Derek.

"I know," Derek says softly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "But we'll get through this, Z. We're a team, remember? All three of us."

I smile, nodding. "Yeah, we are. And once this is over, we'll have that real date. Promise."

Derek grins, leaning back in his chair. "I'll hold you to that, but for now, let's enjoy this, okay? Who knows? Maybe this counts as our practice run for when we're not taking down evil witches."

I can't help but laugh again, the sound lightening the tension that's been hanging over me all day. "You're ridiculous, but fine. Practice date it is. Just don't get used to the whole revenge plot as our go-to date idea."

Derek winks. "No promises, witch. No promises."

I glance down at my water glass, catching a movement out of the corner of my eye. Sure enough, Sam has spotted me, and she's already pointing me out to Kyla like I'm a stain on her perfectly curated evening. I keep my expression neutral, my posture relaxed, and continue the conversation with Derek like I haven't noticed a thing. But inwardly, I'm gearing up for whatever nonsense is about to unfold. Any second now…

Right on cue, I feel Sam's presence next to me. "What the hell is this?" she hisses, her voice low and accusatory.

I pretend to be startled, blinking a few times as I turn to face her. "Sam? Wow, didn't see you there." I give her a sweet smile that's all teeth. "What are you doing here? Thought this place might be a bit out of your budget."

Sam's smug expression falters for just a second before she crosses her arms, a poor attempt at looking unaffected. "I'm here with friends," she snaps, "friends that don't steal my boyfriend."

I blink a few times, pretending to be absolutely bewildered, but I catch Kyla snickering behind her like this is some kind of high school drama showdown. I bite back a sarcastic laugh. Oh, it's drama they want? Fine.

I smirk, leaning back in my chair. "Steal? Derek wasn't holding onto anything or anyone when things started happening between us." I give a pointed look at Sam's fuming expression. "So when it comes to thieves around here, I know you're not referring to me."

Her face flushes with frustration, her composure slipping faster than she can patch it back up. She mutters something under her breath about how I'm going to regret ever saving her from her illness. The words are low, angry, and she storms off before I can get another word in.

I watch her retreat, Kyla's smug smile faltering just a little as she glances over at me. I could care less about their stupid clique, but something dark and bitter stirs in my chest. I shake it off with a sigh, muttering to myself, "I don't want to have dark thoughts, but they do creep in."

Derek, still sitting calmly across from me, shrugs. "I really wanted to jump in during that conversation, but it was kind of fun watching you handle it."

I let out a small, almost amused huff. "Good thing you didn't. The focus needs to stay on me—let them stew in their rage."

Derek leans back in his chair, a grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, trust me, they're stewing alright. You handled that perfectly."

I flash him a smile, but my mind is already spinning with what Sam said. That comment about saving her from her illness… it stings more than it should. But I push it down. This night isn't about feeling sorry for myself.

I try my best to block out the noise coming from Kyla's table, which is getting increasingly louder and more obnoxious. She's practically shouting about how amazing she is, as if she's putting on some kind of one-woman show for the entire restaurant. Her voice grates on my nerves, but I grit my teeth and force a calm expression. It's all part of the plan, I remind myself. She's trying to rile me up, get under my skin.

Derek gives my hand a squeeze under the table, probably sensing the tension rolling off me. "You're doing great," he murmurs, and I flash him a quick smile.

Of course, Kyla doesn't stop there. She ramps it up, going on about how much better vampire lovers are compared to wolf shifters, making her voice just loud enough to be heard a few tables over. I know for a fact she's never done anything with Sebastian, but hearing her talk like that makes me want to snap her stupid wig right off her head.

I keep my cool, though. She wants me flustered, but I'm not giving her that satisfaction. I've got bigger things to worry about. Like timing.

Eventually, Kyla and her merry band of misfits finish their meals. Eva gets up to head to the restroom, and that's when I give Sebastian a small nod. Without hesitation, he stands up, announcing something about needing the bathroom too, and heads down the same hall. The plan is in motion.

I rise from my seat a moment later, Derek shooting me a grin. "Good luck," he says in a low voice, leaning back in his chair like we're on a regular date. I return the smile before making my way down the small corridor.

As I reach the end of the hall, where the restrooms are, I feel a tug on my arm. Before I can react, I'm pulled out the back door of the restaurant, into the cool night air. It's Sebastian, holding the door ajar with one hand while keeping an eye out for anyone passing by.

"Comfortable tonight, aren't we?" I tease, my voice low but playful.

Sebastian groans dramatically, his expression one of pure agony. "If Kyla tries to kiss me one more time, I swear I'm going to hurl. It's like kissing a brick wall wrapped in desperation."

I stifle a laugh. "It'll be over soon. You don't have to do anything if you don't want to. You've already done more than enough."

Sebastian shakes his head, his gaze softening as he looks at me. "No, I need to do this. For you, and for me. What she did to you, what she's put me through this last year—it's time she gets what's coming."

I can't help but smile at him, my heart swelling a little. "Alright, then. Let's make sure she does."

I wave my hand over my lipstick, feeling the subtle tingle that tells me the spell is lifted—it's no longer non-transferable. Stepping closer to him, I pull down the corner of his shirt collar and press my lips to his skin, leaving a perfectly clear red lipstick mark right on his neck and waving my hand over my make-up once more to make sure it becomes non-transferable once again.

Sebastian gives me a playful smirk. "All good?" I nod, and before I can pull away, he leans down and kisses me on the lips, slow and deliberate. "I really needed to kiss you before I go back in there."

I roll my eyes with a smile, watching as he slips back inside, leaving the door ajar so I won't get locked out. I take a moment to compose myself, giving him enough time to get back to his table before I make my way inside too.

When I return, Derek gives me a knowing look, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Showtime?"

"Showtime," I reply, settling back into my seat. I glance over at Kyla's table, where Eva has already returned from the restroom, looking annoyingly pleased with herself. Kyla is still talking, oblivious to the red lipstick mark on Sebastian's neck.

I lean back, ready to enjoy the show. Let the fun begin.

It doesn't take long for Kyla to notice the red lipstick mark on Sebastian's neck. The moment her eyes lock onto it, her expression shifts from smug superiority to unfiltered rage. Her voice cuts through the low hum of the restaurant. "What the fuck is that?" I watch as her irritation rapidly escalates. "Who the hell has been kissing your neck?" she snaps, narrowing her eyes at Sebastian before abruptly standing up from her seat. Her gaze locks onto me, fury dancing in her eyes. She storms across the restaurant, heels clicking sharply on the floor, and I can practically feel the heat of her anger as she approaches.

"What the hell do you think gives you the right to go around kissing my boyfriend?" she yells, her voice loud enough to turn heads around the room.

I blink, feigning innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Kyla jabs a finger in Sebastian's direction. "Oh, don't play dumb with me, Zaria. The lipstick on his neck? That's not mine, and since it's red, it's clearly yours!"

Derek barely suppresses a grin beside me as I tilt my head, chuckling softly. "Oh, Kyla," I say sweetly. I lean over and plant a soft kiss on Derek's cheek, then turn his head toward me, showing her the evidence. "My lipstick isn't transferable, see?" I flash her a mischievous smile. "Maybe you should check with the succubus at your table wearing the same shade."

I can almost see the gears turning in Kyla's mind as her flustered rage boils over. She glances toward Eva, her expression a twisted mixture of disbelief and fury. Then, without another word to me, she whips around and marches back to her table.

Eva looks up, startled by the sudden attention. "What's your problem, Kyla?"

Kyla's voice practically drips venom as she points at Sebastian's neck. "My problem? My problem is that you've been sneaking around behind my back and kissing my boyfriend!"

Eva rolls her eyes, completely unfazed. "Oh, please, Kyla. Why the hell would I want Sebastian? He's barely your boyfriend as it is, and I'm not in the market for charity cases."

Kyla's face flushes with anger, her voice rising. "Don't lie to me, Eva! You've been eyeing him all night, batting your stupid lashes like you always do. Don't act like you're innocent."

Eva crosses her arms, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. "Maybe you should be asking why Sebastian would want to kiss someone else. Ever think about that? Because if I wanted him, trust me, it wouldn't be hard."

"You bitch!" Kyla shrieks, and before anyone can react, she raises her hand and slaps Eva across the face, the sound echoing across the restaurant.

Chaos erupts at their table. Bethany jumps up to pull Kyla back, while Miles is trying—and failing—to calm Eva down. The whole scene turns into a shouting match between Eva and Kyla, their voices getting louder with each passing second.

Restaurant staff quickly intervene. The manager steps in, his patience clearly gone. "Alright, that's enough. Pay your bill and leave, now. All of you."

Kyla, still fuming, throws one last glare at Eva before spitting out, "You're dead to me, Eva. Don't show your face around me again, or I'll cover it with warts."

As they're escorted out, Sebastian shoots me and Derek a grin over Kyla's shoulder, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Mission accomplished.

Once they're gone, Derek leans across the table, his lips twitching in barely contained laughter. "Is it rude to say that watching Kyla lose her shit was the best part of the night?"

I smirk, meeting his gaze. "No, because I'd have to say the same."