Jezebel's Lion(3)

“You know he didn’t mean to sound so rude, don’t you, Jess? Zeck is just cranky ‘cos his thing for Sasha will never go anywhere. He’s just taking it out on you.”

Jess’s anger deflated a bit. She felt sorry for Zeck. “Yeah, I know. He’s still an asshole though.”

Travis nodded. “I think you look beautiful, Jess.”

“Thanks, Travis. It is a special day, you know.”

Travis smiled and started the car. “Come on, we’d better go. Zeck’s taken his own car, so he can leave when he wants to. I think it’s so he can leave quickly when Sasha’s boyfriend comes home.” Travis chuckled, and Jess giggled feeling calmer.

The drive to Sasha’s house was done in quiet, and when they pulled up they could see Zeck’s car and another car. Travis parked on the curb, and they went together to the door. Sasha answered the door with a glass of what looked like red wine in her hand.

“Come in. You look great, Jess. I’m so happy you’re here.” Sasha pulled her in, and Jess almost stumbled in her shoes. “I have chips and wine on the table. Come on and celebrate. Britney and her date are in the lounge room with Zeck. I’m just about to teach them some moves.” She swayed her hips. “Let’s get you a drink first, and then we’ll get our groove on.”

Jess laughed and followed Sasha into the big lounge room. Britney sat on the sofa talking to a gorgeous dark headed man, and Zeck stood in the dining room.

“Jess and Travis are here. Jess, you know Britney, and that is her date, Cullen.”

Jess smiled at Britney and her date. Everyone knew Britney. She was head cheerleader and the most popular girl in school. She was also Sasha’s boyfriend’s sister.

“Hi, Britney. Nice to meet you, Cullen.” They both nodded at her and Travis in acknowledgement.

“Okay now, Sasha, everyone is here. Teach us how to dance,” Britney said as she stood up.

Britney took the glass of red wine off Sasha and passed it to Jess. “Drink. Have fun.”

Taking the wine Jess took a big sip. She intended to have fun. It was her birthday. If no one remembered she’d have enough fun that she didn’t care.

****

They’d been at Sasha’s house for over an hour. Jess was feeling quite tipsy when the doorbell rang and one of Britney’s scrumptious brothers walked in. He must have been the one a year or two younger than Savron. He was tall, muscular, and blond. His eyes were the darkest green that Jess had ever seen. He was divine. He walked into the house like he owned it, and Jess stumbled in Travis’s arms as his gaze landed on her. He talked quietly to Sasha, and she hugged him. Then he stalked over to her.

“Hi, I’m Brandon. And your name is?” He stared straight at her, and his green eyes flashed so they looked almost gold.

With her tipsy mind in a scramble she muttered, “Jezebel, Jezebel Dibson.” Oh God. Why had she given her full name? No one call her that except her parents and grandparents.

“Jezebel. I like it.” His sexy deep voice had her shivering in pleasure as he slowly said her name like he was savoring it. Brandon’s presence was making her body do funny things. She felt warm all over, and the huge lounge room felt small. Jess moved out of Travis’s hold and backed away to the table and got a wine as Travis introduced himself.

Jess needed to stay away from the godlike man that now shook Travis’s hand. She’d been having fun. Brandon’s arrival had interrupted the easygoing atmosphere. Pouring a large glass of wine she downed it and poured another. The liquor warmed her in another way, and she shook off the strange feeling she had around Brandon. He was way out of her league. Not only was he gorgeous, but he was a good deal older than she was. Jess wouldn’t pine over a man she knew she could never have. She didn’t want to end up like Zeck.

****

Brandon had gone to his brother’s house to check on his brother’s mate was, but what he found was a small party and his own mate. As soon as Brandon walked into the house his lion had gone crazy. He’d broken out of his cage and was prowling around purring that their mate was here. When he hit the lounge room, a jasmine scent surrounded his senses. Looking around the room his gaze settled on a couple standing near the dining room entry, dancing. He dismissed the male and focused on the curvy woman. She was beautiful, with long flowing chestnut hair, flawless olive skin, full plump lips, and a body that was all woman. Images of him holding her tight and slamming into her welcoming body flashed before him.

In a lust filled daze Brandon introduced himself, but since then she had stayed as far from him as she could. So Brandon now sat and watched his mate, Jezebel, dance with her friend, Travis, while he sat on the sofa and brooded because his mate was not only human, but didn’t seem to even acknowledge him.