Tempting Raven (Curse of the Vampire Queen #1)(9)

       
         
       
        

"Fuck you, Rhy," my sister spats. "You're such an arrogant prick."

"You didn't used to mind that I was," he drones on, sounding even more bored. "In fact, you thrived on it."

"What the hell is your problem?" she snaps. "You guys are acting like you're not even happy to see me."

"Maybe we're not," Kingsley says, then sighs. "Look, Nadine, we're sorry, but things have changed-we've changed. Everything's changed, and we don't have to be the guys we were anymore. Our commitment is  …  gone …  for now." He gives a long pause. Then something in his voice shifts, tightens. "You'll understand a little bit more when we talk to everyone."

What in the crazy bats is he talking about? What commitment?

"The only thing that's changed is that you let your emperor title go to your stupid, fat head," Nadine bites out. "Just wait. When I become an empress, I'm going to return the favor, times ten."

"We'll deal with it if it happens," Kingsley says with a hint of skepticism.

Huh. So, I guess he and my dad are on the same page.

I smash my lips together, stifling a laugh, as Nadine throws a full tizzy tantrum, cursing and smashing who knows what.

My reaction might be wrong. Deep down, I know Kingsley and Rhyland are being assholes to her and having been on the receiving end of it, I should be more compassionate. But I'm having a difficult time trying to feel empathy for the girl who, only hours ago, grinned at me as she announced that my life was returning to hell.

As Nadine continues to throw a temper tantrum, I deliberate the best way to leave the house while minimizing the risk of my night getting ruined. More than likely, my dad has a protection shield up for the night, so climbing out a window is only going to result in an alarm going off. Then my dad will have to come home from his council meeting early to shut it off, and then he'll end up in a pissy mood. Still, dealing with my pissed off dad might be better than dealing with Kingsley, Rhyland, and Nadine's shit. Especially with the mood Nadine's in.

I'm about to turn around, sneak back upstairs to my bedroom, and climb out the window when an incoming messages buzzes through my phone.

Effie: We're parked outside! Hurry your cute butt up!

Me: Hold on. I have to climb out the window.

Effie: What the shit? Why? And why the hell is there, like, half a dozen SUVs next door?

Me: Not sure about the SUVs. They just showed up a while ago. And I'm climbing out the window because asshat one and asshat two are in the living room with queen asshat, and I don't want to deal with them right now. 

Effie: Don't you dare climb out that window.

Me: I'm sorry. I know I said I'd be braver, but saying and acting are two different things. I thought I could do it, but now that they're here  …  I'm such a scaredy bat.

Effie: Hang on. Two kickass and very well dressed vampires are on their way to save the night.

Me: You really don't need to come in here and save me. I can just go out the window.

Effie: No way. You're not going to let those fuck-holes bully you anymore.

Before I can respond, the doorbell rings. Or, well, a wicked laugh echoes throughout the house, thanks to the creepy, laughing doorbell my mom recently installed. She may have thought she was being funny when she put it in, but right now, I feel like the damn thing is mocking me.

Moments later, I hear the front door creak open.

"Why the hell are you here?" Nadine snaps, furiously confused.

Her confusion is understandable. While my parents know I'm friends with Effie, I rarely bring her to the house since Effie can't stand Nadine. Plus, Effie has her own place that she shares with Anders and where we can hang out in a Nadine-free environment.

"Nice to see you, too, old friend." Sarcasm drips from Effie's tone. "I see you haven't outgrown your wannabe Barbie phase."

"You're just jealous of my gorgeous looks," Nadine quips smugly.

Effie snorts a laugh. "Oh, my God, do you really believe the shit that comes out of your mouth? Or do your lips just move while your brain tunes out?"

"Maybe it's all the bleach she puts in her hair," Anders chimes in, amusement ringing in his tone. "I hear it fries brain cells if it is used it too much."

"My hair is naturally blonde," Nadine says with a sassy attitude.

"If you say so," Anders replies wickedly.

"How dare you talk to me that way?" Nadine screeches. "You don't even know me."

"But I've heard a lot about you," Anders says. Nadine must smile, because he adds, "That's not a compliment, blondie."