The Dark Prince(The Dark Light Series #2)(63)

My eyes broaden with shock and my jaw drops. Holy hell! How do I even begin to digest this revelation? Un-fucking-believable!

"Don't worry," Niko continues, smirking at my expression. "They won't hurt you. We control them. They are completely under the Dark's rule. And if you should ever find yourself in need, they are completely at your disposal."

I swallow laboriously. "But I...I thought that vampires were like the most powerful, feared creatures in history?"

Niko guffaws as if I have stated something outlandish. "Far from the truth, baby girl. But we don't correct the rumors as a way to keep the secret of our existence concealed."

I nod, letting it all sink in. There is still so much to learn. I feel like I have even penetrated the surface. I try to give Niko a reassuring grin. "Thanks for telling me. It was a good distraction."

He returns with a genuine, warm smile of his own. "I thought it would be." He leans forward and presses his lips against my forehead. The gesture is sweet and chaste, causing my eyes to flutter closed. He's gone before they even reopen.

No ghosts came to me that night as I lay down to sleep. No haunted dreams plagued my subconscious. Just the precious memory of Dorian's lips against my skin and my newfound tenacity to begin to live a full life without him.                       
       
           



       Chapter Twenty Four


New Year's Eve


I told myself I wouldn't take my dreary disposition into the New Year. It just wouldn't feel right to be down and mopey when everyone would be so buoyant and happy. I used to be the same way and honestly, I want to be way again. As much as I hate to admit it, I craved the mediocrity of the old Gabs. The Gabs that got excited about a night out with friends. The Gabs that relished an evening of carnival games and rides. The human Gabs. I want to be that girl again.

"You look … good," Morgan remarks behind me as we assess my outfit choice in the full-length mirror. We'd been working at healing our friendship in the past week or so. I really owed her an apology for my behavior and as always, she forgave me without question. She really is a better friend to me than I am to her.

"But?" I ask with a grimace.

"Well … let's be honest. Your ass has always been one of your best assets. And right now, it's pretty non-existent," she snickers. "If you don't start eating, I will pin you down and force feed you. I am not above bodily force."

"I do eat," I say quietly, though even I can't deny the negative effect my weight loss has caused.

"But I gotta admit, the tats are hot! I love them. They really fit your whole ‘I'm-a-bad-girl-and-I-just-don't-give-a-fuck' persona."

My mouth works into a small smile as I adjust the strapless shimmery top I've chosen for our night on the town. Morgan wanted me in a dress, of course, but she didn't press the issue once I had agreed to go out. It was a big step for me, officially showing that I had returned to the living. Yes, I was alive. Not a ghost, not an empty shell. I had chosen to live again for my family and friends. And for me.

If I am being honest with myself, I had become pretty damn pathetic. Some girls cry and scream for days after a breakup. Some eat their feelings, trying to fill the void with pints of Ben & Jerry's. Others even take bats and bricks to their estranged lover's car. Well me … I drank myself into numbness and became withdrawn. In many ways, my coping mechanism was worst. It not only hurt me, it hurt everyone that I cared for. I became exactly what Jared said I was- a liability.

So I am on a mission, Operation: Happy Back. Sure, my love life had turned to shit and there was pretty much a supernatural bounty hunter after me. But somehow, some way, I am alive and for that reason alone, I have something to live for.

After another twenty minutes of the Morgan once-over, we hop in her Mustang and head towards Mansion, a super trendy club known for its once a year blowouts. We check our coats and thrust ourselves into the rambunctious crowd, the sounds of noise-makers, cheers and music vibrating the vast space.

"What? No VIP, Morgan?" I ask, as we flag down one of many bartenders.

"Girl, please! On New Years Eve? Not even baby Jesus himself has that kinda clout!"

We make our rounds, stopping to chat with former classmates and friends. I plaster on my most carefree smile, hoping like hell that I even slightly resemble my former self. It's a feat, and between the sideways glances and sympathetic smiles, I know that word has gotten around. It would be so easy to just fall back into my old habits. With all the alcohol circulating, I could simply grab a few shots and numb the ache slowly making its way back into my chest. I'd be able to ignore the uncomfortable looks and half-hearted greetings.

But I can't return to that, not only for my sake but for Morgan's as well. That night in the dark alley really opened my eyes. The thought of feeling so violated and helpless is one that I hope to never revisit. I still haven't told any of my friends or family about the incident in fear that they'd try to force me to report it. And there's no way I could explain why there is absolutely no trace of my attacker anywhere.

"Hey, look who's here." Morgan points to three faces I hadn't seen in weeks. Maybe closer to months. It's hard to really tell how long I had been buried underneath my own grief.

"Hey, ladies," Miguel smiles, moving in to kiss Morgan on the cheek. He gives me an awkward one armed hug and I instantly feel like shit. When did things get so weird?

"Gabs!" James exclaims, pulling me into his arms. He squeezes me tight before pulling back to assess my frame with a raised brow, yet he doesn't comment. "See you got some new ink. Nice."

I smile at James warmly before turning my attention to his younger brother. Jared's guarded green eyes scan the length of my body before resting on my face. The uneasiness that presented itself upon his approach is quickly replaced with warmth and familiarity.

"Hey, Gabs," he says, his mouth working into my favorite boyish grin. Any iciness I felt moments before instantly melts.

"Hey, Jared."

We stand just taking in the sight of each other, not quite sure if we should make any move to embrace. Jared finally makes the first move, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close to his chest. He feels just like I remember- full of goodness, comfort and security. And the smell of Irish Spring is still prevalent though he is wearing cologne. He smells of Jared. My Jared. The man I once loved since he was a boy.

"Oh shit! I love this song! Remember this, Gabs?" Morgan squeals, causing Jared and I to pull away, though our eyes are still joined. I force myself to focus on the blaring beats vibrating the room. Great, it's Danity Kane's "Damaged." How fitting.

Before I can protest, we are pulled onto the dance floor and thrust into the raucous crowd. Somehow Jared and I are crammed together, dancing closer than either one of us are really comfortable with. But instead of making it awkward, he takes each of my hands and dances with me as if it is the most natural thing in the world. As if I was made to be in his arms.

"You look really good, Gabs," he whispers in my ear, his warm breath washing over me.

I pull away a bit to give him a skeptical look. "You don't have to say that. I am well aware that my ass has run for the hills," I chuckle.

Jared gives me a sheepish smile and shakes his head. "But you look better. Happy."

I nod though I can't admit to being truly happy. Not yet, at least. I know I'll learn to let go and live and accept everything this life has to offer me. But it will take time to heal. My heart is slowly mending. I know I'll get there eventually and that sliver of hope brings a smile to my face. I can learn to be happy again.

We dance through song after song, slipping back into our once seamless companionship. Having him here with me makes me realize just how much I've missed him and I am quickly flooded with fond memories. My mind drifts to St. Patrick's Day when Jared confessed his true feelings for me. It seems like years ago though it has only been about 9 months. Have things really changed so much in that short span of time?



"I owe you an apology," Jared murmurs in my ear. He has lead me off the dance floor and we are stationed at the bar in search of beverages.

I shake my head, not wanting to spoil the mood. "It's fine."

"No, no it's not fine. I was a total dick to you, Gabs," he explains. "And I hate to admit it, but part of me blamed you for everything that happened."

I give Jared a pointed glare. He blames me?

Reading the confusion on my face, Jared quickly continues. "I blamed you because I thought if you had chosen me, if you had just tried to see yourself happy with me, you would have never been with Dorian. You would have never fallen for him. And I would have never met Aurora. It could have just been me and you. Like it was supposed to be."

I give him a small smile though I'm not quite sure what to say. "Everything happens for a reason," I finally offer though it sounds generic. Part of me really does wish I had chosen Jared. I could have saved us both the heartache of finding out just how cruel love can be. We could have been happy together.

"Maybe so," he shrugs. "But you have to know that I never meant to hurt you. Everything I said was out of hurt and anger. I didn't mean a word of it."