Evening arrived, and Emily stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
She wore a black sleeveless top that hugged her curves, the neckline dipping just enough to make her blush. A matching tight black skirt hugged her hips, and a pair of sleek black boots added an edge to her figure.
Her hair was tied neatly into a bun, loose strands framing her face. She added a bold red lipstick and delicate jewelry that shimmered under the low light.
Her phone buzzed.
Riley.
"I'm downstairs," came the short message.
Emily exhaled slowly, her confidence flickering. She wasn't sure this party was a good idea anymore.
Knowing her mother wouldn't approve, she moved quickly. Shoes off. Lights out.
Then she opened her window, spotting Riley's car waiting beneath.
She tossed her purse and boots onto the grassy patch below and carefully lifted her skirt as she climbed out, using the ladder she'd cleverly had the gardener leave earlier.
This was the first time she'd ever snuck out.
She'd always found an excuse to avoid parties...until now.
Once her feet hit the ground, she grabbed her things and slipped into the car.
"You did bad," a familiar voice teased.
Emily blinked, surprised to see Riley looking smug... and then she caught sight of the third passenger.
Sara.
"What is she doing here?" Emily asked, already irritated.
"She insisted. Said if we didn't take her, she'd tell Ryder. And I couldn't deal with that," Riley sighed.
Emily slumped into her seat.
"Does Ethan know?" she asked more quietly.
"No. I haven't seen him all day," Riley replied.
"Do you want him to know?" Sara asked smugly from the backseat.
Emily ignored her.
"You're twenty-two and still getting a curfew?" Sara scoffed, blowing a puff of smoke from a slim cigarette.
The jab hit a nerve.
It was true. Her mother had always kept her sheltered. Telling her that the world was more dangerous than it seemed. That things weren't just black and white.
Now Emily was starting to understand why.
⸻
When they arrived at the club, Sara stepped out like she owned the place.
"She better not cause any drama," Emily muttered.
"Just relax," Riley smiled. "You'll be fine."
The club was packed. Loud music, colored lights, sweaty bodies. The scent of alcohol, perfume, and something else...danger hung in the air.
Creatures of all kinds mingled here. Humans. Vampires. Witches. Even a few werewolves. One had to be careful not to end up in the wrong hands.
Then, a tall man approached them.
Blonde. Blue-eyed. Sharp jawline. Built like a Greek statue and smiling like trouble.
Julian.
Emily's heart skipped as she recognized him. He hadn't changed much...maybe a little more refined...but those eyes were still the same.
"Emily. You came," he grinned.
She smiled politely. "It's been a long time, Julian."
High school memories flooded back. Julian, the arrogant football star. Popular, dangerous, and endlessly flirtatious. He had always had a soft spot for her, though she never returned his feelings.
He came from money, but his family was twisted—an abusive father, a controlling environment. That had shaped Julian into something wild and unpredictable.
"You look incredible," he said, his gaze lingering too long.
Riley leaned in with a smirk.
"Not getting enough attention, are we?"
Julian turned to her. "I heard what happened. I'm sorry."
"I'm good," Riley replied quickly, brushing it off before heading to the bar with Sara trailing behind.
Julian looked back at Emily.
"Do you like the place?"
"It's... a lot," she admitted, raising her voice above the music. "But it's amazing."
"Let's go somewhere quieter." He gestured toward the VIP section.
Emily hesitated before following him through the crowd.
⸻
The VIP room was sleek, dimly lit, and quieter. Velvet sofas, a private bar, and just enough space for privacy. Julian offered her a seat and ordered drinks.
"Heard you and Alan broke up," Julian said, eyes fixed on her.
Emily looked away. She didn't want to talk about Alan. That chapter was already fading.
"Did you invite him here?"
"I invited everyone," he replied nonchalantly, leaning closer.
She shifted slightly, uncomfortable with his proximity. The man across from her was no longer just the high school bully...he was a man now, and one who hadn't changed as much as he pretended.
"I still love you, Emily," he said bluntly.
Emily stiffened.
"Julian—"
Before she could say more, he moved in, trying to close the space between them. His breath was warm, his eyes hungry. He leaned down, aiming to kiss her.
Emily quickly placed her hand against his lips, stopping him.
"Don't, Julian," she said firmly.
He froze.
Disappointment turned to frustration as he stood, brushing invisible lint off his jacket.
Without another word, he turned and left the room.
Emily sat there, stunned. Not because he tried to kiss her...but because part of her felt guilty for turning him away. Again.
She sighed deeply, wondering if tonight had been a mistake.