Firecracker, page 6
‘I wasn’t!’ I objected. ‘A fight broke out with two Alphas, and I got caught up in the aftermath. Some idiot bumped me and pulled off my necklace by accident.’
She shook her head. ‘What a nightmare,’ she murmured.
‘Yeah…really hurt,’ I murmured, reaching a hand to my head.
‘You got hurt?’ she exclaimed, striding over to me immediately.
‘Just a little bump to the head…it’s stinging, but it’s fine,’ I said, not wanting her to touch me again.
‘Let me see,’ she said, stepping into my personal space and reaching for my head.
‘No, it’s okay…’ I began.
‘Just let me check it, Fiya,’ she murmured, gently touching my head and turning it. ‘You’re so damn independent. Won’t let anyone help you.’
‘Yeah, well…I grew up having to be,’ I told her, quietly, as she inspected my head.
‘You did?’
‘Yeah…Mum had to work, so I was often left fending for myself. You learn quickly to not make a fuss and just get on with everything.’
‘You shouldn’t have to feel that way though, Fiya. I don’t want you to have to go through life not accepting help from others. You deserve more than that.’
I shrugged. ‘I don’t know…’
‘What-you think you don’t deserve that?’
‘Maybe not,’ I replied, sadly.
‘Why on earth would you not deserve help and assistance from others in your lifetime, Fiya?’ she questioned, looking down at me with concern in her eyes.
‘Because I don’t deserve it.’
‘But why?’
‘Because I’ve let people down in the past…why would I be deserving of anything now?’
She scanned my eyes. ‘How do you feel you’ve let people down in the past?’ she questioned.
I sighed, not knowing why I was telling her this, but seemingly unable to stop. ‘Because it was my fault that my father and brother were killed.’
‘How do you fathom that one? They were killed by vampires, I thought?’
‘They were, yes…but only because of me. I stayed home with my mother because I was ill-had a terrible fever which was getting worse and worse. My mother called my father-who was out fighting in the war with the others. He headed home with my brother, and they were set upon by vampires lurking on the outskirts of that forest. They died because of me…it was my fault. I don’t deserve help from others. I deserve to do everything alone because of what happened before.’
‘Oh sweetheart, you’re not to blame for your father and brother’s death! That’s completely insane to think that!’
I looked down, feeling strangely emotional.
‘You didn’t kill them. The fact they were heading home to you does not make it your fault.’
‘It does,’ I said, lifting my eyes to hers. ‘My mother’s said it herself-if they hadn’t been heading home, they’d never have died. That makes it my fault.’
‘I’m sorry but that’s ridiculous.’
‘I am not ridiculous!’ I exclaimed, getting angry again.
‘I didn’t say you are ridiculous, Fiya-just the idea that you’re responsible is crazy!’
‘Well, it’s lucky I don’t care what you think,’ I said, turning towards the door. ‘I wish I hadn’t said anything,’ I muttered, looking back at her. ‘And for future reference-stay away from my damn neck! I will not be claimed-least of all by you!’ I yelled, before turning and leaving the room, slamming the door on the way out.
Chapter 4
After the final lesson, I headed home with Avi, who promised to go home, get ready and then be back at mine by seven to head to the party. I found myself excited about it, even though I was apprehensive too. I’d never been to a college style party before, so it was quite significant in many ways.
At seven, Avi picked me up and we headed to her little car before climbing in and heading off. In the car, Avi was beside herself with excitement.
‘Oh my God, Fiya, I’m absolutely loving this! I can’t wait to see what goes on at these parties!’
‘Well, get all that excitement out now,’ I told her, ‘You need to play it a bit cooler when we get in there, alright?’ I laughed.
‘Oh, I will,’ she chuckled. ‘I’m just psyched! If there’s a kissing game-I’m in!’
‘That’s the second time you’ve mentioned that,’ I frowned. ‘What are these kissing games-so I know what to avoid.’
‘Oh, things like spin the bottle. So often they get players to kiss each other.’
‘Oh,’ I murmured, frowning. ‘I don’t think I’d like that.’
‘Then just hang out, chat to people, and if the opportunity arises, kiss someone! We’ve got to get kissed at least tonight!’
‘What do you mean at least?’ I almost shrieked.
‘Oh, come on, Fiya-don’t tell me you haven’t even thought about it?’ she questioned, giggling.
‘Well, of course I have…thinking about it and doing it are two different things though, Avi. I’d kind of like to be in a relationship with someone first, I think!’
‘Oh, well, ideally, yes of course. I’d just settle for making out with someone a bit…you know, that and a bit of touching before we got too into it…’
I sighed. ‘I wonder what it’s like.’
‘What-making out?’
‘Yeah,’ I murmured. ‘Sometimes you see it on TV, and it just looks so…’
‘So what?’ she questioned.
‘So dreamy,’ I sighed. ‘Make me feel like I could melt.’
‘I know what you mean,’ she replied.
‘I wonder if it feels as good as it looks,’ I mused.
‘I’m going to say it should…if it’s the right guy,’ she said, thoughtfully.
‘And if it’s the wrong guy?’ I questioned.
‘Terrible,’ she laughed. ‘I can imagine it would be gross with someone you don’t like.’
I sighed. ‘I hope my first kiss isn’t horribly cringeworthy.’
‘I know! I’ll be so nervous, but still-everyone has to learn somehow.’
‘I guess.’
‘I wonder if tonight is our night?’ she said, glancing over hopefully.
‘I doubt it will be mine,’ I murmured. ‘But maybe yours,’ I smiled. ‘I’ll try and manifest it for you-so that you get your first kiss tonight.’
‘Thanks, Fiya. I’ll think about it for you too!’
When we arrived at the party, we found it was a huge house and what looked like the entire school was there. Music was pumping in constant rhythm, people were gathered, drinking and socialising and there was dancing, people making out and games being played too.
We made our way through the throng of people and Avi grabbed my hand, leading me towards a lounge, a clear destination in her mind, it seemed.
I knew when she found who she was searching for as she squeezed my hand tightly and glanced back with a look of excitement on her face.
‘Hey guys!’ I heard her say, animatedly.
‘Oh, hey Avi…Fiya! Come and join us! We’re playing spin the bottle!’ Aradam laughed. ‘Dax has to spin and do seven minutes in heaven with someone-sit down and join us.’
I had no idea what seven minutes in heaven was so just joined the others, who were sat in a circle on the floor. It was all the popular kids, and I met eyes with Dax as I sat down. She smiled at me, scanning me with blatant interest, presumably because I was more dressed up than usual for this party.
‘What’s this game?’ I asked quietly, leaning into Avi.
‘Shush…be cool,’ she hissed, in my ear, smiling the whole time.
I watched as Dax shifted forwards a bit. ‘This is such a stupid idea,’ she laughed.
‘You have to do it!’ Aradam taunted her. ‘Boy, girl-whoever! You have to do it!’
‘Fine, whatever,’ she laughed, and spun the bottle fast.
I watched it circle, before slowing and slowing until I watched in abject horror as it finally stopped on me. I looked up, my mouth dropping open.
‘Fiya!’ Aradam cried, while Avi gaped at me in shock.
‘What do I…?’
‘Come on you two,’ Aradam said, getting up.
I got up, automatically, not knowing what was going on as we were manhandled by him towards what looked like a coat cupboard.
‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,’ he winked and then shoved us both inside.
Closing the door behind us, we were encased in darkness, the small room claustrophobic and cramped.
‘I can’t see anything,’ I said, stupidly-the first words to come to my head.
‘Yeah well, we’re in a closet. Hang on…I’ll get my phone out.’
I felt her move and then her phone clicked on, and she lit the small space up with the torch.
‘There you go.’
I wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. Suddenly, I could see her, and I realised just how small the tiny room actually was.
‘So, uh…what’s this game? Why are we in a coat closet?’
She smiled at me. ‘You’ve never played seven minutes in heaven?’ she questioned.
‘No, what’s that?’ I asked, frowning.
‘So…seven minutes in heaven is where you have to go in a closet with someone for seven minutes and basically make out until they let you out.’
I felt my mouth drop open and I stared at her, stunned. ‘We’re meant to…’
‘Make out…yeah,’ she smiled.
‘I’m not doing that,’ I said immediately, shaken by the idea, my heart thudding in my chest rapidly.
‘Yeah, it’s fine…I kind of figured you wouldn’t be up for it,’ she said, giving me a rueful smile.
‘It’s not that it’s…well, it’s not because of you or anything…I just…well, it’s weird…and I haven’t exactly…well, I haven’t really…’
‘What?’ she questioned, looking confused.
‘I’ve never kissed anyone before,’ I said, long-sufferingly. ‘Okay? I’m a total loser, dweeb who hasn’t even had her first kiss-so it wouldn’t be any good anyway.’
Her eyebrow quirked with interest. ‘I could…teach you,’ she said, very slowly, her voice a drawl as she scanned my eyes.
‘I, uh…’ I thought about what Avi had said earlier, about us trying to get our first kisses this evening and leave loser-ville behind. ‘I don’t know what to do,’ I said, awkwardly.
One of her eyebrows quirked with interest. ‘You’re considering this?’
‘I don’t know,’ I said, unsure of myself, my heart hammering rapidly. ‘What, uh…I mean, what happens if we don’t?’ I questioned.
‘Oh, it’s cool…I’d probably have to do a dare or something,’ she shrugged. ‘That’s what generally happens to people who don’t play their silly games.’
‘I don’t want you getting a punishment for this,’ I murmured. ‘Why don’t you just do it,’ I said, making the decision. ‘Just be ready for this to be awful though, because I literally have no idea what I’m doing here…it’ll probably be the worst kiss you’ll ever have in your entire life.’
Her eyes dropped to my mouth. ‘Somehow I doubt that, Firecracker,’ she murmured.
I shook my head. ‘Must you call me that name?’
She grinned. ‘It suits you. You’re so fiery with me.’
‘Yeah, because you frustrate me!’ I told her, feeling my emotions heightening.
‘Really? Well, I’ll try not to upset you any further. Shall we forget this? Call it quits?’ she suggested.
‘I…no,’ I decided. ‘Just do it once. At least it’ll mean my first kiss is finally over with!’
She cocked her head. ‘A first kiss should be memorable.’
‘Well, this is certainly memorable!’ I exclaimed.
‘You’re sure?’ she asked, stepping closer, and easing into my personal space.
Her scent swarmed my senses, and my nostrils flared as I inhaled her heady, overwhelming aroma. My head swam with dizziness and suddenly the idea of kissing her became much more appealing. ‘Yes,’ I groaned, aching with need now.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth and then she slowly leaned in.
The first touch of her lips on mine was soft and gentle, a tender press of her lips to my own. My heart was hammering so hard that I could hear it thudding in my ears as nervousness tripped through my system.
Instinctively, as her mouth slanted across mine, I opened my mouth, inviting a deeper kiss. Her mouth captured my lower lip and then started to move. I reacted by responding to her every movement, forgetting to be nervous as her scent consumed me and the feeling of her mouth took me away to somewhere I’d never been.
The incredible sensations running through my system were intense. It was like an electrical current was humming and pulsating through me, yet I couldn’t get enough of how amazing it felt.
I heard a moaning sound, and it registered in my head. Realising it was me, I gasped as her mouth moved momentarily to kiss my cheek, jaw and neck before returning to my mouth.
As she recaptured my mouth, I couldn’t contain the incessant moaning that came from my throat when her tongue found mine and swept across in delicious softness.
She tasted incredible and I found my arms wrapping around her neck, my hands threading through her soft, short hair. Pulling her even closer, it was her turn to groan in pleasure as our bodies pressed tightly together.
My whole body was pulsating with pleasure, my nipples tight and hard as they pressed against her athletic body. My sex was growing damp with the sheer pleasure of being kissed so thoroughly, and it felt heady and arousing. Her mouth was working mine in constant movement, her tongue dancing with mine in an erotic manner. It felt so incredible that I never wanted it to stop.
When she lifted her head unexpectedly, I lifted my head and stared into her lust-filled gaze. My own vision was hazy, and I couldn’t quite get my mouth to work to say anything in response to what we’d just done.
‘They’re coming…’ she said, breaking my reverie.
I took an instinctive step backwards, gasping in shock as I realised what I’d just done with Dax.
‘Fiya…’
‘No,’ I said, lifting my hands in defence. ‘I didn’t…didn’t mean to…why did I do that?’ I gasped, completely baffled at what I had allowed, my response to her incredible kisses.
‘Fiya, please…’ she tried again.
At that point, the door swung open and Aradam stood there, larger than life, laughing when he saw our defensive postures.
‘Brilliant! Loads of making out going on here!’ he laughed. ‘You know you’re meant to kiss, right? Punishment!’ he roared, grabbing at Dax. ‘Now you’re in for it!’
I watched as he tugged at her while she bitched and moaned at him and fought him off. As they were grappling with each other, I eased out of the room and slipped away, heading off into a nearby corner to hide away from the people socialising, having fun and playing games. I slumped against the wall, my chest still heaving from the experience of kissing Dax. I reached my trembling fingers to my lips, feeling the sensitive skin there and how it was still pulsating from her touch.
I couldn’t believe I’d allowed it, let alone kissed her back so eagerly. Closing my eyes, I relived the moment. It had been intense and arousing, the connection between us arcing in electric currents. My body was still pulsing from the experience and suddenly, I just wanted to go home.
Leaving my safe place by the wall, I headed through the crowd, searching for Avi. When I found her, she was hanging out with Aradam, and they both seemed to be flirting with each other.
I reached her side and grabbed her arm. ‘Avi?’
‘Oh hey, Fiya! Where’d you go?’ she exclaimed.
‘Oh I…I just…’
‘Aradam and I are just talking about you and Dax being sent into the closet for seven minutes in heaven! How funny!’ she laughed.
‘Yeah, hilarious,’ I muttered. ‘Avi, can I talk to you?’
‘Actually, I’m with Aradam right now,’ she said, pointedly. ‘We’re still continuing the game in a minute, in fact!’
I huffed in frustration.
‘Look, Fiya-meet my best mate Garsay,’ he told me, grabbing the guy beside him.
I recognised him as the guy from one of my lessons, one who had come on to me and given me the creeps when I’d been around him.
‘He hasn’t played yet, actually. Garsay; I dare you to kiss Fiya.’
‘Challenge accepted!’ the stinking guy laughed, moving towards me instantly and backing me up against the wall.
‘No, I…I don’t want to play this game…’ I began.
‘It’s just a kiss!’ Aradam was saying, and even Avi was laughing, finding the whole thing hilarious.
Garsay had me pinned and as he leaned towards me and pressed his mouth to mine in a hard, unpleasant kiss which was beyond disgusting, I shoved at his hard wall of chest, desperate to get away.
‘What the…?’
I heard Dax’s voice behind the commotion of the event, her upset clear to be heard in the way she uttered the words.
‘Fuck this,’ she said, then I heard her leaving.
I shoved even harder, disgusted by the guy’s stench and how vile it felt to have him kissing me. I was so turned off by the experience that it was clear to me that kissing a guy was not something I wanted at all.
‘Get the hell off me!’ I raged, shoving at him, angrily. Barging past him, I rushed through the house, following Dax’s lingering scent and the trail it allowed me to follow.
She’d headed straight through the home to the front door, finding the closest exit possible. When I stepped out into the cold, night air, I breathed in a much-needed breath of fresh air. My head was swimming with the combined scent of all the wolves present and it was messing with my head.
Focusing in on Dax, I lifted my nose to the air and sensed that she had headed to the left. I hurried after her and quickly found her, down the side of the house in the alley way to the garden.
‘Dax!’ I called, approaching, my breathing coming in harsh pants.
‘Get away from me!’ she said, fronting me up in her frustration. ‘You want to kiss guys, fuck off and kiss the guys! Just stay away from me!’
‘I didn’t want to kiss him!’ I exploded with rage! ‘Are you kidding! For fucking hell’s sake, Dax! Your damn brother dared that disgusting guy, and he pinned me against the wall! I couldn’t get away! He was too damn strong!’
