Chapter 21 - The Visit

Once more, I spent some time at the library passing the time. I finished reading The War Between the Bloodsuckers and the Shapeshifters cover to cover and noticed that it was getting close to dusk. I contemplated whether to attempt opening the leather-bound box once more as I passed it. I decided there would be no purpose in it and went to the kitchen to inform Maria of my intentions. She was nowhere to be found, even though I searched the dining room, the lobby, and the restrooms.

I realized at last that she had gone to Akbur Hills today in order to retrieve Evan. When I realized they were taking longer than anticipated, my stomach sank. It was scheduled for her to meet him there for two, but it had been four hours.

I wondered if they were in trouble or had somehow gotten caught.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

I was startled awake at hearing a wary Tessa coming toward me in the hallway closest to the exit.

"What, I'm not allowed here either?"

"You look like you're doing something wrong."

My eyes rolled. I recognized Tessa's desire for my destiny, but how could she not realize how much greater hers was? I'm the alpha's punching bag, but she's secure here with her mother forever. Any day, I would swap places to be in her shoes.
"I'm looking for your mom-"

"She's in Akbur Hills today and she told you that."

"It's been hours," I said, gritting my teeth.

"I know. Most likely, she's keeping tabs on a few of her friends. Since she doesn't get to visit frequently, she enjoys saying hi to everyone."
I gave a nod. It made sense, yet something didn't feel quite right.

"I need a ride tonight, to the Beta's house."

"Are you insane?" Tessa widened her eyes.

"His doll, Tiffany and her friend Daphine invited me over."

"Well you're not going, Master Damon will never allow it-"

"Won't allow what?"

His voice startled us both and left us silent. His sudden appearance made me swallow. A deaf man was moved to salute and desperately obey within the brief duration of his voice.

"Don't listen to the silly girl, she wants to visit her friend's place tonight."

Damon arched his brows in my direction. I questioned whether he had become less irrational or if he was still that way.
He seemed unnaturally calm, "What is she talking about?"

"There will be a seven-person get-together for the dolls from last night. I was invited by them."

"Who's dolls?"

"One of them belongs to the beta-"

Damon gave a laughing fit.
Tessa and I gave him a wide-eyed stare.

"I'll send Bullet down here to drive you for seven." He had already started to go.

"Wait, that means I can go?"

After pausing, Damon looked back at me and said, "Did you think I wouldn't let you? Were you attempting to leave behind my back?"

Indeed and indeed, even though I didn't say it aloud.
"We'll I wasn't sure-"

"It will serve you good to be around other dolls, they'll show you how to behave so you're not so...faulty anymore."

I felt my blood boil at Tessa's smile. I didn't shrink back in case he had second thoughts. After turning around, he walked away.
I strolled by a chuckling Tessa and headed to my room to change.

A night spent alone, away from the prying eyes of Damon, the house staff, and possibly even werewolves, was definitely beneficial to me, even though I suppose I would have preferred to stay home and read a book under different circumstances. I didn't give much thought to how I would dress or how much I would like to win Daphine and Tiffany over. I put on a long silk dress with flowers that fit my breasts well and wore it with flat shoes. As he had promised, Bullet was waiting by the door, his head parallel to the top of the entryway.

My lips were pursed as I made my way to the back of the van, but I was startled to turn around by someone holding firmly to my hands. I gave a painful shudder and turned to look at Damon. I could not stop wondering if he had changed his mind as my heart fell to my knees.

His harsh voice and intensely focused look seemed to go right into my soul. "You're wearing that to go hang out with the girls?" he asked.

I looked down at my milky breasts, which were struggling to stay inside the flimsy garment, and grimaced in confusion.

"Yes, I think I look nice-"

Damon was gritting his teeth and saying, "It's too small," as I had just noticed.

I attempted to free my hand from his hold but was unsuccessful. "You're hurting me," I said.

"Go change."

"Not at all! I seem fine."

"You look like a whore."

"What does my attire matter? Everyone is too afraid of you, so even if I go down the street entirely naked, nobody will touch me."

I glared back at Damon as he stared at me for a moment. His countenance changed from angry to amused, and I watched in fury and uncertainty. Was there a smile on his face?
I felt his grasp relax and he let go, and I yanked my hurting hands.

"Be back before midnight."

I gripped the handle to close the car door and gave it a forceful smash, saying, "I'll be back when I feel like it."

It turned out that the location of the beta's wife's residence was not too far from mine. In a few of minutes, we were arriving at the lengthy driveway of a beige, gated estate. Bullet let me out of the car, and when I got out, a human woman handed me an odd-colored drink in a wine glass.

"Cocktail?"

"I'd love one."

A real tree, with brown roots that pierced the entrance and burst into the upstairs ceiling, welcomed me with open arms into her marble and glass house. I went beyond the huge house with the crew, to where a dinner table was laid with additional food and drinks. On the chair across from Daphine sat Tiffany. When I arrived, they both got up and applauded.