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Trav punched Jack in the shoulder.

“You’ve had plenty of opportunities for that, Trav,” Darien said with a smile. He fixed the sleeves that were pinned at his forearms and made for the gates, Maximus at his side. “Catch you boys later.”

—

As Loren wove her way through the crowd, Sabrine and Dallas at her sides, she had to pick up the train of her gown to avoid stepping or tripping on it. The place was packed full of witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and a few hellsehers.

The gymnasium had been transformed into a nightclub. More tables lined the far wall, and countless white streamers and garlands adorned every doorway and window. Strobe lights pulsed to the beat of the music, drowning out the voices of the hundreds of people crowding the long room. Loren’s heels vibrated with the bass as they made their way across the dance floor, weaving around bodies.

Dallas had to shout to be heard. “Let’s go get some punch! I’m choking on that cupcake.”

They were halfway across the room when Logan intercepted them, sweeping Sabrine off her feet.

Sabrine squealed in surprise, glossy black hair fanning out, just like her black dress, as he spun her in a circle. Once he set her back down, her face was flushed, a reaction Loren knew had little to do with how dizzy she was and a lot to do with the werewolf, whose arms circled her waist, holding her tight.

Dallas gestured to his tux. “Wow, looking good, Shadowback.”

“You too, matchstick.” She stuck her tongue out at him. He glanced at Loren. “Nice to have you back.”

“Nice to be back.”

He kissed Sabrine’s temple. “I’m stealing this one.”

“Have fun,” Loren said.

He winked and tugged her away, the bodies of the other dancing students swallowing them up.

“Looks like it’s just us now,” Dallas said. She made for the bowl of punch on the table. She grabbed the ladle and scooped some into a plastic cup. “Wouldn’t it be weird if we married Max and Darien? We’d be sisters and sisters-in-law.”

Loren laughed. “I like how you went from not wanting to officially date Max to talking about marrying him.”

“What can I say?” Dallas waggled her copper eyebrows. “The guy’s a catch.” Something caught her eye. She jerked her chin at the main entrance and took a long gulp of punch. “Speaking of catches. How much you want to bet we’ll be the talk of the school all week?”

Considering how many people had already noticed the two Devils walking through the doorway, Dallas was probably correct.

Butterflies rioted in Loren’s stomach, a nervous sweat breaking out on her back and palms. Too bad her dress what made of satin; she could really use something absorbent to dry her hands on. “How about all year?” Her voice was breathy and weak.

Dallas watched as more heads turned. “Yeah, you might be right.” She drained the last of her punch. “Logan Sands, Maximus Reacher, and Darien Cassel all in one building. What a night to remember.”

And then Darien and Max were there. They both looked stunning in black button-up shirts and pants, the product in their hair reflecting blue under the pulsing lights. Even if they weren’t slayers, everyone would’ve stared, she was certain.

Dallas elbowed her in the ribs. “Have fun,” she crooned with a flutter of her fingertips. She took Max’s outstretched hand and vanished into the crowd.

When Darien stepped closer, Loren felt the air between them charge with the best kind of tension. “Hey there, Ocean Eyes.” He looked her over from head to toe, one corner of his mouth creeping up. “Damn.”

She huffed a laugh, her cheeks full of blush. “Yeah?”

“Very yeah. You’re breathtaking. How’d I get so lucky?”

She tucked a strand of softly curled hair behind her ear. “Thanks.”

“Do you think you’ll always behave like this?” His tone was curious.

She pouted her lips in thought, not understanding. Darien’s attention zeroed in on her mouth, his stare like fire. “Like what?” she asked.

“Shy around me.”

“Oh, probably,” she admitted. “Do you want me to try not to be?”