Page 56 of The Betrayal You Serve

"Ellis told me they were coming tonight."

"That doesn't surprise me. It's the biggest party of the year, of course they're going to want to be there."

"I'm not sure about Kane though."

"Thanks for looking out for me, Micah, I appreciate it."

"No problem."

"I understand if you don't want to tell me but…" I look over my shoulder to see the others are still way behind us. "How are you connected to them? You're not a Creek kid, so…?"

"I'm from Seattle. My dad and his… acquaintances have connected with Victor and the Hawks." My brows pull together at his words.

"In a good way or bad?" I ask, my hackles rising for my friend. It's no secret that Victor has enemies everywhere, and way more of them than allies.

"I don't know the details, I was just given a job."

"Which was?"

"I'm not sure we should really go there. The less you know, the better."

"But you're working with Ellis, right? Not against him?"

"Yeah. But things aren't always as they seem."

My brow creases as I stare at him.

"Come on. Put all your troubles behind you for a bit and enjoy yourself. We've got your back."

He pulls Brax's car door open for me and I climb inside. The others follow, Ella practically launching herself onto our laps for the short journey to the woods for tonight’s homecoming bonfire.

As we make our way in the darkness toward the party, excitement and the need to just let go fills my veins.

The earthy scent of the forest fills my nose along with the smoky bonfire up ahead that's casting an orange glow through the trees, directing us, along with the low beat of the bass as to where we're going.

"I'm so excited for this," Violet hisses behind me. "Do you remember last year?"

"Yep," West answers almost proudly. "My first alfresco experience. I remember every single—ow," he complains.

"You're a dog," Violet mutters, ensuring the earlier bickering starts again.

"Are they always this bad after a few drinks?" I mutter, although seeing as this isn't my first party with them, I already know the answer.

"Yep," Ella sighs. "It's almost like they're siblings removed at birth with how they go at it sometimes."

Ignoring the voices behind, we make our way through the trees. Twigs snap underfoot and the smell of pine gets stronger as we get deeper into the undergrowth until it thins out and reveals a huge clearing.

"Oh wow," I breathe.

"It's something, right?" Ella asks when she pulls to a stop beside me.

The bonfire is huge, like massive. Its captivating flames flickering right up into the dark night sky.

"Come on, drinks are calling and then I want to dance the night away," Ella announces, dragging my hand and pulling me over to where a huge crowd is gathered. I soon find out why when we break through and find a row of trucks acting as a bar.

With drinks in hand, we make our way toward what appears to be the dance floor and allow the beat of the music to take over.

I have no idea if the others follow us, and right now, as I lose myself to the music, I don't care.