Page 119 of We Are Yours

I drank.

And I was never much of a drinker, but it was seriously the only way I was dealing with this fucking birthday party. She literally turned the downstairs into Jurassic Land. It was decked out from floor to ceiling. If I saw one more balloon, I was going to lose my shit more than I already craved to.

I couldn’t believe she was pulling this card. This was Kraven’s favorite birthday theme when he was eleven. It was her last one with him. He rode her ass for a Jurassic party for a whole year, and it was also the biggest party we ever had.

As much as I hated admitting it, it was a good memory.

One of the few.

Which was why I was gulping down another shot of tequila, needing to feel the burn down my chest as I watched Melody dance around the room full of guests. This was always her favorite role to play, and she was good at it. Catering to all the people, the house was packed with them. Everyone was happy now that Melody Knightly was back.

Home…

Praising her for her return, as if she was being held captive or something. As if it wasn’t a personal choice she made.

It was complete and utter bullshit. Everyone was betraying me. Kraven was even loosening up, not nearly as angry as he should be. Though it was probably the booze he was slamming down, too. He reeked of weed, so he was definitely partaking in that. I’d guess there were some drugs in his system by the way he was acting.

The life of the party.

Kraven was the baby, and she treated him as such. She knew how to manipulate everyone. It’d make sense that Kraven would be the one who’d have a soft spot for her. She was playing into his insecurities, buying all the things she knew he loved.

Melody was smart. Most addicts and alcoholics were. It came with having to get their next fix. They learned what buttons to push to get what they wanted. It was why I was steering clear of her. I wouldn’t get caught in her web of lies. I’d come too far.

If she didn’t leave, if she refused, where did that leave us?

If she moved back into the house, I’d have to move out.

Will Isla come with me? Will Kraven stay?

My head pounded from the unknown questions. It didn’t matter if I demanded answers from her. I’d get whatever benefited her at the time as a response. I couldn’t tell you how much I loathed that Isla was falling for her performance. She had her eating out of the palm of her hand.

It was obvious Isla saw her as a mother figure, and there wasn’t anything I could do to prevent it. She wasn’t going to listen. As much as I wanted to stay mad at Isla for it, I also understood. From an outsider looking in, Melody appeared to have her shit together.

She always had the power to make people like her. It was one of her many gifts. I was surprised Joe hadn’t shown up yet. He was still madly in love with her. He must not have heard about her imploding arrival. If he did make his presence known, I was a goner. There’d be no fighting it out with them.

I’d take off, never to be seen again by them.

Will Isla come with me?

Every thought I had ended with that same inevitable question. I felt like I was losing her, and I despised that more than anything.

Another shot.

Another drink.

Now I was smoking weed in the kitchen, watching Isla dance around. She was loving every second of this birthday party charade, this mockery we were letting her perform in hopes that she would actually leave us alone.

They were dancing in the middle of the room. Isla wore a white dress, twirling in a circle, enjoying the song, the atmosphere, and the vibes. I continued to watch her until Kraven approached her with a beer in his grasp.

He grabbed her hand, twirling her that time. I watched from afar as they all danced without a care in the world. Rage quickly tried to take over, and I shoved it back down. Melody made their way over to them, grabbing their hands before Kraven spun them both, smiling ear to ear.

My blood boiled.

Hot.

Searing.

Scarring its way into my skin.