Finally, the night of homecoming arrived, and Amanah filled with vicious glee got ready for the game. She critically eyed her cheerleading outfit. She looked good in anything, a fact she used to her advantage. Unlike her boring twin, she went out of her way to utilize all her assets. Her ruthlessness was why their father favored her over Serenah. Serenah was weak and easy to bully. Amanah took great pleasure in watching her sibling suffer.
She grabbed her car keys and went to the garage. She briefly toyed with the idea of sabotaging Alaster's car. That would really ruin her sister's night. No, she shook her head and went to her car. Her retribution would happen at the dance. Let Serenah believe she was safe. The moment Serenah lowered her guard, Amanah would pounce on her. The malicious thought brought a smile to her face. She got in her car and went to the football field.
As soon as she arrived, Amanah was rushed by her minions. She ignored them and swept toward her spot on the field's sidelines. She inclined her head toward the cheer coach and put her pom poms down. Cassie and Sasha flanked her, their eyes scanning the crowds.
"She's not here yet," whispered Cassie.
Amanah wasn't surprised. Her sister wouldn't be late, but she also wouldn't be early either.
"That's fine. I'll know when she's here."
She chuckled at Sasha's skeptical look. "It's a twin thing."
"Ah." Sasha nodded.
Amanah was sure that Sasha didn't understand. Sasha wasn't the brightest person, but she was fanatically loyal, which was something she exploited daily.
She turned her attention to the field. Fifteen minutes later, she felt Serenah's arrival. She shook off the soothing feeling her twin's arrival brought. She didn't want to feel peaceful. She wanted to fight. Later, after the game, she would get her wish. For now, she had a show to put on.
~***~
Fidelis impatiently drove toward the dance venue. Anticipation hummed in his veins at the thought of seeing Sera dressed up. It wasn't that she didn't dress nicely. Rather, her clothes always seemed demure and stifling. He felt like she was hiding her true self. He also had Liz's assurance that Sera's look tonight would "be to die for." He couldn't wait. They arrived and he pulled into an empty spot so fast that Blainel and Sodalitas scolded him for being reckless.
"Sorry," he muttered and hurrying from the car and toward the entrance doors.
He grabbed the handle and jerked the door open. He ignored the blast of cold air, his gaze scanning the room. He spotted Liz and Sera coming toward him.
He took in the view. Her long hair which was usually in a ponytail was tamed into a beautiful French twist with her bangs curled to frame her face. The smoky look of her makeup enticed him to want to stroke her cheek. He wanted to peer into her eyes and hold her close. The curve-hugging purple, spaghetti-strap, backless dress highlighted her violet eyes. She wore matching heels which added about two inches to her height. She was still shorter than him, not that he minded.
He was vaguely aware of Blainel, Sodalitas, Karl, Griff, and Drake coming in behind him. He was jolted from his happy ogling by Karl's whistle.
"Damn girl, you look hot!"
"Karl, shut up! No one asked you," growled Liz, hands on her hips.
Karl threw up his hands in a placating gesture. "My bad. You know I must express my appreciation for all things feminine."
Fidelis frowned at his friend. A small tendril of anger threaded its way into his emotions. He was glad when Sera didn't respond to Karl's flirting. He studied her again, noting the tension in her. She was probably embarrassed by Karl's silliness. He decided to move her away from Karl. He wanted to dance. He wanted her in his arms.
He stepped forward and came to her. He took her hand and kissed it, making sure to blow his warm breath on it. He grinned when she shivered. His mate mark flared to life with a rush of her emotions: excitement, happiness, and fear. He glanced at her and saw desire in her eyes. He wasn't sure where the fear was coming from. He would figure it out later. He focused on her instead.
"Stunning, my love. Shall we dance?"
She slid her hand into his and he led her to the dance floor. They stayed on the dance floor through six songs before Sera asked for a break. They were heading to the buffet when Nicholas, followed by Sasha, Cassie, and a few others, intercepted them.
Fidelis stepped in front of Sera, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. He could feel the malice in the air. He had to protect her, no matter what.
"Nick," he said, his tone cordial.
"Romeo, you need to work on the company you keep."
Fidelis kept his expression neutral. He wasn't sure where this conversation was going. He had a feeling he wasn't going to like it.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, you keep hanging out with that whore." Nick pointed at Sera.
Sera's gasp of surprise hit Fidelis's heart as did her surge of pain, fear, and embarrassment that flooded the fated mark. Rage bubbled beneath the surface. How dare this human talk about his fated in such a manner!
"You know, Nick, I warned you," he growled and took a menacing step forward. "That if you didn't watch your mouth, I'd fix that bad habit of yours." He popped his knuckles and moved into Nick's personal space. "You'd better apologize."
"No. I have nothing to say to a slut," snarled Nick.
Fidelis glanced over his shoulder at Sera. Her face was flushed in embarrassment and hurt. His last shred of sanity snapped. He pulled back his arm as he turned and let fly a right hook that sent Nick staggering back, blood spraying from his nose.
"What the hell! You stupid…," Nick shouted and charged Fidelis.
Fidelis chuckled. He was going to enjoy taking down his obnoxious opponent. No one disrespected his loved ones. No one.