New Horizon [Morganville]

Chapter Twenty-Four

Claire already had to yell a little to be heard, and they were only just down the street from the party. Eve’s hearse parked on the side of the curb, and they all just sat there for a while. The house was draped with streamers and balloons and different coloured party lights. Frat guys already sat out on the front lawn, guzzling all types of alcohol, and doing incredibly vulgar and raunchy things out in the open. Claire squeaked and looked away, only to see Shane smirking at her with a yearning shimmer in his eyes. Claire rolled her eyes and placed her palm on his cheek and gently pushed his head until he was looking in the opposite direction. She was so not getting into this situation with him again.

Michael wore practically the same outfit as Shane, but his top was white.

Claire swallowed and bit her bottom lip as she stared out the window. Finally, Eve took in a deep breath and pushed open the door. Michael followed her, and rocketed around the car so he could be next to her. Claire pushed open the door too, and began to step out when Shane grabbed her arm.

“I’ve got to admit that we haven’t exactly had a good reputation when it comes to parties and Frat guys,” Shane started. “So no matter what, I want you to promise that you’ll stay right by my side and scream bloody murder if anyone besides Eve and Michael tries to moves you. Can you promise me that?” Claire nodded and pushed open the car door with her heel.

“Aye Aye Captain.” Shane gave her one of his seductive, lopsided smiles and gestured for her to get out of the car. She smoothed out her skirt and by the time she had gotten that out the way, Shane was already at her side and had his hand behind Claire’s back.

As they walked by, at least a dozen guys whistled and howled at her. Shane threw them venomous glares, but Claire just grabbed his arms and pulled him along.

“Where’re you going?” One of the Frat guys called. “Come back baby.”

But the voices were drowned out Michael pushed open the front doors, and the blaring music erupted all around them. Claire’s mouth opened wide when she saw the trashed furniture, and loose streamers that hung around the walls and ceilings. Empty cups were littered all over the floor, and a few wheelbarrows sat in the corner, containing tonnes of alcohol.

The smell of cigarettes, alcohol, and sweat filled the air, and Claire had already begun to feel hot from the stuffiness of the room.

There must have been at least fifty people dancing close together in one crowded room. Claire raised her eyebrows and looked down, not wanting to even know what some of those people were doing.

“You’ve got to love the Frat parties.” Shane said and pulled Claire close to him. He smiled down at her and moved his mouth close to her ear. “Come on.”

He guided her towards the dance floor, and wrapped his arms around her waist. Smiling, Claire’s arms draped around his neck and she laughed as he kissed her neck. She glanced over at Michael and Eve, but they had already disappeared somewhere. So much for sticking together.

But she turned back to Shane, and she looked into his brown eyes.

Any worries she had, they just swum away.

“I guess I can’t really call you jailbait anymore, huh?” Shane said as he searched one of the wheelbarrows for a drink. “Now that you’re eighteen.” Claire shrugged and hugged him from behind.

“At least you’ll let me do stuff now.”

“Stuff?” Shane raised an eyebrow and turned to face Claire. He smirked at her and looked down at her. “What kind of stuff?” Claire blushed and she looked away from his attentive eyes. She bit her lip and gently smacked his arm.