The Heirs: Fated Heirs

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Ariana

I don't normally get nervous before performances. I go into another sort of state of mind where I am another person. At least, usually. The last time I remember being this nervous was before the audition-that-we-shall-not-speak-of.

I think I'm so nervous this time, not because of the dancing itself, but because this is the first time anyone will see my choreography that I made. God, I really hope it does not suck.

I stretch backstage, trying to calm myself down.

The lights dim out in the amphitheater.

I know all of my friends are out there to cheer me on, and I know Josh is sitting in the front row with a big bouquet of purple flowers. I may have snuck a few peeks out into the audience.

Seeing him sitting there, chatting happily with our friends around him, looking proud of me – well, it made me feel something. Like I could do anything, really.

This is the first recital I'm participating in where I'm doing contemporary dance only. I feel ready. This feels right, and when the music swells, indicating the first number is beginning, I find myself going to that other plane.

I straighten my shoulders and take the stage.

The rest is second nature as I lose myself in the music, as I dance for some of the people I love the most. And knowing he's right there, front and center, means most of all.

I let the music take over.

Everyone is waiting for me out in the lobby. Sophie attacks me with hugs and kisses first. "You were fucking AMAZING!" she squeals. I blush under her compliments, but channel my inner bad bitch as I flip my hair over my shoulder, Sophie-style, and respond, "I know."

"You cocky bitch! I love it!" Sophie hip bumps me as Eva, Tate, Imogen, and Hannah take their turns hugging me.

I almost croak of shock when I see Leo, Aleks, and Zane Sokolov standing there. I expected Josh and Eli, and even Chase because he's my cousin, but I did not expect the big bad three to be there too.

Zane picks me up and twirls me around. "That was incredible! You'll have to teach me some moves." He plops me down and starts doing a very poor attempt at a Plié.

"Absolutely," I laugh, patting his shoulder.

Aleks offers me a tight smile and a nod. "Congratulations. The choreography was very impressive."

"High praise from this one," Tate grumbles, nudging Aleks.

Eli and Chase hug me, then they all give Josh and I some space.

He scoops me up and kisses me like we're the only two people in the room.

"I can't even begin to tell you how impressed I was," he breathes into my hair. I giggle as he lays hot, ticklish kisses up my neck before placing me back down.

I insist that Sophie take several photos of Josh and I with my flowers.

We all head back to the mansion for a dinner spread that Aleks got catered. Everyone talks over one another and there's a strange sense of familiarity in it that brings me a sense of peace. Despite the fact that so much has changed in the last few months – so much violence and darkness – it's good to have this group. A group I know will be here for each other no matter what.