Her Mates

5

The mood had shifted slightly, but not enough to ruin the evening. Jonah and I found ourselves deep in conversation about an upcoming school project, while Benjy and Liam sat nearby, acting like a pair of lovebirds. It was adorable, and I was genuinely happy to see my best friend so content.

"In any case, we need to gather enough sources and information ahead of time," I said, stretching my legs out. "I don't want to deal with last-minute stress."

"Agreed. If we get it done quickly, we'll even have time to revise if necessary," Jonah replied.

I nodded and took the last sip from my cup, only to realize it was already empty. I blinked down at it in surprise. When had I finished it? Across from me, Jonah chuckled.

"Come on, let's grab refills," he said, pushing off the couch. "That way, those two can have a little privacy."

I smirked and got up, following him through the crowd. The house was packed, and I had to dodge people dancing, swaying, or just loitering with drinks in hand. It always amazed me how much alcohol could loosen people up. Then again, who was I to judge? I did the same thing.

The kitchen was quieter, with only a few others avoiding the chaos in the main room. Jonah turned to me. "Vodka, or do you want some punch?"

I pointed to the blue punch, and he poured me a cup before mixing himself a vodka and cola.

"Should we grab some snacks?" I asked, eyeing the table filled with chips and other party treats.

"Eating something isn't a bad idea. Let's see if there's any of that pizza left from yesterday."

Instantly, I perked up. Everyone knew I loved that pizza. I hurried over to the fridge, opened it, and grinned at the sight of a still well-stocked plate. "Hey, J, grab the plate, will you? Thanks!" I handed it to him absentmindedly while my eyes landed on a container of chocolate pudding. Without hesitation, I grabbed it, along with a small tiramisu cup. Then, using my foot, I nudged the fridge door shut.

Jonah laughed. "Somebody's got an appetite again. Good thing we always keep the kitchen stocked."

I grinned, joining him at the table. We started eating, chatting in between bites. Just as I finished my pizza, Jonah passed me a spoon for my desserts. I was about to dig in when I felt someone watching me. The weight of their stare sent a strange shiver down my spine.

Slowly, I turned my head, spoon halfway to my mouth. My eyes locked onto two familiar figures standing near the doorway, staring at me. Zac and Emilia. Two of the people partially responsible for the bizarre situation I'd found myself in a few days ago.

I quickly turned back, deciding to ignore them. I wasn't in the mood for another confrontation. Right now, my priority was having fun with my friends. Without hesitation, I grabbed the next cup of punch from Jonah and downed most of it in one go.

Jonah gaped at me before bursting into laughter. I joined in, the warmth of the alcohol making everything feel lighter. With a playful smirk, I got up and grabbed a bottle of tequila, along with salt and lemons. "J-boy, let's have some real fun now!"

We started taking shots, one after another, and before long, I lost count. Just as I was about to pour another, the bottle was suddenly snatched from my hands and slammed onto the table.

Startled, I looked up, my grip tightening around my shot glass. Without thinking, I quickly tossed back the liquor before it could be taken from me too. My gaze landed on the person responsible, and sure enough, it was Zac. Emilia stood slightly behind him, arms crossed but expression unreadable.

"If you wanted some, you could've just asked," I muttered, my words impressively clear despite my growing intoxication. Even Zac and Emilia seemed surprised by that.

Zac, however, was far from amused. He turned to Jonah with a glare. "Seriously? You know you're supposed to be looking out for her, not encouraging her to get wasted. What if something happened? She's human. She can get hurt easily."

I scoffed, lifting my chin. "Hey, I'm a fucking awesome human."

Jonah sighed, rubbing his face, but I caught the small smirk playing at his lips. Meanwhile, Emilia's expression softened. "Yeah, you are," she murmured.

Pleased by her agreement, I beamed at her. She smiled back.

Zac, however, was not done. "We're taking her with us. She's had enough."

Jonah opened his mouth to argue, but Zac let out a low, warning growl. That made me giggle uncontrollably. "You—sound—like—a—dog!" I wheezed between hiccups, only making myself laugh harder.

Before I knew what was happening, Zac and Emilia were guiding me out of the house. I stumbled a little but managed to shake them off once we got outside.

"I'm not disabled, extremely drunk, or incapable of walking," I snapped, glaring up at them. They were giants compared to me, even Emilia.

"We know that, Babygirl," Emilia said gently. "We just want to make sure you're safe."

I didn't respond. The way they cared—despite barely knowing me—was weird. Unsettling, even. But at the same time, it was... nice.

"Come on," Zac said. "We'll take you home."

I sighed but nodded. "Fine. But no hugging me or anything. Last time was enough."

They didn't reply, just started walking. The familiar path through the forest stretched ahead of us, and with each step, exhaustion crept in. My limbs felt heavier, my body struggling to stay upright.

Zac noticed. "I can't watch you fight to stay awake any longer. May I carry you?"

For once, I didn't argue. Instead, I nodded and offered a faint smile.

The moment he lifted me, I felt... safe. Comforted in a way I hadn't expected. I nestled against his chest, inhaling his scent—surprisingly calming. Slowly, my eyelids grew heavier. The last thing I registered was the steady rhythm of his heartbeat before sleep claimed me completely.