The Lost Daughter

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

I almost decide to call it a night, just stay in the warm comfort of Wren's bed and fall asleep right then, ignoring the rest of the party altogether.

Ultimately, though, the lure proves too much to ignore.

Together, we both wander back out into the thick of it. Bypassing the foyer and all the people there by taking the staircase nearer to kitchen.

This time, I'm not as uneasy as I originally was being surrounded by these unknown people when I walk back in there. I'm not sure how much of it is already having one of my brothers by my side versus the effect the alcohol has had on me, loosening my nerves considerably.

"Do you see Wes or Wyatt?" Wren calls to me over the noise when we pause in the wide entrance.

It's hard to see over and around the vast number of people congregated here, even more than before it feels like, but I try my best to look around anyway. But, I don't spot either in here now, or Jackson for that matter.

"No," I yell back. "They're probably still outside."

Wren puts his hand on my back, probably so he doesn't lose me in the crowd as we make our way to the open glass door, spilling people out onto the stone patio.

It's not just me who seems to feel more relaxed. While we don't really stop for anyone, as I'm becoming aware is apparently the usual for the King's, people approach us in droves on our way by. As they do though, it's with loose smile and more unfocused eyes.

When we make it outside, Wren makes a stop at the outdoor kitchen.

"Do you want something to drink?" He leans in to ask in my ear.

I nod appreciatively. "Can you get me a bottle of water, please?"

"Be right back." He answers, smiling back at me when I flash him one.

I lean against the edge of the counter that makes up part of the outdoor kitchen while I wait, looking over at the seating we had occupied before I found Wren and see it's been taken up by strangers now.

I start to look over to the fire, and I think I catch a glance of white hair before someone bumps into me and my attention is ripped away.

"I'm so sorry!" A high-toned voice squeaks out in front of me.

The girl steps back quickly so she's no longer pressed against me, though she doesn't have a lot of space to go.

"It's fine!" I assure her, laughing it off. "It's a bit crazy out here."

She's insanely pretty, I notice immediately. Her long, dark hair is braided in one thick rope hanging off one shoulder and complementing her honeyed complexion.

"No kidding." She laughs with me as she looks up from my dress after inspecting it thoroughly, checking to make sure she didn't spill any of the drink from her glass on it or me.

Her eyebrows furrow together and she tilts her head to the side as she studies me. "I don't think I've seen you around, are you new to Hillcrest?"

"Yeah, a bit new." I tell her honestly, unable to stop myself from chuckling a little at the understatement.

"Well, welcome!" She says to me brightly, a real and genuine smile lighting her face. "I'm Maia."

I'm about to introduce myself back, appreciating her warm and happy disposition, when a familiar voice rings out.

"Willa." Weston calls to me from several feet away, interrupting me as well as indirectly managing to answer Maia's unasked question of my own name.