The Book of Willow- Princess of the West

11.

Maia stood in the doorway, eyes frantically scanning the packed room. Some stood idly, others danced awkwardly, but nearly everyone squeezed in shoulder to shoulder. Maia watched them move to the music crackling through old speakers. Not a one of them had any idea how to dance. 

In spite of the fact that Maia couldn't stand Alex, his house was welcoming from the front door to open living room and hallway, overflowing with teenagers. Photographs of ugly children, obviously loved, decorated nearly every wall. The floor was a fashionable marble tiling, scuffed and stained through carelessness of partygoers. 

Someone threw up in the expensive looking vase on her right. Maia indulged in an eye roll and a sigh. She definitely didn't want to be there and had no idea why she continued to allow Miles to drag her into the most uncomfortable situations. 

She yanked the sleeve of his jacket, pulling Miles' six-foot frame to meet her shorter one. "Miles, I fucking hate you. You are not my favorite person today!" She shouted over the blaring music. 

"I'm not your favorite person on any day," He replied with a nervous laugh. 

Maia shrugged and folded her arms. The same thoughts rose to her defense more and more lately. 'You aren't even supposed to be this chummy with him. Why should you care if you made him feel bad. If you stop being friends; even better!' 

"Come on, Mile-high" She smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "Let's show these dweebs how to party." 

His laughter was hearty, "Maia what do you know about partying?" 

A wave of heat suddenly burned at her side. She turned but wasn't surprised to find Chance brooding beside her. He already had one of the infamous red cups to his lips. Lord only knew what was in there. 

"You two just gonna stand here all night?" He asked them but kept his gaze carefully away from Maia. 

"We'll make our way around," Miles replied slipping his arm around Maia's shoulder. And just like that the intensity of Chance's heat died. Feeling grateful for the relief, Maia allowed herself to relax in Miles' side. 

Green eyes swept over her. She watched as Chance's jaw ticked. His brows furrowed. "Whatever, I'm out." He stated curtly, then stalked away, disappearing into the crowd. 

She turned to Miles, "What crawled up his ass and died?" 

"The man has is moods ok. Come on party-girl. Let's mingle." 

"Oh god!" She groaned as he tugged her into the crowd. 

Maia found herself in the kitchen, babysitting the same stuff she swore she wouldn't drink. She spent the last hour with a fake smile plastered on her face. She needed something; anything  to quiet her escalating anxiety. 

Like it or not, she felt obligated to Miles, to at least pretend she liked his friends and that she was having a good time. Miles was in his natural element. Surrounding by adoring fans; telling jokes, stories, laughing, and entertaining the masses. 

His popularity was well warranted but she didn't understand how Chance earned the title of school king. She turned to find him with his back to her. His body hunched against the fridge. He was so uncommonly tall, both brothers were, but Chance nearly cleared the height of the appliance. 

His muscular forearm rested comfortably at the top, while the fingers of his other hand grazed the jaw line of a petite brunette she'd seen hovering around him before. Becca or something; Maia didn't think she was important enough for her to remember. He leaned in closer and the girl pushed up on her toes. 

She couldn't watch. A tightness squeezed in her chest. Her heart pounded in her ears. Her throat went dry and her breath came harder. She felt the odd sensation of pins and needles as abilities she lost the will to control took over.