The taller boy’s eyes are sharp and assessing. “Bram,” he says to his pretty companion, “why don’t you get us some drinks. I’ll keep this lovely lady company while she waits.” Bram smiles coldly and saunters away.

The tall boy gazes at me intently. “You don’t like my friend,” he says matter-of-factly.

“Maybe I don’t like you, either,” I respond.

“Well, I would certainly like to change that.” There is bite in his smile, but unlike Bram’s, it doesn’t bother me, and I let him pull me into a dance. His hand is large and cool, and as he holds me against himself, I marvel at his sheer size. He is lanky and slim, but so incredibly tall that I feel comically tiny. He’s very self-assured in the way he handles me, far too familiar for a stranger. One hand roams dangerously low down my exposed back, and heat floods my cheeks. “Well, isn’t that a pretty blush.” His hand moves lower still. Why have I not pushed him away? But after the disappointment of Michael’s earlier caution, a part of me craves this stranger’s boldness.

“I’ve never seen you around before. I thought I knew all the Sires in our small little world.” He’s telling me he knows I’m a recruit. I momentarily still from our dancing, but his smile and grasp remain inviting.

“Show me your lights again,” he says. I lift my fingers and let the shimmering ribbons sparkle between us. He runs his fingers through the lights and catches my fingers in his. “Beautiful.”

It occurs to me that, though I can’t deny I’m attracted to him, I don’t even know this boy’s name or anything else about him. But I like the way he holds me—like I’m something special to claim—and the way he looks at me, like he wants me. I feel the rush of being wanted deep in my belly.

Bram returns bearing a carafe of water. He hands us goblets and liberally fills them. I’m parched and overheated, and I gratefully sip as the tall boy’s brazen fingers skim up my spine. I like his touch a little too much, and I step away, not trusting myself. The long night has started to catch up to me, and I’m feeling drowsy.

“I should really go find my friend,” I tell the boys. Tall Guy takes my cup, handing it back to Bram.