At first Gunnar keeps his distance, but soon we’re pressed close, his hand at the small of my back, his lips grazing my ear, my cheek, my jaw. His eyes burn bright, but the only thing he seems hungry for is pleasure. He’s not alone, either; throughout the room, golden lights echo his own, beacons identifying the undead. But there are no screams or victims at this party; no matter how many new people I collide with, all I see are happy faces, humans and vampires sharing the moment.

Time slides together, and I don’t even notice I’ve become separated from Gunnar until I realize I have no idea how long we’ve been apart. Everyone around me is unfamiliar but friendly, a stranger’s hand on my hip, another’s fingers running through my hair. It’s hedonistic and thrilling and scary, all my inhibitions drowned out by the buzz of being wanted. I’ve never been drunk, but this has to be what it feels like—this buoyant looseness, this blur. For the first time in weeks, I don’t care what happens next; I only care about right now, about the gentle hum beneath my skin getting stronger the longer I dance.

“August?”

The blur snaps into focus, a handsome boy with glowing eyes, dark curls, and a British accent suddenly taking shape. Jude Marlowe smiles curiously, his touch gentle on my elbow, and a rush of mixed emotions eddies through me. The shirt he wears is sleeveless, and high on his shoulder is a crescent-shaped scar—one I recognize from the vision I had in the school parking lot. No matter what happens, tonight is about us.

I still have no idea what that premonition means. I’m not sure I trust Gunnar anymore, but I trust Jude even less—and a month ago, I would have laughed at the idea of getting naked with a vampire. But sparks are zipping through me, surging where his skin contacts mine, and the memory of a night that hasn’t happened yet makes my body react.

“Fancy meeting you here.” My voice is thick and dreamy.

“Are you…” Jude scrunches up his nose, and it’s very cute. “Are you on something?”

“Nope.” Someone brushes past us, a vampire, and he winks when I catch his eye. Another shiver, one that has nothing to do with the supernatural, runs up my spine.

Jude notices with a knowing smirk. “Just boys?”

Trying not to blush, I shrug. There are plenty of guys dancing together here, more than I’ve ever seen in the same place. I feel like I’m somewhere I don’t stand out—where I belong—and it’s amazing.