Ember led me to a table were a group of boys were, Azriel and Alaric among them.

"She's Raelyn, my roommate. They are Jem, Stev and Wren. Be nice, boys," A chorus of "hello"s followed. Seemed nice enough.

On Azriel's lap was a blonde girl, who was straddling him in a...suggestive manner. Ew. No surprise though. Alaric's eyes drifted to where I was looking, and smiled apologetically.

"Vodka?" Jem asked, smiling at me. He looked cute, a trait I don't usually notice in people.

"She doesn't drink," Azriel snapped, and I whirled around to him, who had a deep scowl etched on his face.

"You don't tell me what I do or don't, Azriel." I said brusquely, and feeling brave, or stupid, I added "And yes, thanks Jem,"

He handed me a cup, and I took a few gulps, the liquid searing my throat like fire. But somehow I feel lighter...carefree.

"How do you feel?" Jem asked.

"Wonderful." I replied, giggling, "Absolutely amazing."

"Sure kicks in quick," I heard Azriel mutter.

"Skylar, I hope you know the difference between going to a funeral and party." Azriel drawled. The girl gave out a shrill ha, and laughed obnoxiously. I had so much experience with funerals that I knew it wasn't.

"And I hope you know the difference of being cool and-" I racked my brain for words, but my mind drew a blank. Blame the vodka.

"And what?" Azriel challenged.

"A total fuckboy," I said.

The whole table erupted in laughter. "Ooh, Fiesty much, eh?" Stev said, "I like it," I winked at him. The alcohol is definitely taking over my senses.

"So what are you studying?" Jem asked.

"English and Art," I replied, and Jem smiled warmly.

"Ugh, stop the boring talk here," the blonde girl said, "Truth or dare, anyone?"

"Yeah sure," Stev said, "Raelyn you in?"

I bit my lip. This could go wild. But I could do wild right now, "Sure I am," I took a swig of vodka.

"Good, isn't it?" Wren said, and I licked my lips with relish.

"Count me out," Azriel said, bored.

"No, babe, you're playing," Blondie whined, her fingers trailing down his corded muscles. I gagged inwardly, covering it with a cough. Jem chuckled, his body rumbling, and I noticed how close I was with him. Feeling courageous, I curled up against him, closing up the distance. I could hear Jem's sharp intake of breath, and then he wrapped an arm around me. Azriel's eyes widened, before relapsing to its usual scowl. 

"Stev, truth or dare?" the blonde girl asked.

"Dare," 

"I dare you to do 20 sex positions with Ember," She announced, a haughty smirk on her face.

My eyes widened as I looked at Ember uneasily. A flush of red tinted her cheeks as she cleared her throat:

"Rae, we were just faking it all along, he doesn't date..But please don't tell others.."

A thousand questions burnt at my skull, but I shoved them down, looking at Ember who was clearly embarrassed. But somehow I felt...relieved?

"I only know ten!" Stev shouted.

"Ooh, what about our holy virgin Mary? You look rattled, poor thing," She gave me a supposedly understanding smile, which turned out an ugly leer.

"Scared?" Blondie taunted, and I forced myself not to take the bait.

"Truth or dare?"

"Dare," the word slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it. 

"Hmm.. " the girl tilted her head, a finger tapping her chin,"Kiss Jem,"

Cue the 'ooh's. I looked around frantically. See what you've got yourself to, Raelyn. 

"Oops, Raelyn, don't want to?" Blondie sneered, and I felt my anger rising to the surface, and averted my gaze from Jem. Heat rose to my cheeks, embarrassed. 

Then Azriel was in front of me, tipping my head to his. I gasped at the sudden gesture. My instincts screeched in alarm, telling me to run, but I was rooted to the spot.

His soft breathing caressed my lips, hot and sweet, a mixture of mint and alcohol.

His fingers brushed my lips, and brought his lips to mine,  soft but unyielding, his hand cupping my cheeks with such gentleness I never thought he had... My conscience melted away, and then I was returning it, sucking on his bottom lip, drunk on Azriel, his taste, his seducing scent. The sensation of his lips, so tender, on mine.. I want more.

"Fuck," he whispered, drawing away from me. I stumbled, my heavy breathing the only sound. Four pairs of eyes looked at Azriel, stunned, while Blondie looked outraged.

"Just branding my next plaything, Would be fun," Azriel said airily, smirking. His expression slammed shut like a door, none slipping through.  I felt the air knock out of me. 'Branding my next plaything'? Oh, gods. Why the hell did I give him the satisfaction? Tears sprang to my eyes, but I squeezed my eyes shut before they could fall, but one escaped. It slid down my cheek, and a light touch took me by surprise. My eyes fluttered open, and Jem was kissing my tears away, his hand stroking my hair.

I recoiled from the intimate gesture. It feels wrong. It is wrong. I pushed him away, not even turning to register his shocked face, and fled.