Crossing Nexis by Barbara Hartzler

Author:Barbara Hartzler [Hartzler, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: YA Paranormal Romance
Published: 2019-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

Muffled laughter greeted me as I ran my fingers over the black tulle and sequin number Shanda foisted on me. The things a girl will do for her best friend.

Shanda flounced down the hall in a glittering silver mini dress that highlighted her new ring perfectly. Making quite an entrance, too. The mostly-Nexis crowd hooted and hollered as she pranced in, and I trailed behind. Trying to stay off the radar.

The party was in full swing now. Standing room only. Music blaring, dancers swaying to the beat, clusters of kids yelling at each other over the roar. She was right, all Nexis—except for Tony guarding the corner by the gift table. Correction, gift mountain.

At least Colleen and Monica weren’t at this shindig. Kudos to the birthday girl for that choice.

I clunked into the kitchen in my ridiculously unnecessary strappy heels, poured myself a Dr. Pepper, and surveyed the scene. Mindy stood huddled in a group of little-black-dress girls, engrossed in conversation with some hot guy. Rick something.

“Five bucks says there’s gonna be a catfight over Rick by the end of the night.” Tony poured Mountain Dew into a clear plastic party cup, all neon yellow fizz.

“Not a chance, ’cause I’m so with you on that.” I turned his way. “But who’s gonna win? That’s the real question.”

“My money’s on Madison.” Tony pointed at one of the blonde girls.

“Hello? There are two Madisons vying for your boy, Rick.” I laughed, taking a sip of my soda. “Still, I’ll bet a Dr. Pepper on my girl, Mindy, there.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t want to cross her.” Air whistled through his teeth. “Or the birthday girl, for that matter.”

“You know her too well.” I raised my eyebrows at him, lowering my voice. “Seriously though, I’m glad you guys are together.”

“Me, too.” A grin spread like taffy across his face. “She’s pretty cool isn’t she?”

“The coolest best friend I’ve ever had.” The realization warmed my heart.

From across the crowded dance floor, Shanda caught my eye. I lifted my chin just to prove I wasn’t a full-time member of the boys club. We had a secret all our own, just between us. No Guardian council or Nexis conspiracy could change that.

Tony cleared his throat a little too loudly. “Shut up, here comes el maestro.”

Will threaded his way through the dance floor, his golden head bobbing in a sea of black and gray.

I rolled my eyes. “You better hideout somewhere. I doubt he’ll be cool with a Guardian superhero mixing it up at a Nexis party.”

“Good call.” His grin faded and he squared his shoulders at me. “You sure you’ll be all right, alone with him?”

“We’re hardly alone.” My stomach did a backflip anyway. “Don’t worry about me. You can resume your post at the gift table.”

“Ay, ay, captain.” He raised his Mountain Dew and disappeared as fast as he’d come.

I chugged my soda, bubbles fizzing on my tongue. If only they were made of iron to fortify me.

Will crossed into the dim kitchen, shadows sliding over the contours of his face.

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