“I heard that Mayor Rivers’ speeches are absolutely riveting,” Ethan joked, winking. “Oh, definitely.” My words were drenched in sarcasm. “I believe he called us strong, clever, and capable. There may even have been some irreplaceable, brilliant, and extraordinary thrown in there as well. Most of the speech was one big, fake thesaurus recitation.”

“I have no idea what he wants. Maybe he needs to remind you to pack your skimpiest swimsuit.” He paused. “Oh, wait, no. That’s me.” He grinned as I rolled my eyes. “Why do I even try to have normal conversations with you?” I asked him. “Because you like talking to me.”

“Oh, alright. You’re no fun,” he sighed. “My name is Razor.” “What kind of a name is that?” “It’s a nickname.” “What kind of a nickname is that?” “Spike, Blade, Fang—all the good, deadly objects were already taken. It was the best I could do.”

“Who are you?” I demanded when I was certain he couldn’t escape my grip. “I’m a twenty-four-year-old Taurus who enjoys long walks on the beach.” Even though I couldn’t see his face, I could feel his arrogant grin. “You have ten seconds to explain yourself,” I ordered. “Or I’m really going to hurt you.” “Oh, come on! Can’t we get back to the kissing? You can’t tease a guy like that.”

“Sebastian then turned to the redhead. I didn’t want to know her name. I already had a perfectly fitting nickname for her in my head. “This is Selena Alvaro.” “Please call me Lena,” the girl smiled, extending a manicured hand. I shook it politely. Whatever Sebastian's issue was, I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of showing that I cared. “Do you know Bast well?” she asked me. Ugh. That nickname again. “I guess not,” I replied curtly, shooting him a pointed look. “He's just one of the vampires in town.”

“Are we going to do this again?” I grumbled. “Do what?” “The damsel-in-distress and knight-in-shining armor bit.” Pain flashed in his eyes. “That's not how I see us,” he murmured, sliding his hand to the side of my neck. “I told you before, you're no damsel. You're more like a butt-kicking dragon.” He caressed my cheek with his hand. “Oh, thanks.” I attempted to sound annoyed, but his touch melted away the irritation in my voice. “Plus, I've worn armor before, and trust me, it's not my style.”

“Don’t worry, even if I don’t tell them, my little brother will. I’m pretty sure he was born for the sole purpose of making my life a living hell,” Seth muttered, then noticing that his parents’ friends were drawing near, rushed off to hide.”