#2 When the Moon Turns Red
Chapter 2

Evie

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror grumbling to myself for agreeing to go to this party. I tugged at my dark denim shorts and adjusted the spaghetti straps on my maroon top. My top barely reached my belly button and my shorts clung to my hips, leaving a little sliver of my stomach exposed. I ran my fingers through my silvery blonde hair, loosening the curls I had made earlier. I blinked at myself in the mirror, my bright blue eyes shining back at me, accusing me of being an idiot.

“This is ridiculous.” I groaned, turning off the lights in the bathroom and gathering up my belongings from the bedroom.

I stuffed my phone in my back pocket and tossed a sweatshirt over my arm. I grabbed my keys and locked the door behind me. I slipped into my small SUV and tapped at the onscreen display, entering in the address Molly had given me. It was about twenty minutes outside of town. I twisted my hands nervously on the steering wheel, not particularly comfortable with driving around town yet and certainly not thrilled with the idea of driving somewhere I’d never been before. I am directionally challenged, remember?

I listened closely to the GPS as it snaked me through the bayou. I was thankful that the party started at dusk, so it was still light enough outside for me to see the street signs clearly. Eventually I hit a dirt road that led me down to a makeshift beach. Cars were parked everywhere with people running between them.

I guess Molly wasn’t kidding when she said everyone was going to be here. I sighed to myself.

I parked my car at the first available spot I could replace. I stuffed my keys inside my jacket pocket and zipped it up so I wouldn’t lose them. I mustered up all my courage and started weaving my way between the cars. When I made it to the edge of the dirt there was a tall cement block wall separating me from the beach. I stared down at the five foot drop.

“Need some help?” A tall God-like creature walked up to the wall. He was standing on the beach but was nearly looking into my eyes, towering at around 6 feet tall. He had thick-looking black hair and deep blue eyes, a dimple etched into his cheek.

“Sure.” I agreed, slipping a hand into each of his as he guided me down over the wall.

“Thanks.” I mumbled, quickly releasing his hand and straightening my clothes.

“I’m Sawyer,” He said, running his hand through his dark hair,

“You must be new.” Before I could answer, a familiar voice called through the crowd.

“Evie!” Molly appeared at my side,

“You came!” She was clearly enjoying the adult beverages.

“And you met my brother.” She pouted. I looked between the two, noticing their similar complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes.

“He helped me over the ledge.” I answered, motioning towards the wall.

“That’s my big brother, always willing to lend a helping hand.” She slurred.

“Molly, you’re already drunk, really?” Sawyer sighed.

“It’s a party.” Molly replied dramatically.

“Yes, and it’s barely started.” Sawyer removed the plastic cup from his sister’s hand.

“Buzz kill. Come on, Evie, let’s go replace some fun people to hang around.” Molly stuck her tongue out at her brother and danced across the beach, seemingly unaware that I wasn’t following her.

“She just turned 21 last month and I already have gray hairs.” Sawyer rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, she seems like a handful.” I agreed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be your survival guide.” He smirked.

“What does that even mean?” I asked.

“Molly is clearly going to be useless, so I’ll be your party host,” Sawyer winked at me. I wasn’t really sure if I liked the direction this was heading.

“Care for a drink?” He asked, holding out his elbow like a proper gentleman to escort me across the beach. I eyed his arm for a second, trying to decide how far I wanted to take this experiment. I decided that if I was going to have a social life, at least for one day, I was going to do it right.

“Why not?” I shrugged, taking his arm. He grinned widely and we strolled across the beach. He grabbed a plastic cup from a folding table that was set up near a keg.

“I have no idea what this is, sorry.” Sawyer laughed, handing me the cup. I looked down at the yellowish brown liquid and wrinkled my nose at the smell. It didn’t matter what this stuff was, I hated beer anyway. I took a sip and confirmed my dislike.

“That’s disgusting.” I croaked, making a face. Sawyer laughed at me and took the cup back, downing the whole thing in one gulp.

“Yeah, that’s pretty nasty.” He agreed, tossing the cup in the trash barrel. We wandered over to some barrels filled with ice,

“This looks fruity.” Sawyer said, holding up a wine cooler with a picture of a watermelon on it. I shrugged and held out my hand for it. He twisted off the cap and handed it over.

“Much better.” I agreed, sipping from the glass bottle.

“I thought this was a bonfire?” I asked, looking around the beach.

“It will be, once it gets dark.” Sawyer shrugged, grabbing a can of beer for himself.

“So, where are you from?” Sawyer asked me as we walked across the beach.

“Hawaii.” I answered plainly. Sawyer looked over at me, impressed.

“Wow, you’re far from home.”

“I haven’t lived there for like seven years.” I shrugged.

“Where were you living?” He asked, taking a sip of his beer.

“Massachusetts mostly, and then I traveled around for a bit.”

“What brings you here?” This guy was full of questions.

“School.” I replied, not giving away too many answers.

“That’s how you know Molly.” He observed. I nodded in response. I guess it was finally dark enough for the bonfire because a bunch of guys started tossing logs into a pile.

“Come on, let’s grab a seat.” Sawyer led me over to one of the giant logs that had a blanket spread out on it.

“I’ll be right back.” Sawyer smiled before disappearing into the crowd. I sat down on the log and watched as the fire grew bigger and bigger. Once it was a large, roaring blaze, Sawyer returned with another blanket.

“I noticed you put your jacket on earlier and I thought you might get too cold.” He shrugged, handing me the blanket. I smiled when I took it,

“Thanks.” I felt a small blush on my cheeks and was thankful that the darkness prevented Sawyer from seeing it.

“No problem.” He answered, sitting down next to me. The log was small, leaving little room to spare between us.

“I’m sorry my sister abandoned you but I hope you’re enjoying the party anyway.” Sawyer said softly.

“I am, actually.” I replied, surprised at how much fun I was having. Sawyer looked at me hesitantly,

“Are you still cold?” He asked. I really wasn’t, but I also wasn’t against Sawyer’s advances as his arm draped over my shoulders. I offered him a smile, letting him know I approved.

Suddenly, Sawyer’s face changed. He looked over my head, his eyes wide.

“I’m so sorry, Evie.” He said without looking away from whatever was behind me.

Before I had the chance to respond, Sawyer’s arm was ripped from my shoulders and he was flying through the air. I watched in horror as another body pinned him up against a tree.

“Get your hands off my mate!” The body growled, like actually growled.

I jumped up from the log and backed away, completely terrified. The party had gone silent, the music was shut off and everyone was watching us. Molly was quickly at my side, suddenly seeming very sober.

“It’s okay, Evie.” Molly whispered, rubbing my arm. I looked over at her and then back towards Sawyer. The man who attacked him was now looking at me, his eyes wide. I shrunk back in fear as he took a step forward. Sawyer scrambled to his feet and stood in front of the man.

“Noah, listen, she’s human.” I was too stunned to register what he said, my hands were shaking at my side,

“Noah!” Sawyer yelled in the man’s face and he finally seemed to notice Sawyer was talking. He looked at Sawyer, his eyes going dark for a long second, before he was glued to my face again.

“Come on, Evie, let’s go somewhere quiet.” Molly whispered to me, tugging at my hand. Her eyes never left the strange man’s face as she pulled me away. It was like they were having a silent conversation and she was trying to judge whether the stranger was going to stop us.

I quickly followed Molly away from the beach. She helped me scramble over the cement wall and weaved her way through the cars. I started heading towards my car, but she stopped me,

“Come this way.” She ordered, pulling me away from the cars.

“Why?” I stammered.

“You’re not okay to drive. There’s a guest house over here we can use to get you calmed down.” She explained as we headed towards the forest. I was nervous at first, I didn’t like the woods. Especially at night. But, just inside the grove of trees, was a modest size house. Molly pushed open the door and led us inside.

“Is this your house?” I asked watching Molly move around the room.

“No, but a friend of mine owns it. It’s okay if we use it.” She assured me, grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

“Let’s sit.” She said, moving me towards the couch.

I didn’t feel in control of my body as she maneuvered me into a sitting position. She opened the water and handed it over. I took a few large sips, willing the alcohol out of my system so I could think clearly about what just happened.

“What was that?” I finally asked.

“That was Noah Landry. He’s a bit of a hot head.” Molly chuckled.

“You act like this is normal.” I gasped. She shrugged,

“It kind of is. There’s a lot of testerone around here.”

“Why did he attack Sawyer?” I asked, ignoring the obvious sexism that was going on.

“Who knows?” She shrugged again, but I got the sense that she knew more than she was letting on.

“Is he okay?” I asked.

“Sawyer? Yeah, he’ll be fine. He gets himself into trouble a lot.” She replied.

“I should go home.” I said, standing up. Molly quickly stood in front of me,

“Listen, uhm, Noah is going to want to talk to you.” She mumbled, rubbing her arm like she was uncomfortable with something.

“What? Why?” I asked quickly. I wanted nothing to do with him.

“Uh, well….this was his party, and he freaked you out so uhm…he’ll probably want to apologize.” She stammered. She was lying.

“I’m good, thanks.” I shook my head, moving around her. Just as I reached the door, it came flying open, nearly taking me out. I gasped and stumbled backwards, steadying myself on the kitchen counter.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” His voice was ridiculous. It was husky and dark and smooth all at the same time.

I blinked up at him, and I mean really up there. He was even taller than Sawyer, his eyes a deep olive green and his hair a dark, chestnut brown. I couldn’t help but notice his arms, they were covered in tattoos and kissed by the sun. He reached out his hand to steady me, but I immediately retreated before he could touch me.

“It’s fine.” I snapped, straightening myself. Molly was at my side again. What was with her?

“Excuse me.” I crossed my arms across my chest and raised my eyebrows, nodding towards the door.

“You’re leaving?” His eyes pulled together and I swear I saw concern on his face.

“Yes.” I answered plainly. I saw him exchange a look with Molly.

“The party isn’t over yet.” He said, like he was trying to convince me to stay.

“That’s great, enjoy the rest of it.” I replied sarcastically.

“You should stay.” He tried again.

“How’s Sawyer?” I asked with a bit too much snarkiness in my voice. Noah’s eyes turned dark again,

“He’ll live.” He grumbled.

“Fantastic. Can you please move?” I said again with my hands on my hips. This giant brute of a man actually had the audacity to look hurt at my retreat.

“I’m sorry if I scared you.” His voice surprisingly sounded genuine.

“I accept your apology, but I’m still leaving.” I was getting tired of this and I was beginning to feel trapped.

I decided I would take my chances and try to clear the gap between Noah and the door. I brushed against his bare arm and gasped as a shower of sparks shot up my arm. I felt Noah tense up beside me, his arm moving around me to grab my hand. He knelt down so our eyes were level and took a deep breath. I tried to move away from him, but his grip only tightened.

“Please, don’t go.” Was he actually begging?

“You’re hurting me.” I whined, looking down at my wrist. He quickly dropped my arm, like my words shocked him.

“Goodbye, Noah.” He looked stunned at the sound of his name and I took that opportunity to leave. I rushed out of the guest house, slamming the door behind me. I nearly ran to my car and locked the doors the second I was inside. I didn’t even bother with the GPS, I just sped out of the parking area and towards my home.

I am so done with having a social life.