When they reached the gym, the foursome pa.s.sed through the lobby with its gla.s.s trophy cases and doors leading to the locker rooms. The double doors to the gym interior stood wide open, and as they strolled inside, the electrified energy coursing through the room lifted Claire's spirits. It hardly looked like a gym at all. The lights were dim, casting a romantic glow over all her cla.s.smates, who were dressed to the nines and dancing to the beat of pop music pumped through enormous speakers. An arch of blue and red helium balloons framed the entryway, and dozens of other balloon cl.u.s.ters decorated the small tables and chairs around the room. Several teachers sipped punch by the refreshment table, while a DJ controlled the music atop a stage on the opposite side of the gym.

"I know it looks pretty standard," Erica shouted over the music, pointing to several potted trees that defined the edges of the dance floor, "but see the ficuses with the twinkle lights? That was me."

"Very cla.s.sy," Claire commented.

"You guys did an awesome job," Neil agreed.

Erica did a mock bow, accepting the praise with relish. "Now, entrez, mes amis."

The girls dropped their purses and wraps on a chair as Erica continued, "Brian, I made sure there were Rice Krispies Treats just for you. They're going to announce the winners at eight thirty. Until then, everybody be careful." She darted a meaningful look at Claire. "And go nuts!"

Immediately, Erica took Brian's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor.

"What did she mean, be careful?" Neil asked loudly in Claire's ear.

She knew Erica was referring to the chance that Claire might be attacked by a Nephil were-cougar, but she couldn't very well admit that to Neil. "She knows I have two left feet and was just warning me to watch my step when we dance," Claire shouted.

"That's okay, I wore steel-toed boots," Neil teased. He took her gloved hand and led her into the center of the room.

The DJ was blasting the newest hit singles. Some of the other dancers, Claire noticed, were gyrating to the music with no particular style. Neil, on the other hand, began to move with a fluid grace. She'd seen him perform in ch.o.r.eographed musicals onstage, but this was the first time she'd witnessed what he could do on his own. He was so fascinating to watch, Claire almost forgot to dance herself. The music had such energy, however, that she soon got into the swing of things, letting go of all the worries that weighed on her mind. She was getting a lot of sidelong looks-frowns from girls envious of her date, and curiosity from people she didn't know that well. A few people even came up to wish her luck in the election for princess. It felt odd, as if she were a minor celebrity for the evening.

Several songs went by before the first slow song started, at which point the mood immediately shifted. Half the students drifted off toward the refreshments or the sidelines to sit down, while those who remained moved into each other's arms.

As she wove her arms around Neil's neck, Claire silently repeated her mantra to herself, just in case Neil's hands touched her exposed upper back. As the words resounded in her brain, she couldn't help remembering how it had felt to be held in Alec's embrace, spinning through the night air. Just forget about me, Claire. Let me go. Move on. Her heart wrenched, and she had to suppress a sudden pang in her chest. But as she looked up into Neil's eyes, she saw such sweetness and admiration that she forced herself to focus on the present. Neil deserved that.

"Having a good time?" He smiled down at her as they moved in slow circles to the soft beat.

"Yes," Claire replied. "Are you?"

"I'm here with the prettiest girl at the dance, why wouldn't I be?"

"Was that an attempt to avoid the question?" The words came out unthinking, and Claire regretted them. Were they prompted by her own guilt?

"I'm having a wonderful time, I was just worried about you." Neil studied her face intently. "Tell me straight: Are you still thinking about him?"

He'd asked so gently that Claire couldn't lie to him. "A little," she admitted softly. "But I'm glad to be here with you."

Neil nodded, not looking particularly surprised or hurt. "Okay. I can accept that."

Claire smiled up at him. "Has anyone ever told you how great you are?"

"Charming is the word I generally hear," he joked.

Claire laughed. As they continued to dance, she felt the tension slowly leave her body. It was nice to be in Neil's arms, to be the center of his attention-and to actually be vision free. She hadn't felt this relaxed or normal in a long time. Normal. That was what Alec and her mom had both wanted for her, wasn't it? To pick a normal boy, and have a normal life?

And then she saw them-a thin, dark-haired girl clad in a short, clingy white dress and two tough-looking guys whose muscles bulged beneath their tight suits were pa.s.sing through the balloon archway. Even in the dimly lit gym, Claire recognized them at once, and she stared at them in alarm.

The Fallen.

They glanced about the gym with barely concealed smirks of amus.e.m.e.nt. Claire knew they were at least four or five years too old to be in high school-not to mention that their appearance didn't mesh with the college-prep Emerson vibe at all-but no one else seemed to have noticed them yet.

Except Neil, who followed her gaze. "Aren't they those guys from the mall?"

Claire's voice was tense. "I think so."

"What are they doing here?"

"I don't know."

"Let's find out." Neil took her gloved hand.

"No, Neil, I'd rather-"

He ignored Claire's protest as he propelled her purposefully across the room through the crowd of dancers. The farther they moved from the DJ and his ma.s.sive speakers, the quieter the music became, until Claire was actually able to hear herself think again.

The trio had settled in front of the refreshment table, where the tall, ponytailed guy-Claire couldn't remember his name-was chomping on a cookie. The shorter one was playing with a cell phone, while the girl sipped punch. All three of them surveyed the room intently. Looking for me, Claire thought grimly.

As she and Neil strode up, the girl's eyes lit up with recognition.

"Claire!" the girl cried. "I almost didn't recognize you. You look gorgeous in that dress! Do you remember me?"

"Celeste, right?" Claire's lips tightened warily-yet despite herself, she felt a friendly glow emanating from this girl, enveloping her like an invisible cloud.

"What's up, guys?" Neil said with a curious smile. "What're you doing here?"

Claire suddenly remembered that Neil had actually liked these people, and had no idea what they were up against. How on earth was she going to get rid of them?

"We came to cheer for you and Claire, handsome," Celeste replied with a flirty wave of her hand. "We heard you're up for prince and princess. That is so exciting! You make such a cute couple!"

Claire flushed, and for a moment was at a loss for words. What else did Celeste know about her life? And why did Celeste's smile slink under her defenses and reverberate so warmly, making her feel like a long-lost friend? The answer dawned on her-she's using her talent on me. Claire steeled herself, fighting back against the intrusive feelings.

"How'd you hear about that?" Neil asked, surprised. "How'd you even find out what school we go to?"

"We have a special interest in Claire," the tall guy responded, "and a high-tech, global spy network at our disposal." He fixed Neil with a s.h.i.t-eating grin, and his shorter companion laughed.

Claire's mouth dropped at this blatantly candid reply. Not surprisingly, Neil took it as a joke.

"Whatever," Neil said, rolling his eyes.

Celeste oozed sympathy as she set down her plastic cup and moved closer to Claire. "Sweetie, we know things have really sucked for you lately, and it's so much harder when you're on your own. You need friends to support you. Friends who know the truth, and really understand what's going on with you."

Claire's heart skittered. Oh my G.o.d. Do they know about Alec, too?

"Whatever happens, we're here for you," added the shorter guy. He raised his hands. To Claire's shock, he held her evening bag in one hand and her phone in the other. "I've already put Celeste's number in your phone," he added, dropping it back into her bag and handing it to her. "You can call us anytime, day or night."

Claire s.n.a.t.c.hed her purse out of his hands, stunned by his audacity. "Thanks," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll keep that in mind."

Neil looked confused. "What the h.e.l.l? Claire, this guy just went through your purse and you're thanking him?"

"I'll explain later, Neil." Claire wondered how she would ever be able to explain. To the trio, she said, "I think you should leave."

Celeste looked taken aback. "Claire, we came here in friendship. I don't think you realize what we're offering here. We know who you are, what you want, and what you need." She took Claire's gloved hand and leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "Money? It'll never be a problem again. Your mom won't have to work such long hours anymore, you can get a house, and all the stability you need. And all those other things worrying you? Looking over your shoulder, day in and day out? We can make all that go away. We have friends ... everywhere."

No wonder Alec said they were dangerous, Claire thought, her pulse racing, as perspiration broke out on her brow. It's like being tempted by the devil. Thank G.o.d she'd been warned.

Suddenly, a new voice entered the mix. A voice with a Scottish accent.

"Get your hand off her, or I'll take it off."

thirty-four.

Claire's heart almost stopped.

Celeste stepped back.

Alec stood not two feet away, staring at Celeste with icy calm. He was dressed in a sharp three-piece suit and tie and his usual combat boots, his dark blond hair stylishly tousled, his guitar case slung over his shoulder. Claire barely had time to register her joy and relief at the sight of him-he was here, really here-when Celeste interjected sullenly, "You never know when to make a graceful exit, do you?"

The two Fallen who were flanking Celeste lumbered toward Alec like attack dogs. "Back off, cowboy, you had your chance," said the shorter guy.

"Let the filly make her own decision," the tall one chimed in.

"Cowboy? Filly? What are you talking about?" Neil asked.

"Stay out of this, Neil," Alec ordered.

"No, you stay out of it, MacKenzie. Claire's with me tonight."

"I'm not here to steal your date," Alec rea.s.sured him.

"Then why are you here?" Neil demanded.

"Alec?" Erica cried, stunned, as she and Brian suddenly appeared at Claire's elbow. "I thought you left!"

"I did." Alec's gaze flicked to Claire's. Although his lips were pressed together and his eyes were stern and forceful, his cheeks were flushed, and the muscles around his mouth twitched with the apparent effort to control them. "Looks like it's a good thing I came back."

Blood raced through Claire's veins. Had Alec returned on her account? If so, how did he know the Fallen would show up tonight? Or had he known? Would he get in trouble for coming back? Was he here for a minute, an hour, or a day? However long it was, Claire was so thrilled to be in his presence again, she could hardly breathe, much less speak.

Alec turned to the Fallen. "I'm going to count to three. By then, you guys are gone."

"Excuse me! Is there a problem here?" a deep voice bellowed from nearby. Mr. Patterson approached the group, looking surprisingly dashing in a brown suit and burgundy shirt and tie. He stopped in front of the newcomers. "You kids don't go to this school. Who are you here with?"

"n.o.body," Claire answered, the first word she'd been able to utter since Alec appeared.

"And they were just leaving," Alec added firmly.

Celeste stared at Mr. Patterson quizzically, as if there was something unusual about the man that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Her gaze then drifted to Alec and back again. Finally, she shook her head and let out a laugh, raising her hands and stepping back in acquiescence. "O-kay. I think we've worn out our welcome at this party. Sayonara, and best of luck to ... all of you."

Celeste tapped the shoulders of her two compatriots, who joined her as she ambled toward the door. Alec followed close behind, darting a look over his shoulder at Claire that went straight to her heart. His eyes betrayed a silent wealth of emotions: concern, fury, frustration, love, pain, and regret.

Before she was out of earshot, Celeste whirled around and shouted back to Claire, "Call when you need us, Claire. And you will need us."

A shiver ran down Claire's spine. She couldn't conceive of a time when she would ever willingly solicit or accept their help, and hoped to never see them again. As Mr. Patterson disappeared into the crowd and the trio and Alec left the gym, Claire exchanged a look with Erica and Brian.

"That was weird," Neil said.

What was going to happen now? Claire worried. Was there going to be a fight? If so, Alec was outnumbered. She had no idea what kind of talents the other three possessed. Even though Alec was a powerful Grigori, could he successfully counter them all at once? Every instinct told her that she should follow and try to help him.

"Neil-will you excuse me a minute?" Claire's gaze involuntarily flicked back toward the gym doors. "I-"

Before she could complete her thought, the music stopped and the DJ came over the loudspeakers: "Hey, hey, hey! It's the moment you've all been waiting for. Let's gather round the stage for the announcement of this year's Homecoming Court!"

Erica grabbed Claire's forearm and spoke fiercely in her ear. "Don't even think about it, Claire. I'm not letting you go out there."

"What could you do, anyway?" Brian added vociferously in her other ear. "They're Alec's problem now. He can take care of it."

"Don't be nervous, Claire," Neil said with a smile, completely misinterpreting her dilemma. He put his hand on the small of her back and urged her gently toward the crowd gathering around the stage. "Come on. You worked hard for this moment."

"Keep walking," Alec directed Celeste and her cohorts, as he accompanied them across the parking lot.

The past week had been the most miserable of his life. Leaving Claire was the hardest thing he'd ever done. He'd gotten as far as Stockholm, where Vincent had ordered him to log on for a mental reprimand by the Elders and the details of his next a.s.signment-but he hadn't been able to bring himself to do it. He'd remained under the radar, festering, his innards feeling as if they'd been melted away by an acid rain, putting off the inevitable for just a little while longer.

And then a strange message had blazed into his brain, like a radio on an imperfect frequency, alerting him that Claire was in danger and needed him. He could guess who had sent it-Claire had described the experience well enough-and he'd taken the first flight back, arriving just in time, it seemed.

"We're going," Celeste insisted moodily, glaring at Alec. "We don't need an escort."

"I don't want to see you three here again, understood?" Alec growled.

"Oh yeah?" cried the short, stocky guy, whirling on Alec. "What are you gonna do if we come back? Hit us with your guitar?"

"Rico, don't provoke him," Celeste called out.

"Why not?" Rico advanced toward Alec and gave him a hard shove. "There's three of us, and only one of him."

Alec regained his footing, suppressing a small smirk. He'd seen these guys in action before. Their talents were physical, not cerebral, but he knew he could take them.

"What's so funny, dips.h.i.t?" Rico's eyes flashed with anger now. Suddenly, the skin on his forehead began to bulge and tear, revealing a jagged, hornlike protrusion that extended from his nose to the crown of his head.

"Rico, knock it off, I'm serious," Celeste insisted.

"I'm not afraid of this guy," Rico hooted. As he flexed his thick fingers, more short, bony spikes ripped through the sleeves of his jacket and the flesh of his knuckles. "He screwed up our party. That sweet little thing was supposed to be ours."

"The party's not over yet," Alec said quietly.