Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

Everything went fine, so long as the two clubs didn’t mix. So far, their parental counterpart had yet to be caught in the same room. She truly believed for parents-teacher night, the school arranged for different days so nothing bad would happen.

Just because The Skulls currently had a deal going which meant they weren’t involved in any kind of criminal activity didn’t mean they weren’t able to fight. In fact, there were a couple of times she’d snuck down when her dad, Tiny, had arrived back on a couple of the rides where they had to protect people, and he’d been pretty banged up. Bruises and bleeding, all sorts of problems. There had even been a couple of the guys who ended up in the hospital. Tabitha wasn’t an idiot. To the outside world, people believed The Skulls had gone soft. They hadn’t. They’d turned their skills towards actually helping people, rather than hurting them. The danger was still there and they put themselves in it on a regular basis, but again, she understood why. She’d seen some of the women and children, even men who they rescued, who needed their help. None of them were ever in a good way and on most occasions, serious therapy was required as well.

“You know, you don’t have to be a bitch.”

She stopped outside of a classroom and saw more people making out, even as spooky noises played in the background.

“Nice of you to be able to tell me that.” She patted his arm.

“You know Ryan wants to get the jump on Anthony,” Luke said.

This made her pause and turn toward him. “You do know by telling me this, in a way, you’re picking sides.”

“I’m not. I’m trying to get through high school. I didn’t want this, and I doubt you did as well.”

She ran her fingers through her hair. “When?”

“I’m not telling you that.”

“By the jump, I’m guessing you mean he intends to play dirty?” she asked.

Luke nodded.

He didn’t have to tell her.

“Thank you.”

“No problem. You want me to escort you back to the dance floor? It’s not good you being around all by yourself.”

“I’m not. I’ve got you. My little white knight,” she said.

“Be careful, Tabs,” he said. “You never know who is watching.”

“I know.” She stepped past him but paused. “Thank you.”

“I’m just trying to get through the school year.” He escorted her back to the dance floor and she stepped inside. When she turned to talk to him again, he was gone.

Fine. Ryan was going to put the jump on Anthony. She had the warning clear.

Glancing across the dance floor, she smiled at her friends. She hadn’t drunk anything but it was clear Daisy had. Her best friend was all relaxed.

She doubted for even a second Anthony had drunk anything. The guy was a master of control.

Folding her arms, she waited, watching everything play out. They all looked so happy.

Miles was the first one to come toward her.

“Come on, everyone is heading out by the lake for some fun.” He kissed her head as Daisy stumbled toward her.

“Let’s go to the lake.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked.

“Hell, yeah, it’s a great idea.” Daisy took her hands and spun her around.

Bursting out laughing, Tabitha felt a kick to her stomach. She missed her best friend being like this so much. One day soon, she was going to get to the bottom of what was going on inside that head of hers.

“We can’t stay too long,” she said, being the voice of reason for a change.

Daisy snorted. “Come on, it’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait.” She let out a whoop, spinning around, and Anthony caught her.

“No more alcohol for you,” Miles said.

“Spoilsport. For the first time in like forever, I’m being fun and you guys want to take it away from me. No fun at all.” She blew a raspberry.

After climbing into Anthony’s car, Miles settled in the back to keep an eye on Daisy. They took off out of the school and the moment the building was behind them, she took a deep breath. They’d made it through Halloween without a single fight or problem. Progress.

They were headed just out of town toward the small lake that was often the site for families. There were always some kids who parked not too far to make out as it was secluded by the local woods and wildlife. Fort Wills had tried to build itself in the past few years as some kind of wildlife expert, especially since The Skulls hadn’t brought any real trouble to town.

Anthony parked and out they all went. Blaise, Constance, Markus, Damien, and John also joined. Rachel and Simon weren’t too far behind either.

John set up a small fire while Simon produced more alcohol. When he went to give the whiskey bottle to Daisy, Anthony took it from him, offering her some soda instead. Markus turned up the music from one of the cars, and that was it, they were all on their feet, dancing around the campfire. Along with Daisy, Tabitha kicked off her shoes.