Perfekt Order (The Ære Saga Book 1)

Chapter 1

"C HEESE AND CRACKERS." NEEDLES shot up my pointer finger. I freed the pinned appendage from my bureau drawer and cradled it to my chest, willing the pain to stop. My digit was an unfortunate casualty in an overzealous unpacking spree. Excitement made grace something of an enigma, and today was pretty much the most exciting day of my life.

In the twenty minutes since I’d pulled up to 121 Daffodil Drive in Arcata, California, I’d unloaded the contents of both of my suitcases and done a moderate amount of decorating. The upstairs bedroom I now called home was just a short walk from the school I’d worked so hard to get into—Redwood State University. Now, after three thousand miles of driving and roughly seven thousand calories of road food, I was itching to explore my new neighborhood. I crossed to my little dormer window and looked at the wall of evergreens standing sentry outside. Since my roommates still weren’t home, it wouldn’t be rude to pop out for a quick run. Five days without exercise left me stiff and cranky, and it seemed prudent to run off a little anxiety before meeting the ladies I’d be living with for the next year. First impressions took a heartbeat to make, but a lifetime to break, and I wanted mine to be impeccable. I threw on my workout clothes and jotted a note to the girls.

Just got in and went for a run. I’ll be back by dinner time—can’t wait to officially meet you! XO, Mia

I left the note on the table in the entryway and closed the front door behind me.

A quick search on my phone told me there were two main hiking paths that picked up just behind my house. The review of one said it offered the most pristine ferns this side of Jurassic Park, nestled amidst redwoods too beautiful to be missed. Winner. I committed the map of the trail to memory—straight at the end of the pavement, turn left at the top of the hill, and stay north at the fork near the big boulder—pocketed my phone, and jogged toward the forest, taking in the late afternoon air. It smelled of fall, like a pile of newly fallen leaves baking in the warm sun. At the end of the block I turned right, then crossed the street and entered the woods that bordered campus. The air was thicker in here, the dense trees acting as a sieve against the sun’s filmy rays. My footsteps padded softly on the dry dirt as I ran up a steep slope. At the top of the hill, I hung left, making my way through the gently swirling fog. The mist was cool—it tickled my nostrils and chilled my lungs as I sniffed the familiar scent of earth and pine. This smell was one of my favorite things about our family camping trips. It was nice to snatch a bit of recognition in an all-together foreign world, and besides green leaves and dirt, there wasn’t much familiar about my new home.

To start with, the trees in this forest were much taller than the trees in the forests of New England. Hundreds of feet taller, to be exact. Their trunks were a warm reddish color, and an emerald green moss was draped like a blanket covering the bark from base to lower limbs.

And the air…

I skidded to a stop as the trail came to an abrupt end. Since I hadn’t seen any big boulders, I must have taken a wrong turn. Somewhere along the way, the air had dropped ten degrees in temperature, and the fog morphed from a soothing cumulus mist to an oppressive cloud of smoke. The backs of my arms prickled. Fear took hold in my gut, gripping my stomach in its iron manacles as my gaze darted around the densely packed forest. Between the hovering sequoias and the intricately woven ferns, the woods were so dark I couldn’t see much of anything. But I didn’t need to see to know the only thing that mattered—I wasn’t alone. And judging by the low snarl coming from the foliage in front of me, my visitor was madder than a wet hen.

I’m leaving, I offered softly, hoping to placate the unseen creature with a gentle tone. My voice cracked just enough to betray my panic. What was I thinking going into a strange forest alone this close to dusk? Things got hungry at dusk. Big things. Carnivorous things.

God, I hoped whatever was growling was a herbivore.

I waved my arms at my sides to make myself look bigger, and slowly placed one foot behind the other. There wasn’t time to think about the blades of terror piercing my gut, or the numbness settling in my hands. All I had to do was make it back to the top of the hill. Then it was a clear shot back into town. Just a little fun run. I could absolutely do this.

With my arms still moving, I inched backward up the hill. The snarling continued, but I ignored the impulse to flee. The creature hadn’t come out of the ferns yet; I didn’t want to give it any reason to chase me. Toe to heel, I continued my climb until I was halfway to the top. Breathe, Mia. I consciously drew two slow breaths, willing my heart rate to stop its frantic tango.

And then I couldn’t move.

Two blazing red eyes emerged from behind a fern. They formed crimson and orange swirls, like the fun-house décor at my boarding school’s fall carnival. But there was nothing amusing here. The eyes locked me in place, immobilizing my feet despite the urgent bulletin running across my brain—run. I fought against their hold, struggling with every ounce of power I could summon, and lifted one sneaker then the other from their invisible stronghold. Panic willed me forward. I barely registered the grey fur covering an enormous head and the ears framing frightening eyes. I just turned and bolted for the top of the hill.

The beast bolted right after me.

The creature’s labored breathing grew louder—it was closing in. My toes pushed against the cushion of my Nikes as I lengthened my strides, working as hard as I could to reach the safety of the clearing. But I still had a quarter mile to go, and the snarling was right at my back.

Arugh! I shrieked as the beast’s fangs snapped around my arm, pulling it behind me and dragging me backward before releasing its bite. My arm tugged again as the sleeve of my hoodie tore—the fabric must have been attached to the animal’s canines. My wrist throbbed as pierced flesh met cold air. Something hot and wet trickled down my fingers, but I didn’t dare look; I was afraid of what I’d see.

Help! I jerked forward as my sleeve finally ripped away. The moment I was free, I bolted for the top of the hill, putting as much distance as I could between that awful animal and me. My arm was on fire, and I was afraid one more bite would break it clean off. Bile rose in my throat, but I willed it down. You can freak out later, Mia. Now you have to run.

I was so focused on reaching the summit that I almost didn’t see the man in the shadows. He leapt across my sight line just as I cleared the top of the hill. His intense blue eyes forced me to a stop as they held my gaze for the briefest of moments. The connection was broken as the man’s guttural cry bounced off the evergreens, and he flew thirty feet to tackle my attacker. The sound of bodies colliding thundered throughout the forest. I whirled around just in time to see a mass of claws and fists, blond hair and grey fur, as the man and the beast catapulted into the brush. Both were unnaturally large. The creature, whatever it was, had to be ten feet, with the long tail and sharp ears I’d seen on foxes back home. And the man… though he wore a hooded sweatshirt, it was obvious he boasted the kinds of muscles not seen outside UFC gyms. He wrenched the creature’s head to one side with ease, although I was sure the beast had a few hundred pounds on him.

They disappeared into the woods before I could take a breath. I doubled over as the snap of cracking bones came from behind the ferns, and when I heard the agonized cry of a wounded animal, I dropped to my knees.

Then everything went to black.

Chapter 2

WHEN I OPENED MY eyes, a tiny blond girl knelt at my side.

Are you okay? Worry lined her brow as she gently guided me to a sitting position. She couldn’t have weighed more than a hundred pounds soaking wet, but she shifted me with ease until I was resting with my back against a mossy trunk. My fingers grazed the back of my head where it throbbed. I glanced at the dry earth, the cage of trees, and the seemingly incalculable amount of green coating the forest from top to bottom. How did I get here?

Memories bombarded my addled brain like snowballs in an avalanche, and I scrambled to my feet. I turned my head so fast the end of my ponytail slapped my face. Where are they? Is the animal still here? Oh God, did it… My chest rose, and I glanced down, preparing myself for exposed bone and torn flesh. But when I took in the sight of my chipped manicure peeking out from beneath the untouched sleeve of my hoodie, my jaw fell open with an audible pop.

What in Sam Hill… I shoved my sleeve up to my elbow and stared in awe. There wasn’t so much as a scratch on the smooth peachy surface. No exposed bone. No blood. No evidence of the life or death battle I’d just endured. Had I imagined the whole thing?

You saw an animal? The blond girl jumped up, taking a defensive stance. She couldn’t have been more than five-foot, two-inches, with loose waves that bounced as she shifted her weight back and forth. She looked better suited to waving pom-poms than taking on a crazed animal, but I didn’t care—I was glad I wasn’t alone.

I was running away, and it tried to bite off my arm. But then this guy came and—oh my god, the guy. Is he all right? My eyes scanned the forest, looking for any signs of the struggle. The trees, ferns, and lightly swirling mist were still there, but the animal and my savior were gone.

Are you sure you’re okay? The girl’s face softened as she relaxed her stance.

No! A lump lodged in my throat and my eyes pricked with tears as I remembered the terrifying sensation of teeth piercing flesh.

Let’s get you out of here. The girl guided me by the elbow with the careful movement one might reserve for a confirmed lunatic. No doubt I seemed crazy, staring at my forearm with a look that wavered between reverent and horrified.

I’m Brynn. The girl spoke conversationally as she led me back to town. Her voice was lyrical with each sentence ending on a high note. It made her sound as if she was singing.

I’m Mia. Thanks for helping me.

Of course. Brynn spoke lightly. "Mia Ahlström, ja?"

How’d you know that? My eyes narrowed. First a giant beast attacked me, and now a total stranger knew my name. Either someone was out to get me, or I was going insane.

I recognize you from the picture you sent. Brynn laughed. I’m your roommate, Brynn… the one from Sweden.

"Oh, Brynn. I’m so sorry. I flushed. I should have realized."

"You’re pretty out of it, flicka." Brynn nodded cheerfully.

What did you call me? I knew a little Norwegian from my Grandpa Ahlström, but Swedish was a whole new linguistic beast. Beast. I looked over my shoulder and shuddered.

"Flicka. It means girl. Let’s get you back to the house. Charlotte and Heather can’t wait to meet you."

They weren’t home when I left, I told Brynn as we walked toward town. The sky had dimmed considerably while I was passed out—now the last rays of daylight filtered through the thick trees.

They’re going to meet up with us at the party later.

The party? I’m not sure I’m up for a party… I glanced at my arm again. Not so much as a stitch of pain. How is that even possible?

Just a little gathering. You’ll be up for it! Brynn giggled. You’re looking better—the color’s back in your cheeks. You’ll be fine by the time we have to meet the girls.

Did you see what happened back there?

Brynn shook her head, her big green eyes brimming with concern. No. I was jogging, and I saw you lying on the ground. You must have passed out while you were running. Has that ever happened to you before?

You didn’t see the giant animal? Some kind of mountain lion-wolf thing? Or the huge blond guy with massive muscles and a death wish?

I must have missed them. Brynn trilled. Wouldn’t have minded seeing massive muscle man, though.

I scratched the back of my neck. So I was losing my mind. My brother Jason would have a field day with this story.

Come on, Brynn bounded ahead, her golden ponytail bouncing high on her head. Let’s call for pizza. I’m starving, and you need to get your blood sugar up.

She bobbed her head, and I jogged tentatively after her. Nothing hurt, so I ran faster, matching her pace. Maybe all the fresh air had got to me. Or maybe I shouldn’t have jumped right into a workout after five days in a car. Whatever happened, there most definitely had not been an attack on my arm—it was fit as a fiddle. And pizza and a party would make a much better first-day-at-college story to tell my brother than dwelling on a made-up mountain beast. Although standing around with a bunch of strangers, even if it was only a ‘little gathering’, sounded as appealing as showing up to a test without studying first. Baby steps, Ahlström. You have to start somewhere.

I sucked in a breath and kept running. Looked like that somewhere started now.

"You’re going to do what?" My brother’s all-American face formed a mask of shock. I rested my iPhone against my mirror so I could FaceTime with Jason at the same time as I put on my makeup. Multitasking for the win.

You heard me. I’m going to a party.

You hate crowds. Jason pointed out the obvious.

Don’t remind me. I repressed a shudder. My roommate says it’s just some freshmen down the block, so maybe it won’t be that bad.

I don’t even know you anymore. Does the Math Club know you’re going to a party? I thought Friday nights were reserved for Fun With Fractions. Jason’s violet blue eyes crinkled in a smile. They were the exact same shade as mine.

Har-dee-har-har. For your information, math can be fun, too.

Jason snorted. You keep telling yourself that.

"Aren’t you in a business fraternity, Mr. High And Mighty?"

Yes ma’am. Jason nodded. And Kappa O throws the best keggers on campus. Though I’m sure the Math Club’s thrown some real ragers in their day.

I stuck out my tongue and unscrewed my liquid eyeliner. How’s Mama holding up?

She’s better now that you’re safe in Arcata. Letting her eighteen-year-old baby girl drive cross country by herself wasn’t easy for her, you know.

I know, I said. But she seemed much calmer about my road trip once I installed that GPS thing on her phone so she could check on me twenty-four seven. I drew a line above my lashes, flicking it up at the corner of my eye.

"Speaking of, Dad just disabled the app for stalking on our end, so you can live out your college days in relative peace. He says to tell you you’re welcome."

Bless him. I lined my other eye.

Jason adjusted his baseball cap. So how was the trip?

Mostly okay. I blew a tire about halfway through Nebraska and nearly ruined my brand new suede riding boots changing it in the middle of a rainstorm. I was in such a rush to get out of Buckshire, I forgot to weatherproof them.

Oh, no. You forgot to weatherproof your boots? Jason put his hands on his cheeks and dropped his jaw.

Stop it, it’s a big deal! I loved my brother, but Jason knew diddly-squat about shoes.

Jason blinked. You do realize not everything has to be so serious, right? Some things are just supposed to be fun.

I mulled that over while I curled my lashes. With our chocolate brown hair and athletic builds, Jason and I were obviously cut from the same DNA, but where my brother was playful and outgoing, the quarterback of his prep school football team and consummate life of the party, I preferred a lower profile. My best subjects were math and science—things with concrete, black-and-white answers, since grey didn’t sit right with me. My choices had yielded a life that proceeded in an orderly, straightforward manner, which was exactly the way I liked it. A lifetime of meticulous planning meant things rarely ruffled my feathers… including my all-knowing, charming, loveable brother. He was the one person I could count on to be honest with me, no matter what, and I adored him for it.

Jason? I asked, swiping my first coat of mascara.

Yes?

I’m going to like it here, right?

Is Mia Ahlström admitting she’s nervous?

Don’t tell anyone. My cheeks tingled. My inability to hide emotions lived on the border of absurd and mortifying.

You’ll love it. Jason nodded inside the screen. An entire university full of math geeks? You’ll fit right in.

I stuck my tongue out as I swiped on my second coat, then moved to my other eye. I’m serious. I don’t want to be the loner in the corner at a school full of…

Math geeks, Jason repeated himself. You’ll be their queen.

I will not hesitate to disconnect you. I pointed one menacing finger at the phone.

All right! Jason held up his hands in mock surrender. I turned my attention back to my makeup bag. Blush, blush, blush… ah, there it is. I snatched up the black compact and dusted off my brush. Seriously, you’ll be fine. You keep the family together, like Meemaw. You won that Junior League award thing for teambuilding last year. Jason was on a roll now, counting on his fingers. You were head girl at Tottenham Prep, and kept all those underclassmen from killing each other during pillow fights. If you can keep the peace at one of the snootiest boarding schools in the tri-state area, you won’t have any problem making friends with some California hippies. Though it’d probably be easier if you lived on campus. Why are you renting a house instead of living in the dorms?

You know why. I polished a rosy pink powder on the apples of my cheeks. I spent forever in a dorm. All those teenage girls breathing down your neck gets a little cloying.

I think it sounds perfect. Jason wiggled his eyebrows.

You would.

So you’ve got your roommates all sorted and everything? He ran his hand through his hair.

"Yep. The school matched us based on a personality questionnaire. A sort of eHarmony for housemates."

They do that even if you’re not living in one of the residence halls? Jason asked.

Redwood does. I shrugged. It came with the freshman orientation packet. I just checked the box that said ‘off-campus housing’ and filled out the form. A few weeks later they sent Heather and Charlotte’s names and e-mail addresses. A week ago we got another roommate—Brynn.

Cool name. A sly grin spread across Jason’s face. I’ll bet she’s some super hot athlete chick.

She’s really pretty, I agreed. She’s from Sweden. She’s the only one I’ve met so far.

Swedish? Definitely super hot then. I’ll be sure to come visit. Jason nodded. Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing. Start with your roommates, and branch out from there. You’ll be fine.

Thanks, Jase. I quickly lined my lips, then filled them in with a pinky-nude lipstick.

Hey, listen. I know you’ve always done things a certain way. You’re my little rule follower, and that’s great. Usually.

"There’s a but coming, isn’t there?" I smiled. It was impossible to be annoyed with someone who always looked out for you.

Well, not impossible…

But… Jason returned my smile. Life isn’t always black and white. Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a situation our upbringing didn’t prepare you for. God knows I have. I just want you to promise me one thing.

What?

Break a few of your all-important rules for me. College is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s the most freedom with the least responsibility we’re ever going to have. Stay out late, go crazy at parties, maybe even go on a date once in a while. I promise they won’t kick you out of Math Club for having a little fun.

I have fun. My chin jutted upwards. If Jason didn’t think quadratic equations and ski practice were fun, then he didn’t have the sense God gave a goat.

Just live a little. That’s all I’m saying.

Since my brother was prone to spouting wisdom worthy of a tiny green Jedi master, I forgave his ignorance surrounding the joy of math. Okay, Bro-da. Just for you.

Jason chuckled at the nickname. He looked so pleased with himself that I didn’t have the heart to point out he was dead wrong. Sure, math and chick sports might not constitute living in his world. But I did know what life held for me: college, a cutting-edge engineering job, and a happily-evah-aftah with a real-life Prince Charming, just like our maternal southern belle always promised.

Well, I’d better go. Wish me luck at this thing.

Party on, Mees. Jason held up his hand in a fist. "You’ve got this.

Thanks. Try not to break too many hearts this semester, okay?

I never make a promise I can’t keep. Jason shot me a wink, and I laughed.

Love you, Jase.

Love you, Mia.

I turned off my phone and slid it into my back pocket, then took a deep breath and walked purposefully down the hall.

Here we go.

When I was halfway down the staircase, I was accosted by a whirlwind of blond curls and vanilla perfume.

"Are you ready or what, flicka? Charlotte just texted me—she and Heather are already at the party. Let’s go!"

Brynn bounced on her tiptoes, her pale green eyes radiating joy and her ear-splitting smile brimming with energy. If she was going to be this chipper all the time, I’d be sure to hit the coffee before our paths crossed in the mornings.

How do I look? I twirled.

Brynn eyed me from top to bottom. "Hair—touchably soft. Makeup—subtly sexy. Outfit—chic yet comfortable. You can’t go wrong with skinny jeans. You’re perfekt. And we’re missing all the fun—come on!" Brynn grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me down the stairs.

I just have to grab—

You’re fine. The living embodiment of cheer bounded for the front door, dragging me behind her. She skipped down the porch steps so quickly, I practically had to run to keep up. How did anyone have this much energy at nine p.m.? Brynn must have been a night owl.

We made our way across the street and onto the lawn of a three-story Victorian. Brynn navigated the sea of students strewn across the grass, making her way toward two girls on the front porch, holding red cups. As we got closer, I recognized them from the pictures we’d exchanged. Smile on. It’s time to meet the roommates.

Heather! Charlotte! I got her! Brynn finally let go of my wrist, and propelled me unceremoniously onto the porch. I stopped myself just before stepping on the shorter girl’s black Converse sneakers.

Sorry, I apologized.

No worries. The girl waved. She had crimson hair that fell in soft waves around her face. Her boyfriend jeans, graphic tee and green rectangular-framed glasses gave off a hipster vibe. I’m Heather.

And I’m Charlotte. So lovely to meet you after all those e-mails, Mia. Charlotte held out her hand, and I shook it. She had silky, black hair that fell in an angled bob to the top of her shoulders, with thick bangs that must have needed weekly trims, and she wore suede ankle boots that were to die for.

It was definitely a long summer. It’s great to meet you both. I nodded at Charlotte’s feet. Fabulous boots.

I picked them up this afternoon, she confessed. She spoke with the prim cadence of a librarian, but her brown eyes were crinkled in a friendly expression and her smile radiated warmth. From the way she stood—spine straight, shoulders back, hands folded softly at her waist—I guessed she was either a fellow prep school graduate, or had the ‘pleasure’ of attending cotillion, the South’s equivalent to etiquette boot camp.

"Charlotte’s obsessed with shoes. She picked up four pairs on her Target run, which was supposed to be for laundry detergent." Heather hooked her thumbs in her belt loops. She had the kind of throaty voice I imagined black-and-white film stars must have had, and her words came at their own pace; leisurely, like a jazz melody on a summer afternoon.

"And I came out with laundry detergent." Charlotte put her hand on her hip.

Along with? Heather pushed her glasses up on her nose with one finger. She’d painted her nails the same shade of green as her frames. Fun.

Along with a fedora, a new belt and… four pairs of shoes. Charlotte huffed. I do not see the problem with sampling the local merchandise.

What you sampled was made in China, Heather pointed out.

"Well, then the sales tax boosted the city’s economy. Or something. And it’s not like I didn’t offer to share them with you. Moi closet is toi closet. That goes for all of you." Charlotte smiled beatifically.

I could be in for a clothes swap. I nodded. Quadrupling my wardrobe without setting foot in a store sounded like a fabulous deal. If what we’re wearing tonight is a barometer for the rest of our clothes, we’ve got just about every look covered.

And speaking of looks… Brynn tilted her head to the side. Somebody’s checking you out, Charlotte.

Our eyes followed Brynn’s gesture. On the other side of the porch, two guys sipped from red plastic cups and stared at our little group. Charlotte’s perfect posture straightened even more.

The one on the right is Matt. He brought over the flier about the party. He’s from Texas, Charlotte whispered.

And the hottie on the left was washing his car shirtless in the front yard this afternoon. He’s got smokin’ arms, and that’s all I need to know. Heather pulled her shoulders back, thrusting her chest forward in the process.

Well, it sounds like you two have work to do. I’ll expect a full report back at the house. I nudged them gently toward their would-be suitors and turned to Brynn with a smile. What about you? Anyone here catch your eye?

Yes. Brynn giggled as she grabbed my wrist and trotted toward the front door. She must have downed one of those energy drinks while I was in the shower. It wasn’t humanly possible for anyone to be this perky without chemical assistance.

Oh good. They did come! Brynn bubbled. She smoothed the front of her sweater as she walked into the house, and turned around, waving for me to follow her. My stomach dropped the minute I entered the room. Brynn smiled at me, oblivious. How are my teeth?

Um, pearly white. How are mine? I flashed a grin, but my teeth were the least of my concerns. Sixty people must have been packed into the tiny space, with more spilling over into what I assumed was the kitchen. Little gathering my left foot. I shuddered. Jason would have rolled his eyes at my insecurity, but this living room was absolutely packed with flannel-shirted athletes and the co-eds dressed to impress them. RSU students had an awful lot of low-cut tops and generous bosoms. My fingers grazed the top of my V-necked sweater—it stopped a good inch north of my cleavage. Well, shoot. If my Prince Charming was at this party, he’d better find clavicles sexy.

Brynn waved across the room, her long blond curls bouncing against her back. Then she clapped her hands together and squealed. Yay!

There was no way not to smile. Brynn’s energy was infectious. Who are you waving at?

My friends from back home. Come on. She tugged at my hand and practically dragged me into the mob of inebriated college students. I’ll introduce you.

Brynn raced across the living room, expertly dodging red plastic cups and lip-locked lovers. I kept my eyes on the tiny feet skipping in front of me and moved with as much care as possible while being hurtled through what amounted to the ultimate kegger obstacle course.

Since I was staring at the ground, I failed to see the mountain before I plowed into it.

Ouch.

Whoa. Slow down. Strong hands gripped my shoulders as I tumbled backward. They set me gently on my feet and held tight. I waited for my ears to stop ringing. Brynn’s not the greatest navigator. You okay?

I’m fine. I think… I managed to look up and my hand flew to my forehead. Occasionally, I’d fallen hard enough on the slopes to see double, but I’d never imagined an entire person before. The guy holding onto my shoulders obviously wasn’t real; nobody could actually look like that. He was tall; he probably had a foot on my five-feet, seven-inches. He was huge; calling him a mountain hadn’t been much of a stretch. His hands could have circled my waist easily, and biceps the circumference of a baby sequoia strained against his T-shirt. And his eyes… they were a midnight blue I thought I’d seen exactly once before. They held my gaze for an endless moment, sucking me into their bottomless depths. I was completely mesmerized, and at the same time I felt as if the wind had been knocked out of me. It couldn’t be him. Nothing actually happened in the forest.

I ignored the throbbing in my wrist where I’d dreamed the terrifying animal had latched on to my arm, and I tried to pretend Hercules’ voice didn’t match the deep growl of my imaginary savior. The imaginary savior I conjured up in my exhaustion-induced delirium.

My fingers dropped to my cheeks, which tingled in the slightly uncomfortable way they did after a really hard workout. My head swam, whether from the impact of our collision or his touch, I couldn’t be sure.

Seriously, he couldn’t be real.

The stranger’s sandy blond hair stood in artfully arranged disarray atop a face that looked as if it had been lifted off a movie star. High angular cheekbones, a strong, square jaw, and pale pink lips with just a hint of fullness were accented by those eyes that seemed to bore right through me. My heart pounded against my chest at twice its normal pace, sending a very clear message to my very addled brain.

Oh, yum.

How many fingers am I holding up? Hercules took one hand off my shoulder to flash two fingers. His eyes never broke contact while he assessed my reaction.

Uh… two? The squeak in my voice betrayed my nerves. Maybe he wouldn’t notice the flames bursting off my overheated cheeks like sunspots. I cleared my throat and dropped my voice a register. Two.

The stranger chuckled. Well, your vision wasn’t impaired by Brynn’s lousy leadership.

My knees buckled at the sound of his laughter. When Hercules reached out to catch my waist, the inferno in my cheeks blazed anew. Get it together, Ahlström.

You sure you’re okay? he asked.

I’m… uh… I’m great. Thank you. I fought against his magnetic pull and stepped back, raising my voice to be heard above the music. I’m Mia. You must be Brynn’s friend. The friend she forgot to