Read Online Starbound by J.L. Weil - Free Book Online

parents, classmates, and the rival team’s cheering section. Open season always brought a crowd.
    The whistle blew, the ball was tossed in the air, and the squeaking of snickers filled the court. Our basketball team was state champion material. I watched as Matt setup a shot and the ball sailed through the air, swishing into the net. The other girls around me jumped up, screaming and cheering for their team. I just glared, unable to muster any enthusiasm for my ex.
    Claudia gave me the death stare, and I threw her a fake grin. I was so going to get an earful after the game.
    Harper poked me in the side with her arm. “What’s going on with you? Claudia looks ready to summon an evil spell on you.”
    I coughed. I knew it was an offhanded comment, but it hit a little close to home, being a nixie and all. Cursing someone was a real possibility whether you meant anything by it or not. We don’t take that lightly. “Nothing. Just shit at home, and I’m totally PMSing.” That usually stopped people from asking prying questions.
    Harper tossed her blonde hair into a ponytail. “Great. Two raging bitches. This ought to be a fun game.”
    For some stupid reason, I scanned the stands for Seth, which was a pointless endeavor. He never came to school games, and I knew that he worked at the garage on Saturdays, but it still didn’t stop me from looking, on the off chance that he was here.
    Illogical disappointment sprang inside my belly.
    I was mad at him—really mad. Why should I care that he didn’t come to a stupid basketball game? Hell, I didn’t even want to be here. Hadn’t I just a week ago cursed Seth to seven different kinds of hell? And now I wanted to see him every chance I got?
    God, what was wrong with me?
    Just then the buzzer went off, announcing the end of the first quarter. Matt strutted off the court, dripping in sweat like a pig. I paid him no attention, still lost in my own argument over my mixed feelings for Seth. But when a hand slapped my butt, I was jarred back from what was starting to be a spicy memory of Seth’s lips.
    Spinning around, I was ready to condemn the asshole who put his hands on me. “What the he—” I yelped, coming face-to-face with Matt, the two-face scumbucket. I gritted my teeth. “Keep your hands off me.”
    “Whatever you say, toots.” He gave me a smug grin and went to the sidelines with his teammates all snickering.
    Toots ? I wanted trip him and watch him kiss the court, but as I took a step forward, Claudia placed a hand on my shoulder.
    “Not now. We have a routine to perform,” she all but scolded.
    How could I concentrate now?
    Reluctantly I put my need for revenge aside and mechanically got into formation. Later, Matt Lang was going to feel my wrath. I’d had enough of his shit, and his lies, for a lifetime.
    The music started, and I tried to shut down my brain and focus on my dancing. I failed. Seeing Matt brought memories of the night I kissed Seth. Funny how I felt nothing but hatred for Matt, yet Seth…well, he made me feel feverish, annoyed, and achy. Talk about messed up.
    I craved Seth’s presence, and I couldn’t ever remember my palms going damp because of a guy, if ever. Seth intrigued me, and there was no denying the air sizzled between us. Whether we were locking lips or spitting fire, there was heat.
    In my distractedness, I missed a step, followed by another one. My rhythm was thrown off, and I scrambled to get back in time with the others.
    “What is your deal?” Claudia hissed between her teeth next to me and still managed to keep a smile on her face for the crowd. It was sort of impressive.
    “Nothing,” I mumbled, recovering the steps.
    I had a feeling this was going to be a very long year. It was only nearing the end of October and already I was losing my footing.

 

     
     
    Chapter 8
     
    Katia
    All Hallows’ Eve.
    It used to my favorite holiday as kid. Still was. The circle would meet in our secret place, and we would celebrate in