Jade’s shriek deafens me, or at least I wish it did so I could block out the high-pitched happiness.
“Yes, yes, oh my God, yes!”
“You’re funny.” She ignores my dry reply and continues to gush, thrusting matching high-heeled shoes at me.
“Are you nuts? You know I can’t walk in these things.”
“Plenty of time to practice. Besides, Ryder is so tall that if you wear these, you might be able to actually reach him for a kiss without having to stand on your tiptoes.”
Okay, this makes me smile. Thinking of kissing Ryder always improves my mood.
I fiddle with the front of the dress.
“It’s way too low in the front.”
“Like that’s a bad thing?”
“For you, maybe not. But my girls prefer to be more modest.”
“I’m sure Ryder-poo won’t mind having a little glimpse…”
Now I’m blushing, and my reflection proves that my skin now matches the red of the dress.
“I don’t think red is my color.”
Jade studies me, her arms crossed in front of her. She chews the inside of her lip as she ponders my concern.
Without a word, Jade leaps out of the fitting room area and returns with the same style of dress draped across her arm, only this time the color is a soothing sea foam. Me likey much better.
When I step out of the fitting room, I know we found the right dress. Jade is actually speechless.
“How exciting is this? Who would have thought that we’d both be sophomores with gorgeous senior boyfriends? I’m so glad you decided to go to the prom. I would have died without you.” Jade hugs me tight, and I allow myself to revel in the normalcy of this day.
My shoulders are sore from all the training Ryder and I have been doing, so I pull away from our hug with a slight wince. Ever since we found out that Meg, my biological mother and also a real life Fury (turns out that mythological stuff isn’t all make-believe), escaped my biological father’s prison, he’s been paranoid that she’s coming for me. Can’t say I haven’t worried about the same thing, since she so desperately wants me to use my Fury for her benefit. Now that she’s on the outs with the other gods for breaking their agreement, we’re all a little more afraid of what she’ll do.
But Jade knows none of this, because how do you tell your best friend this story without having her think you’re insane?
“What’s with the serious face? We just found the perfect dress for you—this is cause for celebration!” Jade dances around the small fitting room area, always the free spirit. “You had me nervous. Only one week until prom. ’Bout time you made some time for the important stuff.”
“Getting The Shack ready for the opening of the mentor activity room is important stuff, Jade.”
Jade rolls her eyes and sticks her tongue out at me, but I know she also values the work we’re doing for the troubled kids in town. She’s been an active participant in getting things ready, especially promoting it in her newspaper column. Donations have been pouring in thanks to her publicity.
“Are you okay?”
Jade grabs my arms, and it’s a good thing, because I feel wicked faint. Keeping the Fury contained is hard work. The thing gets stronger every day, and the urge to unleash it is powerful. But Ryder has taught me many strategies for keeping the snakes inside, and I have no desire to have bloody tears ruin this beautiful dress. I take deep breaths and concentrate on my happy place. Ryder’s arms.
“I’m okay, just getting hot in here. Can you please unzip me?”
Jade helps me out of the dress, and I pay at the counter as I struggle to stay upright. My head pounds; the pressure against my head hurts my eyes. I barely register the cashier gushing about the dress and how fortunate I was to be able to buy something off the rack so close to prom time.
Jade must notice that I’m fading away, because she grabs the bag for me and ushers me out to the fresh air.
I haven’t passed out in ages, not since the Fury first emerged. I have no intention of doing so now. Ryder will be swinging around to pick us up in a little bit, and I want to spend some more girl time with Jade before he arrives. I so don’t want our moments to be spent with her worrying about me and me worrying about falling face first onto the pavement.
The pressure behind my eyes and in my scalp builds in intensity. Moisture gathers in my eyes, and Jade’s face swims in front of mine. Are bloody tears gathering? Have snakes broken free from my hair follicles? I feel too disconnected to know for sure. I’m not angry about anything, so I don’t know why the Fury would emerge.
My thoughts spin round and round like a tilt-a-whirl at the carnival. My stomach protests, and nausea hits me. I start to fall—down, down, down—sure that I’ll hit the ground, certain that a cracked skull is my destiny. What will happen if my skull cracks open? Will the snakes slither free? Or will they continue to be part of me?
Strong arms steady me from behind. Jade is still in front of me, looking over my shoulder.
I know by her expression it’s not Ryder holding me up. I close my eyes and can’t help but lean back, and as soon as I breathe in, I know who is keeping me from a concussion. I just don’t know what he’s doing in my presence.
From Teen Fury: Embraced by Amanda Torrey. Now on sale at all ebook retailers. For more information, please visit www.amandatorrey.com
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me on Felicia’s journey. I hope you enjoyed the ride! Though this chapter ends on a positive note, there is more trouble in Felicia’s future. When Meg escapes from Mercy’s prison, a civil war brews and Felicia is caught in the middle. Will this lead to trouble in her relationship with Ryder? What happens when her father’s new baby is born? Has she truly learned from her mistakes?
I hope you’ll check out Teen Fury: Embraced to see what happens next in Felicia’s crazy rollercoaster life.
I love to hear from readers. Please visit my website: www.AmandaTorrey.com, or find me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and other social networking sites. (Links to these can be found on the home page of my website!) Be sure to visit the Contest Page while you’re there! And if you feel inclined, reviews are always helpful!
I’m looking for the most fabulous and loyal readers to join my street team. Think that’s you? I do, too! Please contact me via my website, and I’ll send you a welcome packet with more information.
I look forward to getting to know you.
Yours in Reading,
Amanda :)
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