Free Dark Goddess by J. N. Colon Page A

frame would allow.  “Let’s go Darby.  We’re all waiting on you.”
    “I said I’ll be out in a sec.”  She made a face and pointed at me.  “Aren’t you all waiting on her anyways?  As usual…”
    Anger slowly coiled in my chest, annoyed she was talking down to Callie.  I opened my mouth to say as much, but Callie thrust her delicate hand up, halting me.
    “I-If you don’t want to participate in this then don’t.”  Callie planted her fists on her hips. 
    “Fine.  I won’t.”
    Callie’s mouth opened in shock before she quickly recovered.  “Then you won’t participate in the celebration party either.”
    Darby scoffed.  “You can’t do that.”
    “One.” Callie held a finger in the air.  “I’m co-captain and two…”  She held another one up.  “It’s at my house and I can invite or uninvited whoever I want.”
    A stunned expression crossed Darby’s face as she glared dumbly at the usually demure and too sweet for her own good Callie. 
    I on the other hand was radiating pride for my best friend who was finally beginning to find her inner bitch. 
    After silently considering her options Darby finally sighed and popped her gum obnoxiously.  “Uh fine.  Whatever.”  She peeled herself off the bench and marched out the door.
    “Good job.”  I squeezed Callie in a tight embrace.
    Her cheeks were flushed and she was grinning ear to ear.  “Thanks.  She’s been a real pain these past few weeks.”
    I linked my arm with hers.  “Tell me about it.  I thought I was the only one who noticed.”
     
    Several girls from eighth grade to juniors were on the gym floor, stretching and chattering excitedly.  The senior varsity cheerleaders were doing the same, all easily spotted by the black Lions tank top and shorts.  The spotlights hanging from the tall rafters beamed down, glinting off the glossy wood floor.  Black and yellow mats were pulled out and stacked in one corner, a precaution for stunt training.  I cringed just thinking about the eighth graders’ wobbly arms and legs attempting to do elevators, extensions, and pop cradles. 
    A whiff of gunpowder and spicy cologne caught my attention and my eyes instantly sought him out, my brows slamming together.  Damn Reese!  He’d been stuck to my side the entire day after Hayden left.
    A groan slipped out my mouth.
    Callie’s eyes followed my line of vision to the god of war.  “What’s Hayden’s cousin doing here?”
    I shrugged.
    “Is Hayden okay?” she asked, a hint of worry creeping into her tone.  “He left school after that fight.  Is his nose broken?”
    I swallowed hard.  Lying to Callie was never easy.  “He’s fine.”  Lie.  “He just wanted to get it checked out and decided not to come back to school.”  Another lie.
    Callie nodded quietly, but I had a sinking suspicion she wasn’t buying it. 
    Reese stalked toward us, his obsidian eyes shining mischievously.  “Hello ladies.”
    Callie waved as she walked away.  “I’m going to stretch.”
    I nodded.
    Reese reached out and flicked the hem of my shorts.  “These are nice.”  He licked his lips suggestively.
    I slapped his hand away and narrowed my eyes.  “Knock it off Reese.  Or I’ll throw a flame at you.”
    His lips curled in a half-smile one side hitching up.  “I know for a fact you can’t do that outside of the Underworld.”
    My cheeks reddened and I sucked my teeth.  “Damn it.  Who told you that?”
    A deep laugh tumbled out his mouth.  “A little birdy.”
    I crossed my arms against my chest with a huff.  “Yeah well maybe today is the day I figure out how to.”
    Reese flicked my ponytail playfully.  “Naughty, naughty.  You can’t use your powers in front of humans.”  He tilted his head, motioning to the group of girls watching us.
    My jaw flexed tight.  “Just go sit down.”  I gripped his thick bicep and tugged him toward the bleachers.  “If you insist on being stuck to my side stay out of