The Promise (Book 1, The Coven Series)

The lingering stench of stale beer and vomit clung to my new Mary Janes, a grim trophy of another failed attempt to fit in. Kay, my best friend, leaned heavily on me, her slurred apologies barely audible over the distant Halloween party still raging by the lake. "Why me?" I muttered, eyeing the ruined shoes and the semi-conscious girl beside me.

We trudged through the woods, the path familiar from countless childhood adventures, though Kay's frequent retching stops made it a slow crawl. The thought of my scraped knees, a fresh addition to the night's indignities, made me sigh.

Just as I thought I'd leave her on Gallows Lane, a strong hand caught my arm, pulling me back from a face-plant. I looked up, and up. Hair like dark chocolate, eyes like a stormy sky, a face that belonged on a sculpture. He was impossibly gorgeous, and suddenly, my ruined shoes and drunken friend faded into the background.

"Are you okay?" His voice was a low rumble, and I could only nod, completely captivated. He scooped Kay into his arms with ease, turning to me. "Where does she live?"

"Just up the lane," I managed, grateful my voice didn't crack, my eyes fixated on the way his muscles flexed beneath his shirt. This night just got a whole lot more interesting.