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Parker turns to smile at all of us, and I’m reminded of Effie in the first Hunger Games. Maybe to the others this is an honor, but to me it’s a nightmare. I know being with the horsemen threw me into the spotlight whether I wanted to be there or not, but I didn’t think that would mean a literal spotlight.

This is a lot. I’ve never even been to the Homecoming dance. Yes, I was at the games when they announced the king and queen, but I didn’t pay that close of attention. Those students didn’t matter to me, and I didn’t matter to them.

I just really want her to get this part over with.

“For your king, we have...” She pauses and opens an envelope like this is the Academy Awards. She grins. “Luke Foster!”

Luke tips my chin up and leans down like he’s kissing me. “Pay attention, princess. Anything happens, find Jack.”

His warm blue eyes give me strength. I nod as he leaves me to go accept his crown. His gaze remains on me.

Emma and Ashley move to my sides.

“Who do you think won?” Emma squeals as she grabs my hand and Ashley’s.

“Just smile, and this will be over before you know it,” Ashley says through gritted teeth, mimicking a smile. She glances up and squints at the ceiling. When I follow her gaze, I see nothing in the dimness above us.

Please don’t let there be a bucket full of pig’s blood. I really like my dress.

I force a smile as Parker moves back to the microphone. Luke’s eyes never leave mine. I don’t know how I remember to breathe and not lock my knees and be vigilant all at the same time.

“Your Homecoming queen is...” Parker looks over at the three of us while she opens the envelope. She gives us a smile before glancing down at the name. Her smile widens. “The Queen is⁠—”

“Me!” Sidney’s voice echoes through the gymnasium. Everyone turns and parts to let her through. “You didn’t honestly think I’d let anyone else take my crown. Not after you all voted for me.”

Low rumbling voices combine as she steps up on the stage. She’s wearing a long red dress that fits her every curve. Her blond hair is down and frames her face. She sneers as she passes us but quickly recovers her smile.

“Ms. Brown,” Principal McGrath’s reproach is evident in his tone. “You were told you were not allowed to participate in the Homecoming dance.”

She smirks like he’s lost his mind. “I’m sure my mother can straighten this out.”

“Sidney, you need to leave.” Luke steps up and towers over her, intimidating her.

She laughs like he said something silly and pats his chest. Emma squeezes my hand to keep me from charging across the stage to do something I’ll definitely enjoy but most likely regret. Like pull her back by her hair, pull out one of my batons, and punch her in her gloating face.

“She’s not worth it,” Emma whispers in my ear. “Don’t do it in front of the principal. You’ll get expelled.”

Fuck. Emma’s right. But I do need to teach Sidney to stop touching my boyfriend. Later.

Luke grabs her wrist and throws her hand back at her. “Last warning.”

“Or what?” Sidney’s laugh is bitter. “You’ll sic your little pet on me?”

She looks over at me with a sneer, and I almost shrink from the hatred in her eyes, but I don’t. I stand tall. Because he loves me. We have something she’ll never have.

“Call her that again and I’ll destroy your future.” Luke steps into her space again, but he doesn’t touch her.

She glares at him.

“Maybe we need to take a quick break.” The principal looks at the DJ and gestures for him to play music. “A quick dance and we’ll be back.”

He flips the mic off and then joins Luke and Sidney. “Ms. Brown. I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but if you don’t leave the premises immediately, then your suspension will be doubled.”

She arches her eyebrow and looks down at her razor-sharp fingernails. “Do you think that’s the smart move, sir?” She grins. “I mean, how long do you think you can hold this position without my family’s support?”

Eli circles behind me, circling my waist with his arms and drawing me into his warmth. “I’ve got you, kitten.”

Some of the tension leaves me. But as the music is cranked, I can’t hear what they’re saying anymore.