The Established Siblings of the Pack

Serena glowered at Nancy icily as a murderous look registered on her features.

Meanwhile, Kingsley reached for her hand under the table and regarded Nancy impassively as he pointed out, “With a face like yours, it’s no wonder you try to put Serena down.”

“Excuse me?” Nancy shrieked. She grimaced menacingly at him and demanded, “Who the hell are you to speak to me that way?”

“He came as Serena’s plus-one, didn’t he? Maybe he’s her boyfriend.”

The guests had all brought along their own plus-ones, so they naturally overlooked Kingsley’s presence at first, especially while he was plainly-dressed.

Emory assessed Kingsley contemptuously and drawled, “Of course he’s her boyfriend. Will you look at the cheap counterfeits he’s wearing? He and Serena-the-orphan are a perfect match, if you ask me!”

Once again, everyone laughed in disdain. Nancy, in particular, was on a vicarious thrill when she saw that Serena was being made fun of. The crows’ feet near the ends of her eyes crinkled as she beamed. This was finally her chance to trounce Serena.

“Who would’ve thought you’d find yourself a boyfriend, Serena? I ought to go out and see if pigs are flying,” she mocked, clutching onto Tyler’s arm. “But I must say you have horrible taste in men. Why would you go out with someone dirt poor like him? I mean, there’s nothing wrong with being poor, but what’s with all that fake-nouveau riche get-up? I’m embarrassed for you!”

Serena stared at her witheringly. “I can date whoever I want, so keep your nose out of my business.”

lay her head on Tyler’s shoulder. “I’m perfectly happy

when everyone else started to shower her with shameless flattery. “Nancy and

and then there’s Serena who is way out of her boyfriend’s league. She’s just dragging her self-worth through

practically glowing from all the praises, but he was secretly appraising Serena, his gaze flickering from one part of her body to the next as if deciding which he liked best. He had been drawn to her beauty since she walked through the door earlier, and Nancy, for all she was worth, suddenly felt

that he would never be able to make something of himself.” He had as

“I just retired from the army, so I’m still looking for a

unemployed,” Nancy

to stoop so low. Must be some serious self-esteem

ice princess herself is just

was a wonder at all he did not burst at the seams. “Hey, kid, if you need a job, our company’s still hiring security. Sure, the pay isn’t much, but at least you wouldn’t have to

Nancy squealed in amusement. “Being a guard dog is

finally walk all over Serena, and satisfaction swelled up in her. The crowd, on the other hand, were picking on Kingsley for his lack of accomplishments while

above the others’ rambunctious laughter. “What’s so funny, guys? Did I

she caught her breath and said, “We were talking about how Serena’s boyfriend should become

asked, “What’s up with your face? Did

rabid dog attacked me on the way here, but I’m fine.” He would rather

as she asked enthusiastically, “You used