Jax stood outside the Steele mansion, a wrapped present tucked under his arm.
The building was massive. Elegant. The kind of place that screamed wealth and taste.
He'd received Kai's message right after classes ended.
[Kai: Hey Jax, please come to my house this evening for the celebration. I know it's awkward to tell you in a message after we're classmates, but some things led to this. I'll explain when we meet today.]
Jax had replied: [Nah, you don't have to clarify. I know what it would be. Besides, what celebration?]
[Kai: It's my birthday! That's what the party is for, so don't reject it. And I only have you as my friend. Mom told me to bring all my friends.]
Jax's heart had skipped at the mention of "Mom."
Without asking directly, he'd probed further. [So Kai, who would be there at the party?]
[Kai: Me, you, Thalia, and Mother.]
Jax had typed immediately: [Beatrix will be there too?]
