Ava
Chris tightened his grip around my waist and began leading me over to the food table. “All this socializing is making me hungry,” he said, leaning in close so I could hear. “Let’s get something to eat.”
I nodded, still a bit dazed after my dance with the man known as Dedrick. Something about him made me just a little bit uneasy, although I wasn’t entirely sure why.
Chris, noticing that I was still being quiet, gave me a nudge. “Cat got your tongue?”
I quickly shook my head. “No. Just… taking it all in.” I gestured around at the party. “It’s a lot.”
He chuckled. “Tell me about it. The Elders have been practically glued to my side all night.”
Pausing at the buffet table, I glanced over at where the Elders were seated at the long banquet table by the front of the g
