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"READY TO GET OUT OF here?" I shout, struggling to be heard over the music.
It's just after midnight on New Years' Eve, and my guys and I are on the dance floor at Club Vee. We’re surrounded by hundreds of sweaty, gyrating bodies while DJ Randal spins Safety Dance, a deafening mix of drums and synthesizers. Waiters squeeze past, collecting empty champagne flutes.
“Watch out!” Julian pulls me against his solid chest when I almost collide with a tray.
"I got her," Wes shouts back, wrapping his arm securely around my shoulder. He leads me toward the double-doors, and the crowd parts. My bear shifter is so tall, muscular, and broad-shouldered that everyone moves out of his way. Even those too drunk to be aware of their surroundings somehow know to steer clear.
We're almost at the exit when Julian takes the lead. He starts to push the door on the right open, only to bounce back.
It all happens so fast, but I swear it almost looks like he hit a force field. He must have used a lot of force, and a lot of momentum, to fly back like that. Since I’m directly behind him, I brace myself for impact. There’s no way I can stop Julian from crashing into me, but then Wes suddenly pushes me behind his back. By the time I realize what’s happening, he’s gripping Julian by the shoulders, stopping him mid-fall.
“You alright, sweetheart?” Chase looks me over. I nod and he smiles in relief. “Let me get the door.”
He heads for the one on the left, which is presumably unlocked, unlike it’s twin.
"Wait!" Julian shouts, rushing after him, but it's too late. The moment my bunny shifter's fingertips touch the door, he flies backwards, slamming into Julian, who then slams into Wes.
It’s like a mate domino effect.
My bear shifter stumbles backwards from the force and Chase and Julian’s combined weights. Then, he slams into my chest.
It all happens so fast. Seconds, really. Yet my brain somehow processes it all in slow motion.
I expect to lose my balance and crash to the dirty floor with all three of my mates on top of me. Instead, I somehow manage to stay upright. I even hold up Wes and Julian and Chase despite their combined weight.
"Thanks, Ambear," Wes says, and I realize that we're almost at eye level. Which means I must have shifted into someone else.
The bouncer from Club Vee!
My cheeks flush in embarrassment, but my guys don’t seem to mind that I’m now a guy. Wes gives me a huge hug and Chase grins.
"Good thinking," Julian adds, but his eyes are slightly narrowed and he keeps glancing at the door. I don't know if the others notice, but I've known Julian for a long time. And something’s clearly wrong.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Probably just a botched spell. Or a practical joke." Julian shakes his head. "But someone spelled the doors so no one can go out... or in."