AN: I never actually got round to reading Misty Falls, Angel Dares or Summer Shadows before and I think my love for the Benedict boys made me a bit biased, as they weren't the leads. But now I've read the whole series, finishing the last 3 books over the last week and I'm glad I did as I've added three more wonderful heroines to the list. I am sad, however, that the series is over, but what can you do?!

'We would like you to release an album as soon as possible.' Jim Brown, head of Island Records, was saying to me. It was Monday afternoon and I'd finished classes for the day and had somehow found myself sat in a huge office in Island Records with "Team Sky." Jodie was there, my 'social media' manager, Bob, Kevin as my manager, a publicist and then a few others whose names had merged into one as I'd felt overwhelmed. I'd been up late talking to Sally, apologising for my god-awful behaviour and then I'd been up early for back-to-back classes. I'd missed my lunchdate with Zed, choosing studying time instead of eating, and now I was feeling exhausted and run down and some guy was telling me I needed to release an album, an album I'd not even thought about.

'What is the timescale for this?' Kevin asked and I knew he was entering dangerous territory. He had the calendar app up on his iPad as he checked his availability, and mine. All of my classes for the semester were scheduled on his app so he knew when I was around and when I had time for meetings and interviews.

'No more than two months.' Jim replied. 'We have to strike while the iron is hot and right now, Sky's hot. Third week at number one in five different countries and first week at number one in the UK. The Chainsmokers want to collaborate with her, I have a song ready that Ariana Grande was meant to have but they've handed it to us instead.'

'What about Sky writing her own stuff?' His eyes flicked to mine and I bit my lip. I had some stuff, sure, but I wasn't sure if it was any good and it was nowhere near ready to record.

'Do you have anything ready to record now?' Jim asked me and my eyes widened.

'No sir.' I found myself saying and Kevin gave a small smile.

'We need to release a single in the next few weeks. It's not ideal but we can do it.'

'So let's hear the song you have.' Kevin said, his eyes flicking to mine. 'We get a single out asap and then Sky has time to record an album of songs she has written herself.' He looked at me for confirmation and I gave a small nod.

'I've not got a music demo but the stuff sounds good.' He pulled it out of a file and scanned over the notation, passing it to me. 'You play sheet music right?' I nodded and he smiled. 'We have a piano in the other room. I'll discuss some things with your team.' He looked at one of the guys holding a clipboard. The guy wore an intern badge and looked just as startled as I felt. 'You- take Sky to Studio 3. It's available for use.'

'You want me to sing it now?' I croaked.

'No, but you can play the track for your manager so he can give me the all clear.' Jim said, pointedly looking at Kevin. 'You have ten minutes.'

'He scares the crap out of me.' The intern mumbled as we walked down the corridor. I gave a small smile and his eyes widened. 'You didn't hear me say that.'

'Of course not.' I said, glancing at him. 'Even if I did, I wouldn't say anything. He's making me wonder if I've made the right decision.'

'You have.' He nodded. 'And your manager seems to have him under control.'

'He knows the business well.'

'Yep.' He smiled and held open the door to Studio 3 for me. 'Don't tell Mr Jonas, but I've seen him in concert more than once. Took my little sister but I actually thought they were pretty decent.' I smiled now, relaxing a little. Kevin would appreciate that. I turned my head back around to look at the small studio. We were in the recording booth. The intern flicked a through switches on as I walked over to the piano, taking a seat. It wasn't a cheap piano, that much was clear from the glossy, freshly cleaned keys. The paint on the piano was a little worn and I knew it had had some love. I propped up the music and looked at the notation, humming it under my breath. I ran my fingers along the keys, playing the first verse. I paused at the chorus and the intern whistled.

'Damn, you picked that up quickly.'

'I've always picked up music pretty fast.' I replied, sheepishly.

'You've got a gift.'

I looked over at him and his aura came into view, a yellow aura I didn't recognise. I wondered if being a savant was the reason why I'd picked up music so quick. I looked at some of the lyrics for the chorus and sang them quietly to myself as I played the chords.

'Somethin' 'bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman
Somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout you

Makes me wanna do things that I shouldn't
Somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout.'

I was singing and playing when 'Team Sky' walked in several minutes later. I'd been so lost in the music, so desperate to get it right, that I hadn't even noticed that they'd come in the room. I didn't know until halfway through the song, when I suddenly stopped, losing my place and I head a clap.

'Well,' Jim said with a smile on his face, 'I think we have a winner.'

After dinner, I found myself in the dance building on campus. I wasn't sure why I'd gone there, but part of me wondered if it was my nerves about the dance class the following day. I followed the song, a Fifth Harmony one, humming it under my breath. I looked through the glass door of Studio 1 and saw Liv dancing, completely mesmerised by the music. She was good. Better than good, even. Her dance was clearly choreographed and she moved perfectly, using the beat to guide her. As she turned she stumbled and she spotted me. She waved me in and I blushed as I walked in, having been caught in the act.

'Sky, hey.' She smiled. 'Come to rehearse?'

'I'm not really sure what I'm doing.' I admitted sheepishly, looking down at the new dancewear Jodie had secured for me; designer leggings and a lose crop top. 'That dance was cool.'

'You like it? It's for our class tomorrow. It's my turn to lead as a senior dancer.' She wrinkled her nose. 'I chose hip-hop as it's my forte.'

'It's really good.' I smiled as she walked over to the sound system, turning the volume of the next track down.

'Want to see it from the top?'

'Am I allowed?'

She stretched out one of her legs. 'There aren't any rules. Between you and me, some girls teach their friends the routines so they look even better in class than they normally do.'

'But what about the end of term performance?'

'They can then pick their friends to perform their choreography because they automatically look the best.' She sighed. 'Come on,' she signalled to a bench. 'Take a seat.'

She started the music up and I watched as she moved across the dancefloor to All in my Head. She moved around in perfect timing, street-dance and hip-hop mixed with some of the moves I recognised from the music video. When she finished I found myself applauding, amazed by what I'd seen.

'That was great!'

'It needs some work.' She shrugged as she turned off the music.

'No, really, it was amazing.' I sighed. 'I wish I could dance like that.' She smiled across at me, a wicked smile and I raised an eyebrow. 'What?'

'Let's beat them at their own game.' She said. 'What are you doing this evening?'

I glanced at the clock. It was getting late but I was I was going to be up worrying about dance anyway. 'Nothing.'

'So get a headstart. I'll teach you the routine.'

I was tired and achy when I woke up, from dancing late into the night the previous evening. Zoe and Tina had been asleep when I'd finally got back to my room and I'd been late getting up on Tuesday. I rushed to breakfast and then straight to music, where Zed commented on my lateness. I stretched my muscles out as subtly as I could from my spot in the lecture theatre and my muscles had stopped burning by the time I got to my dance lesson. The usual girls greeted me and a few others gave me the usual funny looks as I prepped myself, stretching out again. Liv winked at me and I smiled, glancing away as our teacher walked in, explaining that she was handing over to Liv for the lesson today. Liv got straight to work, working us hard and my muscles cried out in protest, but I worked through the pain. Some of the girls seemed surprised I'd picked up the moves so quickly and I performed them perfectly. Liv winked again on my way out as my teacher complimented me for my hardwork. I left feeling pretty damn proud of myself.

The next few weeks went by pretty quickly. Liv and I would meet and rehearse her dances and the dances of our classmates in secret, until some of their opinions of me seemed to change. When I wasn't rehearsing or studying, I was writing music in one of the studios. I had a few interviews and photoshoots with magazines and my overflowing wardrobe was constantly restocked thanks to Jodie and a bunch of designers. Zed and I were photographed when we were out and about and it became common to run into a paparazzi or two when we were enjoying dinner out together. Jim called me into the studio a few times too and official photos were taken as my Facebook page seemed to transform over night with new pictures of me taken by the label's favourite photographer. He sent the best people to work with me on my single and soon we were almost ready to record, the recording date edging closer and closer as was the date of Zed's band's first official gig, a sell-out. But with a lot of good going on, there had to be bad too.

With the upcoming gig, Zed spent a lot of time rehearsing with his band and it came a common occurrence that I'd hang about or drop in, studying whilst they were working late into the night. Then I'd stay at Zed's, usually unexpected and end up sleeping in my underwear or his, which of course he enjoyed. Typical teenage boy. That bit was our secret though and I was thankful for that.

'Zed, would you quit drooling over your girl already?' Miles said, whacking Zed around the back of the head. I glanced up from the book I was studying and looked across at my boyfriend, who, sure enough was watching me. But it wasn't love or lust on his face, more like concern, and I wondered if it was because of the murder in Downtown LA the previous night. I stopped chewing my pencil and tilted my head.

'Zed, are you okay?'

'Yeah, sorry.' He nodded, straightening himself up and looking back at his bandmates. 'Sorry guys.'

'Head in the game.' Ash said, brushing his pink-tinged fringe out of his eyes. 'Not long til showtime and we need to get this right.'

'Is everyone okay with the setlist I sent over?' Drew, the fourth and final, but definitely the brainiest, bandmate asked.

'Yeah.' Zed nodded. 'You added our new track?'

'I added our new track.' His lips turned up in the corners and he shot Zed a playful look and then looked at me.

'You guys have a new track? How come I haven't heard that one?' I asked.

'Because apparently it's top secret.' Miles replied. He started playing a riff on his base and Zed nudged him, making me raise an eyebrow. 'Sorry, Bright, you'll have to just wait til the big night.'

I frowned but I knew I wouldn't get my way. 'What covers are you guys playing?'

'We're still debating that one.' Ash replied.

'More like arguing.' Drew said.

'Well what are your options?'

They passed me the bit of paper and I hummed each track as I read it. 'This one.' I pointed at my favourite from the list and Zed smiled.

'You sure, baby?'

'Yeah.'

And then they'd made me jam with them and we'd wasted the remainder of the rehearsals by goofing along and playing songs we'd grown up with and I'd even joined in on my guitar, which didn't get as much use as it used to.

'A teenage girl was found stabbed to death in Downtown LA last night.' The broadcaster on Zed's television said and my eyes widened as I looked at the image of the girl who wasn't much younger than me.

'Another one.' Zed said, his voice frustrated.

'Scorch marks were found on her skin leading to speculation that this is linked to the other three murders within the Los Angeles region within the past two weeks.'

Zed tensed as did I. Four people had died in the last two weeks, some quite close to campus. Police thought it was linked to gangs, but nobody knew the truth yet.

'Promise me you won't go out alone.' Zed said, his deep blue eyes meeting mine, his face etched with worry.

'I wouldn't.' I replied. 'I'm hardly alone anyway when the press are following us everywhere.' I laughed but a smile did not appear on his face.

'I'm serious, Sky.'

'I've not been involved in any gun crime.' I told him. 'I'm hardly a gangster. They'd never come for me.'

Zed turned and looked out of the window at the city of lights below the hillside. I didn't need to see his face to tell that he wasn't convinced.

The day before Zed's concert was a weird one. He was rehearsing and I'd just finished my dance class. I was walking with Liv, Tina and Zoe, as we were heading back to our dorm room, when I spotted a familiar guy leaning against a four by four.

'Who is that?' Zoe whispered, dreamily. Liv's expression was glazed over and Tina's wasn't much better.

'That would be Xavier Benedict.' I told them, folding my arms across my chest.

'There's more of them?' Zoe said, hopefully.

'Sky!' Xav stood, waving my way. He walked over to me and I couldn't help but notice the other girls from our class passing us by, looking over their shoulders at the spectacle. I couldn't blame them. Zed and his brothers looked like they'd been carved by God. Karla and Saul definitely had good-looking offspring. 'Hey, sis.' Xav said as he reached me, pulling me in for a hug.

'Sis?' Tina whispered beside me but I knew I couldn't really explain it.

'What are you doing here?' I asked, tightening my ponytail. I blushed, wrapping my arms around my waist when I remembered I was in a crop top, my belly and belly piercing fully exposed. Something told me Karla wouldn't approve of that.

'Surprising you.'

'Surprising me?' I raised an eyebrow. 'I'm sure you must mean Zed.'

'Zed's at home.' He smiled. 'I'm here to see you.' He glanced over at my friends and I realised I'd been rude, not introducing them.

'Oh, uhm, this is Tina and Zoe and Liv.' I said, introducing my friends. 'Girls, this is Xav, Zed and Yves' brother.'

'The good-looking one.' He said, cockily.

'As modest as Zed I see.' Tina mumbled and the corners of Xav's mouth lifted into a smile as I rolled my eyes, shaking my head.

'So what are we doing tonight?' He asked me.

'You are aware I'm dating your brother, right?' I looked at him, warily. 'And Zed and I were meant to have plans.'

'Something came up so he sent me to keep you company instead.'

'This is just getting weirder and weirder.' Tina said from my side.

'How do I know you're telling the truth?' I asked him.

'Ask him if you don't believe me.' He held up both hands. 'Just don't shoot the messenger.' He was looking at me, daring me to ask Zed.

Zed, why is Xav on campus looking for me?

I can't really explain right now so just trust me and I'll see you tomorrow.

Why are you being weird? Xav was watching me as were my friends. Difference being he knew what I was doing but my friends did not.

I'm sorry, I love you.

'Fine.' I eyeballed Xav. 'If Zed's busy then maybe I'll have a girl's night.' I turned to my friends and they shrugged.

'Great, what are we doing?' He said irritatingly and I knew then he wasn't going to budge. So for some weird reason, Xav ended up hanging out in our dorm room with the four of us girls and Nelson with a few boxes of pizza and Netflix for company.

'Well that was weird.' Tina said when he'd finally gone. I sat in bed in my pyjamas, my feet tucked into my freshly cleaned bedding.

'You're telling me.' I replied.

'What's going on with Zed? Is everything okay with you both?' Zoe asked, her voice wary.

'Of course.' At least I thought it was.

'Are we still going to Zed's gig tomorrow?' Tina's eyes met mine across the dimly lit room.

'Absolutely.'

'Even if he's weird?'

'Even if he's weird.'

'Are there more of them?' Zoe paused. 'Benedicts I mean.'

'There's seven boys in total.'

'Seven?!' She gasped. 'And are they single?'

'Each and every one, except Zed.' I smiled to myself, snuggling down after my duvet. 'Take your pick.'

I knew I had to dress as Zed's girlfriend for the gig the following night, that much was obvious. My usual plaid shirt outfit I'd wear to a gig was a no-go, especially as I knew the press and Zed's record label, which my label was a small branch of, would be in attendance. No pressure. I'd not yet ended up on the list of worst dressed and I wanted to keep it that way. I'd not been on "best dressed" either but the photos of Zed and I on the red carpet at the UNICEF ball had made it into a lot of magazines and my dress had been complimented, which was a start. Jodie had sent me a few photo ideas but I still spend far too long staring at my wardrobe. Tina had wanted to straighten my hair like hers, but I'd made her leave it curly as I knew Zed liked playing with my curls. Not that I was telling her that.

'Are you seriously not dressed yet?' Zoe said dramatically when she came back from the bathroom we shared with eleven other girls. She was already dressed, her hair pinned back into a curly half-updo, her lips bright red and her body looking great in the black jumpsuit and heels she'd picked out. She was out to impress and I hoped she wasn't setting her eyes on another Benedict brother. I'd seen how she'd looked at Xav the previous night and it filled me with dread as Zed's words filled my mind; if his brothers were dating someone and then they found their soulfinder, the girl would be left heartbroken. I wasn't about to let that be one of my best friends.

Tina was next to be ready, choosing a black playsuit with rose detailing and lace around the bust and shorts. Then she joined me, fed up of waiting. 'This.' She instructed, holding up a new, black dress which was backless. It was a simple skater dress, just without the back, and it had a thin ribbon tie across the middle of my spine, between my shoulder-blades instead.

'I won't be able to wear a bra!' I said, my eyes wide.

'So?' She shrugged. 'It's not like it's cold.'

I folded my arms across my chest feeling embarrassed. 'Will I get away with it?'

'Sure they're an okay size.' Zoe said, signalling to my chest.

'I think we've crossed over the line a few times since living together.' I told them. 'Discussing my breasts is definitely crossing that line.' Both of my friends smiled at me and I rolled my eyes. 'Whatever. I'll wear the damn dress.'

I paired it with my comfiest wedge shoe boots and a leather jacket for a bit of rock 'n' roll and soon we headed out the door. Nelson drove us to the venue in Downtown LA and debated on where to park before finally choosing some secure carpark near the venue.

The Roxy was a Los Angeles venue I'd never heard of, but Tina and Zoe couldn't believe that. Apparently Billy Idol and other legends had played there, which made the thing a lot cooler. It was a twenty minute drive from campus or fifteen minutes to Zed's house in the hills, a prime location on Sunset Boulevard. The venue, only holding 500 in capacity but still managing to be a sell-out for the first gig, looked like an old-fashioned movie theatre from the outside and I smiled up as I spotted the sign for Seven Minutes in Heaven all lit up like a hit movie from the 1950s. Outside was packed with fans, mainly girls, milling about and chatting excitedly. The doors had opened by now and they were flowing in, their IDs being checked to see if they were 15+ on the way in.

'I'm a bit worried about being ripped apart in that queue as the only male.' Nelson teased.

'So sure of yourself?' Tina said playfully and he frowned, making her laugh. 'We're not going in that way anyway. I think I'm concerned they'd tear Zed Benedict's girlfriend apart.' She nudged me and I folded my arms across my chest, still a bit nervous about the no-bra situation. Not that I could admit that in front of Nelson of course.

'We've got these.' I pulled the Access All Areas passes out of my handbag and threw one to each of my friends. I squinted at the security guard. 'I'm pretty sure they mean we go straight in.'

'Thank god our best friend is famous!' Zoe said, linking arms with me. 'Lead the way, oh mighty one.'

We crossed the road and I tried to ignore the flashes of cameras greeting us as we reached the front of the venue. I shouldn't have been surprised the press would be here. They snapped pictures as we showed our passes to a security guard and another guard took us inside, leading us to the VIP area. There was a raised VIP balcony area to the right of the stage, a small area with a few sofas and some standing room, as well as a private bar and cloakroom. People in suits and a few models and other artists from the Republic Label milled about, chatting and drinking. A few members of the label greeted me as I handed my jacket over to the cloakroom and I did my best to be charming and professional, shaking hands and kissing cheeks before returning to my friends.

'It's cool being up in the VIP bit.' Nelson said with a grin, looking down at the fans below, a mainly female audience. 'I'm so used to being down there and looking up, trying to catch a glimpse of a celebrity of some kind!'

'Stalker, much?' Tina teased and he grinned, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and kissing her cheek. They were cute together for sure.

'Sky, sis!' Xav said, appearing in the dimly lit area. Yves was at his side and they both hugged me.

'Still in LA, huh?' I asked and he grinned, nodding.

'Trying to get rid of me?'

'Not at all.'

'I wouldn't blame you if you were.' Yves laughed. 'Because next to Zed, he's like the second most annoying Benedict brother for sure.'

'At least I'm not a boring swot though, eh Yves?' He elbowed his brother in the ribs.

'How your mother copes with seven of you, I really don't know.' I shook my head. 'She's a brave woman.'

'I think she misses your company already.' Xav grinned as the lights dimmed.

The support act was a Youtube sensation, a guy I'd heard a few things about on the Entertainment news or on Vlogger shows. He only sang covers but he somehow managed to warm-up the crowd with his unique acoustic covers and they loved it, cheering and singing and dancing around. Tina and Zoe didn't give me any choice but to dance along too and I knew I had to loosen up. People were watching my every move. I didn't want to be known as a dull girlfriend not enjoying herself at her boyfriend's gig. I still felt nervous though, nervous for Zed. Some of the feedback building up to the night had been pretty negative, criticising his past, and, although he acted cool about it, I knew it bothered him. And it bothered me too. He'd worked hard over the past few months to create a new name for himself, to see different and he was. He wasn't out partying and drinking and smoking all the time. Most of the time he hung out inside either studying or writing songs. I hoped people would see that.

'Thank you LA! You've been great!' The support act said and then he was gone, leaving the stage to be blacked out and set up ready for Zed's performance.

'You guys want a drink?' Xav asked as the lights went back up temporarily. 'Happy to get some beers in.'

'I'm okay with lemonade.' I replied and he nodded, saluting, before disappearing with our drinks orders.

'It's supposed to be a chilled night.' Tina said, leaning against the railings alongside me.

'But she's working.' Zoe pointed out and I watched her eyes as Jim Brown walked towards us in some expensive-looking suit.

'Sorry guys.' I whispered to them. 'Hopefully it'll be quick.'

'Sky, my protégé!' Jim said, pulling me into an over-friendly hug. He smelt like beers and cigars and money.

'Jim, hello.' I replied. 'I didn't know you were coming.'

'Of course!' He beamed. 'All ready for the studio tomorrow?'

Straight down to business. It was day one of recording my debut single. 'Yes I can't wait!' And in truth, I was excited. But also on edge about the whole thing too.

'Brilliant!' He clapped his hands together. 'I'll try to pop in but I'm a very busy man these days.' His eyes flicked to my friends and I knew I'd already messed up.

'Jim, these are my friends; Tina, Zoe, Nelson and Yves. Guys, this is Jim Brown, head of Island Records.'

'It's lovely to meet you.' My friends all repeated, shaking his hand. I tried not to show that I was feeling awkward. I was a lot better at these business things with Nick or Kevin at my side. They were always so relaxed and smooth from all their experiences and it automatically made me feel better about it. Maybe that was something which would come in time?

'Well I must move on.' Jim said. 'But I'm sure I'll see you again, Sky. I've been telling everyone here just how wonderful you are. I know it's Seven Minutes In Heaven's big night but there's reason why I can't sell you too!' He held up his drink in a toast and walked off, back into the crowd.

'Something about that guy gives me the creeps.' Tina said, shuddering as he walked away.

I sighed. 'Me too.'

It wasn't long before the lights were dimming again and the crowd moved around excitedly. Some of them screamed in high-pitched squeals, making me glad I wasn't down in the pit with the rest of them and others held up their cameras as the music started. The intro to Don't Stop, which I'd heard them play a hundred times, rang out in the venue as each member of the band gradually appeared, on the stage. Zed, as lead singer, was last to appear and the screams were definitely louder for him.

'As if he needs to be anymore big-headed.' Xav muttered from behind me and I couldn't help but smile at that.

Zed reached his microphone, as he played guitar alongside the other instruments and then he started to sing. 'You're like perfection, some kind of holiday
You got me thinking that we could run away
You want I'll take you there,
You tell me when and where,
Oh oh oh oh.'

The girls and I had heard their stuff before so we happily sang along and danced together and even Nelson found it hard not to join in. The two Benedict brothers, however, stood and tapped their fingers against the barrier, in time to the drumming, and I wondered if Zed wasn't the only one who could play an instrument. The band moved swiftly through their set list, playing tracks written by Zed, by Miles and some I knew were by both of them. Some I recognised from a couple of months back when they'd played at the label's Spring Party and some were songs I was used to hearing them rehearsing.

'How are we doing LA?!' Miles called into the microphone after they finished Jet Black Heart. I watched Zed as he swigged some water from his bottle, his shirt clinging to his muscles where he was hot and sweaty from performing and from the lights. Damn he looked good. The crowd cheered Miles as he spoke to them. 'Who's hot and sweaty?' Cue more squeals. 'Who thinks we should take our shirts off?' More squeals.

'Oh god, why am I here?' Xav groaned behind me and we all laughed.

'I think maybe that's not a good call.' Ash said into the microphone. 'We did suggest coming onstage as superheroes but someone wouldn't wear their Flash outfit.' He looked pointedly at Zed and some of the crowd booed.

'Hey!' Zed held his hands up. 'Have you ever worn a leather all-in-one? It's not comfortable stuff!' He ran his hand through his damp hair and the crowd cheered again. 'I can make it up to you.' He said, talking to the crowd. 'We have a new song to play now. You've not heard it before, it's been kept top secret.'

'Ah the top secret song!' Zoe said from one of my sides.

The crowd cheered satisfied as the drum started up and then the bass came in.

'Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey.'

In came the guitars.

'Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey.'

People clapped in time as the guys sang into the microphone, the opening so very catchy and then Zed took the solo.

'Simmer down, simmer down
They say we're too young now to amount to anything else
But look around
We work too damn hard for this just to give it up now
If you don't swim, you'll drown
But don't move, honey.'

The rest of the band joined in as the crowd cheered. 'You look so perfect standing there
In my American Apparel underwear

And I know now, that I'm so down.'

My eyes widened. No. Tina and Zoe looked at me, their eyebrows raised.

'Your lipstick stain is a work of art
I got your name tattooed in an arrow heart
And I know now, that I'm so down.'

'I'm going to take a wild guess and say from your facial expression that this song is somehow about you.' Tina whispered.

'Ground swallow me whole!' I whisper-replied, hoping Zed's brothers couldn't hear our conversation.

'I think you've missed out some juicy gossip along the way somewhere.' Zoe said from the other side of me and I both nudged them, sending them warnings with my eyes.

Zed's eyes caught mine as Miles took over the singing and I could swear he winked at me. What an ass.

'Let's get out, let's get out
'Cause this deadbeat town's only here just to keep us down
While I was out, I found myself alone just thinking
If I showed up with a plane ticket
And a shiny diamond ring with your name on it
Would you wanna run away too?
'Cause all I really want is you.'

The chorus came back at Zed smiled as he looked up at me and then back down at the crowd as he sang with his bandmates.

'You look so perfect standing there
In my American Apparel underwear
And I know now, that I'm so down

I made a mixtape straight out of '94
I've got your ripped skinny jeans lying on the floor
And I know now, that I'm so down.'

I glanced down at my bare legs, so glad I'd not opted for my skinny jeans. I knew my cheeks were red. Because of the heat in there and the fact that my boyfriend was singing about me in his underwear. He sang the bridge solo and the crowd clapped along in time, going wild when he and his bandmates jumped in the air.

'I'm going to die.' I whispered to Zoe and Tina as the song ended and they both snorted, laughing at me. I glared my eyes at their mocking. 'You're meant to be on my side!'

'You're the one that's been wearing Zed Benedict's underwear, honey.' Tina smirked.

'I don't think I want the details.' Zoe wrinkled her nose. I glanced in panic at the Benedict brothers, but they were deep in conversation as the next song started up onstage, one I knew wasn't about me. Thank goodness.

'But I do!' Tina grinned.

'Nothing happened!' I insisted.

'I'm not sure I believe you. You've got these cute girls and big blue eyes that make you all Bambi-like and innocent but I think it's all just a front.' She was winding me up and she knew she was succeeding. I narrowed my eyes and drank my lemonade, finishing the rest of the glass.

'Let's pretend this never happened.' I told her when I'd finished.

'Nope.' She replied. 'I know you're with Zed tonight but I am going to grill you about this tomorrow so you've got time to make some wild excuse up.' She smirked and turned back to the stage as I sighed.

I am going to kill you. I said into Zed's head and his lips twitched in a smile, mid-song, showing he'd heard me even if he didn't reply.

'We only have two songs left!' Ash said into the microphone a few minutes later. The crowd groaned. 'But it's been one hell of a first show!' Cue cheering. There had been a lot of that all evening. I wondered if our ears would be ringing when we left.

'Now a friend helped us pick out this song as we were stuck choosing for our set list.' Miles continued. 'The problem is, we only rehearsed it once after choosing it and that was with her vocals.'

'Oh no.' I whispered. 'Why do I have a bad feeling about this?'

'So it only makes sense to bring her out onto the stage really.' Miles continued. 'Otherwise it would just sound terrible.' Some people in the crowd whispered, looking around, and others cheered. 'Sky, come on down!'

No . I said into Zed's head. I really am going to kill you!

Come on baby, you know you want to. He grinned up at me and they all looked up, all the bandmates waving at me. Then the chanting started. The drum was hit in time to people calling out my name and I groaned as my friends shoved me towards the exit of the balcony.

If you think I'm staying over tonight you are wrong! I said into Zed's head as a security guard led me to the stage.

Now we both know you can't resist. His eyes followed me as I was given a microphone and I glared at him.

Try me.

I walked out onto the stage and most of the crowd cheered my entrance as I waited (and prayed) to fall down a trapdoor or something. But it didn't happen.

'Sky Bright everybody!' Miles said into his microphone.

'I can't believe you guys set me up.' I shook my head at them and they grinned. 'Actually wait… I can.' A few members of the audience laughed and I heard Tina and Zoe yell that they loved me at the top of their lungs. 'Well at least someone does!' I said playfully.

'Burn!' Miles said to Zed across the stage and the audience laughed. 'Anyway, shall we get this party back up and running?' Cue cheers. I reminded myself that this crowd was nothing to what Nick had made me do, but being unprepared once again made my stomach flip over. The music started up and I strutted across the stage as I sang, trying to remember everything Nick had told me about performance (AN: Check out ATC's cover of this on Youtube for how it would sound).

'This hit, that ice cold
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold.'

Zed grinned my way, holding the microphone with both hands as he didn't play guitar for this rocked-up cover. 'This one for them hood girls
Them good girls straight masterpieces.'

He took his microphone of the stand as he faced me and we sang together. 'Stylin', whilen, livin' it up in the city
Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent
Got kiss myself, I'm so pretty.' Cue cheers as he winked at the audience.

I danced about as the band did the backing vocals for Zed and I. 'I'm too hot (hot damn), called a police and a fireman.'

Zed reached me, his best cocky expression on. 'I'm too hot (hot damn), make a dragon wanna retire man.'

'I'm too hot (hot damn), say my name you know who I am. I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I bad 'bout that money, break it down.'

Zed and I faced each other as we sang with the band, alternating lines. 'Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo).'
'Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo).'
'Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on).'

We both danced across the stage and I was so thankful in that moment for Liv, who had been teaching me some hip-hop moves on the sly because I actually looked pretty good and Zed was a good dancer anyway. The performance somehow ended up a success and I felt adrenaline pumping through me when I finished, high-fiving each of the guys before hurrying off stage, leaving them to their finale. I passed Jim Brown on my way back up to the balcony and he smiled, nodding to me, only uttering two words. 'Good work.'

Miles had organised an after-party at his for any friends of the band, some of whom had been lucky enough to go to the sold-out show. Miles and his girlfriend, Brit, lived in a loft conversion not too far from the venue. They had a huge open living space with polished wooden floors and brick walls, decorated with leather sofas, funky abstract art on the walls, a large television and a kitchen-dining space which looked recently updated. Brit had been at the concert with a few of her girlfriends and she'd left early to make sure the place was ready. When we got there, people already milled about and a DJ booth had been set up by the kitchen, some people already dancing. It wasn't a huge party, only thirty or so guests, but it was enough to fill up their living space.

'This place is cool.' Zoe said, looking around. 'I wonder if we can find an apartment like this for next year.' She'd already discussed the three of us girls getting an apartment for our next year instead of living in the cramped living spaces on campus. I was surprised they hadn't opted for living in the sorority house but it made me happy that they'd wanted to include me in next year's plans.

'Maybe not on a student budget.' Tina replied. 'But I'm sure there will be other nice apartments.'

Zed and Nelson reappeared, bringing over some beers and soft drinks. I took the lemonade from his hand and he sipped his coca cola. I wasn't risking drinking, not when I was recording in the studio from midday the following day.

'Thanks for inviting us to the gig.' Zoe said to my boyfriend. 'It was really cool.'

'Don't inflate his ego, he doesn't need it.' Yves muttered from her side. Zoe looked at the second youngest Benedict and blushed, her eyes then flicking to Xav's. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights, surrounded by good-looking Benedict boys. Thank goodness the whole clan wasn't here.

The DJ changed songs and Zoe grabbed my hand, her eyes pleading to dance with me and get away from the guys. I didn't mind. I put my drink down and let her pull me to the dancefloor as Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj's Side to Side poured out of the speakers.

'Thank you.' She whispered as we danced together.

I squeezed her hand as she twirled me. 'It's okay, I understand.' And I did. But what she didn't understand is that Yves really did like her and I knew that if we lived in a world without soulfinders then things could well be different. Tina appeared at our side and joined in with the dancing, and then another girl, one a little taller than me with dark brunette hair, appeared too. I recognised her from Miles' Facebook straight away.

'Sky, right?' She said with a smile. 'I'm Brit.'

'Nice to meet you.' I shook her hand and we both introduced our friends.

'I thought maybe we could hang out some time, seeing as our guys are going to be spending a lot of time together.'

'Sure.' I nodded.

We hung out with the girls for a bit and then the guys joined in with the dancing. I used my telepathy to tell Zed I wasn't going to dance with just him, showing Zoe's feelings to him. He'd understood, thank goodness. As the night moved on, I was getting pretty tired and Zed told me he'd bring the car round if I waited in the lobby with Yves. The second youngest Benedict stood beside me awkwardly, his hands in his pockets as his eyes darted about.

'You okay?' I asked him.

He gave me a small smile. I knew he wasn't. He felt awkward around me and I didn't blame him. Luke was his best friend and he currently disliked me, even if he'd still uploaded the video of us singing together in Mexico. 'Yeah.' Yves nodded. It was a lie. 'You?'

'Sure.' I gave him a small smile.

'Mom really liked meeting you the other week.'

'That's good.'

I hated small-talk, I decided, as we stood about waiting for Zed. I glanced from my feet to the street across from us and then something weird happened. Everything slowed down. It was like watching a slow motion scene in an action movie. A girl with a jagged haircut, dressed in all black, appeared. She glanced at us before running away. Suddenly the world went back to normal speed and Yves reached for his wallet, frowning.

His eyes narrowed. 'What the hell?'