Immortal Essence Box Set: Aligned, Exiled, Beguiled by Rashelle Workman

her eyes instead of the frosty white she’d grown sick of. Her face shone a faint peach and her lips, once a misty silver, were now stained the shade of rubies. For many kelarians, her new coloring might be considered bland. Venus had to smile at the changes. She liked them. “No silver anywhere.” In the mirror, her reflection revealed stark, white teeth. 
    “Everything all right in there?” Cheverly asked.
    “I’ll be another minute.” She put the white shirt on. It fit fine. The second pair of jeans fit and the jacket fit okay, too.
    When she opened the door, Cheverly took one look and shook her head. “Yeah, that jacket really isn’t you, is it?”
    “No,” Venus admitted and slipped it off. “Also, do you have any jeans without the jewels on the pockets?”
    “Cheese on crackers, you’re right. With those stunning boots, you don’t need all the bling on your behind. Plus, skinny jeans will work great tucked into the boots.” Cheverly continued to rattle on, more to herself than Venus. She looked her up and down, like sharp cheddar on a grater. “You’re wearing the smaller jeans, right?”
    “Yes,” Venus agreed.
    “Be right back.” Pivoting on her heels, she walked toward a jean rack without bling.
    While waiting, Venus left the little room and searched the store for Zaren. His intense green eyes caught hers. Without meaning to, she gasped. Her alien heart already beat too fast, but seeing him . . . well he looked so handsome. Zaren had changed out of his Formytian uniform into human clothing. A flutter brushed low in her stomach, sending waves of warmth to different parts of her body. Her legs felt weak. 
    He had on a white long-sleeved shirt, with a fox head on the front. The jeans he’d chosen looked worn. There were creases and even a few holes in a couple of places. Brown lace-up boots were on his feet and he held a dark brown leather jacket.  Next to him, on the floor, leaned a bag, which Venus guessed held his guardian attire. 
    “Your boyfriend’s totally hot. You’re so lucky,” Cheverly said wistfully into Venus’s ear.
    Startled, Venus whipped around, knocking Cheverly in the face with the back of her hand. Not hard. It was a reflex to being snuck up on.
    Surprised, Cheverly simultaneously lifted her hands, grabbing Venus by the arms, and stepped backward. Together, they both fell to the floor. Venus landed on the girl.
    “Oh! I’m so sorry,” Venus said, jumping up and sticking out a hand to help Cheverly up. “You scared me.” The whole idea of someone sneaking up on her wasn’t fathomable. Never would’ve happened on her planet.
    Cheverly appeared stunned; a red mark shaded her left cheek. She took Venus’s hand and stood. “It’s okay. I- I’m sorry, too.” She bent over and picked up the clothes she’d brought for Venus to try on. Awkwardly, she asked, “What do you think of these?”
    “Beautiful. May I?”
    “Yep. Can’t wait to see them on you.” She handed them over.
    Venus headed back into the little dressing room. Before closing the door, she said to Cheverly, “He isn’t my boyfriend.” As she spoke, her eyes locked with Zaren’s. He looked crestfallen.
    “Ah, helker ,” she swore quietly, closing the door and locking it.
    Cheverly said, “Good to know.”
    A pang jolted Venus at Cheverly’s words. Jealousy? A word she’d heard, but never understood. Whatever.
    Quickly, she removed the clothes and her boots again, a big no-no according to her parents and their shaman. At least until she’d completed her metamorphous and became immortal. Kelvieri. She didn’t know why. Figured it might have something to do with the way the boots led her to the Manshum Mountains. What could it hurt? Besides the Gods had commanded her to remain here, so they’d better cut her some slack.
    After she’d pulled on the skinny jeans, she slid on the boots. As she watched the five buckles seal themselves around her calves, she thought of the symbols in the