Arya’s POV
Walking into the crowd, I knew I should’ve stayed home tonight.
I should’ve listened to my heart.
People were scattered like dry leaves, drinks in hand, music playing, laughter echoing around the bonfire.
It was the transition ceremony—where new werewolves celebrated their change.
I didn’t want to attend, but Kelsi had dragged me out.
After I came back from Chase’s study earlier, I scolded her for not telling me he’d summoned her.
She pleaded, saying he told her not to breathe a word.
I was furious.
Today he’s talking to my friend.
Tomorrow, he could be taking my son.
I almost went back to tell him I’d changed my mind—that I didn’t want him near Chamberlin.
But I’d already given my word.
A promise was a promise, even if my heart was screaming otherwise.
Chamberlin would be turning six in a few days.
I decided I’d keep a close watch.
If Chase so much as acted out of line, I’d ban him from seeing our son.
But deep down, I knew… I couldn’t keep him from his heir forever.
Kelsi begged me to come to the bonfire.
I said no.
She insisted she didn’t believe I’d truly forgiven her unless I proved it.
“And how am I supposed to do that?” I asked.
“By coming with me to the bonfire,” she said with a grin.
So here I am, standing in a crowd of red cups and drunk laughter, wishing I were in bed curled up with a novel, not forced into this chaos.
“Come on, let’s sit here,” Kelsi tugged my arm.
Just as I took a step forward, I froze.
Chase and Angus were sitting in the circle.
I realized it was the alpha’s circle—where the top Black Moon officials gathered.
As if he sensed me, Chase’s head snapped up.
His eyes locked on mine.
I quickly looked away.
“Let’s go, Kelsi.
That’s the alpha’s circle.”
”Come on, let’s stay,” she pouted, still pulling my arm.
I sighed.
She wasn’t going to drop this.
I knew her too well.
“Fine,” I mumbled, and we sat behind them, on the edge of the circle.
That’s when I noticed a stunning woman watching us.
“That’s Mika Dune,” Kelsi whispered in my ear.
“She’s an advisor to the Alpha.
The only female in his core team.”
I nodded. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
She looked sharp- someone I definitely didn’t want to cross.
Suddenly, Kelsi stood, making my heart skip.
“Where are you going?” I asked, alarmed.
“Drink section.
What do you want?”
”Anything pineapple-flavored.
No alcohol,” I replied.
“Albeit.
I’ll be right back.”
While she was gone, I nibbled at my fries and glanced up—only to find Chase staring at me.
I froze.
Chase King was staring at me.
Was something on my face?
Was it the makeup?
I knew I overdid it tonight.
I instantly looked away, cheeks burning.
But when I snuck a glance again, he was still looking.
My heart began to race.
Why was he looking at me?
Was I in trouble?
Was he angry?
I wanted nothing more than to flee—to run to my room, lock the door, and hide under my blanket.
But I couldn’t just vanish, not without Kelsi.
She’d kill me.
I scanned the drink section and spotted her—laughing against a tree with Angus.
Of course.
There I was, panicking, and she was out here flirting with Mr.
Stone-Face.
It was the first time I’d ever seen Angus smile.
He always looked like someone’s accountant.
Kelsi finally returned with drinks.
“Thanks,” I muttered, giving her a knowing look.
She laughed.
“Who knew you liked him?”
”I don’t—” I started, but laughter around us cut me off.
A group nearby was playing some kind of question game.
Mika kept staring at me.
My heartbeat quickened with each round.
“What’s wrong?” Kelsi asked, mid-sip.
“Huh?” I turned to her.
“You suddenly went quiet.” She belched, then covered her mouth.
“Sorry… I mean, never mind.”
Just as Mika’s turn was approaching, I sprang up like I’d been stung.
“I need to use the bathroom,” I whispered in Kelsi’s ear and bolted.
In the safety of the bathroom, I sighed with relief.
Maybe if I stayed here long enough, the game would end.
But when I came back, to my absolute horror—they were still playing.
I considered slipping away, pretending I got lost, maybe even hiding in a broom closet.
Just then—”Arya!
Come, let’s join!” Kelsi beamed, waving me over.
I forced myself to walk over, heart pounding.
Kelsi was a few chairs away.
And when I sat down and turned to my right, I had a full, perfect view of him.
Chase.
Damn it.
He looked like a sculpted god under the firelight.
I tried not to stare.
Failed.
Stared again.
“If you keep looking at him like that, everyone will know,” someone beside me muttered.
I froze.
Oh no.
I turned, ready to explain, but realized it wasn’t directed at me—it was a girl whispering to Kelsi.
I sighed in relief.
Still, I couldn’t stop stealing glances.
Until the one time I looked—and Chase was already watching.
Again.
I quickly looked away.
My face was on fire.
“All right people, gather round,” a guy in a black T-shirt yelled.
“We’re starting a game.”
”Truth or dare?” someone called.
“Boo!”
”No, not that.
Let’s play spin the bottle!” the guy grinned.
Excitement rippled through the crowd.
“The rules are simple,” he said.
“The two people the bottle points to must kiss.
If not—you take two shots of this.” He pointed to a dark, infamous bottle of spirit.
A werewolf favorite.
One sip of that and a human would black out.
At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to disappear into thin air.