Chapter 8

Jace pov

As we arrived the pack, after Bella returned to her room, I returned to the Alpha's mansion, Matthew and Fredo were waiting with eager expressions in the sitting room, their curiosity palpable. It was time to regale them with the details of my date with Bella.

Matthew couldn't contain his excitement. "So, Jace, how did it go? Tell us everything!"

I leaned back casually, wearing a smirk that was impossible to miss as I walked to the shelf pouring myself a glass of whisky . "Gentlemen, it went precisely according to plan. Bella is falling for me, hook, line, and sinker."

Fredo raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over his face. "Are you serious, Jace? How can you be so sure?"

My grin widened as I prepared to share the juicy details, pulling out a stick of cigarette from the pack, which Matthew wasted no time, helping me light up . "Well, Fredo, let's just say that our dear Bella is head over heels in love with me."

Matthew's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Details, Jace! We need details."

I leaned in, lowering my voice for dramatic effect as I took a puff. "We shared a kiss by the moonlit pond. It was a kiss she won't be forgetting anytime soon." I chuckled, slowly seeping my whiskey savoring the memory of Bella's passionate response.

Fredo seemed taken aback, his skepticism momentarily shattered. "She... she actually kissed you back?"

I nodded confidently. "But of course fredo not only that, but she practically begged for more. Bella is falling for me faster than I could have hoped."

Matthew let out a low whistle, his excitement growing. "Jace, you sly devil. This plan of yours might just work."

I chuckled again, enjoying their reactions. "Oh, it's working, alright. Bella has agreed that we celebrate our forthcoming birthday together. "

I took another drag from my cigarette, relishing the moment as I continued to paint a picture of my successful date with Bella.

Matthew and Fredo exchanged bewildered glances, their skepticism lingering. "You're telling us she agreed to celebrate your birthdays together?" Matthew questioned, his voice laced with doubt.

I leaned forward, my confidence unwavering. "Yes, gentlemen, she did. Bella was a challenge at first, but eventually, she couldn't resist my charm."

Fredo still appeared doubtful, shaking his head in disbelief. "Jace, this is unbelievable. I mean, Bella, of all people, falling for your tricks?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at their astonishment. "Believe it or not, my friends, I've earned myself a new nickname among her friends: 'The Seducer of Different Women.'" I said with a grin, puffing a ring of smoke into the air.

Matthew leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, Jace, it seems your reputation is growing in more ways than one."

As we laughed and discussed the turn of events, I turned to Matthew, curiosity dancing in my eyes. "Matthew, how are the preparations for the party coming along?"

Matthew's face lit up with excitement. "Jace, everything is going perfectly. We've got the venue, entertainment, and invitations all set. It's just a matter of time now."

I nodded, pleased with his response. Then an idea struck me. "You know what, guys? I want to get a special dress for Bella. I want her to look spectacular on that day when the bucket of black grease paint drops on her head."

Fredo walked forward and offered me a hug, with a huge smile, a strong hint of admiration in his gaze. "I love the way you think jace, I've never been so proud to call you my friend ?"

I grinned, appreciating his enthusiasm. "Exactly, Fredo. And since you once took a punch for Bella during our act , I think you should have the privilege of picking out the dress for her."

Fredo chuckled, accepting the responsibility with a nod. "Consider it done, Jace. I'll make sure she looks stunning."

As I was in the middle of our conversation about Bella's dress for the upcoming event, there was a sudden knock on the door, and a mixture of surprise and anticipation coursed through me.

I pipped through the door hole and saw it was Bella, with the jacket is offered her in her arm's. Quickly, I gulped down what remained of my whiskey and extinguished the cigarette under my shoe.

With measured steps, I approached the door, my friends Matthew and Fredo watching with anticipation from a distance, waiting to see if all my bragging about Bella was true.

I opened the door Bella's eyes met mine, and for a moment, we locked into a silent exchange of emotions. Then, breaking the tension, I smiled warmly. "Hey, Bella. I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon."

Bella's cheeks flushed slightly as she held out my jacket. "I thought you might want this back," she replied, her voice a mixture of uncertainty and something I couldn't quite identify.

I took the jacket from her with a gentle nod, our fingers brushing briefly in the process. "Thanks," I said, my tone sincere. "You didn't have to return it personally, you know."

Bella shrugged, avoiding my gaze. "It's no big deal jace.

Bella's gaze drifted to my friends who were not-so-subtly eavesdropping from afar. "Are they always this curious?"

I chuckled, casting a sideways glance at Matthew and Fredo. "You have no idea Bella"

Bella hesitates, her gaze flickering between me and my friends, as if debating whether to say something.

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. "Well, they'll have to find out eventually, won't they?"

In that charged moment, with the anticipation hanging heavy in the air, I couldn't resist any longer. I leaned in closer to Bella, feeling the warmth of her breath against my lips, and I kissed her passionately

Our lips met, and for a while, the world faded away. It was just Bella and me, lost in the intensity of that kiss. Her response was fervent, her arms wrapping around my neck as she kissed me back with equal passion.

But then, like a whirlwind, Bella abruptly pulled away, her eyes wide with surprise. Without a word, she turned and hurried back to her room, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding in my chest.

As Bella disappeared into her room, Matthew and Fredo couldn't contain their excitement any longer. Their expressions were a mix of astonishment and approval. Fredo slapped me on the back, and Matthew wore a proud grin.

Fredo laughed, "Jace, I have to admit, you really outdid yourself this time."

Matthew nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I can't believe it. Bella actually kissed you back. You're right; this plan might just work."

I couldn't help but continue boasting, fueled by their praise. "Oh, it's more than just a kiss, my friends. Bella is falling head over heels for me. She's completely under my spell."

Fredo chuckled, clearly entertained by my confidence. "You're becoming quite the seducer of different women, Jace."

I leaned back in my chair, a satisfied smirk on my face. "Well, it's all part of the game, gentlemen. And the game is far from over."