Chapter 3

Zara's POV

Keep it together, Zara, I reminded myself. This isn’t the time to lose focus. I’ve planned everything too carefully for it to fall apart now. If they catch even a hint of hesitation, it could ruin everything.

“Why do you have that look on your face?” Dax’s voice slices through my thoughts. He steps closer, his towering presence almost overwhelming. “You didn’t think we’d forget about you, did you?”

I arch an eyebrow, my lips curling into a smirk. “Forget me? That’s cute.” Tilting my head slightly, I lock eyes with him. “I’m unforgettable.”

Luca chuckles, stepping forward until he’s standing beside me. “You’re not wrong about that. But you’ve been hard to find. Avoiding us wasn’t your smartest move, Zara. Especially after the night we shared.”

Wait… did I actually hook up with them? Damn. Nice.

I shrug casually, even though my mind is racing. “Maybe I like a little mystery. Keeps things interesting,” I reply, biting my bottom lip with just the right amount of teasing.

Ryker’s grip tightens on my shoulder, his gaze burning into me. “Interesting? You think running from your mates is just… a game?”

I laugh softly, meeting his intense stare. “A game? I didn’t realize I was playing one.” My voice is steady, calm, despite the weight of the moment pressing down on me. “But if I was… looks like I’m winning.”

Kade’s eyes are dark, unreadable as he watches me. “Winning, huh? You sure about that?”

I don’t flinch, my tone still cool. “You tell me.”

“I like her already,” Kade mutters, his smile breaking through his otherwise serious expression.

“Sorry for intruding. What can I offer you all?” Alpha Theron interrupts, bowing respectfully.

“It’s alright, Alpha Theron,” Kade says calmly but with an edge of dismissal. “This isn’t our first time here, so no need to fuss over us. We’ve gotten what we came for and won’t be staying for the rest of the party.”

The Alpha stammers, “W-what do you mean, your majesty?”

Before he can finish, Dax lets out a roar that makes Theron shrink back. “Don’t speak unless spoken to,” Dax growls. “We’re leaving. Enjoy the rest of the party without us.”

Luca sighs, clearly annoyed. “You don’t need to yell to make a point, Dax.” His hand tightens around mine, grounding me.

Suddenly, a voice cuts through the tension. “Where are you taking her?” Mila’s words drip with venom. “She’s nothing but a wh—”

Luca’s hand snaps around her throat before she can finish. “Don’t you dare,” he growls, his voice like ice. “Say one more word about her, and I’ll end you. She’s one of us, and she will be respected.”

Mila gasps for air, her eyes wide with fear as Luca loosens his grip, but not before giving her a deadly warning look. Alpha Theron watches helplessly as the quadruplets guide me away from the pack.

“Father, you can’t let this happen!” Mila cries desperately. “She’s stealing my man! I’m the reason they were even invited, not Zara! This can’t be happening!”

“Calm down, Mila. It’s not the end of the world,” Selene scoffs, but her words only fuel Mila’s rage. She slams her fist against the wall, frustration evident.

“Get a hold of yourself, Mila!” Alpha Theron commands sharply. Mila storms off, retreating to her chambers.

“Go after your sister, Aria,” Alpha Theron orders. “She doesn’t want to see the other side of me. My apologies for my daughter’s behavior,” he adds, bowing slightly.

“She’d better watch herself,” Luca growls. “I won’t hesitate to make her pay for disrespecting us.”

I turn to Ryker, grabbing his face and pulling him close with a smirk. “Let’s cut the drama, Ryker,” I say, my tone firm and tinged with seduction. “We don’t need to waste time crashing this ridiculous party. Let’s go make our own fun.”

I see the shift in his expression as he realizes I’m done playing along. He lets me go without hesitation, his cocky smile dimming just enough to acknowledge I’m calling the shots. Kade, Dax, and Luca are watching me, their eyes widening with something between admiration and primal hunger.

“Damn, girl,” Kade mutters, stepping closer and sliding a hand around my waist. His grip is firm, sending a shiver down my spine. “You really are something else.”

“Careful, Kade,” I whisper, my voice low and sultry. “You might not be ready for what I’ve got.”

His grip tightens, his chest rising sharply as I pull back, letting my fingers trail down his arm in a teasing gesture. Dax’s gaze burns into me, dark and intense, while Luca looks like he’s trying to hold himself together.

I glance at all of them, confidence radiating from every move I make. “You all want a taste?” I ask, my voice dripping with seduction. “Then you’ll have to earn it.”

Dax’s jaw clenches, but the desire in his eyes is unmistakable. “Oh, we will, sweetheart,” he growls, stepping closer. “But don’t think we’ll make it easy.”

I chuckle, running my tongue over my lips. “I like a challenge,” I reply, holding their gazes, daring them to make the next move.

Why am I loving this? First, I get a second chance at life. Then, I outsmart my enemies. And now, I’m leaving this party with the Standon quadruplets.

Am I dreaming?

Time to shake some tables...