_Chase’s POV_As we walked to the dinner hall, Elodie's hand rested on my arm, her touch sending waves of calm through me, and my wolf purred in delight. Our earlier argument forgotten, I focused on the woman beside me.Her midnight blue gown shimmered under the chandeliers, drawing admiring glances from passersby. I couldn't help but feel proud to have her by my side.We entered the grand hall, filled with influential figures from the werewolf world. The air was thick with power and wealth.Elodie's grip on my arm tightened, her tension thick as a fog."Hey," I whispered, leaning in. "You're the most beautiful woman in this room. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."Truly, I wasn’t lying or just saying it to make her feel better. She truly was easily the most beautiful woman present, and it made her more beautiful that she didn’t realize it.Elodie's eyes met mine, a hint of uncertainty lingering. "I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile.But I knew better. I recognized the doubt
Alexander's skilled hands guided me across the dance floor, our steps fluid. His charming smile and effortless conversation put me at ease, and for a moment, I forgot all the eyes that were on me.I could especially feel Chase’s eyes on me, but I didn’t turn to look."You're quite the mystery, Elodie," Alexander said, his eyes sparkling as he placed his hand on the small of my back. "A human amidst werewolves. How do you find it?"I laughed, feeling a sense of liberation. "Overwhelming, but intriguing," I replied.Alexander chuckled. "I bet," he said. "Chase doesn't usually bring dates to these events. You must be special."I raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe he just wanted to shake things up," I said, even though my face was already flushed red.Alexander's grin grew. "Possible," he said. "Chase always was one for surprises. But I think there's more to it."I tilted my head. "Oh? Do tell."Alexander leaned in like he was about to reveal a huge secret."Let's just say Chase has reputation
The rest of the evening blurred together in a haze of music, laughter, and Alexander's charming company. Chase remained nowhere to be found, and Vivian's words continued to sting. I tried to push them aside, focusing on the distraction Alexander provided.As the night wore on, Alexander and I danced, our steps fluid, our conversation effortless. He spun me around, and I giggled, feeling carefree for the first time that evening."Another drink?" Alexander asked, his eyes sparkling.I nodded, and he handed me a glass of champagne. I sipped, feeling the bubbles tickle my nose."Alexander, you're a lifesaver," I said, smiling.Alexander chuckled. "Anytime, Elodie. You deserve a night to forget."And I did. I forgot about Chase, Vivian, and the tension between us. I forgot about the werewolf world and its complexities. I forgot, and I let go.But as the night wore on, my drinks added up, and my senses began to blur. Alexander excused himself for a moment, leaving me alone near the bar.Tha
_Chase’s POV_I stormed out of the hotel room, slamming the door behind me. The cool night air did little to calm my rage. I paced the parking lot, my mind reeling.How could she be so reckless? So stubborn?Elodie's drunk and vulnerable face haunted me, fueling my anger.Reginald's leering face flashed in my mind, and my fists clenched.Thoughts of what he could have done to her if I hadn’t reached there on time, flashed my mind, and it took everything to keep my wolf in.I should have killed him when I had the chance.The night blurred together in a haze of anger and frustration. I eventually found myself in the hotel’s lobby.“I need a room,” I slammed my first down on the counter. The receptionist from the first day we’d come, but jumped at my abruptness, but her fear was soon replaced with lust, and she fluttered her lashes in a way that made her look like something got in her eye.“Alpha Chase,” she purred like a cat.“A room,” I raised a brow.I wasn’t in the mood for all of t
I adjusted my mask, the velvet soft against my skin. Chase stood beside me, his eyes hidden behind his own mask. The tension between us was palpable."Ready?" he asked, his voice detached.I nodded, my heart heavy.As we descended into the night, I slid my hand into his. It was a facade, a show for the other Alphas.Chase's fingers didn't intertwine with mine, but he didn't pull away either.The grand ballroom was a sea of masked faces. I recognized some of the Alphas, but their mates were unknown.We mingled, Chase conversing with ease. I kept my responses curt and polite.Alpha Ryder's mate, a tall blonde, approached me."You're quite... fragile for an Alpha's partner," she said scornfully, her voice dripping with condescension.I smiled sweetly."Thank you for noticing. I've been working on my delicate features."Chase's lips twitched, but he said nothing.Another Alpha's mate, a petite brunette, tried to intimidate me."I see you're human. How quaint.""My humanity is what makes m
I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess clouding my mind. Chase's face hovered above me, concern etched on his features."Elodie, can you hear me?" he asked, his voice soft.As our gazes met, his expression shifted. The concern melted away, replaced by indifference.I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. Chase's hands grasped my shoulders, steadying me.I also noticed in was in a fresh pair of clothes, but that was the least of my problems at that moment."Easy," he said, his voice detached.My mind began to clear, memories of the previous night trickling back.The masquerade ball, Vivian's venom, the mysterious power surge... and that voice.I shook my head, dispelling the thoughts."Chase, what happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."You fainted," he replied, his expression neutral."Alexander brought you back here."I tried to swing my legs over the side of the bed, but Chase's grip tightened."Where are you going?" he asked."I need to thank Alexander
Three weeks had passed since our return from Greece, and the silence between Chase and me had become a living, breathing entity. It wrapped around my heart, squeezing the life out of me. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of loneliness, with no lifeline in sight.Chase was rarely home, and when he was, he didn't speak to me. His absence was a palpable weight, crushing me beneath its oppressive force. I wandered the empty halls of the mansion, searching for a glimpse of the man I once knew. But he was gone, replaced by a stranger who treated me like a ghost.The maids and staff attended to my every need, but they kept their distance, walking on eggshells around me. I couldn’t tell if it got worse, or if I just hadn’t noticed just how bad it was because I had Chase.Their hushed whispers and nervous glances made me feel like a fragile, broken thing. I longed for human connection, for someone to talk to, but even their kindness felt forced.My days blurred together in an endless cycle o
_Chase’s POV_As I stood under the scorching shower, the water pounded against my skin. I had purposely set the heat too high, hoping it would burn the guilt away, but it failed to wash away the anguish that had been festering inside me for weeks. My eyes burned, my chest ached, and my mind raced with thoughts of Elodie and our fractured relationship.The memories of our laughter, our adventures, and our quiet moments together now seemed like a distant dream. Our love had been a flame that burned bright, but now it was reduced to smoldering embers, threatening to extinguish completely.I couldn't shake off the feeling of desperation that gripped me. Elodie's words still lingered in my mind: "You look tired." A simple phrase, yet it cut deep. I felt exhausted, drained by the weight of our unspoken words, unresolved issues, and the darkness within me.As I dried off and crawled into bed, Elodie's presence taunted me. Her proximity was a double-edged sword. I yearned for her touch, yet k