CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Talia’s POV
Fangvale was perched high on a mountain that is right at the edge of the Silverfang territory. Its sleek towers shimmered in the sunlight, and it stuck out amongst the rugged forest. The structure looked more like a luxury resort than a traditional packhouse. The moment Della and I crossed the checkpoint, I felt a strange mix of freedom and excitement as my heart beat faster.
Della threw her arms wide as we cleared the checkpoint and spun once.
“We have to have fun today,” Della declared, loud enough for two nearby Betas to turn and look at her.
I smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
“I mean it. No pouting, no politics, and absolutely no brooding. You get one drink, then we scout the dance floor.”
“I will try,” I said.
“Not try. You’re doing this today. You’re getting at least one phone number before the day is over.” She linked her arm with mine and tugged me forward.
Della wore a black two-piece with a wrap that made her legs look impossibly long. She carried herself like a Beta who knew her value.
As we stepped through the front entrance, the sound of pulsing music and splashing water thundered through the open courtyard. The pool party was already in full swing. Dozens of wolves were in the water laughing, flirting, and tossing beach balls across the pool. Others lounged on white daybeds under shaded cabanas or danced barefoot on the smooth stone near the water’s edge, drinks in hand and sunglasses perched high.
“You know, you should get in,” Della said, nudging me. “Look at them. Half of these guys are single Betas or Alpha heirs.”
“Yeah, I am really not trying to jump back into a relationship,” I said.
“And why not?”
“I mean they’re not my type.”
Della gave me a look. “Which part? The powerful part, or the half-naked part?”
“The playboy part.”
She groaned and bumped me with her hip. “You have not even spoken to anyone yet. Do not pre-reject what could be a very interesting hour. We are not shopping for mates. We are just looking for a good time.” Della nudged me and pointed toward the end of the pool.”
Della pointed toward the far end of the pool where a group had just climbed out of the pool. Water ran in clean lines down his shoulders and onto the abs of the one with chestnut hair. He caught me looking and smiled in a way that made my heart flutter.
My wolf hummed, amused by my sudden attention. ‘He’s handsome.’
“See,” Della said under her breath, pleased, “not every male is a jerk. You should go over there and talk to him.”
“Playboys do not interest me,” I said, turning to look at Della.
“You say that, but you’re blushing,” Della teased.
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CHARTER EVENTY ONE
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I laughed and pushed her gently. “Go dance.”
“When you die single, don’t blame me,” Della warned with a smirk. Then, she disappeared into the growing crowd by the DJ booth.
Left alone, I made my way to the refreshment table and grabbed a drink. I glanced toward the horizon while swirling the ice. The sun warmed my skin, and for the first time in ages, I relaxed and let myself just exist.
Then I heard a voice that immediately made me tense back up.
“Well, well, look who’s here.”
I didn’t even have to turn around. That smug tone belonged to only one person: Viki. 61
Why couldn’t I escape this woman?
‘I told you we should never have been lenient with her,’ my wolf growled.
I turned slowly, the ice in my drink clinking as I swirled it. Viki stood a few feet away in typical attire that made her look cheap: heavy makeup caked on, and a tight emerald dress stretched over her small belly. She looked me up and down with contempt.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, forcing my tone to remain neutral. “Shouldn’t you be at home in your condition?”
“Jason’s networking,” she replied, flipping her hair. “He brought me here to support him like a proper Luna.”
“How cute.” I turned away, uninterested in whatever drama she was trying to start. This was supposed to be a happy day for me. I didn’t want to spend another second with her.
But Viki stepped into my path. “Don’t act so smug,” Viki snapped. “You think just because Solon’s protecting you, you’re safe? That won’t last. Once he dumps you, you’ll be nothing but a worn-out rogue with nowhere to run. Then, I’ll make sure you disappear.”
My wolf bristled at the threat even though I knew there was nothing she could really do to me now that I was no longer part of Shadowclaw. Viki liked the sound of her own threats. She rarely thought about the consequences of her actions.
I laughed. “You already tried that. It didn’t work, but by all means keep on trying. You’ll end up in jail where you belong.”
Viki narrowed her eyes. “I am Jason’s fiancée. I’m the future Luna, not you.”
“Okay? And? Do you want a prize?” I taunted. “Enjoy your title and get out of my way.”
Viki leaned closer and dropped her voice. “Fate might have tied him to you once, but I am the one carrying his heir. I am the one he chose. He chose me.”
My hand tightened on the glass, and I set it on the table instead of shattering it in my fingers, “You are mistaken about several things,” I said. “First, I rejected him. Second is that I don’t care to compete for trash I already put out.”
I could feel my wolf pacing within me. I needed to get away from Viki before my wolf took control. This was not the time or the place for this. I turned again because the simple act of walking away would bruise Viki’s ego more efficiently than continuing to argue with her.
Her fingers snapped around my wrist. “I’m not done talking to you,” Viki growled.
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I looked at her hand around my wrist before I met her gaze, “You want to play this game?” I asked, my voice low.” At a neutral gathering with dozens of witnesses everywhere?”
“You wouldn’t dare cause a scene,” Viki sald with a smirk, attempting to call my bluff as if she had forced me into
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I raised my free hand and slapped her. The sound cracked over the music like an extra beat that did not belong. Heads turned. Viki staggered back and clapped a hand to her cheek with manufactured shock that failed to disguise the fury under it.
“You bitch! You hit me!” Viki screamed, her eyes wide in shock, “You actually hit mel”
“You were overdue for that slap. Have you learned your lesson, or do I need to slap you again?” I growled.
Several wolves backed up and gave us space. All eyes were on us with interest. Fangvale security hadn’t moved to intervene yet.
“Talia, what are you doing?!”
Jason’s voice roared behind me. The weight of his aura slammed into the space like a thunderclap, Wolves stopped out of Jason’s way, giving him a clear path to me.
He stormed across the stone patio. His face twisted with fury. Before I could react, he grabbed me by the shoulders, his fingers digging in. “You assaulted her? What the hell is wrong with you?”
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