I stood on the sidelines in my soft champagne dress, holding a glass of sparkling apple cider with trembling fingers. I couldn’t even drink. My stomach was in knots, and my throat was dry. But I kept raising the glass to my lips to look normal and to seem… composed.
I kept glancing over my shoulder, half–expecting Saint to appear again. What was I even thinking?
The event was hurrying to an end, and a part of me wished the day would not end because, from here, we were meant to have a family dinner… of course, as one big family, according to Mum.
I felt sick.
I pressed my free hand to my stomach and turned slightly to the side, trying to steady myself.
She said she would like to introduce me to my new family, officially, as if I hadn’t already met my
stepbrother, who was now my doom.
Thankfully, Saint’s friend hadn’t approached me yet. Perhaps he hadn’t realized I was the one just
yet… Or…
“Hey, Eve,” Someone squealed behind me, and I nearly dropped my glass. The drink sloshed
dangerously near the rim as I turned, startled.
It was the girl from earlier
–
the bubbly one who’d invited me to some party when we arrived.
“Oh… hi,” I said, forcing a tight smile.
“I am Hazer. Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself when we first met,” she said.
Hazer looked cool. She looked… safe.
And for a second, I hated her for that.
She seemed like someone who could be trusted. Or, maybe, I was just seeing things because I was desperate to know from someone who really knew Saint to tell me how far he could go to punish an offender. In fact, I was tempted a few minutes ago to engage in a conversation with a man who introduced himself as one of the elders of the pack, just to know more about Saint. Can you imagine that?
“You look tense. Already exhausted?” Hazer asked, and I realized then I’d just been standing there
1/3
Chapter 7
like a mannequin. I hadn’t even responded to her name.
“Oh God… I’m sorry, Hazer.” I laughed tightly. “It’s just been a long day. I mean…”
She waved it off, smiling again. “Don’t worry about it. I get it. Big events are a lot.”
Then suddenly, she gasped, dramatically slapping her palm over her mouth like something out of a teen movie. “Oops.”
“What?” I asked, startled.
“He’s watching.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she leaned in like she was about to share a scandalous secret. “Oh my God, Eve… how do I look? Tell me I look good.”
I blinked. “Who’s…?”
She nodded toward the far end of the courtyard.
I followed her gaze.
And cold punched through my stomach.
Saint.
He was standing just a few feet from the champagne fountain, half–shadowed under a tree, hands in his pockets, his face carved from stone. Watching me. Not her.
What the hell?
Someone could actually go crazy for a psycho like that?
“You’re talking about… him?” I asked in a thin voice.
She giggled, like the idea of it was thrilling. “God, yes. That’s Alpha Saint. He’s so cold and
mysterious and powerful… ugh, it’s so hot. I’ve had a crush on him since forever.” She laughed again and touched her earring. “I mean, you can’t blame me, right?”
My stomach twisted.
“Is he your… boyfriend?” I asked, grasping at straws.
2/3
Chapter 7
If he was, maybe… maybe I could use that. Maybe I could talk to her to help beg him not to tell my Mum anything.
Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh, God, no. I wish. He doesn’t date girls like me. Or anyone really. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him even smile. Some people say he’s emotionally dead. Like, not even
kidding.”
“Uhm…” I cleared my throat, “Can I ask you a question about… uhm… Saint?” I forced myself to say, and the elation in Hazer’s eyes told me she was totally obsessed with that monster.
“Of course, you can!” She squealed.
“How…” I was about to say when someone cleared their throat beside me, and when I turned to look, I swear, my heart almost gave out.
“Hello, Eve.” The voice said ever so calmly, and I immediately forgot how to breathe.
It was Beta Kyrie. Alpha Saint’s best friend.
Oh, my God. Just when I thought he couldn’t recognize me.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
Write Comments
SHARE
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
