Valencia!

Three

“What was going on with the Alpha’s son earlier? Are you two close?” Ty focused his eyes on the road ahead as they drove. Valen shook her head, still trying to process what had happened herself. “Not really,” she said, shrugging. “I mean, he’d come over sometimes, but only to hang out with my brother. I haven’t really interacted with him personally before.” She paused, her brow furrowing as she recalled how Maximus had inserted himself into their photos earlier, and how strange it felt when Terra had shown up.

Ty seemed to sense her confusion but didn’t press further. “Hurry up,” he teased as they pulled into her driveway. “What should I grab?” Valen glanced at him, waiting for a reply with her hand on the car door. “Just some shorts and a tee. Oh, and a swimsuit!” He shouted out the window as she jogged inside to grab her things.

She quickly packed a small overnight bag, tossing in her cutest bikini, the dress she’d worn to graduation, and some pajamas just in case she decided to spend the night. When she returned, she quickly jumped back into Ty’s black Camero, and they headed off to his house.

“Hey, Valen, congratulations!” Ty’s mom, Sydney, greeted her as they walked in the front door. “I hear you got into the same university as your mom!” “I did!” Valen replied, her excitement shining through. Sydney grinned. “Well, good for you! All that studying paid off, then,” she said, pulling Valen into a quick hug.

“If only somebody else I know had tried a little harder, they could be going with you,” she added with a teasing smile. Ty scoffed. “I’ve always wanted to be a pack guard, like Dad was,” he replied flatly. “You know this, Mom.” Sydney sighed, walking back over to the counter. “Yeah, I guess I was hoping you’d change your mind is all.” She picked up a bowl and smiled at Valen. “I’m making jello shots. Want to help?”

Valen’s eyes lit up. “I’ve never made jello shots before,” she said, intrigued. “Well, I’ll teach you everything you need to know honey,” Sydney teased, and Valen couldn’t help but smile at her. Underage drinking wasn’t a huge issue on pack territory, given wolves’ high alcohol tolerance.

They spent the next few hours getting everything ready for the party. Setting up glow-in-the-dark decorations and arranging the food on the tables outside by the pool. Ty had a beautiful house, the result of compensation his mother received after his father died protecting the pack lands. Ty still struggled with the loss, but his mom had always done her best to provide for him.

As the doorbell rang, Valen went to greet the first wave of guests, feeling at home in Ty’s house, even if she wasn’t exactly the most social person there. Ty’s football buddies were the first to arrive. “Hey guys, Ty’s in the back, watch your step. It’s dark inside,” Valen called out as they filed through the door.

“You look good tonight, Valen,” Ty’s friend Brian commented with a sly grin as he passed. “Thanks,” her cheeks flushing slightly as he walked away. The music in the background added to the party atmosphere, but Valen found herself stuck at the door, greeting more and more guests as they arrived.

When Melissa Adams showed up, she made sure to get in her jab, commenting loudly on how tacky Valen’s outfit was. Her little gang of she-wolves laughed, but Valen had long since learned to ignore their comments. Ty was popular, and Valen wasn’t even sure why they’d become friends in the first place. Maybe it was because he never treated her like she was different.

“Valen?” Ty’s mom called from across the room, and Valen turned to see Sydney walking toward her. “Yes, Mrs. S?” Valen gave her a weary smile. “Ty sent me to find you, but it looks like you were deep in thought. Anything I can help with?” Sydney asked, her expression soft.

Valen shook her head, her smile sincere. “I’m just really grateful that Ty’s my friend,” she said, and Sydney gave her a little side hug. “Well, I’m grateful he has you, too,” Sydney replied, making Valen’s heart swell. “Now, go before Ty leaves the party to come find you.”

Valen laughed and walked toward the back of the house, the music growing louder as she moved through the crowd. The further back she went, the more she noticed how many people were already in random corners, kissing and laughing in the dimly lit house. “There you are!” Ty’s voice rang out, and he wrapped his arms around her torso from behind.

“Are you drunk already?” Valen teased, looking over her shoulder. Ty spun her around so they were face-to-face, leaning his face close to her ear. “Not yet, but I’m trying to be,” he said, chuckling. “Melissa won’t leave me alone.” His breath tickled her ear, and she shivered. Ty laughed.

“Come drink with me, Valen!” he pouted, and she couldn’t help but chuckle at his exaggerated expression. “How about I just watch and make sure you don’t overdo it?” she offered. “It’s your party, after all.” Ty pulled back, his expression turning more serious. “Please, Valen. I want this to feel like both our graduation parties. Come have fun with me.”

Valen smiled, unable to resist. “Alright, you convinced me. Let’s go have fun.” Ty’s face broke into a wide grin, and they made their way to the party, ready to make the most of their special night together.

They slipped out onto the patio where the pool shimmered under strings of fairy lights and the soft glow of the moon. Music pulsed from hidden speakers, and the scent of grilled food mixed with chlorine and the faint, earthy musk of wolves. Ty handed her a plastic cup filled with a glowing pink drink. “It’s one of my mom’s weird mixes. She says it sneaks up on you.”

Valen took a sip and immediately coughed. “What the hell is in this?” “Magic,” Ty said with a wink, already downing his own cup. As the night deepened, more guests arrived, laughter echoing off the walls. Someone cranked the volume up, and a few bold souls jumped into the pool fully clothed.

Valen leaned against the deck railing, watching it all with a contented smile. It felt good to let go. No pressure, no responsibilities . . . just the night and the company. “Hey.” Ty appeared at her side again, this time holding two jello shots. “You’ve got to at least try one. It’s tradition now.”

She laughed and took one, tilting it back. “Not bad. I think I’m starting to like your mom’s traditions.” Ty looked at her for a beat too long, his smile slowly softening. “I’m really glad you came tonight.” Valen nodded, her eyes drifting away briefly. “Me too. It’s weird though, I keep thinking about earlier. Maximus, Terra . . .”

Ty’s smile dropped just a little. “Yeah. That was strange.” Valen took a breath, then looked back at him. “Do you think he knew something? Or was he just being a jerk?” Ty shrugged. “Honestly? Probably just being a jerk. He’s got that whole heir-to-the-pack attitude. Or maybe he saw something he didn’t like.”

“Like what?” “You. With me.” Ty’s voice was quiet, almost lost in the music. Valen stared at him, unsure of how to respond. Before she could say anything, someone shouted for Ty from across the patio. “You’re up next! Shot-for-shot with Logan!” Ty groaned but turned to her with a crooked grin. “Duty calls. You staying out here?”

She hesitated. “Yeah, for a bit. Go be the life of the party.” With a playful salute, Ty jogged off, leaving her alone again beneath the fairy lights. Valen let out a slow breath. Her heart was light, but her thoughts were still tangled. The way Maximus looked at her, the possessiveness in his gaze, it wasn’t just about the pictures . . . was it? And the way she had felt when Terra arrived . . . it wasn’t jealousy, what reason did she have to be jealous?

She wrapped her arms around herself and glanced back toward the house. For now, she pushed it all aside. Tonight was about celebration, about friendship, about letting herself be a teenager just a little longer before the weight of the world fell on her college bound shoulders. She smiled, turned on her heel, and stepped back into the music.