Chapter 2
1168 Words
"Absolutely. Everything is about to change. Many wolves find their mates during the Crescent Nightingale, so maybe it'll be your turn soon." Noel's words made her eyes widen—no way! She had no desire for a mate, not at all! The thought made her scrunch her nose, and Noel laughed softly.
"I'm just joking," he said with a grin. "Come on, let's head inside."
She looked at the house. She hadn't been excited about the party earlier, but Noel's comment dampened her spirits. Mates... she'd rather stay in the car, but knowing Noe, he'd drag her inside if necessary. With a deep breath, she stepped out of the vehicle and moved toward the house.
The girls' eyes lingered on Noel adoringly before they turned to Iris with visible disgust—all because of her eyes. She tried not to let it bother her, but it stung every time. She kept her chin high and silently repeated: Iris no weakness or fear. The front door was wide open, and loud music blasted from inside. The smell of barbecue drifting through the air made her stomach growl in anticipation.
Noel procured them drinks—precisely what Iris needed to endure the evening. While heading towards the back of the house, following an enticing aroma, they encountered some of Noel's acquaintances. Impatient, Iris informed Noel she would wait for him in the backyard and proceeded directly to the food. Just as she was about to begin eating, someone tapped her shoulder.
"Oh, Iris, lovely to see you!" Iris rolled her eyes—typical luck; it was the irritating twin. She turned, arms crossed. Leonard stared at her chest before finally meeting her gaze.
"Leonard, what do you want?" she asked curtly.
"Whoa, why the hostility?" he asked, surprised. A part of Iris wanted to kick him where it hurt. "Really? Need a reminder?" she retorted with a smirk.
"Come on, Iris, I'm sorry! I was intoxicated, and you're attractive. I'm only human," he pleaded. Iris used her sternest voice. "Yes, and that's the problem. Being human is no excuse!"
Leonard looked sheepish, avoiding eye contact, and mumbled an apology before departing, his head downcast. And people think I'm strange? Iris mused. He clearly prioritized preserving his pride.
The food was delicious, and Iris found herself humming with satisfaction. Suddenly, she sensed someone observing her. She glanced around, but no one seemed focused on her. Okay, maybe I'm being paranoid, she thought, though the unsettling feeling persisted until she spotted Noel approaching with his own plate. His bright smile eased her unease somewhat.
"Stuffing your face, I see," he remarked.
"You know it," she replied with a smirk, and they laughed. Surprisingly, the party wasn't as dreadful as anticipated. Perhaps the alcohol had helped her relax. She engaged in conversations without feeling the urge to be curt, and, to her surprise, no one made comments about her eyes or treated her rudely.
"I never thought I'd see the day," Noel said, giving her a knowing look.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"The day Iris isn't just glaring at strangers," he said with a wink.
"I don't just glare at people!" she protested.
"Yes, you do—most of the time, anyway," he countered, and they both laughed, further easing the tension. After a few more drinks, Iris felt tipsy and realized she needed to use the restroom. As she searched, that unsettling feeling of being watched returned.
She scanned the room, unable to identify the source of her unease. All the downstairs restrooms were occupied, judging by the sounds emanating from within, so she headed upstairs, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Exiting the restroom, she noticed a man leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
He turned to look at her, and she felt rooted to the spot. Their eyes met, a tingling sensation traveling up her spine, raising goosebumps.
Heat flushed her body, causing a sharp ache in her chest. Her face turned crimson at the sound of loud moans from the adjacent room, and he smirked. His gaze slowly swept over her body, causing her to swallow hard.
When Iris's gaze meets his again, he speaks, and his deep, seductive voice makes her body shiver. "This room is empty, and I need some relief. What do you say, Little One?"
"What?" she stammers as he smirks and strides toward her. He's tall—well over six feet—with a broad chest and muscles clearly defined beneath his tight black shirt. His dark hair is striking, and he is undeniably handsome—no, he's magnetic, a force of nature.
Her body tenses as he approaches, her n*****s tightening and her panties growing damp. She curses herself for not wearing a bra as he glances down at her chest with a smile.
He stops just an arm's length away, his piercing gray eyes locked onto hers. Part of her wants to look away, but she can't. This man exudes confidence and power—an alpha, no doubt.
"I could use a good time—I wonder if your boyfriend would mind?" he says bluntly. Iris gasps, stunned by his audacity, and takes two steps back. He chuckles softly.
"I don't have a boyfriend." Wait, did she just say that? Why didn't she tell him to go to hell instead? Instead, her tongue betrayed her, inviting conversation. What's wrong with her?
"Is that a yes?" he asks, amused.
"No! It's not a 'yes'! You're disgusting, and if you touch me, I'll rip your throat out!"
That's more like it, Iris thinks to herself. He begins to laugh, his eyes twinkling like stars.
"Oh, Little One, your body is telling me otherwise."
"I'm not a 'Little One,' and everything about you screams 'jerk,'" she retorts.
Suddenly, he grabs her, pressing her against the wall, his hard body pinning her in place. The contact sends a surge of electricity through her, and she aches for him—completely uninvited.
She should push him away, but instead, she finds herself wanting to get closer—much closer. Their eyes lock, and he leans in, his hot breath brushing against her neck and ear, making her shiver—not from fear, but desire. Her head spins as she closes her eyes.
What is happening to her?
He whispers, "I can scent your desire, Little One."
Her cheeks flush crimson again—if someone turned off the lights, she'd probably glow like a traffic stop sign.
"Iris?" Noel's voice pulls her back to reality. She quickly pushes the man off and glares at him, but he's already glaring at Noel.
"Is everything okay, Iris?" Noel asks, standing his ground.
"I'm fine. Let's go." She grabs Noel's arm and begins to pull him toward the stairs. He looks at her with curiosity before glancing back at the stranger, who calls out, "Little One, this isn't over."
Her wolf purrs at his words, but she refuses to turn around and stays silent.
Her wolf?
Why is she here?
- Writer
