Mesmerised by the Alpha

Chapter 19. The Last Warm Night

The pool party had begun to wind down as dusk rolled in, painting the sky with strokes of pink and lavender. Soft music still drifted through the courtyard, mingling with the scent of chlorine and barbecue smoke, though the laughter had thinned and the water in the pool now lay mostly still, its surface reflecting the twinkle of fairy lights strung between the gazebo and surrounding trees.

I sat with Nora beneath one of the heaters, both of us wrapped in towels, our hair damp and sticking to our necks. The cool evening air made me shiver slightly, though it was more soothing than unpleasant. The warm hum of the lights gave everything a gentle glow.

“Thanks for coming,” I said softly, nudging her shoulder with mine.

Nora smiled at me. “I’m glad I did. Ashton too. I think it’s the first time in months I’ve seen him have fun.”

Theo approached then, his t-shirt still clinging to his damp skin, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips. “We’ll be heading off soon,” he told Nora. “You should start getting your things together.”

She nodded and stood, giving me a small smile before disappearing inside to find her bag.

Theo turned back to me, hands in his pockets. “Thanks for today. You’re a good host. Next time, you’re coming to mine.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Who says there’ll be a next time? I’m a busy girl.”

He chuckled, eyes bright. “And here I thought you were falling in love with me. Couldn’t keep your eyes off me all day…”

I rolled my eyes, mock-offended. “We’re still basically strangers. And love’s a big word, Theo. Not sure I believe in it.”

Something in his expression shifted, the smile softening. “Maybe you just haven’t met the right person yet. And while you might not love me, I’m fairly certain you think I’m hot.”

I tried not to grin, but failed miserably. “I won’t deny that.”

Just then, Nora and Ashton returned. They said their goodbyes, warm and full of gratitude. But as they turned to leave, Ashton suddenly doubled back, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist in an unexpected hug.

“Thank you,” he said clearly, voice small but strong. “Not just for the party… for what you said to Nora at the supermarket.”

My breath caught. He spoke. To me. I glanced up and caught Theo and Nora’s faces—both were just as surprised as I was.

I bent slightly to ruffle Ashton’s hair. “You’re welcome. And hey—pool parties are always open to you.”

Before letting go, he leaned up, whispering against my ear. “And don’t worry about that horrible man from today. He won’t be bothering you anymore.”

I stiffened slightly, the hairs on my neck prickling. But Ashton was already skipping back to Nora and Theo, waving goodbye with both hands.

Jordan came up behind me a moment later. “Fancy coming in for a nightcap? Me, Daryl, and George were just about to.”

I nodded, rubbing my arms as another shiver crept in. “Hot drink sounds perfect.”

We took the back way in, the shortest route to the bar. As we passed through the courtyard, I looked up.

“The stars are beautiful tonight.”

George nodded. “You get skies like this out here—no light pollution. Pure magic.”

That’s when we saw the flowerbed.

Or what was left of it.

The neat rows of bulbs and wildflowers that George and I had spent hours planting just days ago were now flattened and scattered, soil kicked up like someone had stamped through it in rage.

“What the hell…?” I whispered.

“Nick,” George muttered darkly.

Daryl frowned. “You sure?”

“Yeah.” George pointed at a faint but clear bootprint in the soil. “Those are the boots he had on earlier. He stormed off this way after Nate gave him a bollocking.”

Jordan swore under his breath. “I’m bloody glad you’re doing self-defence lessons, Jas. He’s not right in the head.”

Daryl looked thoughtful, then serious. “I’ll talk to Nate in the morning. This place gets isolated in the winter—if he’s dangerous, he can’t stay.”

I nodded. “Please do.”

We slipped inside, warmth curling around us instantly. Dana waved from the bar, still drying off from the earlier chaos. We grabbed mugs—tea for me, whisky for the lads—and made our way to the games room.

It was stunning. Stella’s redesign was a success—plush rugs, exposed brick, retro game machines, a wall-sized TV, and a roaring fireplace that Daryl quickly coaxed to life. I melted into one of the leather sofas, watching the firelight dance along the walls as George and Jordan bickered over which game to play.

It felt… homey. Familiar.

Eventually, I stood. “Right, I’m heading up. Thank you, all of you. Today was… amazing.”

A little pang tugged at my chest as I looked around at them—George sprawled with a controller in hand, Daryl nursing the last of his drink, Jordan still arguing over which game they should play next. I’d grown used to having them around, to the quiet sense of safety they brought. The thought of them all leaving before winter set in made my heart dip.

“I’ll be sad when you all go,” I admitted quietly.

They each gave me warm smiles. George sat forward, his expression softening. “Remember, I’m just a phone call away. I don’t live far. And as old and creepy as this place can be, it’s a good place to be.”

I smiled. “I’ll hold you to that.”

I padded quietly down the hallway, humming to myself—until I ran straight into Stella.

She was in tiny shorts and a loose shirt, perfectly tousled, makeup still flawless.

“Oh,” she said sweetly. “Enjoying having all the boys at your beck and call?”

I smirked. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Stella. And at least I wear more than a thong to gain attention.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You think you're clever? You’re new, Jasmine. New means exciting. But it fades. And me?” She stepped in close. “I always get what I want.”

I held her stare. “Well then, must be hard knowing you couldn’t get Theo today.”

She spun and flounced off, huffing down the corridor. I didn’t look back.

My room was a haven of calm. I showered quickly, the hot water helping to melt away the tension in my shoulders. Wrapped in soft pyjamas, I wandered to the window to draw the curtains.

And there it was.

The wolf.

Perched near the tree line again, lit by moonlight, its eyes fixed on mine.

I hesitated, lifted my hand.

It raised a paw in response.

My breath caught. Was I losing it?

I didn’t know. But sleep came easily after that.

The next morning hit me like a bag of bricks. My head throbbed dully and my stomach twisted in hunger.

I groaned, yanking on a vest and some lounge pants before making a beeline for the bar. The scent of bacon wafted down the hallway, making my stomach growl loudly.

The place was lively, chatter bouncing off the walls. I grabbed an orange juice and a coffee, sliding into a seat beside Daryl, who looked equally rough.

“You look like hell,” I said.

He grinned. “I feel like it too. You alright?”

“Bit of a hangover, but nothing a bacon sarnie won’t fix.”

I glanced around. “Why’s everyone up so early?”

Jordan appeared behind me, overhearing the question. “You haven’t heard?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Heard what?”

He lowered his voice. “Nick’s gone.”

I blinked. “What do you mean, gone?”

“He left last night. Apparently left Nate a note that said he quit and was done working here.”

Relief washed through me, loosening a knot I hadn’t even realised I’d been carrying. “Good. The idea of being stuck in here with him all winter was awful.”

“Yeah,” Jordan agreed. “But get this—his clothes are gone, room cleared out. Only thing still here?”

“What?”

“His motorcycle. Still parked in the garage.”

We all fell quiet for a moment, glancing at each other.

Something didn’t feel right.

And as the scent of bacon finally reached me, one thought pressed in harder than the rest.

What the hell happened to Nick?