The Masked Wolf

alcohol

Ava's point of view

Gloria took me on a thrilling adventure to a lively restaurant where we relished the experience of dining al fresco. It was a delight to spend time with her, sharing laughter and creating memories.

Despite being a few years younger than me, we hadn't crossed paths during our school days. Yet, it felt as though our connection spanned a lifetime.

"Alright, finish up your salmon," Gloria instructed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Remember, once we reach the bar, we'll keep our masks on and avoid acknowledging any of our coworkers. They won't recognize us."

"Sure, I'm savoring every bite. This food is truly amazing," I declared, thoroughly enjoying my meal.

"You say that about everything in the neutral pack lands," Gloria teased, giggling.

"Well, it's true for me. I've never ventured beyond our pack, and here, it doesn't matter that I'm an omega or burdened with a pack debt. I feel liberated. All thanks to you," I said, smiling gratefully at her.

"You've always been there for me, even without me asking for help. I'm glad I could bring you peace. Now, finish up," Gloria demanded with a playful smile.

"Okay, okay. I'm done," I giggled.

"Lunch is on me. I've always wanted to try this place," Gloria insisted, leaving no room for argument.

Gloria left the cash with the waiter, generously telling him to keep the change. We made our way to her car, preparing to don our masks.

"Alright, I'll wear the mask with silver rhinestones since it matches my skirt, and you'll wear the one with black rhinestones. We'll park on the side and avoid going into the back rooms with anyone," Gloria informed me.

"Got it. I'm so excited! I've never done anything like this before!" I squealed with anticipation.

Gloria parked discreetly at the side of the building, and we both put on our masks. She insisted we wear lip gloss since our eyes would be covered.

Casually, we strolled towards the grand golden doors, where a security guard whistled in admiration before granting us entry. The bar, adorned in gold and black, seemed even more elegant than when I worked the other night. Gloria guided me to an unoccupied table in the center of the room.

"And what can I get you lovely ladies to drink?" asked Stephana, our server. As I was about to greet him, Gloria nudged me, reminding me of our incognito mission. Her gentle nudge brought me back to reality.

"We'll have two s*x on the beach drinks, please," Gloria ordered nonchalantly, saving me from my ignorance since I had never drank before. She handed the server some cash.

"I need to be careful; I've never shifted before, nor have I ever consumed alcohol, so it'll affect me much faster than you," I confided in Gloria just as the waiter arrived with our drinks.

"You've never shifted?" Gloria gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

"No, I've always been hesitant to try. I've heard it can be quite painful," I admitted, my expression turning solemn.

"True, but you'll never find your mate unless you shift," Gloria responded, taking a sip.

Sage my Wolf would have definitely agreed with Gloria on this one. My Wolf was always bugging me to shift.

"Well, I don't really have time for a mate at the moment. I need to focus on paying off my debt to the pack before considering anything else," I sighed, feeling the weight of my responsibilities.

"Let's enjoy our drinks and then hit the dance floor, no more talking about your debt tonight" Gloria suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

After finishing our drinks, we danced together, attracting the attention of two men who joined us. The man dancing with Gloria wore a blue and white mask, while the one dancing with me had a plain white mask. We danced to a few songs before returning to our table.

I couldn't help but notice a remarkably attractive man sitting at the end of the bar, stealing glances in my direction. His plain black mask covered his eyes, which were a captivating shade of brown that I found myself getting lost in. From his well-built physique beneath his black button-up shirt and blue jeans, I could tell he took care of his appearance.

"You should go talk to him," Gloria nudged me, her voice filled with encouragement

. I didn't realize I had been staring at the man so noticeably.

"Like that guy would even be interested in me!" I rolled my eyes, doubting Gloria's words. It seemed unlikely that any man would ever be interested in me.

"Um, he's been staring at you since we got here. Trust me, he's definitely interested," Gloria insisted, nudging me even harder.

Just as the server brought over two shots that I didn't even realize Gloria had ordered, I took one and winced at its strength.

"Fine. When he rejects me, this will be your 'I told you so'," I declared with newfound bravery, fueled by the alcohol coursing through my veins.

I made my way over to the bar, feeling the man's gaze never leave me as I approached. Nervously, I asked, "Is it okay if I sit here?"

"It's more than okay. I usually sit alone. But today, I would be absolutely delighted to have some beautiful company," the man behind the plain black mask replied, his words flowing with irresistible charm. I found myself drawn to his velvety voice, captivated by every syllable he uttered.

His husky voice instantly drew me in, intensifying the attraction I felt towards him. "So, what are you drinking?" he inquired, his voice oozing with sultriness.

"Well, this is my first time drinking, so I should probably go easy," I confessed, blushing slightly as I glanced back at Gloria, who was engrossed in conversation with a man in a blue mask, winking at me mischievously.

"Yes, I suppose you should take it slow," the man in the black mask chuckled.

We sat there, completely wrapped up in conversation, discussing everything under the sun except our personal lives.

As we talked, I discovered that he hailed from a lineage of alphas, possibly a fierce warrior from a powerful pack. His muscular build hinted at his strength and resilience.

Despite my status as an omega, he didn't seem to mind in the slightest. In fact, he showered me with compliments on my outfit and even went as far as ordering a refreshing white wine spritzer with ice, advising me to nurse it. Time seemed to slip away in an instant, and before I knew it, Gloria gently tapped me on the shoulder, signaling our departure.

"We should start heading out, Sally. We both have work in the morning, and it's nearly 1 am," Gloria informed me, her choice to avoid using my name reflecting our need for anonymity

. Given that the man was a stranger, she was rightfully being cautious in her approach.

"Before we go, Sally, would it be too forward of me to ask for your phone number?" the mysterious man in the black mask inquired, his voice dripping with charm and curiosity.

"Um, well, I just got this phone today, so I'm not quite sure what my number is yet," I giggled, confessing my unfamiliarity with the shiny new device in my hand. The effects of the alcohol were definitely making themselves known, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the moment.

"Perhaps I could help you out by entering my number into your phone," he proposed, his charming voice taking on a more serious and attentive tone.

I couldn't help but be drawn in by his magnetic presence. Handing him my phone, I eagerly awaited its return. When he handed it back, I couldn't help but blush as I saw that he had saved his name as Tom, a delightful surprise that made my heart skip a beat.

"It was nice meeting you, Tom," I said, reluctantly allowing Gloria to pull me away.

"Nice to meet you too, Sally. Text me and let me know you got home safe," he said, flashing me an attractive smile that lingered in my mind as I departed.

After we stepped outside, my excitement bubbled over, causing me to jump up and down on the way to Gloria's car. Her laughter filled the air, adding to my giddy state.

"Are you okay to drive?" I asked as we settled into the car.

"Yes, I've shifted into my wolf form and only had a few drinks, so the alcohol isn't in my system anymore, silly. Unlike you," Gloria replied, giggling.

"Well, I'm definitely feeling it," I confessed, acknowledging the effects of the drinks.

"Yeah, but you didn't have enough to have a hangover. So, how was it talking to your new friend?" Gloria inquired, hinting at my conversation with Tom.

"He was so nice and handsome. It was amazing," I gushed, giggling like a high school girl. "How was it talking to your new friend?"

"I gave him a fake number. He tried to take me to the playroom, but I'm not that kind of girl," Gloria revealed, her voice filled with determination.

When we got to the pack house we bid each other farewell and I hugged Gloria, expressing my gratitude for the wonderful adventure of the day. She thanked me for allowing her to take me along.

Entering through the back door, I made my way to the servant section of the pack house, preparing my pajamas before taking a shower. As I undressed, a thought crossed my mind - I needed to text Tom.

"I made it home safe," I sent him a quick message.

"Good to hear. I'm pulling into my place right now. It was really nice meeting you tonight," Tom responded. My heart fluttered at his words.

"I'm glad I met you too. I need to take a shower and get to bed. Goodnight," I replied, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment.

"Goodnight, beautiful," Tom texted back, leaving me with a lingering smile as I prepared for a peaceful night's sleep.