~Asher~
I stormed back into the party, my mind filled with the revelation. Mate. The word echoed in my head like a curse. I didn't want a mate, especially not Hazel. She was trouble, and I knew it.
I made a beeline for the bar, ordering a whiskey on the rocks. My best friend, Ryder, caught up to me, concern etched on his face.
"Dude, what's going on? You've been MIA for hours, and everyone's been looking for you," he said.
I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. I tossed back the whiskey, feeling the burn all the way down.
Ryder's eyes narrowed. "Man, talk to me. What's wrong?"
But before I could respond, the MC’s voice boomed through the speakers, calling me onstage for the coronation ceremony. I cursed under my breath, knowing I couldn't avoid it.
As I made my way to the st
