The Cursed Awakening book 1

Chapter 4 Bowling wishes and Buffalo wing dreams

Flashback Coral age 16

Coral POV

The Adventure Sports Zone was alive with energy, the perfect escape for a Saturday night. Bowling balls thundered down the lanes, neon lights danced on the polished floors, and the scent of buffalo wings and pizza hung heavy in the air.

I stood at Lane 14 with my friends, laughing and chatting as we enjoyed the night. Sahara, my best friend, was lining up her shot. Her vibrant green curls bounced as she shifted her weight, trying to find the perfect angle.

"Come on, Sahara, you’ve got this!" I teased. "Don’t let that ball veer into the gutter again."

"Watch and learn, Coral," she retorted, flicking her wrist dramatically before letting the ball roll.

It wobbled down the lane, teetering dangerously close to the edge, but miraculously hit a few pins. Sahara turned to us with a triumphant grin.

"See? I told you!"

"That was pure luck, and you know it," Kris teased, pulling her into his arms as she laughed. Sahara’s boyfriend, a special fae who could control fire, water, and earth, was as competitive as she was.

"Whatever, Kris. You’re just mad you haven’t beaten my score yet," she shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.

I shook my head, amused by their antics. Grabbing my bowling ball, I walked to the lane for my turn.

The ball felt heavy in my hands as I positioned myself, trying to focus on my aim. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Eli watching me, his grin as smug as ever.

"Don’t mess it up, babe," he called out, his tone teasing.

"You’re supposed to be encouraging me!" I shot back, laughing.

I let the ball roll, and it veered slightly to the left, knocking down seven pins.

"Not bad!" Sahara said, clapping.

"I’ll take it," I replied, grinning as I turned back to our group.

Eli was waiting for me, holding out his hand. I took it, and he pulled me onto his lap as I sat down, my back leaning against his chest. His arms wrapped around my waist, and I felt the warmth of his breath against my neck.

"You’re lucky you’re cute," he whispered, kissing my cheek lightly.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. Sahara plopped down beside us, shaking her head.

"You two are disgusting," she said, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement.

Before I could respond, the sound of the front doors opening drew my attention. The energy in the room shifted, and I instinctively glanced over.

Jason.

The Future Alpha strode in like he owned the place, his presence commanding the room without effort. At 18, he was already an intimidating figure. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating raw power. He was flanked by my brother Reid, Collin, and a gaggle of giggling shifter girls who practically tripped over themselves to stay close to him.

As Jason’s dark eyes scanned the room, they landed on me. His gaze sharpened immediately, and I stiffened under its weight.

He walked toward us with long, purposeful strides, the crowd parting for him like he was royalty well, which, technically, he was.

The moment he reached our group, his voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

"Get your f*****g hands off her," Jason growled, his eyes locked on Eli.

The entire group froze, the tension in the air palpable.

Eli tensed beneath me, his arms still around my waist as he stared up at Jason. "Excuse me?"

Jason’s jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms. "You heard me, mutt. Let her go."

Eli’s grip on me loosened, and I quickly slid off his lap, stepping between the two boys before things could escalate.

"Jason, what the hell is your problem?" I demanded, glaring at him.

He ignored me, his eyes still fixed on Eli. "She’s like my little sister, and I think she’s too young to be dating someone like you."

Eli stood, his posture defensive. "With all due respect, Future Alpha, Coral’s my girlfriend. Maybe you should worry about your own relationships instead of hers."

Jason let out a low, dangerous growl. "You’ve got a lot of nerve talking to me like that, mutt."

"Stop calling him that!" I snapped, stepping closer to Jason. "You don’t get to dictate who I date!"

Jason finally looked at me, his expression softening for a brief moment before hardening again. "I’m looking out for you, Coral. You deserve better."

"I can decide what I deserve for myself," I shot back, my voice trembling with anger.

Reid finally stepped in, placing a hand on Jason’s shoulder. "Alright, calm down, Jason. Let’s not turn this into a scene."

Jason’s chest heaved as he took a step back, though the tension in his body didn’t fade. He cast one last glare at Eli before turning and walking away, his entourage trailing behind him.

I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest. Eli placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, but my mind was spinning. Jason’s reaction wasn’t just about being overprotective, no it felt deeper than that, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between us.