Chapter 0049

My stomach churns violently as we approach the club entrance. It's like a hive of angry wasps has taken up residence in my gut.

The moment we step inside, the entire room falls silent. Every head turns toward my father and me. Heat floods my cheeks, and I'm about to bolt when I notice something remarkable.

Every warrior in the room bows their head simultaneously in respect to my father. I'd almost forgotten how rarely the pack sees him. Without me living with him and Alpha Alistair's weekly visits, people would think he's a complete recluse.

Luna Seraphina glides toward us with Alpha Alistair trailing behind. She takes both my hands in hers, her eyes sparkling as she admires my appearance. Meanwhile, Alistair shakes my father's hand and offers him a drink before leading him toward the group of starstruck warriors.

"You look absolutely stunning," Luna Seraphina murmurs, her gaze lingering on my jewelry. I instinctively touch the pendant at my throat.

"Did you have this specially made?" she asks warmly.

"No, Luna. It was a gift."

"What a thoughtful present. Come, my son is eager to meet you properly."

I force a smile. What choice do I have? It's his birthday celebration, and she personally invited me. Glancing across the room, I see Adrian welcoming my father while his eyes remain locked on me.

Reluctantly, I follow Luna Seraphina toward where Adrian stands with Alpha Alistair and my father. The warriors are already swarming my dad, especially those from his generation. He's practically a living legend - any worthy fighter knows his reputation and seizes this rare chance to speak with him.

My attention snaps back when Luna Seraphina stops us before Adrian. "Adrian, this is Evelyn Sinclair, daughter of Grant and Ivy Sinclair." She turns to me. "Evelyn, meet my son Adrian."

I can't resist the jab. "Thank you, Luna, but we've actually met before."

Her brow furrows as she looks between us. "Oh? Adrian told me he'd never met you. How embarrassing - seems I'm late to the party."

Guilt stabs me. I only meant to make Adrian uncomfortable, not upset his mother.

"It was just a brief exchange at school," I quickly explain. "Nothing worth mentioning."

Her fingers trail up my chest. "What's wrong? I'm your date, remember?"

I stare at her like she's lost her mind. "Excuse me?" Donovan chimes in, "Yeah Bianca, what exactly are you talking about?"

She gives me that look people reserve for the mentally deficient. "Yesterday at school. I suggested we go together to your party today."

My eyebrows knit together. "When did this happen? And did I actually agree?"

"We were talking yesterday morning," she insists. "When I asked, you said 'Sure.'" That supposedly seductive smile reappears. "So here I am. And look - we even match."

I'm about to explode when Donovan intervenes. "The Alpha can't have people thinking he's bringing a date tonight - not when he might meet his mate now that he's eighteen. But you're welcome to ride with us if you need transportation."

I shoot him a look, but he just shrugs. She squeals and bounces excitedly, and I'll admit I watched with morbid fascination, waiting to see if her breasts would escape that ridiculously tight dress. Miraculously, they stayed put.

We head to one of the waiting limos. Donovan opens the door for Bianca and whispers as I climb in, "We should start a betting pool on whether those things pop out tonight."

"All yours, man. I've got other plans."

"No problem," he says, clapping my shoulder. "Always happy to be your wingman."

When we arrive at the club my mother rented, Bianca wedges herself between Donovan and me, linking arms with both of us. The second we're inside, I disentangle myself and make a beeline for the bar.

Thank the moon Evelyn hasn't arrived yet to witness this disaster.