Ivy’s POV
It’s nearing 2am and I finished my solo set about an hour ago, and Alpha Nate’s eyes never left the stage. I’d glance up at him every now and again, and he was still watching me intently.
Did I make that good of an impression?
I thought it was the most odd, short conversation of my life, but I was really flattered to have him look into hiring me for the mating ball. It would be a nerve-wracking performance but I’m totally for it.
“Earth to Ivy!” I turn my head and catch eyes with Genevieve.
I shrug. “Sorry, what’s up?”
“Kane is here to take us home. You good?” I think for a moment, and wonder if Nate is still upstairs. It’s weird but I feel drawn to him, I need to see him before I leave. My mouth is ahead of my mind as I blurt out a huge lie. “Just a couple minutes, I think I forgot something upstairs earlier. You go and wait out front. I’ll be out soon. Promise.” Evie nods at me and says a quick goodbye to Kai, who turns and pulls my hand out and places money in my palm. I know damn well I didn’t leave anything upstairs, but I can’t explain it.
“You were stellar tonight. Hopefully, you can come back sooner this time.”
“Here’s hoping.” I smile and give him a quick hug and head towards the stairs, tucking my money into my pocket. My heart starts pounding again in anticipation. I climb up them and take a quick glance in the direction that Tobias and Nate were sitting, and I only see Tobias. I take a calming breath and walk over to him.
“Beta Tobias?” He turns and locks eyes with me again and smiles warmly. “Ivy! What brings you back up here?” He questions and I find myself speechless. I totally made up an excuse to come up here… that wasn’t true. What do I do now? Do I lie again?
You’re crazy….
I clear my throat awkwardly and reply, “I thought I may have left something up here, but it seems I was mistaken. I hope you have a good night, Tobias.”
“You too Ivy. Great set tonight!” I flash a smile and go to turn and walk away, and I walk right into a hard chest. I stumble back a little and struggle to catch my balance. A strong hand grasps my shoulder and steadies me.
“You okay, Ivy?” That deep voice again. Oh god. I just walked right into the Alpha King.
I did say I wanted to see him…
I look up to meet his gaze, nodding slightly. “Yes, sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
The low chuckle I hear rumble from his chest makes my heart flutter.
“I should be asking you that.” He states calmly and I can’t help but chuckle. “Well, all things considering, I’m okay.”
“Good. Are you leaving for the evening?” I nod slightly. “Yes. I came up here thinking I may have forgotten something, but I didn’t. I am so sorry from walking into you like that. Normally I’m not so clumsy.”
He chuckles deeply again. “It’s alright, don’t worry about it. It’s late though, I’ll walk you out to your friends.”
I inhale quickly. “You don’t have to do that, I’m sure you’ve got much better things to do.”
“Better things than to make sure a beautiful girl like you gets to her car safely?” He questions and I feel myself blushing. “You really don’t have to.”
Wait what did he call me?
“You’re stubborn, aren’t you? He asks and I nod sheepishly. “Unfortunately, yes and I’m not ashamed of it. But I will take you up on your offer, Alpha. You’re not wrong. It is late.”
He walks ahead of me towards the back hallway of the upstairs section. He looks back at me, “We can go out here.” He then looks to Tobias. “I’ll meet you back at the car.”
“Understood, Alpha.” Tobias rises and walks past us both waving goodbyes, and I catch a small smirk on his lips as he says bye to Alpha Nate.
“Ready?” I’m brought back to attention, and I nod. “Yes.”
“Follow me then.” I close the distance between us, and we walk side by side, exiting the back doors and making our way down a larger set of stairs at the back of Iron Wolf that look out to the forest near it. The walk is mostly in silence, until I’m abruptly pushed back against the cold, damp brick wall, Nate’s body very obviously close to mine, my hands splayed across his chest in surprise.
I go to speak but he shushes me by putting a finger on my lips. I try my hardest, but in being quiet my mind starts to wander, and I suddenly realize that I still have my hands on his chest, and I gasp slightly and go to rip my hands away. He stops me by grabbing them, and I can’t help but notices how warm his grasp is, how comforting it is… He leans down to my ear and whispers. “Rogues in the forest. I think they’re passing by.”
In hearing that one word, my body freezes immediately, and I know he felt the change in me, but I can’t do anything about it. If Alpha Nate said anything to me, I didn’t hear it. My mind panics and I bite my lip hard to stop from crying out in anguish.
You failed….
I completely drown out. After what feels like ages, I feel warm fingers brush my chin to lift my face up, forcing me to look up and meet those sterling blue eyes and immediately I’m broken out of my frozen state. My breathing steadies, my hearing rushes back in and Alpha Nate’s low voice sounds worried as he looks at me with his concerned face. Eyes narrowed and brow furrowed as he asks me, “Are you okay?”
I nod quickly. “Yes. Yes. I’m okay.”
“Do they scare you?” He asks, still staring at me with a concerned look on his face.
I sigh and nod. “They never used to. I never used to be terrified like this, I used to be stronger…” I trail off, but my attention is brought back to Nate cupping my cheek lightly. My heart stammers in response, heat rising to my cheeks.
“You’re stronger than you know.” He drops his hand and looks behind us. “They’ve passed. Seems they had no interest in coming into the populated area. Should be fine to get to your friends now.”
“Thank you, I didn’t hear them. I’m glad I wasn’t alone.”
If I still had Seles by my side, then I would have.
I swear I see a confused look cross his face, but it’s gone as fast as it came. “It’s not a problem, really. Let’s get you back.” He starts to walk again, and I follow closely by his side, seeing Kane and Genevieve waiting by our car. We approach and both Kane and Genevieve’ eyes go wide as they bow and address him.
“Alpha King.”
“Sorry we took so long, had to make sure it was safe to walk her. You’re Ivy’s friends?” Nate questions and they nod.
“That’s right. I’m Kane and this is Genevieve. Thank you for walking Ivy and making sure she was safe, Alpha King.”
“It’s not a problem, the least I could do. I hope you all have a good evening, and from what I’m told, I’ll see you all in a couple weeks when I visit your pack. Don’t be strangers.”
Alpha Nate then turns to me. “It was a pleasure meeting you, I’ll see you around.” I look up at him and nod. “Likewise. Thanks again. Bye.”
Nate then walks off without another word.
I walk up to the car and get in abruptly, Kane and Genevieve getting in the driver’s and passenger seats. Genevieve turns around in her seat before Kane starts the car. “Is that why you went back upstairs? What happened? You’re all flushed.”
“Just shut up and drive. I’ll tell you later.”
Genevieve chuckles and then the car comes to life as Kane starts the engine and pulls away.
What in the actual fuck?