Alethea
The workday flies by, and I barely have time to finish up the app design. As the clock strikes closing hour, I gather my things and head home.
I sigh in relief when I walk through the door and spot my boy, seated with Selena.
“Mummy!” he squeals, his face lighting up.
“Oh, my world! How are you, champ?” I say, ruffling his hair.
“Mummy, I’m fine. Ma took me to the park today!”
“Wow, you must have had so much fun without me,” I tease, pretending to be hurt.
“Oh no, mummy, don’t be sad,” he says quickly. “Next time, we’ll go together, right?” He looks up at Selena, who nods with a smile.
“How are you, Ally?” she asks.
“I’m fine, ma,” I reply.
I have to stop calling her Selena a while ago, not wanting Declan to pick up on it and ask questions.
I hurried through my bath, the warm water washing away the remnants of the busy day before I made my way into the kitchen.
Selena’s already there, cutting vegetables. I grab the chicken, seasoning it quickly as I try to stay focused.
I want to get dinner ready on time, so I can head out to the club in good time
“How’s the app creation coming along, Ally?” Selena asks, I can tell she’s genuinely curious.
“Fine. It should be ready soon, and the launch is just around the corner,” I reply, as I rub the seasoning into the chicken.
Meanwhile, I know Declan’s probably off playing some game, Selena doesn’t let him near the TV or any gadgets. She’s firm about it, always saying he needs to build his cognitive skills, and that screens would only slow his progress.
Who am I to argue? She’s the doctor, after all, and I trust her judgment.
“Good to hear,” Selena sets the vegetables aside and turns toward me with a small smile.
I try to focus on the task at hand, dinner needs to be perfect
But for now, I just keep chopping and stirring, letting the rhythm of the kitchen settle my mind.
Just as I planned, we finish up dinner, and after tucking Declan into bed, I finally have some time to myself.
I head to my room, eager to get ready. As soon as I step inside, my phone rings. Without checking the caller ID, I know it’s Amelia, probably making sure I haven’t bailed on our plans.
I swipe the phone and press it to my ear. “I hope you’re still in on our plans,” she says, with a bright voice
“Hell yes, just getting dressed now,” I reply, pulling open my closet.
“Good! I’ll come pick you up,” sounding like she’s in motion.
I hang up and slide into a sleek black gown, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. Ever since giving birth to Declan, I’ve felt more comfortable in my skin.
I apply makeup carefully, choosing a smokey eye and a bold red lipstick-just the right touch to match the mood of the night.
As I finish up, I step in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection. A smile tugs at my lips. I look stunning, the woman I’ve always wanted to be, confident and ready to take on the night.
Just as I’m about to step out, I catch a glimpse of Selena emerging from her room. Her eyes widen in shock as she takes in my outfit.
“Ally, you look stunning,” she says, her voice filled with admiration.
“Thanks, ma,” I reply, flashing her a grin. “I’ll be going out with Amelia, but I’ll be back before you know it.”
She nods, her smile softening. “Alright, Ally. Please take care of yourself.”
“I will,” I say, pulling her into a quick hug. “Don’t worry.”
She smooths down my back, urging me, “Hurry, Amelia’s waiting.”
I catch sight of Amelia’s car pulling up outside, and I hurry out the door.
“Hop in, girl!” Amelia calls, leaning over with a grin. “Before all the handsome men are taken.”
I roll my eyes, but I keep smiling. Typical Amelia, always chasing the thrill. She swerves the car toward the club, and I wonder if I have ever had real fun before. Or had I been too wrapped up in responsibilities to truly live? Tonight, though, I’m ready to find out.
It’s a relief to finally be out of the BloodMoon pack, away from all the suffocating rules and judgment. The drive to the club feels like a breath of fresh air, and as we pull up, the booming music hits me immediately, vibrating through the car. The beat pulses in my chest as we step inside.
Girls sway their hips, to the rhythm, their laughter and shouts blending with the music. Everything about the place screams freedom, but something feels off. It’s like I’m being watched, a prickle running down my spine as if someone’s eyes are boring into me.
I glance around, my nerves creeping up, trying to catch a glimpse of who might be staring. But I can’t pinpoint anyone who stands out, as I try to shake off the feeling.
Then, my gaze catches a man sitting at the far corner of the bar. His eyes are locked on me like he knows who I am. The dim lighting makes it hard to make out his features, but his stare is unmistakable.
I can’t explain it, but something about him feels… important. Without thinking, as if I’m drawn in by some invisible force. I don’t know what this man wants.
My breath catches in my throat when I finally recognize the man sitting at the bar. His eyes are fixed on me, a smirk playing on his lips as if he’s undressing me with his gaze.
A chill runs through my spine, but it’s not just from the intensity of his stare.
“Hello, Ally. Good to see you again,” he says, with a smooth voice.
I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind races, scrambling to place him, but the connection isn’t immediate. Then it clicks.
“Oh my goddess, it’s you,” I exclaim in disbelief. My eyes widen, searching his face for confirmation. I can’t believe it.