Aria
One minute, I’m on cloud nine…Lucas spinning me around the dance floor like I’m the damn queen of the world. The next? Some girl strolls in, a walking, talking buzzkill, and decides to ruin everything. I don’t know who the hell she is, but from the look in Lucas’s eyes, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
I let out a frustrated growl, and just as I’m about to calm down, that bastard Ethan strides over to where I’m standing.
I sigh, sipping my cocktail, trying to push the irritation down. Gail, my wolf, isn’t having it, though. She’s growling in my head, pacing like she’s ready to pounce, and honestly? I’m proud of her. That’s the energy I need for this fucking prick.
“Wow, you must think you’re Cinderella or something,” he says, all smug and condescending. “You think this is gonna last forever? You really think Lucas will be there to save you when we get back to the pack?”
I almost choke on my drink. “Shut the fuck up, you bastard.” I set my glass down with a thunk, glaring at him. “You’ve got some balls showing your stupid face here after everything you did to me. And don’t think I don’t know you sent Jer to embarrass me.”
He doesn’t respond, just stands there with that stupid, dead-eyed stare like I’m not worth his time.
“You know what? I don’t even care anymore,” I snap, leaning forward. “Kick me out of the pack. Go ahead. It’s better than staying in that shitty, good-for-nothing excuse of a pack.”
That gets a reaction. His face twists in rage. “How dare you insult my pack?”
“Oh, fuck you and fuck that pack,” I shoot back. “I’m done taking your crap, Ethan. Mess with me again, and I swear I’ll fight back. I don’t care if you’re an Alpha.”
He laughs…loud, obnoxious, head-tilted-back kind of laugh. “What are you gonna do, huh? You’re just a weak little omega.”
Weak? Weak?! My lips tighten, and I glare at him so hard I hope he feels it in his soul or whatever black hole he has instead. “I don’t care, Ethan. I hate you so much I wouldn’t mind dying if it meant I could take you down with me.”
“You fucking bitch,” he growls, stepping closer, but I don’t move. Not an inch.
“You’ve grown some wings, huh? Is it because of Lucas?” he sneers. His breath smells like bad decisions and liquor, and it’s taking everything in me not to deck him right here.
Before I can respond, Mia and Lily appear at my side like freaking avenging angels.
“Aria, are you okay?” Mia asks, her gaze bouncing between me and Ethan like she’s ready to throw hands.
I couldn’t be prouder of my friends. They’re both ready to stand up for me, not giving a damn that this bastard is the future alpha of our pack. He can fuck off.
Ethan laughs again, shaking his stupid head. “What are you gonna do? Fight me? Let’s see you try.”
I smirk. “No, Ethan. Let me see you try. I’m daring you…hit me. Do your worst you fucking bitch. Me, my friends, and Lucas will take you down so hard you won’t know what hit you.”
His fists clench at his sides, his eyes darting around the room, probably checking to see if Lucas is nearby. When he realizes Lucas isn’t there, his sneer comes back full force. “He’s not even here, you dumb bitch.”
Before I can respond, Vanessa appears, tugging at his arm. “Alpha Ethan, come on, let’s go. You’re making a scene.”
But Ethan’s not having it. He yanks his arm away like a toddler throwing a tantrum. “Let me go, Vanessa. This bitch disrespected me.”
Vanessa tries again, her voice calmer, almost pleading. “I know, but you’re causing a scene.”
He shoves her hand away again, his face twisting with rage. “I’m gonna teach her a lesson.”
Then it happens. He shoves her. Hard. Too hard. Vanessa stumbles back, crashing into a table. Glasses and bottles topple over, shattering as she hits the ground with a thud.
The room goes dead silent. All eyes turn to us. Gail is practically clawing to take over, and honestly? I’m this close to letting her.
“Ethan,” I growl, my voice low and full of warning. “You’ve gone too far.”
But he’s still standing there, chest puffed up like he’s proud of himself. Vanessa’s on the ground, dazed, and I can feel every set of eyes in the room waiting for what happens next.
I take a step forward, my wolf surging, ready for blood. “You wanna fight me, Ethan? Fine. Let’s fucking go.”