Aria
The moment I see Lucas walking toward me, I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. A few minutes ago, he rushed in just as Ethan stormed off, looking pissed as all hell. Then Lily told him everything, what Ethan said, what he did…. and Lucas didn’t even think twice before stomping off to confront him. We begged him not to, but you know Lucas. He never listens when he’s angry
“Thank goddess you’re-” My words get cut off as Lucas pulls me into one of those hugs that melts your bones. His arms wrap around me like I’m the only thing anchoring him to Earth, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.
“Lucas… are you okay?”
He doesn’t answer right away, just buries his face in my neck. “Just a second,” he mutters, his voice muffled against my skin.
I don’t argue. Instead, I wrap my arms around him, taking in his familiar scent, something warm and woodsy, like cedar and home.
When he finally pulls back, he brushes a strand of hair out of my face, his gray eyes softer than I expected. “You sure you’re fine? That bastard didn’t do anything to you, did he?” I ask.
“What, are you gonna go all John Wick if he did?” He laughs, and it’s the kind of laugh that makes you want to bottle it up for bad days. “I’d like to see you try to fight him. That’d be a show.”
I frown. “Of course I’d fight him. You’re my mate and boyfriend. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
That grin of his stretches wider, and he pokes my cheek, hard enough to make me yelp. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”
“You’re strong as hell, Aria, but don’t go picking fights with alphas. You trying to get yourself killed?”
“I don’t care! I’m sick of his crap. Besides, didn’t you tell me to stand up for myself?”
“Yeah, but not by getting into a wrestling match with an alpha.”
“Nah, next time he tries something, I’m kicking his stupid ass. Maybe I’ll even get Mia to record it for TikTok.”
He shakes his head, laughing like I’m some kind of joke.
“And you’re helping me,” I add, wrapping my arms around his neck. But then I lean back a little, studying him closer. Something feels… off. “Lucas, are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Just irritated as hell.”
I nod, letting it slide for now. “Alright, then… so, who was that girl?”
His brow furrows. “What girl?”
I arch a brow. “You know who. That girl. The one practically drooling over you earlier.”
“She’s nobody special.”
“Lucas, come on…”
“I mean it. Nobody special. Just someone I know. You don’t need to worry. Trust me.”
His gray eyes lock onto mine, pleading, and for some reason, I believe him. “Fine. I’m taking your word for it.”
He leans down and kisses me, just a soft peck on the lips, but it still sends heat rushing to my cheeks. “Lucas, not here. People are watching!”
He glances around, totally unfazed by the gawking partygoers…or the death stares from his fangirls in the corner. “Let them watch. You’re my girlfriend. I want them to know.”
“But it’s crazy! I haven’t even told my friends we… you know, marked each other.”
“Are you shy?” He looks genuinely surprised. “Aria, we literally fucked more than once just hours ago. My tongue was everywhere, exploring every single inch of you. And you weren’t exactly shy when you sucked my cock like it was a popsicle.”
“Lucas!” I feel like my entire body’s about to combust. Heat rushes up my neck and over my face so fast I probably look like a fucking human tomato. This boy has no filter, I swear
But does he stop? Hell no. He just laughs, his voice deep and raw, like he’s enjoying every second of my humiliation.
“I love how my name sounds when you say it.”
“Lucas.” I try to sound annoyed, but it comes out more like a purr.
“Say it again, and I’ll kiss you.”
“Lucas.”
Before I can blink, his lips crash into mine. It’s not a soft, sweet kiss, it’s fiery, all-consuming, like he’s trying to brand me right here in the middle of the Christmas lights and slow music.
And honestly? I don’t mind one bit.
….
Mia
I’m standing in the corner of the party, champagne in hand, watching Aria and Alpha Lucas swap spit like it’s the goddamn finale of a movie. Seriously, they don’t even care that everyone’s staring at them. The decorations are sparkling, the music’s low and smooth, and these two are acting like they’re in the middle of a Taylor Swift love ballad.
And honestly? Something’s different about them tonight. I’m calling it now, they probably fucked. Good for Aria, I guess. I’ll even give Lucas a point for actually claiming her out in the open, unlike that asshole Ethan back in the day. Now all Lucas has to do is grow a pair and stand up to his father, mark Aria officially, and boom…happily ever after.
I sigh, take a sip of my champagne, and try not to think about my own issues. I went for the bubbly instead of a cocktail tonight. A girl’s gotta numb the Christmas blues somehow, right? But it’s not just any Christmas funk…it’s that day. The one I’ve spent years trying to forget. Of course, this festive crap brings it all rushing back.
I take another sip, letting my eyes wander around the room. Alpha Lucas’s sister is dancing with her mate like it’s prom night, Aria and Lucas are giggling like teenagers, and Lily… well, Lily’s over there batting her lashes at Theo. I swear, if she actually likes that guy, I’m gonna lose my shit. Losing another friend to a douchey alpha? Hard pass.
And then there’s Damon. That bastard’s sandwiched between two girls on the dance floor, moving like he’s auditioning for a music video. My grip tightens around the glass as I watch him. He had the nerve to tell me he liked me, and now? He hasn’t even bothered to check on me since the party started. Fucking typical.
I scoff, tearing my eyes away before I burn holes into the guy with my glare.
“Mia, you good?” Lily’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. When did she even get here?
“Yeah, I’m just… observing.” I plaster on a fake smile.
“Alright. Holler if you need anything.” She grabs two glasses of champagne and zips off…back to Theo, of course.
“What the hell are you doing, Lily?” I mutter to myself, downing more champagne.
I’m on my second, or maybe third glass when Damon finally decides to grace me with his presence. He looks stunned, like he wasn’t expecting to find me sulking in a corner.
“Hey… why are you here alone?”
“Go away,” I sneer. “Go back to your girlfriends.”
“You’re not jealous, are you?” He smirks, that stupid cocky grin I hate.
“Don’t kid yourself,” I scoff. “Why would I be jealous of you and some random girls?”
“Then dance with me.” He holds out his hand like he’s some knight in shining armor. I roll my eyes at him.
“Come on, Mia,” he says. “It’s Christmas. Loosen up for once.”
“I don’t give a damn.”
“Alright, then. Wanna go somewhere else?”
I sigh, glaring at his outstretched hand. Against my better judgment, I take it.
Fast-forward ten minutes, and we’re at some sketchy-ass ship club, screaming our lungs out on the dance floor. The music’s pounding, drinks are flowing, and I’ve officially given in to the chaos.
“You’re right, this is amazing!” I shout over the music.
“Told you!” Damon yells back. “This is my spot to let loose.”
I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as we dance. “It actually works. For once, I’m not thinking about… that day.”
His brows furrow. “What day?”
“Nothing!” I laugh it off, but his eyes stay locked on mine. Before I can overthink it, I kiss him. Just… bam. Lips on lips.
—
I wake up to a headache pounding in my skull and my body aching like I ran a marathon. Stretching my arms, I feel something… solid. And warm.
Not. Lily.
My eyes snap open, and I freeze. Damon is lying next to me, sleeping soundly. Fucking naked.
“Shit!” I sit up so fast I almost fall off the bed. Looking down, I realize I’m naked too.
“What the actual fuck!” I yell, clutching the blanket to my chest. Damon stirs, his eyes fluttering open.
“Mia, relax-”
“Relax? We’re naked! Together!” I scream, pointing at him like he’s a murder suspect.
“Mia…” He grins lazily, stretching like this is the most normal thing in the world.
“Oh my goddess, you’re smiling! Damon, what the hell did we do?”