CHAPTER THREE

Rosie’s POV

Less than an hour later, I found myself standing in a short line outside a nightclub with a flashing sign that said "Club Fete".

Tyler leaned over from my right side and explained, "It means party in French."

Chris gave both of us a side glance but luckily said nothing about Tyler's closeness. "I still can't believe you've never been to a club."

I shook my head as we moved closer to the entrance, the beat of the electronic music trying to get my chest sync up to it drifting from inside. "You know that my uncle always warned me clubs are dangerous places, especially for people who are different. Plus, he always had eyes on me."

Chris bumped my shoulder as we got up to the door, Tyler paying an entry f*e for all three of us before we were allowed to walk in. "Such a killjoy that Alpha of ours," Chris said.

As we walked into the darkness of the club, the music felt like it became a part of me. I scanned the expansive space. There were lounging couches in corners where people laughed and held hands, a long bar with bottles in all shapes sizes and colors, and a dance floor with lights flashing from above to the beat of the music. 

There was not a single person who looked unsafe or uneasy. In fact, it all looked like freedom to me.

Chris led the way to the bar, her smile all mischief and moonlight. Tyler and I trailed after her. Without missing a beat, she ordered three glasses of Wolfsip.

I’d heard plenty about it but never had the chance to try it myself. They say Wolfsip is extracted from silverleaf and duskroot—herbs that only grow beneath a full moon’s glow. It’s known to lift a wolf’s mood, ease buried aches, and awaken the kind of thrill that makes your skin hum.

I hadn’t even tasted it yet, but curiosity was already pulsing in my veins.

Soon, three shots were soon placed in front of us. "Try one," Chris encouraged, knocking one back herself. 

For a moment, my heart seized, thinking how Uncle would feel about me doing this. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I needed to forget. Maybe this stuff would do the job.

I picked one that had a yellow-green color. I downed the glass and instantly went into a coughing fit. 

"Geeze, slow down," Chris said with a laugh. "It's your first, and these are strong."

"Clearly,” I husked out, rubbing at the burning still lingering in my throat. But I felt a warmth come over me.

Tyler grabbed his own shot but then laid a gentle hand on my left shoulder. "Did anything else happen besides being grounded? You just seem...upset."

I shook my head, unwilling to share the embarrassing details. "Why are you here instead of out on patrol, anyway?"

Chris had another shot and giggled. "Wherever you are, he is too."

Tyler lowered his head at the tease, and I swore I detected a slight blush in his cheeks. 

"More?" Chris asked, breaking the awkward moment as quickly as she'd caused it. 

I nodded. "Maybe something more...fruity this time?"

"Gotcha." She winked at me and made another order. Tyler shook his head. "No more for me."

Chris passed me mine, a larger glass with a mix of yellow and red. I took a sip, and it reminded me of pineapple. "Much better," I commented, my head just a tiny bit fuzzy as I started to bob to the music involuntarily. 

Mia clawed at my brain, and I took a few more sips hoping all the pain from tonight would go away for now. But one question kept trying to come up like bile. 

"So, hypothetically, what would you do if your mate didn't want you?"

Chris turned toward me, leaning on one side against the bar. "Well, a fated mate is the one the Moon Goddess has chosen for you, but that doesn't mean she can control someone's heart. So, I suppose it's possible that could happen. But, really, who could resist my charm? I’d eventually wear him down." She winked. 

I tried to smile at her, but her answer wasn't as helpful as I would have hoped. I didn't have her confidence. 

A new song began to play, and Chris gave a funny face and took off for the dancefloor, leaving me alone with Tyler.

Tyler was looking at me strangely, and I shifted from foot to foot. 

"Have you found your mate, Rosie?" His voice shook with nerves.

"No," I said instantly. I couldn't tell the truth about that. "I'm just worried."

"You deserve a good mate," he told me, then held out his hand for my glass as I sipped absently at more of it. "Maybe you should head home."

I eyed him, but then Mia spoke up. ‘You know if Alpha smells Wolfsip on you he'll lose it. We'll be in even more trouble.'

'You know he never checks on me when he locks me up like that,' I argued with her, but my head ached and swam as I became more aware of just how much I’d had. Maybe they were both right. 

I set my glass down, wondering if I should just leave or join Chris on the dancefloor when a sharp voice stopped me. 

"Looks like Alpha's little angel is really the devil. Shouldn't you be at home getting scolded by him?"

Vivian. Vivian was here at the club. What were the chances?

"None of it is your business, Viv," I told her, looking over her head to the dance floor. I hoped Chris would come back to us soon. I wanted to leave for sure now.

"It is my business considering I bet you snuck out. Maybe I should beat you home and tell my future mate all about it." Vivian grinned, coming far too close to me for comfort.

Tyler stepped up, challenging her. "Shut up, Vivian. We were about to leave anyway."

Vivian only grinned wider, and I scowled at her as her vitriol turned to Tyler. "You know, I feel really bad for whoever ends up as your mate, Tyler. After all, you haven't left the ugly one's side all these years. You've never even dated anyone. Are you going to reject your mate to continue being friend-zoned?"

I gasped, anger rising within me. That was too far. "If you want to talk about mates, what about yours? Alpha would never want you as a mate, and I for sure pity whoever has the bond with you. I wonder how long it will take him to figure out that you're nothing but a whore."

Vivian glared at me, and I braced myself as her hand came up to strike. But both Tyler, and a fresh-off-the-dancefloor, Chris reached for her.

Chris pushed her away, and Tyler grabbed my hand, dragging me toward the exit. 

"I'll make you regret this!" Vivian yelled angrily after me, but I was thankful we were leaving.