Chapter 3

Then outta nowhere, Winona tagged me on social media—on purpose.

She dropped an invite to the wildest werewolf hotspot in the Neutral Zone: Howl Bar.

"We're going. No, we HAVE to." I smacked the table. "And I'm dragging a plus one."

Caden was sunk into the couch, gaming.

"Caden. Up. We're going out."

"Busy."

"I'll pay extra."

"Done." He chucked his phone, stood, and straightened his shirt. "What am I this time? Cocky CEO or washed-up heir with a trust fund?"

"Just don't say you're an escort again like last time," I muttered.

***

We hit Howl Bar—already packed with smoke and sweat.

Dead center sat Winona, soaking up the spotlight like she was the Luna. Wolves hovered, drooling over her in that cheap white dress and the same so-called "limited edition" bag.

Mack was posted up next to her, wolf ears out, letting Winona toy with them.

The second we walked in, the place went dead quiet.

Winona's voice cut through the air. "Well, if it isn't Skylar. I figured shame would keep you hiding."

"With that glowing welcome? How could I resist?"

I grabbed Caden and slid into a corner booth.

Tonight, he rocked a fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows—those forearms were no joke. Even in the dim, he radiated pure Alpha bloodline.

She-wolves kept sneaking glances.

Winona's smile cracked like bad Botox.

Mack scoffed. "Skylar, your boyfriend's outfit's cute. What'd that cost, five bucks at the dollar shop? Not even a brand tag."

I was ready to fire back—custom-made, obviously—but Caden slid his hand over mine, cool as ever.

"Clothes are for covering your body, not flaunting your ego," he said. "Only empty wolves flex labels to feel like they've got bite."

The room froze. Mack straight-up choked on air.

Winona snorted. "Big words for someone too broke to afford a label. Heard you two moved to the edge of the Neutral Zone? Figures. Smells like garbage out there—only low-rank mutts could live in that dump."

I didn't say a word.

Then oops—I dumped an entire glass of water right onto her oh-so-precious handbag.

The "limited edition" bled black dye like a cheap tattoo, staining her pure white dress.

Winona shrieked. "My DRESS!"

"Oh no, my bad," I said, deadpan. "But real question—what kind of knockoff bag can't handle water?"

The crowd lost it.

I pulled a pack of wet wipes from my bag and handed it over. "Here. Wipe it down. That 'leather' probably came from a bargain bin—dye's not even sealed right."

Winona snapped, "You're lying! It's REAL leather!"

Mack jumped in, fuming. "Skylar! Apologize! You ruined her bag and her dress! You even got the cash to cover it?!"

He lunged.

Caden's eyes went ice-cold.

He caught Mack's wrist mid-swing—claws snapping out—then twisted and slammed him straight onto the coffee table.

"AHH—!" Mack screamed.

Caden stared him down, voice low, lethal. "You wanna fight? You're not even worth the effort."

The weight of him—the presence—hit harder than most full-blooded Alphas I'd ever felt.

Right then, the door slammed open.

It was the owner of Howl Bar.

"Heard there was a problem?"

Mack lit up. "Franco! This guy's breaking Neutral Zone law—fighting, threatening—straight-up violation!"

But the second Franco saw Caden's face, he went pale. "Al—"

Caden shot him a sharp look.

Franco wiped his forehead. "I mean, Caden... what brings you here?"

Caden released Mack and casually dusted off his hands. "What's it look like? I'm on a date."

Franco turned to Mack. "Mack, we're closing early. Please gather your friends and leave."

Mack blinked, stunned. "I'm with Frostmoon Pack! My date's the Beta's daughter! You're seriously not scared of blowback?"

"Frostmoon or not," Franco said, firm, "Neutral Zone law applies to EVERYONE."

I watched Franco's voice drop and Mack's ego implode.

Frostmoon wasn't some backwoods pack—down South, they carried weight.

But Franco was willing to piss them off just to stay on Caden's good side... which meant Caden outranked them. Way outranked them.

Mack, Winona, and the rest of their crew got shoved out like disgraced strays—humiliated.

I nudged Caden's shoulder. "Thanks."

He smirked. "Winona's not even worth your temper."

I paused, then nodded. "Yeah. I just can't stand wolves who fake being loaded."

He turned to face me, steady. "As long as I'm around, no one lays a claw on you."

My heart stuttered.

Crap.

I think I just started catching real feelings... for the hundred-dollar partner I hired to fake it.