Chapter 4

Zoe’s POV

The tag brought some unpleasant feelings in me. 

I felt like I needed to be angry. That there was something I needed to say to anyone who belonged to the Werewolf Council.

I leaned over as if to tell a secret but found that he was already leaning toward me. One of his hands was covering mine that was holding the glass on the counter. His other hand came to tip my chin upwards for a better angle. A tingle ran down my spine.

He was slow, allowing me to move away if I wanted to. But it only made me want to do it more.

So, when his li-ps brushed mine, the spark that we felt at the touch was undeniable. He leaned in and captured my mouth as I allowed him entrance. One of my hands absentmindedly landed on his thi-gh that was between my legs as we sat facing each other on the bar stools.

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We kissed for what felt like forever. I didn’t care what anyone at the party thought. He finally pulled away, and I was left breathless. My mind was a mess of emotions. Without thinking, I whispered, “John.” I didn’t mean to say it. But he heard me. Of course he did.

His face changed instantly. He went from sweet and sexy to shocked. “Are you John’s ex-girlfriend?” he asked, his voice sharp.

My face burned. I hadn’t meant to say John’s name. I hadn’t meant to ruin this. But here I was, drunk and heartbroken, making out with a stranger at my ex’s engagement party. And I’d called him by the wrong name.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I don’t know why I said that. I just—” Tears filled my eyes. I didn’t care if I looked pathetic. The whiskey had taken away all my logic.

Then my phone rang. It was Aunt Julie, our housekeeper. Her voice was frantic. My stomach dropped.

“Aunt Julie, is everything okay?” I slurred.

“Miss Zoe, someone dropped a notice at the house. It says your father will be sent to the dungeons soon. What are we going to do?” She sounded scared. Julie had been with our family forever. This wasn’t just about my father—it was personal for her too.

The call sobered me up. “I’m coming home now,” I said.

I needed to be home. There was no point staying at this party. John didn’t care about me. I was too drunk to help my father. I stumbled to my feet and headed for the exit. The cold air hit me as I stepped outside. I looked for my car, even though I knew I shouldn’t drive.

A sleek car pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down. It was him—the man from the bar. “Let me drive you home,” he said. “You’ll ki-ll yourself or someone else in this state.”

He was right. I wasn’t thinking straight. I got into the passenger seat without a word.

I tried to put on the seatbelt, but it was stuck. I tugged harder, but it wouldn’t budge. “Ugh!” I groaned.

He leaned over. His cologne smelled like pine. For a second, I thought he might hug me. But he reached for the seatbelt. He pressed a button and guided it around me. His fingers brushed my che-st as he clicked it into place. My breath caught. I wasn’t sure if it was the alco-hol or him, but my head was spinning.

I rubbed my bare arms, trying to warm up. The car’s heater was slow. Then something heavy and warm draped over my shoulders. He’d given me his coat. Underneath, he wore a white button-up shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, showing his tattoos. I’d always liked tattoos on men. His were perfect.

The car ride was quiet. Winter scenery flew past the window. I pulled his coat tighter. It smelled like him—comforting and tempting. His hand rested on the gear shift. His fingers were close to my knee. A part of me wanted him to touch me.

I glanced at him. His profile was strong. He radiated power. It was intoxicating. Then he caught me staring. My cheeks flushed. He smirked, and the car sped up.

We pulled up in front of my house. I hadn’t told him my address. How did he know?

“Thank you,” I said, slurring. “For the ride, the coat, and… everything.”

He smiled faintly. I tried to take off his coat, but I couldn’t figure it out. My fingers fumbled.

“Keep it,” he said. “I’ll have my beta come get it later.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled. “I’ve had a few really bad days. I’m not usually this drunk.”

“I don’t doubt that,” he said.

As I got ready to leave, he handed me a card. I took it, confused.

“It’s my personal card,” he said. “Call me if you need help.”

I stared at the card. He didn’t give these out often. But something about me made him want to see me again. I was just a heartbroken mess, but he saw something more.

I went inside, his coat still on my shoulders. In my bedroom, I collapsed onto the bed. I looked at the card in my hand. It read: ‘Alpha Xavier Shaw - Blood Crescent Pack’. There was a silver crescent moon and a red howling wolf on it.

I didn’t know what to think. But one thing was clear: this night had changed everything.