Chapter 1

Kade's expression didn't change.

A nearby elite yelled out.

"Alpha, Cora will be a perfect Luna! She's so gracious! She really made you look good tonight!"

Ruby leaned against his chest and smirked at me.

"Cora, I'm borrowing your Alpha for the night. I'll give him right back when the game ends."

I kept quiet and stared at my glass.

Kade scoffed. "Since you're being a good girl tonight, Cora, I'll buy you that ruby necklace you've been wanting."

I had admired that necklace in an auction catalog a few weeks ago.

I casually asked him to bid on it.

He promised he would, but he never did.

"The challenge countdown begins," the Beta announced, snapping me out of my thoughts.

At his mark, Kade and Ruby intertwined their fingers.

"First dare: partners must dance cheek to cheek."

"You have immunity cards on the table. Use one if you want to skip."

I glanced at the neat row of cards in front of Kade.

Ruby bit her lip, looking worried. "Kade, maybe we should skip this. Cora might get jealous..."

Kade didn't even look at me. "No need. You're my partner tonight. Who cares what she thinks?"

They pressed close together on the dance floor. Their breaths mingled.

I felt Kade watching me. I looked up and frowned.

A second later, Kade kissed the tip of her nose.

Ruby's cheeks flushed red.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

I dug my nails into my palms. I forced back the sting of our mate bond just to stay calm.

Kade took my frown as defiance.

He was using this to provoke me again.

The game moved into its second half. The dare escalated to Seven Minutes in Heaven. Ruby and Kade had to go into a VIP room.

The Beta smirked. "You get seven minutes alone in the dark room with no rules. You can still use an immunity card."

The door finally opened over half an hour later.

Ruby smoothed down her messy skirt. She kept her head down like she felt guilty.

Kade casually loosened his tie and stayed quiet.

The Beta gave a knowing smile.

"Looks like you didn't use the card."

Kade walked back over and tried to grab my hand before the next round.

I turned away and dodged him.

"I was just playing along. Don't be petty."

His tone turned impatient when I stayed quiet.

"It was just a game. Don't ruin the fun."

He opened his mouth to say more, but Ruby called out. "Darling, it's almost our turn."

Darling. It was a pet name required by the game.

Kade tossed a mint onto my table. "You like this flavor, right? I always keep some on me."

I threw the mint straight into the trash the second he turned his back.

The party was ending.

The final dare required them to exchange fake mating vows.

The Beta brought over two special cocktails for a couple's toast.

"Alpha, do you promise Ruby your complete devotion for tonight's game?"

Kade glanced at me for the first time all night. I looked away.

Then his deep voice echoed through the room.

"I do."

The pack erupted into deafening howls.

They stood together under the lights. It looked like a real mating ceremony.

The Beta sighed as people started leaving.

"You two look like the real deal."

Ruby covered her mouth and acted shy.

"Stop joking. Kade and I are just childhood friends."

"We just know each other too well."

She looked right at me after she said it.

I didn't react. She took the chance to hook her arm through Kade's.

"Darling, will you miss me in the morning?"

Kade rubbed her head. "Of course."

Camera flashes went off. The crowd loved the drama and kept taking pictures.

"Alpha, your chemistry with Ruby is amazing!"

"Your chemistry is insane!"

He suddenly remembered me and looked over.

"But Cora is the future Luna, of course."

"Cora doesn't mind, right?"

They both looked at me, waiting for a reaction.

I spoke slowly. "I don't mind."

Fire flared in Kade's eyes. Ruby quickly played peacemaker.

"Cora, it was just a game. I'm giving him back to you in one piece."

She took Kade's hand and held it out to me.

I took a step back.

"Keep him."

"Keep him as long as you want."

Ruby thought I was being sarcastic. She sounded smug. "Are you still jealous, Cora?"

"I'll definitely pick him as my partner next time we play."

She missed Kade's face growing darker by the second.

I just nodded. "Do what you want."

Kade snapped. He stepped forward and grabbed my arm.

"Cora, what kind of attitude is this?"

"The game is over. Drop the attitude."

"Ruby gave you an out. What more do you want?"

His tone was completely condescending. He acted like he was doing me a favor.

It was always like this. I had to step aside whenever he wanted to play a role.

I was expected to welcome him back with open arms when he got bored.

I yanked my hand back.

"I said, keep him."

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like."

Ruby quickly stepped in. "Don't be mad, Cora. It's my fault. I shouldn't have played such a crazy game with him."

Kade didn't look at her, but he clearly took her side.

"This isn't your fault. Cora is just starting drama for nothing. Bringing her out always ruins the mood."

He dragged Ruby out of the club and shoved her into his passenger seat.

He left me with one last sentence. "Think about what you did wrong. You can come home when you learn to behave."

I looked at my phone and booked a nearby hotel.

I wasn't going back to the main estate. And I was done waiting for him.