Chapter 3: The Party

After the game, Nicola found herself swept up in Chloe and Theo’s relentless enthusiasm. She had protested all the way to Theo’s car, but her friends had brushed off her excuses as if she’d been saying she didn’t like chocolate.

“You’ll be fine,” Chloe said for the hundredth time as they drove toward the Blackstone mansion. “It’s just a party, Nic. No one’s going to bite you.”

“Speak for yourself,” Theo quipped with a sly grin, adjusting his rearview mirror.

Nicola groaned, leaning her forehead against the window. She didn’t belong at a party like this. The Blackstone house wasn’t just any house; it was a symbol of power and wealth, the seat of the Crescent Moon Pack’s Alpha family. Everyone who mattered in the pack would be there. Everyone except her.

The Blackstone mansion loomed ahead like something out of a gothic fairy tale. Perched on a hill overlooking the pack lands, the sprawling estate was more castle than home. High stone walls framed a grand entrance, and glowing lights spilled from the tall, arched windows. Even from the driveway, the distant thrum of music vibrated through the ground, mingling with the cool night air.

Nicola’s stomach twisted as Theo pulled into the packed driveway, navigating between rows of sleek cars that screamed wealth.

“Seriously,” Nicola said, clutching her seatbelt as if it might keep her in the car. “You guys go ahead. I’ll wait here.”

“Not a chance,” Chloe said, already unbuckling. “You’re coming with us, and you’re going to have fun.”

“Highly unlikely,” Nicola muttered.

Theo parked, and before Nicola could come up with another excuse, Chloe had her by the wrist. “Move it, Omega. It’s time for your social debut.”

The words stung, even though Chloe’s teasing tone was meant to lighten the mood. Nicola allowed herself to be dragged toward the front door, her sneakers crunching against the gravel. She lingered on the threshold, staring up at the towering double doors that were slightly ajar, spilling warm light into the night.

Theo noticed her hesitation and gave her a nudge. “It’s just a party, Nic. Besides, we’ll be with you the whole time.”

Nicola doubted that. Chloe had a knack for disappearing at these events, and Theo, despite his loyalty, was often swept up by his easy charm and broad social circle.

Taking a deep breath, Nicola stepped inside.

The inside of the mansion was as overwhelming as Nicola had feared. The grand entryway, with its vaulted ceilings and intricate chandeliers, was packed with students. Laughter, shouting, and music merged into an unbearable cacophony. Shifters filled every corner of the room, their energy buzzing in the air. The distinct scent of the pack - earthy, primal, tinged with excitement - was almost suffocating.

Nicola clutched her soda tightly after Theo thrust it into her hand. She stuck close to the edges of the room, keeping her head low as Chloe and Theo quickly disappeared into the crowd.

She sighed, finding a quiet corner near an ornate staircase. The wallpaper glimmered faintly under the dim lights, its pattern of crescent moons and stars almost mocking her. She stared at her drink, wishing she could vanish into the walls.

Nicola spent the next hour on the periphery of the party, alternating between awkwardly sipping her drink and pretending to scroll through her phone. The music grew louder as the night deepened, the bass thrumming through the floor like a heartbeat. Around her, the energy of the pack reached a fever pitch. Couples danced close, their movements growing more primal as their wolves brushed the surface of their human forms.

She couldn’t help but glance at the massive clock hanging above the fireplace. It was nearly eleven. She only had to endure another hour. Once midnight struck and her birthday officially began, she could claim exhaustion and slip away unnoticed.

Theo appeared out of nowhere, dropping onto the steps beside her with an exaggerated sigh. “You look like you’re having a blast.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you supposed to be mingling?”

“I am mingling. With you,” he said, flashing a lopsided grin. “Come on, Nic. Dance with me.”

“Pass.”

Theo groaned, but before he could argue, Chloe appeared, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. “There you are! Nic, it’s almost midnight. We have to do something special!”

“I was planning to sit here until it passed,” Nicola said flatly.

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Not a chance. Midnight birthdays are supposed to be magical. We’re getting cake. Or maybe champagne.”

“I’m underage,” Nicola pointed out.

“So? It’s your birthday!” Chloe grabbed her hand, tugging her to her feet. “Come on, live a little!”

Nicola let herself be dragged into the kitchen, where an impressive spread of desserts and drinks awaited. Chloe handed her a cupcake with a wink, and Theo popped the cork on a bottle of sparkling cider with dramatic flair. Despite herself, Nicola couldn’t help but smile.

As the final seconds ticked down, the party seemed to hold its breath. Someone turned down the music, and a chorus of voices began to chant, “Ten... nine... eight...”

Nicola’s chest tightened. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves, excitement, or something else entirely. The air felt charged, heavy with anticipation.

“... three... two... one! Happy Birthday!”

Cheers erupted around her as Chloe and Theo pulled her into a hug. Someone handed her a glass of cider, and she took a sip, the bubbles fizzing against her tongue. For a brief moment, she felt almost normal, almost happy.

Then it happened.