RyderIvy grabs the sleeve of my shirt as I try to get out of the car. "What?" I bark."Um...maybe this is a bad idea," she chuckles nervously."What's a bad idea? Going to a party?" I arch my brows."Going as your date, I mean."I smirk at her. "What? Chickening out already?"Ivy rolls her eyes. "No, it's just...I don't know."I reach out and tug at her braid. "No need to be nervous. I promise not to be too mean to you tonight. I'll even act like I'm into you," I say, surprised by my own words. I don't know why, but I feel protective over her tonight.Maybe it's because she looks so stunning in her little red dress, or maybe it's because I don't want anyone than me to be rude to her."Really? Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?" Ivy asks me.I shrug, trying to play it cool. "I don't know, maybe I just feel like being a good date tonight."Ivy raises an eyebrow at me, clearly not buying it. "Okay...well, I don't believe you. I think you are up to something. Maybe planning re

RyderI don't know what to do with myself anymore.I don't know how, but I am somehow keeping it together while I'm dancing with Ivy, even though my heart is pounding and my head is spinning. I can feel my emotions spiraling out of control as the time go by.Her scent, her soft skin against my palm, and the feel of her soft lips when I kissed her made my cock hard, and I really hoped she didn't notice.FUCK! WHY?I know it's wrong to feel this way about someone who is not my mate, especially a wolfless girl, but I can't help myself. She's just so damn cute.And despite my cringy attempts at flirting, she seems to be enjoying my company. Maybe she doesn't take me seriously, maybe she's just being polite, but it feels good to have her attention. But did I just tell her I'd give her kissing lessons? Really Ryder?I'm an idiot.I need to get away from her for a moment so I can think rationally again, so I let go of her waist. "I need to go outside and get some air," I mumble."Oh, okay, s

Ryder Alex raises his hands in defense, "Hey, man, we were just talking. No need to get aggressive." I step forward, "I said stay away from her," I repeat, I keep my voice low and dangerous. I don't know why but seeing Alex get so close to Ivy made my blood boil. I take another step forward, feeling the anger coursing through me. Alex doesn't seem phased by me. He only stares at me and grins. Ivy is just standing frozen, looking at me with wide eyes. I know I have to keep my cool, but it is hard when Alex is testing my patience. "Come on, man," Alex says, taking a step back when I step closer to him. "I didn't mean any harm. Just talking to your little girlfriend here." I grit my teeth. "I don't care. You need to leave her alone." Alex roll his eyes. "Fine, whatever." After he walks away, I let out a deep breath. I turn to Ivy, who is still staring at me in shock. "Are you okay?" I ask, my voice softening. She nods slowly. "Yeah, but why do you look so angry?" I shrug, try

Ivy"Wow, you are hot!" I blurt out, then bite my tongue. What the fuck is wrong with me!Pheonix laughs out loud. "Wow, thanks. I wasn't expecting that reaction."I look down, blushing. "Sorry, I don't know why I said that. Sometimes, I blurt things out by accident."He raises an eyebrow. "So, are you taking it back? You don't think I'm hot?"I clear my throat and look him in the eyes this time. "I mean...you are okay looking." Fuck...I can't even lie properly. He is so hot he can melt an iceberg. "I just...I didn't expect you to look like this."Pheonix tilts his head, and a small smirk teases his lips. "What did you expect that I look like?"I shrug. "I don't know, someone much older and doesn't look like they belong in a sports-illustrated magazine."Phoenix chuckles. "Don't let my age fool you, Ivy. I may look young, but I'm much older than I appear."I raise an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? How old are you?"Phoenix just smiles mysteriously. "Let's just say I've been around the

IvyI stare at him dumbfounded. "What do you mean you are staying?""I mean, I'm spending the night. We are going to have a little sleepover together," Ryder says, stretching his arms above his head.Oh my god, is he flexing his pecs right now?I let out a nervous giggle. "Don't be silly, Ryder. You can't sleep here.""Why not?" He waggles his eyebrows."Be...because...you are a guy, and it's inappropriate!" I cry.Ryder rolls his eyes. "Oh, please. We've kissed a hundred times.""What? No we didn't. We kissed maybe three times," I argue.Ryder shrugs. "Semantics." He twists a lock of my hair on his finger. "Don't be such a prude, Ivy. Let me crash here. I promise I don't bite." He smirks mischievously.Yeah, why don't I believe him?I watch as Ryder jumps onto my bed, making himself comfortable. I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment and frustration. "Ryder, get off my bed. This is not okay."But he just grins and pats the space next to him. "Come on, Ivy. It'll be fun. We can wat