Chapter 17
Elowen's POV
I gripped the metal railing until my knuckles turned white, desperately trying to control my breathing. The crowd noise and engine roars from the track blended into background chaos, but all I could really hear was Sarah's high-pitched giggle behind me. My shoulders tensed and my spine straightened like a rod had been inserted down my back. I could feel the heat rising under my freckles, my face probably as red as a tomato.
I closed my eyes, hoping to block everything out, but my damn werewolf hearing wouldn't cooperate. Sarah's voice cut through everything else like a knife.
"That bitch is such a slut," Juno growled inside my head. "She's his ex. Why the fuck is she still all over him?"
I bit my lip. "She's slept with half the pack from what I've heard."
"God, I hope Casper doesn't have an STD," I thought suddenly, the ridiculous worry popping into my head from nowhere. "Thank god we haven't fully... you know."
I remembered how Sarah always commanded attention at The Red Wolf whenever she worked. Her tight clothes, her perfect makeup, the way every guy's eyes followed her ass as she walked by. I was just background furniture when she was around.
"But I still like him," I admitted reluctantly to myself. "That stupid first crush feeling never really went away."
My mind flashed to last night in the kitchen. The feel of Casper's fingers inside me, his hot breath on my neck. My ears burned at the memory, my heart skipped a beat, then another.
I turned my gaze to the track where Cassian was taking another corner at terrifying speed. I noticed how frequently his eyes seemed to find me even through the helmet visor.
"Cassian's not bad either," Juno suggested. "They both want you. You could get close to Cassian and make Casper jealous."
"Yeah, right," I muttered, shaking my head. I wasn't about to play those games.
"You okay?"
I jumped at Cindy's voice beside me. She placed a gentle hand on my arm, her blue eyes full of concern.
"I saw Sarah doing her thing," she continued. "Don't let her get to you. Casper never really liked her, you know."
"Could have fooled me," I mumbled, watching another of Cassian's perfect laps.
"Come on," Cindy tugged my arm. "Let's go back. Don't let that bitch think you're running from her."
I hesitated, but Cindy was right. Running away just made me look weak. With a deep breath, I followed her back to the seating area where Sarah was practically in Casper's lap, her red curls brushing against his face as she whispered something in his ear.
"Sarah," Cindy called out, her voice suddenly sharp with authority. "Can you not harass everyone for five minutes? You're just a waitress at my brother's bar, not the entertainment."
Sarah's green eyes narrowed. "I was invited, Cindy. Unlike some people who just tag along."
Her gaze slid to me, venom in her smile. Casper shifted uncomfortably, trying to create space between himself and Sarah.
"Nobody invited you," Cindy shot back. "You showed up uninvited like the desperate ex you are."
Sarah pouted and turned to Casper. "Babe, why is your sister so obsessed with your business now that she's married?"
Cindy shouted, "You!" Her face flushed with indignation.
Casper looked trapped, his eyes darting between Sarah and me. I felt a gentle nudge in my mind—the start of a mind link.
"I don't like her anymore, Elowen," his voice whispered in my thoughts. "I only like you, baby girl. Please believe me."
The pet name made my stomach flip, but my jealousy was too strong. I slammed the mental connection shut, blocking him out. I needed a drink. Something strong.
I walked over to the small cooler Sarah had brought, looking for anything to dull the edge of my anger.
"Let me get you something, sweetheart," Sarah was suddenly beside me, all fake sweetness. "I brought Casper's favorite whiskey."
She pulled out a glass with amber liquid and ice, pushing it toward me. "Here you go."
"I thought it was Casper's favorite," I said, eyeing the drink suspiciously.
"There's plenty to share." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Unless you don't want his leftovers."
"Sarah," Casper warned from behind us.
Sarah blocked my hand as I reached for a different bottle. "No, no. You have to try this one. It's special."
Something clicked in my brain. The way she insisted, how she'd shown up out of nowhere with drinks, her desperation to get back with Casper. My eyes narrowed as I looked at the whiskey.
"Why can't I pick my own drink?" I asked, watching her face carefully.
"This one's better," she insisted, her smile straining.
"Sarah," Casper stood up, walking toward us. "What are you doing?"
A cold feeling settled in my stomach. This bitch had put something in the drink. Something meant for Casper. I felt rage bubble up inside me—not just mine, but Juno's too.
Before I could think it through, I snatched the glass from her hand. "Fine. I'll drink it."
"Wait—" Sarah's eyes widened in panic. "That's—"
I locked eyes with her and downed the entire glass in one go. The whiskey burned my throat, but I refused to cough or show any weakness. I slammed the empty glass down, my eyes never leaving hers.
"Delicious," I said with a fake smile.
Sarah's face went pale. Casper reached us, looking between us with confusion.
"What's going on?" he demanded.
"Nothing," Sarah stammered, backing away slightly. "Just sharing drinks."
I felt it then—a strange warmth spreading through my body, different from the normal burn of alcohol. It started in my stomach and radiated outward, making my skin tingle and my heart rate increase.
Oh shit. She really had put something in that drink.
"Elowen?" Casper touched my arm, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay?"
I opened my mouth to answer, but the words wouldn't come. The heat intensified, rushing through my veins like liquid fire.
What the hell had I just drunk?