Chapter 36 36

Chapter 36 36
Zara’s POV

Bella didn’t bother entertaining the whispers around us any longer. She simply rolled her eyes, then closed the distance between us and pulled me into a tight hug.

“Hey… are you okay?” she murmured against my ear, her voice soft enough that no one else could hear.

I nodded automatically, even as the sting of unshed tears burned behind my eyes. Crying here in front of all of them was not an option.

I had already been humiliated once tonight and I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break down again.

“I’m fine,” I said quietly. “It was just a little blown out of proportion.”

She pulled back slightly, studying my face like she didn’t quite believe me but then she let it go.

“Did Darius step in?” she asked suddenly.

My brows drew together at the question.

“Why would he?” I countered, trying to sound casual, but even to my own ears, there was something off in my tone.

Bella’s lips curved into a knowing smirk as she nudged my shoulder, guiding me toward one of the empty tables.

“Because,” she said lightly, “the man practically stormed out after you. I saw him and he was barking orders at Draven like someone had personally insulted him and trust me zara… he looked furious.”

My steps faltered for a fraction of a second.

Furious… for me?

Heat crept up my neck before I could stop it.

“I think,” Bella added with a teasing glint in her eyes, “he was defending his precious Zara.”

I shot her a look, trying to ignore the way my pulse jumped at her words.

“You’re ridiculous,” I muttered. “I’m not anything to him.”

Except the woman he almost had beneath him that night…

Except the one he still looks at like he’s imagining it again.

I swallowed hard, pushing the thought away.

“We almost crossed a line once,” I added quickly. “That’s all. It didn’t happen and we haven’t even talked about it since.”

Bella just hummed, clearly unconvinced.

“If you say so,” she said, her tone dripping with amusement. A server approached us placing a glass of wine in front of each of us.

Perfect, this was exactly what I needed now especially after this whole drama.

I picked mine up and took a long sip, wincing slightly as the sharp taste hit my tongue. I wasn’t a fan of alcohol but right now, I didn’t care. I needed something to dull the chaos swirling inside me.

“Let’s just try to enjoy what’s left of tonight,” Bella said gently, offering me a small smile. “He didn’t take your scholarship away, right?”

I shook my head. "No… I still have it,” I replied, exhaling slowly. “But I didn’t even get to finish my speech. That part really sucks.”

Her expression darkened immediately. “I swear, that girl has a death wish,” she muttered. “Ruining your moment like that? Don’t worry karma is coming for her dear, I can feel it.”

Bella said obviously annoyed but I didn’t respond.

Instead, I drained the rest of my wine in one go, setting the empty glass down with a quiet clink.

“I need another one,” I said under my breath.

Bella pointed toward the bar. “Free bar. Courtesy of the Lycarr Foundation. Apparently, Darius funds half this place and owns more of it than the board probably realizes.”

That made me pause, of course he did because power followed him like a shadow.

I didn’t say anything else as I stood and made my way toward the bar, my heels clicking softly against the floor. “Congratulations.”

The deep male voice came from beside me just as I reached the counter.

I turned to find Alpha Henry seated there, his posture was relaxed and his gaze openly appreciative as it swept over me.

I straightened slightly, forcing a polite smile.

“Thank you.”

His lips curved into something charming.

“You don’t believe what she said, do you?” I asked before I could stop myself, the alcohol loosening my tongue just enough to make me careless.

He studied me for a moment, then shook his head.

“If anyone deserved that award tonight,” he said smoothly, “it was you.”

Something in my chest loosened at his words.

“I was rooting for you,” he added, his tone softer now and that really hat surprised me because one of his own pack members had been competing tonight.

“I appreciate that,” I said, inclining my head slightly.

He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice.

“Let me get you another drink.”

“It’s already free,” I pointed out and a smirk tugged at his lips. “Then let me choose it for you.”

I hesitated for a fraction of a second but I was already feeling the warmth of the alcohol settling into my veins, loosening the tight knot of emotions in my chest so maybe that was exactly what I needed.

“Alright,” I said quietly and he turned to the bartender.

“Something stronger,” he instructed, his eyes flicking back to me. “She looks like she could use it.”

I let out a soft breath, not even bothering to deny it. “How about tequila?” he suggested.

It was dangerous and reckless, exactly the kind of decision I would regret later and yet…

I found myself nodding anyway because right now, I didn’t want to think and I didn’t want to feel the humiliation, the anger and the confusion or the way my body reacted every time Darius looked at me like I was something he shouldn’t want… but couldn’t stay away from.

“Tequila sounds perfect,” I murmured and as the glass was placed in front of me, I had a sinking feeling tonight was only going to get more complicated from here.