Chapter 218 Chapter 218

Chapter 218 Chapter 218
“Well, if I am making you nervous,” Theo whispers, leaning close to my ear, his scent invading my nose for the first time in this crowded room. “I enjoy making you blush.” I can barely breathe as his warm and spicy scent lingers on my tastebuds.
Before I can put my foot in my mouth further, he turns to the bartender, asking for another drink for both of us and a few shots. I know I shouldn’t indulge, but an insecure part of me wonders if I am only interesting with tequila coursing through my bloodstream.
After we finish the shots within seconds of the first, Theo grabs my hand as his thumb strokes my palm. A warmth spreading across my skin. “Maybe if talking makes you nervous,” he whispers in my ear. His large body pressed against me, my entire body heating with the closeness. “We can say what we need to with dancing.”
I practically choke on the brazenness of his words, as an “okay” tumbles past my lips without giving it further thought. Taking my drink in one hand, I take his.
NORA
As the song ends, Theo pulls away, a sad smile on his face. “Unfortunately, Nora darling, I have ignored my duties as Beta for too long. This must be our last dance.”
With a flourish, he grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips, as his eyes flick to the bar in a silent challenge, before returning to mine, a dashing smile covering his face.
Standing upright once again, “I hope to see you again, Nora Jones. Enjoy your night.” Sauntering away from me with a devil may care attitude, leaving me completely stunned. Regaining my composure, I head toward the table where our drinks sit, the opposite direction Theo walked.
Along the way, I pass the face of a demon I wasn’t expecting to see: Nia, Hazel’s cousin and the inspiration behind one of Macbeth’s witches.
“Crash any cars lately?” She sneers, the pettiness oozing like a deadly venom, “or are you too busy trying to steal other people’s mates?”
“Why? Are yours available?” I remark with a serious look, enjoying her scoff of derision. “I can take both if you’d like,” I comment nonchalantly, with a glance at the mate mark on her neck.
“Don’t worry,” she hisses, invading my space, “you’ll get yours, bitch.” She moves on quickly. Ignoring her baseless threats, I continue on my journey. Picking my glass up from the table, I wander aimlessly around the room.
The prickle of being watched tickles my skin once again. Allowing my senses to take control, I follow my instincts between the tables and guests on a mini adventure of my own.
Ignoring the delicious smell of the food, and that I haven’t eaten yet, approaching the patio with a sense that whatever I am looking for is there. I think Viola can sense it too, every ounce of her begging to be let free.
As I approach the doors, I hear a whispered argument that’s slowly becoming heated. A gruff, but slightly drunk voice I don’t recognize. “What’s going on between you two?”
"That’s none of your business, Drew!” Theo growls, his anger apparent while I wrongfully eavesdrop on their private conversation. I cannot control my werewolf hearing and their volume is increasing by the second.
Before I can stop myself, I am stepping onto the patio, taking a sip from the drink in my hand. “Nora,” Theo coughs, shoving his hands in his pockets while glancing at the man standing across from him.
I instantly recognize as the broody brunette from the bar earlier. I thought it was strange that he glared the entire time Theo and I danced together.
Before I have the chance to prepare myself, the man I am assuming is Drew spins around, a deadly glare on his face. As he sways slightly on his feet, “this is a private conversation. No one invited you, Nora.” The way he says my name makes it sound like the most disgusting word in the English language.
“Drew!” Theo scolds while I chug my drink, trying to distract myself enough to bite my tongue. “Stop being an idiot and go sleep it off!”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you,” I say, glancing between the two men. One whose warm honey eyes hold the most sincere apologies. The other’s crisp blue eyes holding mine hostage with a burning and absolute hatred. I don’t even know this man, but Goddess, he is cursing my existence.
“Then go away,” Drew remarks, his voice dry, his eyes narrowing as he sizes me up.
“No, Drew,” I say, finding my voice, returning his stare and squaring my shoulders in defiance. “You’re having a drunken argument in the middle of the new Alpha couple’s reception.”
My words cut like knives offending him, as his demeanor darkens, his eyes pitch black. Without Theo realizing it, Drew steps forward, his face in mine, his fury nearly burning my skin.