Chapter 30: Jealous Mate

Bethany's POV

"This is lit!" I screamed as I swayed my body to the energetic rhythm of the music reverberating around the pool. Despite the music's infectious energy, my legs were starting to feel shaky from all the dancing, but I had no intention of stopping. I was fully immersed in the beat, determined to make the most of the party.

Although I kept telling myself that I wouldn't look at Carson as he mingled with those other girls, my eyes involuntarily drifted in his direction. I couldn't help but sneak a glance at what he was doing, even though I resented myself for it. It was frustrating to realize that I was the only one drowning my sorrows in alcohol while my friends had seemingly abandoned me.

Lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly felt a hand wrapping around my waist, jolting me from my reverie. "Hey, pretty girl, what are you doing all by yourself? Let's have some fun," a blond guy said, his arm draped around my waist, making me feel uncomfortable.

Before I could respond, the guy's words were cut short by a piercing scream. "Get your filthy hands off her, you bastard!" Carson's growl filled the air, and I was surprised by how swiftly he had come to my defense.

Wasn't he just flirting with those girls moments ago? What was he doing here, beating up an innocent guy?

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?" I asked with a croaky voice, my speech slurred due to the alcohol. I attempted to walk over to the blond man, but I almost stumbled and fell.

"Stay still!" Carson commanded, and I felt a pang of annoyance. "Take your hands off me and don't you dare tell me what to do," I snapped, staggering away from him as I reached the blond man, who had been helped to his feet by a friend.

The blond guy appeared genuinely scared, perhaps worried that he might provoke Carson, and he promptly fled the scene. My futile attempts to check on him went unnoticed, and I sighed in frustration.

"Would you like to have a drink with me?" Carson's voice reached my ears, but I chose to ignore him and walked toward the poolside instead. I intended to cool off by taking a dip and indulging in a drink, my own kind of fun.

I was taken aback by the lack of people by the pool, even though there were still partygoers around. Most of them were likely engaged in more private activities, and I couldn't help but wonder where my friends, Sam and Annette, had disappeared to.

Determined to enjoy myself, I removed my kimono, letting it slide off my body. Slowly, I watched Carson's gaze linger on me as he took in my exposed form. He could appreciate a good sight, not someone with a saggy figure, I thought. I may not be a supermodel, but I was confident with my body, full in all the right places.

In my two-piece swimsuit, I noticed that my curves garnered plenty of attention. I was ready to let loose and have a good time. As I prepared to dive into the pool, I felt light-headed, as if I were losing control.

The moment I hit the water, something felt wrong. It was as though a weight was pulling me down, and I struggled to stay afloat. The alcohol in my system only made it more challenging to maintain my balance.

Desperation set in as I tried to cry out for help, but the deafening music drowned out my voice. It seemed that no one noticed my distress as I continued to fight against the relentless pull of the water.

As I began to lose hope, I ceased my struggles and allowed myself to sink beneath the surface, surrendering to the water.

Carson's POV

I was infuriated by Bethany's rejection earlier, and her decision to go swimming instead of spending time with me only fueled my anger. After all, I had come to the party primarily for her, and she appeared to have no interest in my company.

But as I walked away from her and surveyed the party, something felt off. A tantalizing scent wafted through the air, affecting my senses. My wolf growled in response, as though recognizing something I couldn't quite grasp.

I followed the scent, my instincts guiding me toward the pool. However, the scene that unfolded was not what I expected. The water bubbled and churned as if something was amiss. I rushed toward the pool, my heart pounding in my chest.

Without a second thought, I jumped into the water to save the person struggling within. The crowd gasped in response, and people rushed to help. I was already doing everything in my power to retrieve the person.

It was only after I had lifted the unconscious figure from the water that I realized it was Bethany. Her friend gasped in shock at the sight of her, but I couldn't help but notice the intensity of her scent.

As my gaze fell upon her, I understood what my wolf had sensed. The scent that had drawn me to the pool was Bethany's, and it was now much stronger.