Luke's POV
The beat of the music echoed through the grand estate where the party unfolded in all its extravagant glory. The venue, though not as opulent as the Blood Moon Pack territory, exuded an air of sophistication. Warm lights adorned the surroundings, casting a golden glow over the celebrants as they danced and reveled.
Meanwhile, I was in the midst of my friends, a round of shots in hand. We shared a cheers, the laughter and solidarity evident in our expressions. My eyes scanned the surroundings, looking somewhat disappointed.
As Tyler and Jackson approached, I responded to Jackson's question with a sly smile. "Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, right?"
The two groups converged, a blend of werewolf dynamics and the subtle tension that always lingered beneath the surface. Tyler, the epitome of charisma, greeted me with a handshake that concealed layers of unspoken rivalry.
"So, Luke, what brings the mighty Blood Moon Pack to my humble abode?" Tyler asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
With a nod toward the crowd I responded, "Just checking out the local scene. Heard there might be some interesting developments."
Tyler, ever the entertainer, leaned in, his voice a low whisper. "Ah, you mean the rogues? Looking for a girl, apparently. But let's not talk business at a party. Relax, have a drink. Enjoy the VIP area if you'd like. Private dancers can take care of your every need."
I scoffed, well aware of Tyler's reputation as a playboy. However, my thoughts were momentarily interrupted as Sam, a girl from Tyler's pack and one of my occasional hook-ups, approached.
Tyler, catching on to the situation, offered, "VIP's the way to go, Luke. Avoid unnecessary drama." I, considering my options, accepted the offer.
Tyler, with a charming grin, instructed his Beta, "Jackson, show our esteemed guests to the VIP area. Get them settled."
Jackson, with a playful salute, gestured for me and my friends to follow. The VIP area, usually bustling, was surprisingly empty—most guests preferred mingling in the heart of the party. This, however, played to my advantage, keeping me out of Sam's immediate reach.
"Thanks, Jackson," I said appreciatively.
Jackson, with a mischievous wink, flagged down a dancer. "Might as well make the VIP experience worthwhile." He motioned for her to entertain us.
As my friends and I settled in, the atmosphere became a bit uncomfortable, particularly for Emily, the only girl in the group. She wasn't particularly girly, and having a scantily clad she-wolf twerking in front of her mate, the Beta, was less than ideal. Emily and Jake ventured to the bar, leaving Max and me at the table with Sapphire. The ambiance in the VIP section shifted. The neon lights painted a kaleidoscope of colors, and the lively music surrounded us as we watched Sapphire's energetic performance.
Spotting Danielle with the guy from the coffee shop talking to Tyler, I couldn't suppress a muttered curse. The provocative dance seemed like a deliberate move by Tyler. Feeling an unexpected discomfort, I decided to alter the dynamics of the situation. Leaning in, I addressed Sapphire, "What's your name?"
A smile lit up Sapphire's face as she replied, "Sapphire. Like the gemstone." As the music continued, I turned to Sapphire. "You look like you could use a break. Get yourself a drink." Sapphire nodded appreciatively and gracefully made her way towards the bar, leaving me to my thoughts.
My eyes inadvertently scanned the room, and that's when I noticed Danielle. She had been looking in our direction, and a twinge of worry gnawed at me. I couldn't fathom how this girl I barely knew had managed to captivate my attention so intensely. Before I could dwell further, Max interrupted my thoughts.
"What's up, Alpha?" Max inquired.
I hesitated, then decided to confide in my friend. "When I met her at the coffee shop, where I helped her pick up her books, I felt something. A spark, when we touched. And she... she smells wonderful."
Max arched an eyebrow. "That's strange. Humans usually don't have a scent. Maybe she's not yet 18, and that's why you haven't sensed her wolf."
I pondered this for a moment. She didn't give off the rogue vibe, and considering she was at a human college, there might be more to Danielle than met the eye.
Max, ever the breaker of awkward silences, chimed in with a casual grin. "Alpha, you aren't afraid to talk to a girl are you?" He glanced over at Danielle and her friend, noting Tyler's absence as he dealt with something at the entrance. Max teased, "Now's your chance. Let's go find out more about this mystery girl. Wait up, do you even know her name?" he added, looking curious.
I replied nonchalantly, "Yeah, overheard her friend call her Danielle. Can't let her know I eavesdropped from a few tables away, can I?"
Max smirked, remembering, "Oh, yeah. We've seen her at the coffee shop during stakeouts. Emmet found her mesmerizing too, if I recall."
Luke, glancing around, asked, "Where's Emmet, anyway?"
Max shrugged, replying, "Doesn't really want to be around Emily and Jake since they found out they're mates." The complicated dynamics of their past romances were not lost on the two werewolves. Emily and Emmet had dated for two years before she turned 18 and got her wolf, hoping they were fated mates. However, destiny had a different plan, revealing that Jake was her fated mate.
"Ah, that's understandable," I acknowledged. "Hopefully, he'll find his fated mate soon." With that, Max and I got up and made our way towards Danielle.