Her eyes open, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Your aura’s changed,” she comments. “It was all tangled and dark before. Now it’s…intense. Focused.”
I don’t respond to this, but she doesn’t seem to expect me to. She hops off the rock, retrieving our clue sheet.
“Shall we continue?” she suggests. “I think I’ve figured out the next location.”
I nod, following her lead while my mind remains fixed on Owen. The possessiveness I feel should concern me—this sudden, overwhelming desire to claim someone I didn’t know two days ago. Instead, I embrace it, this new hunger, this need to mark him as mine. To make sure he understands to whom he belongs. And tonight, when the games are over, I’ll teach him the consequences of playing with fire.
7
Owen
MUSIC FLOATS THROUGH THE evening air, mingling with laughter and the clink of glasses. The scavenger hunt has finally ended, and we’re celebrating with drinks and dancing in the lodge’s garden.
I cradle my club soda, the condensation cool against my palm, and listen to Naya’s story about crystals.
“—and that’s why selenite can’t be cleansed in water,” Naya concludes. “It just dissolves.”
“Fascinating,” I murmur, nodding as if I’ve absorbed a single word she’s said.
My gaze drifts to where Slade leans against a wooden post, nursing what looks like sparkling water. His eyes meet mine across the distance, dark and intent, and the look sends heat crawling up my spine. I jerk my attention back to Naya, who’s now explaining the difference between natural and lab-grown crystals.
“Are you okay?” Naya asks, pausing her crystal monologue. “Your aura’s flashing bright red.”
“I’m fine,” I manage. “Just a little warm.”
She studies me, her head tilting to one side. “It’s more than that. There’s an energy around you tonight…very intense. Very passionate.”
I fight the urge to glance at Slade again. “Must be all the excitement for Ava and Bryce.”
“Maybe,” she says, unconvinced. “Anyway, I think I’ll get another drink. Want anything?”
I lift my still-full glass. “I’m good, thanks.”
As Naya drifts toward the drinks table, I allow myself one more look at Slade. He’s speaking with Bryce now. Even from here, I can see the tension in Slade’s shoulders. Like me, he’s sipping something non-alcoholic. The realization sends another pulse of heat through me—we’re both staying clear-headed tonight, both anticipating what comes later.
“Owen!” Ava appears at my side, cheeks flushed with happiness and probably a glass or two of champagne. “Isn’t this amazing? The lodge staff set everything up exactly how I wanted.”
I smile at my sister. “It looks great, Av. The lights, the flowers—it’s perfect.”
“And we won!” She bounces on her toes, excitement radiating from her. “The scavenger hunt! Bryce figured out that last clue about the old clock tower.”
“Impressive,” I say, forcing myself to focus on her. “So what’s this prize? The private hot springs?”
“Yes! Tomorrow morning. It’s supposed to be this secluded natural pool that’s not open to regular guests.” She grabs myarm, squeezing it. “I’m sorry you and Zara didn’t win. You seemed to be having a good time together, though.”
There’s a hopeful lilt to her voice I recognize.
“She’s nice,” I say. Guilt twists in my stomach when I think about how I used Zara earlier, flirting to make Slade jealous. I’m not proud of it.
Ava studies me, her excitement dimming. “Just nice? I thought there might be a spark there.”
“Not really my type. But we could become friends.”
“Oh.” Her disappointment is palpable. “Well, there’s still Naya. She’s single too, you know.”
“Uh, I don’t think that would work out either.”
Bryce joins us, sliding an arm around Ava’s waist. “What won’t work out?”
