“Please, Damon," she interrupted, scoffing lightly. "It's just things. They can be replaced." Her fingers brushed against mine as she tried to reassure me. "What matters right now is finding Erica."
"Right," I agreed, nodding solemnly. And yet, I couldn't help thinking about how much I wished I could protect Audrey from the darkness that seemed to be closing in on all of us.
"Be safe, Damon," she implored, her eyes searching mine with a desperate intensity. "And bring Erica back."
"I will," I promised, the weight of that vow settling heavily on my shoulders. "I'll do whatever it takes."
We stood by the car; the moon casting long shadows across its sleek surface. Audrey wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to hold on to something that was slipping away.
"Listen," Audrey said, her voice low and steady despite the emotions we'd just shared. "I'll keep researching, see if I can find anything to help. Just... promise me you'll find Erica in time."
"Thank you, Audrey," I replied, my heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. "I promise I'll do everything I can." My mind flashed back to Jessica, and how we failed her. The memory fueled my resolve; I couldn't let history repeat itself.
"Good," she whispered, a tremor in her voice betraying her fear. She closed the distance between us and pressed her lips against mine, a desperate, fleeting kiss that tasted like the dying embers of our love. As we pulled apart, I felt the chilly night air rush in to fill the space where her warmth had been.
"Take care of Liam, too," she added, glancing toward the passenger seat where he sat motionless, his eyes glazed over with pain and shock. "He needs you now more than ever."
"I will," I assured her, although worry gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. Liam had always been the strong one, the one who pushed me forward when I faltered. Now, seeing him so vulnerable, it felt like the world had tilted on its axis. With a final look into each other's eyes, we said our silent farewells. I climbed into the driver's seat, feeling the chill of the leather against my skin. As I started the engine, the rumble of the car seemed to echo the turmoil inside me.
Driving into the darkness, I glanced over at Liam, still lost in his own private hell. He'd always been there for me, and now it was my turn to be the strong one. We would find Erica, whatever it took. This time, I vowed, things would be different. But as the road stretched out before us like a ribbon of shadows, fear threaded through my veins, whispering doubts in the back of my mind. And as the distance between Audrey and me grew with each mile, I couldn't help but wonder if we were heading down a path from which there was no turning back.
Chapter 10
Jasper
Theairwasthickwith the scent of sweat, sex, and intoxicating substances as the Shadow Night pack's top floor transformed into a chaotic playground. As Alpha, I revelled in the seduction, my dominance over the pack an aphrodisiac to the omega women who craved my attention. The power coursing through me was electric, sending shivers down my spine.
"Fuck," I groaned, gripping the red curls of the omega currently pleasuring me. Her mouth enveloped my dick, her warm wetness fueling my arousal. With each thrust, she took me deeper into her throat, her eyes watering but never leaving mine. The submission etched on her face fed my voracious appetite for control. I drank champagne straight from the bottle, the bubbly liquid doing little to quench my thirst for pleasure. My eyes scanned the room, surveying the various acts of hedonism taking place. Kieran and Grant were also present, though their participation was notably lacking in enthusiasm.
"Harder," I commanded, pushing the redhead's head further onto my dick. She gagged but complied, her fingers digging into my thighs for support. The sensation of her struggling only heightened my arousal, and I couldn't help but smirk at her dedication to please me. The sound of gagging began to grate on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I yanked the redhead off my dick and shoved her away, disgust etched across my face. Her eyes widened in horror, realising she'd failed to please me. But I'd already lost interest in her.
My gaze followed Heidi as she sashayed across the room, a seductive smile playing on her lips. She was a vision in black lace, her movements fluid and cat-like. Things had definitely become more interesting since she'd returned to the Shadow Night pack. Heidi closed the distance between us, her hips swaying seductively with each step. Her smouldering gaze locked onto mine, promising untold pleasure. She climbed onto the bed and straddled me, a wicked grin playing on her lips.
"Ready for me, Alpha?" Her voice was a sultry tease, making my cock twitch in anticipation.
"Goddess, yes," I groaned as she lined herself up with my throbbing length. A moment later, she sank down onto me, her wet heat enveloping me completely. My eyes fluttered shut, and I let out a guttural moan, momentarily losing myself in the sensation.
"Fuck, Alpha... you feel so good," Heidi purred, starting to ride me with increasing fervor. Her breathy moans filled the air, music to my ears. Whether they were genuine or for show, I didn't care. It was what I needed at that moment, an escape from my own thoughts and frustration.
"Harder, Heidi," I growled, gripping her hips tightly, urging her to pick up the pace. She obliged, her body bouncing up and down on mine, her breasts swaying tantalisingly with every movement.
As Heidi continued her eager gyrations, my gaze wandered to the side where I spotted Kieran leaning against the window, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He seemed lost in thought, completely oblivious to the show surrounding him. His detachment from the party grated on me, and a surge of irritation swelled within. He used to be the life of these parties, the one who would laugh the loudest and drink the most, always ready for another round of wild, hedonistic fun. But something had changed in him, leaving behind this brooding shell of the man he once was. And it pissed me off that he refused to confide in me, despite our long history as friends and pack mates.
"Alpha?" Heidi's breathy voice interrupted my internal tirade, and I gritted my teeth, cursing myself for letting my focus waver. "Is everything alright?"
"Nothing's wrong," I snapped, forcing my attention back to our tangled bodies. "Just keep doing what you're doing."
"Okay..." Her uncertainty hung heavy in the air, but she resumed her movements, picking up the pace as she sought to bring us both to climax.
"Good girl," I muttered, trying to immerse myself in the pleasure of the moment. But my eyes kept drifting back to Kieran, the sight of him standing there, so disconnected and aloof, fueling my growing anger. I didn’t know why it pissed me off so much but I couldn't seem to focus on the bitch bouncing on my dick.
"Can't you just let go, for fuck's sake?" I muttered under my breath, my arousal now tainted with frustration. I was close to the edge, but the gnawing resentment towards Kieran and his secrets left a bitter taste in my mouth.
"Oh Goddess, Alpha, I'm almost there," Heidi moaned, her nails digging into my shoulders as she quickened her pace. But even as the pressure built within me, my thoughts remained fixated on Kieran and his infuriating silence. My good mood vanished, and with a snarl, I shoved Heidi off of me. She stumbled back, hitting the floor with an indignant gasp.
"Hey!" she exclaimed, shooting me an accusatory glare. But one growl from me, underscored with my Alpha dominance, silenced her immediately. Her eyes widened in fear, and she shrank back, knowing better than to question me further.
I turned away, no longer interested in the pleasures she could offer. The revelry around me faded into a dull hum as I stalked toward Kieran, my anger simmering beneath the surface. As I approached him, I could hear Heidi taking out her frustration on one of the lower-ranking omegas.
