"Fine," I said, grabbing my hand from the table and scanning the cards. As we continued our game, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to Erica. She was a force of nature, stubborn and fierce, but I knew that soon she would be mine. All the frustration and impatience would be worth it when she finally surrendered to me.
"I think you’re right" Kieran chimed in and interrupting my thoughts, his Irish accent lilting as he leaned back in his chair. "Erica just needs to see what a good man you are. That's all it'll take." I felt a warmth spread through me, touched by Kieran's unwavering support. As my best friend and beta, he'd been by my side through thick and thin.
"Thanks, Kieran," I said, giving him a grateful nod. "It means a lot to have your faith in me."
"Ugh," Grant grumbled, rolling his eyes. "You two and your optimism. Erica is way more stubborn than you both realise. But whatever, Jasper. As long as she stays away from that Alpha heir, Liam." Kieran laughed, shaking his head.
"Seriously, you guys and your obsession with Liam border on the ridiculous. Can't believe how much thought you put into one guy."
"Hey, Liam's a threat," I snapped, defensive. "And if we're not careful, he could ruin everything."
"Alright, alright," Kieran conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No need to get all worked up. Just saying, maybe focus a bit more on winning Erica over instead of worrying about Liam so much."
"Fine," I huffed, still annoyed but acknowledging that Kieran had a point. My attention needed to be on Erica, not her would-be mate who couldn't even claim her properly.
The door opened and Heidi smirked as she waltzed into the room without knocking, her short black silk chemise dress leaving little to the imagination. I rolled my eyes, annoyed that our conversation had been interrupted.
“I hear you boys are having fun without me,”she purred.
"Boys night means no women," Kieran retorted, not bothering to look up from his drink. "Now fuck off." Heidi ignored him and sauntered over to me. Every movement was calculated for maximum seduction, but it only served to irritate me further. She tried to sit in my lap, pouting when I pushed her away.
"Come on, Jasper. I heard it's boys night, and I thought I could make it even better." Her voice dripped with insinuation, but I wasn’t interested.
"Didn't you hear Kieran? No women tonight," I snapped, my patience wearing thin. Yet, Heidi persisted, shooting me a sultry look.
"Are you being whipped by that bitch redhead?" she asked rudely, crossing her arms. "Does she have some kind of magic pussy or something?"
"Watch your mouth," I growled, feeling anger boil within me. Kieran made a move to usher her out, but she stubbornly refused. The tension in the room grew thick, and I could feel my wolf stirring beneath the surface.
"Get out, Heidi. You're a worthless whore who has nothing on Erica. Take your vapidness somewhere else." My voice was low and menacing, barely concealing my fury. Heidi's face flushed with anger, but another growl from me sent her cowering in fear. She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
The sound of Grant's laughter filled the room as Heidi's dramatic exit reverberated through the walls.
"That was worth seeing," he chuckled, shaking his head.
"Shut up," I grumbled, trying to suppress a smile and failing. Kieran joined in, his own laughter like music to my ears. But the moment was fleeting. Pouring myself another drink, I tried to shake off the lingering irritation caused by Heidi's intrusion. I couldn't afford distractions right now, not with Erica so close to accepting me.
My hand was just closing around the glass when the alarms blared through the pack house, jolting me back to reality.
"What the fuck is it now?" I growled, slamming the glass back onto the table. Kieran's eyes clouded over for a brief moment before snapping back into focus.
"Rogues attacking in the north-east corner," he reported, the lines on his forehead deepening with concern. I snarled in response. It couldn't be rogues. They wouldn't dare set foot on my territory.
"Silver Stone pack," I corrected him, knowing all too well who our true enemy was. I barked orders at Kieran and Grant to go help fight them back. Grant immediately argued that he should be protecting Erica since he was the Gamma, but I wanted to be the one to keep her safe. It was my responsibility. I ordered him to guard the pack house instead, and they both reluctantly left down one hallway while I headed towards Erica's room.
As I strode down the corridor, my heart pounded in my chest. I needed to get to Erica and reassure her that it was only rogues and that I would protect her. The last thing I wanted was for her to know that her pack was attempting to rescue her. I had been keeping all information about their plans secret.
"Verity!" I heard her voice ringing around the corner, and my heart clenched in my chest. What was she doing here, now? I turned the corner, my anger building as I saw Verity and Erica standing together, both dressed in black, their backs to me. They were facing off against Verity's older brothers, who looked just as shocked to see them.
"Mother will be devastated when we tell her we had to kill you for being a traitor," one of the brothers spat, his eyes narrowed with fury. Verity laughed bitterly, her voice cold and sharp.
"Traitors? Really? Look at yourselves. You're the ones betraying your own flesh and blood." My stomach churned as I realised that Verity had played me, getting close to Erica under the guise of friendship. I'd suspected there was an inside man, or woman, but I'd thought it was Grant. Rage bubbled beneath my skin as I mind-linked the brothers.
"Take the bitch out. Do not hurt Erica." As one brother moved towards Verity, the other addressed Erica.
"Stand aside Luna while we deal with the traitor. The Alpha will be here soon to get you to safety." Erica snorted disdainfully, her green eyes flashing with defiance.
"You're the traitors! And Jasper isn't my Alpha." Her words stung, but I refused to let it show as I stepped into view, my expression blank.
