“Caleb is going to be there.”
Ava frowns. “Yeah, I know. How have things been?”
My shoulders raise in a half-assed shrug. “Not good.”
“I’m sorry,” she says sincerely. “I wish I could make it better.”
“It’s okay,” I rasp. “I’ll live.”
“We’re leaving around six, so meet you downstairs then?”
“Okay.”
“Oh, and dress smart.”
Even better.
When she leaves, I lie flat on my bed and stare up at the ceiling, wondering if my heart can hack another day of being around the man who is meant to act like my mate.
I adjustmy shirt in the mirror before tucking it into my trousers. The last time I wore this outfit was for Aurora’s Goddess ceremony communion. It’s been wasting away in my wardrobe ever since.
The fabric clings to my arms in an uncomfortable way, and the collar nearly chokes me, but it’s the nicest thing I own. It fit once upon a time, which tells me I must have put on some muscle and weight for it to feel like this on my body.
It gives me a little boost of confidence that I’m striving to be better.
My blond curls flop over my forehead, and I’m thankful for the rest as my eyes look bluer than I’ve ever seen them. It makes a change from how lifeless they usually appear.
When I head downstairs to find everyone dressed up and looking their best, we head out to the event. It’s being held in a large manor across the district. I already can’t wait for it to be over.
We arrive on time because Jaxon wouldn’t dare have us be late. I stare up at the white manor before me. I gulp knowing what I’m going to experience tonight.
Hours of pure agony.
Some members of Caleb’s pack greet us on the way in, but it doesn’t calm anything inside me.
“Let’s go grab a drink,” Ava says as she holds Aurora in her arms.
The sound of Ava’s heels clicking on the floor vibrates in my ears along with the buzz of people talking and laughing. We approach a waiter holding a tray of champagne flutes. Ava places Aurora down before Jaxon comes over to take her.
“Here,” Ava says as she hands me a glass.
I blink. I’ve never really had the opportunity to drink before, and it would be my first time trying it, even at my age of twenty.
“Okay,” I say as I take it from her fingers and place the glass to my lips.
Ava studies me as I take my first sip. It fizzes in my mouth and startles me. It’s strong but crisp, and leaves a burning sensation in my throat.
“Nice?”
My face turns sour as I swallow eventually. “You guys drink this for fun?” I ask before rolling my tongue against the roof of my mouth over and over.
She releases a low laugh and places her hand over her mouth. “Oh, Evan. You’re so precious.”
We move away from the waiter and stand with Lucy, Phia, and Grace.
“Have you seen him yet?” I hear Grace whisper to Phia.
Phia nods with wide eyes. “He’s over there, looking as divine as ever.”
