“Killian rejected his mate last night. I only found out today that he’s a werewolf.”
“Not just a werewolf. He’s the future alpha. Isn’t that insane?”
“Monica, stop reading for one second. Haven’t you heard? Killian dumped his luna candidate!”
The girls in Monica’s class buzzed with excitement. One of them even snatched the book from Monica’s hands and tossed it onto the desk so she would pay attention.
News of Killian rejecting his supposed mate had spread across all of Amberbridge Province. Humans and werewolves alike were talking about it.
For reasons Monica refused to examine, the gossip made her dizzy. What bothered her even more was watching girls chatter eagerly about Killian as though the vacancy beside him was now open.
“Tonight we’re going to XT-Dance&Drink,” Hellen announced, looping an arm through Monica’s. “Stop looking miserable.”
“A party? For what?”
The girls burst into laughter.
“Our genius girl doesn’t know how to celebrate a holiday,” Hellen called out dramatically. Then she lowered her voice. “Come on. One drink won’t kill you. Daniel’s going too.”
Monica felt warmth creep into her cheeks.
Her closest friends already knew about Daniel. If he would be there, then maybe going wasn’t a bad idea.
That night, wearing a sleeveless dress tailored neatly to her figure, Monica climbed into the car with Hellen and the others.
XT-Dance&Drink was already alive when they arrived.
Colored lights swept across the packed dance floor. Bass thundered through the walls. Laughter, perfume, alcohol, and expensive cologne filled the air.
Daniel was there with a group of men, looking completely at ease in the chaos.
“Let’s dance first and drink later,” Hellen shouted over the music.
Monica nodded. Starting on the dance floor felt safer. She could stay with the crowd and keep her head clear.
She had barely begun moving when two arms circled her waist from behind.
The sharp smell of liquor hit her first.
Then warm breath touched her neck.
“Daniel?” Monica gasped, glancing down at the familiar hands locked around her middle.
“Oh, babe,” he slurred against her ear.
“You’re drunk.” She grabbed his wrist and pulled him away from the dance floor. “Seriously, how much did you drink?”
She made him sit, ordered herself a mocktail, and chose to watch the room instead.
XT-Dance&Drink catered to people who liked spending money carelessly. Some customers paid absurd prices for a single glass.
“Look! Killian’s here!”
Hellen’s shriek sliced through the music.
In seconds, the room shifted.
Girls abandoned their drinks, stools, and dance partners to rush toward the entrance.
“Are they all insane?” Monica muttered.
Daniel gave a lazy shrug, seeming to agree.
“Want to dance?” he asked with a wink.
“I hate this song.”
“That problem can be solved.”
He smirked and headed for the DJ booth.
Two minutes later, the pounding club track faded into a slower, smoother melody.
“I asked for a waltz,” Daniel said when he returned. “They said management would fire them.”
Monica laughed despite herself.
She finished her mocktail in one swallow and let him lead her back onto the floor.
Some guests complained loudly about the music change, but Daniel ignored them. He took her hand and guided her with surprising grace.
“I like this,” Monica said near his ear. “It feels calm.”
“And sexy,” he murmured back.
Daniel moved confidently, reading her steps with ease. For a while, Monica relaxed into the dance.
But her eyes kept drifting elsewhere.
Killian stood across the room, surrounded by women eager to speak to him. Some offered drinks. Others clearly wanted answers about the broken engagement.
Then his gaze found hers.
Even through the crowd, Monica felt it like a touch.
Daniel moved behind her, pulling her back against his chest as they swayed. His hands slid along her sides.
Usually, she liked Daniel’s attention.
Tonight, something felt wrong.
His grip tightened around her ribs.
“Daniel, stop,” she whispered. “We’re in public.”
“This is exactly where people come to have fun,” he said, smiling as one hand returned to stroke her shoulder.
Across the room, Killian was still watching.
Monica suddenly felt exposed, as if the entire club had narrowed to one sharp stare.
Was he jealous?
Or did she only want him to be?
The memory of that night rose like poison.
His rejection.
His cold voice.
The fake ceremony might have been staged, but the humiliation had been real.
Daniel turned her abruptly to face him and crushed his mouth against hers.
Monica recoiled, trying to pull back, but the music swallowed any protest.
As she struggled, she caught sight of Killian again.
His expression had hardened.
“Let’s get a private room upstairs,” Daniel said, tugging her arm.
“Those rooms aren’t private,” Monica argued. “They’re just cramped spaces with beds.”
“I know a better one.” He grinned drunkenly. “The kinky room. Ever tried it?”
He began dragging her toward the staircase.
“Daniel, we came here for a holiday party.”
Unease crawled through her stomach.
And if she was honest, she hated the idea of disappearing upstairs while Killian watched.
“She said no. Don’t force her.”
The voice behind her was cool and unmistakable.
Monica froze.
“Killian?”
He walked toward them with measured steps, calm and composed, yet somehow more intimidating than anyone else in the room.
“Mind your own business, Mr. Salvator,” Daniel snapped.
“I am minding it,” Killian said smoothly. “I’m offering advice. Though I could always ask management how they feel about women being harassed here.”
Daniel’s jaw clenched.
Then Killian looked at Monica.
His eyes were sharp enough to cut.
“Or perhaps I should inform the university board about your questionable involvement with this man. I’m sure they’d be interested.”
Monica stiffened.
Again.
Again he was using her scholarship as leverage.
“You seem strangely invested in my life, Killian,” she said, voice edged with mock sweetness.
Something reckless rose inside her.
“Is it because your mate rejected you? I know what really happened. Funny how the story became you rejecting her instead.”
Nearby conversations stopped.
People turned.
Phones lifted.
Everyone wanted a scene.
“Careful, Monica,” Killian said softly, menace hidden beneath the calm.
Then he raised his voice for the room to hear.
“Relax, everyone. I was only helping her. Daniel was pressuring Monica into something she clearly didn’t want. That’s unacceptable, isn’t it?”
He sighed dramatically.
“And somehow I’m the villain for stepping in.”
Murmurs spread at once.
Judging looks shifted toward Monica.
Once again, Killian had twisted the narrative perfectly.
He stood as the gentleman.
She stood as the fool.
When the crowd finally lost interest and drifted away, Killian leaned close enough for only her to hear.
“Daniel is the wrong man for you, Monica.”
She met his gaze without flinching.
“Take your own advice, Killian.”
