One Night

Chapter 142

Audrey

The cool water splashing against my palms and neck did little to cool the heat simmering beneath my skin, but I did it anyway. I held my hands under the faucet, running the water across my inner wrists as I tilted my head from side to side in an attempt to roll some of the tension put of my neck.

“Goddess. I’m officially hearing things…” I muttered to myself with disdain, staring at my reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t even just my **l state that was worrying: my skin looked pale even under the soft amber lighting, and there were dark circles under my eyes that even my careful makeup couldn’t fully conceal..

Maybe this whole situation was finally getting to my mind in a deep, dangerous way.

I could barely sleep because of Edwin, his face haunting my dreams and his scent lingering in my memory. I could barely eat, barely even drink. Every time I tried to do any of those things, it was like I was back on that bridge again.

Did he feel the same, I wondered?

I knew that I needed to do this as soon as possible-tell him that I couldn’t be with him. It would ease both of our minds, even if it would hurt at first.

But deep down, I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to be with Edwin against all odds. I wanted to be able to go to him and take his hand and tell him that I loved him. I wanted to be the one dancing with him out there, not Fiona.

And for a moment, I almost did just that-marched out there and told him that I loved him.

The urge was so strong it was almost physical, a pull in my chest drawing me toward him.

But my fingers tightened around the edge of the sink, anchoring me to my spot.

I couldn’t do it. As a human, I would only get in the way of Edwin and his fated mate; not to mention the fact that he would, outlive me by a good margin, considering that werewolves naturally lived almost fifty years longer than humans, sometimes even twice as long in particular cases.

I shuddered. The thought of growing old while he remained youthful and vibrant was painful.

I knew that Edwin wouldn’t care if I got old and wrinkly before his eyes. Of course he didn’t care. But… would it break him, to see me die before he even got old? It would certainly break me if I was in that position.

And then there was the issue of children.

My cheeks heated at the thought. I didn’t want to get ahead of myself thinking such things, but I couldn’t help it. If we had children someday, they would be halfbloods.

Forever caught between worlds, never fully accepted as a human or a werewolf.

Betty’s words echoed in my mind, recalling a conversation we had had one night over the summer as we laid back in our patio chairs and looked up at the stars.

“Being a halfblood isn’t easy, Audrey,” she had said, her eyes distant. “You’re never quite human enough, never quite werewolf enough. Always stuck in between two worlds, never truly belonging anywhere.”

I wouldn’t want to wish that upon anyone, let alone my child.

09:30 Thu, Sep 19

Chapter 142

No, I had to end things with Edwin for both of our sakes. It was for the best. Even if it broke my heart.

Taking a deep breath, I dried my face and stepped out of the bathroom. The hallway was dimly lit, the sounds of the party mu-**d behind closed doors. As I walked, my heels clicking softly on the polished floor, I overheard voices coming from around the corner.

“I hear that Alpha Edwin is engaged to Claudia’s daughter and secretly sleeping with that human girl.” a woman’s voice said, barely containing her glee at the gossip.

“She’s here tonight, isn’t she?” another voice chimed in.

“Strange that Claudia would invite a human to her birthday… Perhaps she knows about the th*.”

A** man’s voice added, deep and mocking. “Perhaps the human is Edwin and Fiona’s plaything”

Laughter erupted at that, and I felt my eyes immediately begin to burn with hot, salty tears. My heart raced, and my cheeks flushed with humiliation.

A plaything For both of them….

–

My first instinct was to slip away, unseen, and wait for them to leave. It would be so easy to run, to hide from their cruel words and judgmental eyes.

But then I remembered all I had been through, The challenges had faced, the growth I had experienced in this past year. I was not the meek girl I once was, the girl who cried alone and hid in hallways.

I was stronger now, more confident.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped out from behind the corner, revealing myself.

“I am no one’s plaything.” I said coldly, my voice coming out steadier than I felt.

The three werewolves turned to me, smirks still on their faces. There were two women, both in sleek c**ail dresses, and a, man in an expensive suit. No doubt they intended to jeer at me a little bit more, unfazed by a human’s confidence. I pulled my shoulders back and prepared for the onslaught.

But then their eyes widened as they took in my expression, and their faces fell.

“Oh, I… we didn’t…” one of the women stammered, taking a step back.

“We’re so sorry,” the other added quickly.

The man looked particularly uncomfortable, his face ashen. “We didn’t mean any offense,” he muttered.

Quickly muttering more apologies, they scurried away, leaving me alone in the hallway. I stood there, heart pounding. confused by their sudden change in demeanor. It was as if they had seen something that frightened them.

Curious, I turned to look at my reflection in a nearby window. For a split second, I thought I saw my eyes glowing silver, a bright, otherworldly light emanating from them.

“Audrey…”

There was that voice again, whispering my name, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once,

I blinked, shaking my head vigorously, and my eyes looked normal again. The clear blue I was used to seeing stared back at

09:30 Thu, Sep 19

Chapter 142

me once again-perfectly normal.

Why did I keep hearing that voice? I must truly be going insane, especially if I was seeing things now.

I decided I really should end things with Edwin now and tell Claudia I was going home early. This was clearly all too much for me-the gossip, the strange visions, the mysterious voice. I needed to get out of here before things got even more complicated. The solitude of my dorm room was calling to me. And maybe an appointment with a psychiatrist.

Returning to the party. I searched for Edwin but couldn’t find him anywhere. The room was crowded, filled with laughing guests and the clink of champagne glasses. The air was thick with perfume and the scent of expensive food.

I spotted Claudia across the room, surrounded by well-wishers. She caught my eye and smiled warmly, but I couldn’t bring myself to go over. Not now, not when I was feeling so off-kilter.

Frustrated and overwhelmed, I made my way to the deck, pushing past groups of chattering guests. The cool night air was a relief after the stuffy interior of the party. I leaned against the railing, feeling the smooth, cool metal under my palms.

The live music drifted out from inside, a soft jazz melody mixing with the sound of the river far below. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The gentle breeze hit my hot face, but I hardly felt it.

head

As I stood there, trying to gather my thoughts, I felt a presence behind me. Someone was approaching, their footsteps barely audible over the music and the rushing water below. Then I smelled it-that familiar cologne that always made my fuzzy.

My heart leapt into my throat as I turned, clutching my necklace like a lifeline. I resisted the urge to throw my arms around him, to bury my face in his chest and forget about all my worries and fears.

Instead, I looked up into those stormy gray eyes, and I felt like I might crumple to the floor right in front of him. That scent was enough to make me dizzy.

“Edwin.”