Dating

Chapter 83

The moment we stepped into the party mansion, I couldn’t get over everything that I was seeing. The chandeliers, the flickering candlelight, the lavish decorations–it was like stepping into a scene from a movie.

I couldn’t believe how–grand everything looked. It always shocked me wealthy some of the werewolves that I went to school with, were. I didn’t know whose house this was but it totally had to be someone from the popular crew.

I’d never been to a party like this, not even close. The closest I’d been was earlier this year, at Noah’s party. The last time I’d walked into his Gravens party, it had been for totally different circumstances.

My mind drifted back to that night. The memory was still totally painfully catching Noah kissing Ava on a live stream, my heart shattering into a million pieces. I couldn’t still remember my heart pounding in my chest as I charged towards the Gravens house.

I’d barged into that party with a singular focus, not paying any attention to the atmosphere or the people around me. I could barely remember what everyone looked like that night

But even if I had, that party would have paled in comparison to this on

– This

was something else entirely.

Werewolves were everywhere, each dressed in elaborate costumes that ranged from historical figures to pop culture icons. Some wore contemporary outfits with a supernatural twist, while others opted for traditional, elegant attire. The variety was stunning.

A Marie Antoinette walked by me hand in hand with a Wolverine. These costumes clearly didn’t come from a Party Central mall. They weren’t the cheap stuff you could buy off the rack. No, these costumes had been custom made by professionals.

I wouldn’t be surprised if some people had gone to the local theatre department and commissioned the costume designer to make something for them.

And then there were those who didn’t dress up at all but still managed to look like they’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. Chic black miniskirts and heels that looked like they came from the latest collection of some fancy brand. The glamour and sophistication were overwhelming

Immediately, I felt a pang of insecurity. My black dress, which had felt perfect earlier, now seemed woefully inadequate. Was it too plain? Did I look like I didn’t belong Liam had gone out of his way to invite me. I didn’t want him to feel embarrassed to be standing beside me.

As these thoughts whirled in my mind, I barely registered Liam speaking to me. “Ella?” His voice cut through my reverie. “Do you want a drink?”

1 looked up at him, smiled, and nodded, grateful for the distraction. “Yeah, that would be great

Liar gave me a reassuring smile and squeezed my hand before heading off towards the bar. I watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Being left alone in this crowd was intimidating, to say the least,

I tried to blend into the background, taking in the scene around me. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the chatter of conversation. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, lost in the festivities. It should have been comforting, but instead, it made me feel more isolated,

I wished that I had come with Monica. With Liam and Monica beside me, I wouldn’t be feeling so out of place. But that was the thing. I wasn’t always going to have them with me, right by my side. 1 had to learn to move through this werewolf world on my own

Just then, a voice dripped with sarcasm cut through the my thoughts amidst the noise. “Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up.”

I turned to see a she–wolf standing there, her eyes narrowed in disdain. Recognition hit me like a punch to the gut. She was one of the wolves who had helped Ava beat me up in the cafeteria. What was she doing here?

And then I could have slapped myself. What was she doing here what was I doing here? This was way more her turt than mine, I was the one who was out of place, not here. These were her people, not mine. My heart began to race.

“What do you want?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. But the little shake in that I could hear gave me away.

She sneered, her expression full of contempi. “I’m just surprised to see you here. You don’t exactly fit in.”

Anger flared within me, but so did a wave of fear. This party was full of popular werewolves who had never hidden their disdain for humans. The memory of that brutal cafeteria brawl flashed in my mind, and I felt a surge of panic.

There was no Sarah here to defend me, no sympathetic she–wolves to have my back. I was so grateful that Sarah and her friends had stepping in for me that day. But they were nowhere in sight now. This wasn’t there type of panty,

Or no, let me not say that. Maybe this was their kind of party, but this wasn’t there kind of group of people I knew who they hung out with, and it

1/2

10.24 AM

Chapter 83

wasn’t the uber popular werewolves that were here tonight.

But now, I couldn’t let this mean shewolf see my fear. It would only give her ammunition to taunt me, I knew this already. And then after the taunting. I could only imagine what she would be bold enough to do next.

I stood a little taller, trying to muster as much courage as I could. “I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else.” I said, my voice firm. This time, there wasn’t a single tremor in sight

The she wolf’s eyes widened in surprise at my boldness, but then she crouched slightly, her muscles tensing as if ready to attack

“Oh, look who’s getting all bold. What, just because you’ve got Liam on your arm, you feel like you can talk to me however you want to!” she said

with a sneer.

“It’s not even like that. I’m just tired of the crap you and your friends like to throw my way.”

“Bitch, you’re going to keep dealing with that as long as you don’t know your place. You know what your problem is, Ella. You think you that everybody belongs wherever they want to be. But guess what, you’re wrong. You’ve always been wrong. You’re a human loser. Nobody wants you here

1 shrugged, “You might night want me here, but

me here, but guess what, I’m already here and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“Oh, is that what you think?” the shewolf said. Then her lips rolled back as she showed me her sharp teeth.

My heart pounded in my chest, and 1 braced myself for the worst. Was she seriously going to attack me here and now? What made me think that she wouldn’t?

Before she could make a move, Liam appeared at my side. His presence was a solid wall of protection, and I felt an immediate sense of relief. He looked at the she–wolf with cold, piercing eyes.

“Is there a problem here?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous

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