5

Quincy

I can’t believe how packed the Clearwater Tap is on a Wednesday night. As Kyara and I step inside, the booming music drowns out my thoughts, and I’m struck by the sheer number of people filling the space. It’s not what I expected, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The dance floor is already lively, and before we even reach the bar to order drinks, I’m eager to join in.

Kyara pushes her way to the front of the bar to place our order while I linger back, scanning the crowd and tugging at the hem of the dress she lent me. It’s too tight and way too short, but it was the only remotely suitable option I found in her closet. I’m at least six inches taller than her and have a different cup size, which makes this stretchy black tube dress my only choice aside from my brewery t-shirt and work shorts.

Suddenly, I feel a hand slip behind my back, and a low voice whispers, “Hey, Quincy.” I jump slightly, turning around to find Kyara’s boyfriend, Tony, standing next to me.

“Oh, hey Tony,” I reply, trying to steady myself.

He smiles, his dark eyes scanning me, his hand still resting on the small of my back. “You look amazing.”

The way he says it sends a shiver down my spine. I care about Kyara, but there’s something about Tony that has always made me uneasy.

“Uh… thanks,” I mumble, shifting away so his hand drops off my back. “Kyara’s just up at the bar getting drinks.” I gesture toward her.

Tony grins. “Guess I should grab one, too.”

I nod, forcing a smile as he walks away. I turn my gaze back to the dance floor, scanning the faces in the crowd.

It feels strange to be surrounded by so many strangers. As the alpha’s daughter, I’m well-known in Sommerdame. I’ve never been in a place filled with shifters and felt so… anonymous. It’s exhilarating. Tonight, I can be anyone I choose.

“Anyone catch your eye?” Kyara asks as she returns, handing me a shot glass.

“Not yet,” I chuckle, gratefully accepting the shot glass from her. I bring it to my lips and down the chilled tequila in one swift motion, feeling it burn my throat as it goes down.

Kyara scrunches her nose. “Ugh, how can you stand that stuff?”

I shrug with a smile. “Because it tastes great. Aren’t you going to drink yours?” I glance at the other shot glass she’s holding.

She shakes her head and holds out her shot glass to me. “That’s all you, girl. I can’t handle tequila. Tony’s bringing me a drink.”

I laugh and take the second shot from Kyara’s hand, downing it quickly. I love tequila; it’s pretty much the only alcohol I enjoy, especially in shot form. I prefer it chilled so it goes down easily while I keep my hands free for the dance floor.

“Thanks,” I say, shifting both shot glasses to one hand and pointing at an empty high-top table with the other. “Should we grab that table before someone else does?”

Kyara nods in agreement, silently taking my elbow and guiding me toward the vacant table. We claim it just before another group can get there. A minute later, Tony joins us, arms laden with drinks. He sets them on the table—one for himself, one for Kyara, and two more shots for me.

“Ky said you like chilled tequila?” he asks, sliding the shot glasses toward me.

I nod and smile at him. “Thanks, Tony.”

Taking four shots in quick succession will definitely give me the buzz I’m looking for before I hit the dance floor. I quickly down the two shots Tony brought over, placing the empty glasses on the table in front of me.

We chat for a while, with Tony disappearing occasionally to grab more drinks. Since it’s ladies’ night, the drinks are free, but I’m still trying to keep track of my tequila shots. I’m up to seven when Kyara leans in with a mischievous grin.

“That guy at the bar hasn’t taken his eyes off you since we arrived,” Kyara says, raising her eyebrows and glancing over in his direction.

I follow her gaze, trying to spot the man amid the crowd, and then my eyes lock onto another pair. I can’t quite tell their color from this distance, but those eyes are incredibly intense, and my heart skips a beat when I realize just how handsome he is. I can’t believe I missed him earlier—he’s definitely the best-looking guy I’ve seen all night. He has dark blonde hair that’s tousled and a bit wavy, styled to look effortlessly messy yet perfect. His square jaw is covered in stubble, giving him a rugged look, and his body—wow, his body. He’s casually dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, but I can see how the sleeves of his shirt strain against his muscular arms, and the front is tight across his broad chest.

And Kyara’s right—he’s staring right at me.

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and my heart races as I turn back to Kyara. “Who is he?”