Chapter 5

Grace's POV

"Grace? What's going on in there?" My dad's concerned voice came through the bathroom door, his words tinged with alarm.

The sudden drop in water temperature had caused my screams, not just the bizarre color shift in my eyes. I shook my head vigorously, watching with relief as my pupils returned to Seraphina's familiar golden hue.

"Nothing! The shower water just turned freezing cold!" I called back, trying to sound casual despite the racing of my heart.

"Alright then!" Jackson's voice receded as he returned to preparing dinner.

I leaned against the shower wall, letting the gradually warming water cascade over me. Must be exhaustion from all the training lately, I thought. I'm hallucinating now.

Tomorrow night, I definitely need to blow off some steam with James.

After drying off, I pulled on my favorite worn jeans and a comfortable hoodie, tying my hair into a messy ponytail.

Just as I was heading downstairs, the doorbell rang.

Alpha Carter had been like an uncle to me for as long as I could remember. Our Thursday dinners had become casual affairs years ago, despite his position as our pack's leader.

I bounded down the stairs and swung open the door. "Hey Carter," I greeted him with a smile. Years ago, he'd insisted I drop his title during these informal dinners. After several reminders and my father's approval, I'd finally agreed.

I stepped aside to let him in. "Dad's out back getting the grill fired up. Want a beer?"

"Thanks, Little Savage, I'd love one," he replied with a warm smile.

I rolled my eyes dramatically. "Not you too!" I complained to my Alpha, who just laughed.

"Because the name fits..." he teased, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I'll go join your dad, see if he needs any help," Carter said with a mischievous grin. We both knew my father would never allow him to lift a finger, but it was their weekly ritual.

I grabbed two beers and followed him outside. Alpha Carter was already deep in conversation with my father about our training from the past week when he looked at me and asked, "Jackson, did Grace tell you about her new nickname?"

Dad turned to me expectantly as I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly disappeared into the back of my head.

"Well?" My father's eyes were bright with curiosity.

"Apparently, my new nickname is 'Little Savage,'" I said flatly.

Dad paused for a moment, looking at Alpha Carter. "Is that so?" he asked, then turned back to me. "What exactly did you do to earn that name?"

"Well..." I drawled, giving Alpha Carter a sideways glance.

"She took me down in under fifteen minutes," Alpha Carter answered for me.

My father's face broke into the biggest smile I'd ever seen, his eyes shining with pride as he looked at me.

"Like father, like daughter," Alpha Carter continued.

My dad took a swig of his beer. "That's my girl," he said softly.

Alpha Carter's expression grew serious as he looked at my father. "Jackson, I'm asking again. We really need you involved in warrior training. I'll beg if I have to."

Dad sighed heavily. "Carter, you know I can't."

I smiled to myself as I headed back inside. This request had been going on for years. Alpha Carter wanted my father back in the training arena, while Dad felt he couldn't provide enough value to the pack anymore.

For dinner, I was in charge of the vegetables. Dad had put potatoes in the oven while I was showering, so I checked on them and started preparing them with bacon.

As I pulled the potatoes from the oven and placed the vegetables in serving dishes, Dad and Carter came inside. I set everything on the table, grabbed fresh beers for the men, and we all sat down to eat.

The conversation between my father and Alpha Carter flowed easily. They reminisced about the past, discussed pack matters, current warriors, and techniques for teaching and training younger members.

Dad always asked about Luna Mia and William, and Carter made a point of asking about my days and how I was doing. I deliberately avoided mentioning my recent interaction with his son.

After dinner, I brought out the dessert Carter had brought.

"Mia made her famous chocolate cake for us today," Carter announced. I placed it on the table and couldn't help but let out a small moan as the rich chocolate flavor filled my mouth. Luna Mia's chocolate cake was absolutely divine! While we all enjoyed our dessert, the table fell silent, and Dad asked Carter to thank Luna Mia for us.

Once we finished, I cleared and washed the dishes before preparing to excuse myself. Before I could give my dad a goodnight kiss, Alpha Carter handed me an envelope.

"This is an invitation from my wife to William's 18th birthday party next weekend. She would be very disappointed if you didn't attend."

I forced a smile as I looked at my Alpha. "Well, I'd be happy to come."

Carter smirked while my father burst into laughter. "Don't look so glum, sweetheart. I'm sure you'll have a good time," Dad teased.

Alpha Carter looked at my father with a smile. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Jackson, because I also have a special invitation for you to attend my son's party. I'd take it as a personal offense if you didn't show up."

My father's laughter stopped abruptly as he glared at Alpha Carter. I snickered, looking at my dad. "Well, looks like you'll be my date, Dad."

The next day, I was completely distracted. My mind was filled with thoughts of the upcoming night at Howling Moon club.

I couldn't wait! As soon as classes ended, I raced to my locker. I had secretly purchased a sheer three-piece lingerie set online, hiding it from my father. It was now tucked safely in my backpack.

No one would ever suspect that a seemingly well-behaved student could be so wild at the club!

Just as I reached into my bag to check that the lingerie was still there, a hand pressed against my locker. I looked up to find myself staring into those glacier-blue eyes. William leaned in with a cocky smile.

"Hey, beautiful. Remember me?"