Chapter 9

Grace's POV

Howling Moon wasn't just a club—it was freedom.

Perfectly situated between Silver Moon and Wildfire territories, this place served as neutral ground for both packs, a sanctuary where I could shed the weight of my responsibilities and just be myself.

I'd been coming here since I turned seventeen, almost a year now.

No humans allowed here—strictly supernatural clientele only. That's what made it the perfect outlet for releasing all the pressure that accumulated during the week.

This was also where I'd started meeting Alpha Ethan.

Our relationship was... complicated. Not quite friends, not exactly lovers.

He knew I was waiting for my fated mate, knew I wouldn't get involved with any man who wasn't my destined partner. Unlike certain future Alphas I knew, who seemed to think more with their lower bodies than their brains, Ethan respected my boundaries. He never pressured me physically.

With him, I could be my true self—the real Grace, not just Jackson's daughter or the future Guardian. He appreciated my strength, my independence. When I was with him, I felt secure, understood.

He'd made it clear he would be more than happy to choose me as his mate. Though I hadn't yet turned eighteen and couldn't sense my fated mate, Ethan always told me he had a feeling we were destined for each other.

Honestly? I hoped so too.

I liked Ethan—very much. He embodied everything an Alpha should be. Besides being one of the sexiest men I'd ever seen, he was intelligent, considerate, and a powerful leader who took excellent care of his pack. Just one look from him and my entire body would feel hot and restless.

I stared at my closet with a frown. I had originally planned to wear that sheer lingerie set to tease Ethan tonight—just to give him an eyeful, nothing more.

But now it was gone, and I couldn't exactly show up at the club in my boring school uniform.

We could always go naked, Seraphina wickedly suggested.

"Shut up," I muttered, rifling through my options.

I finally settled on a pink cross-front top that wrapped around my ribs and tied in the back, paired with low-rise black jeans. I added a pink scarf as a belt and finished the look with pink and black suede stilettos with cutout details.

I let my hair down, emphasizing my natural curls, and since I planned to sweat on the dance floor, I kept my makeup light. Still, I used smoky eyeshadow to make my green eyes pop.

Everyone loves a bad girl, right?

James's car was waiting outside. I slipped into the passenger seat, noticing he'd already picked up Zoey and Brian, another warrior in training.

"Hey, guys," I greeted everyone at once.

Brian leaned forward from the back seat. "Hey, Little Savage. Taken down any Alphas in the last twenty-four hours?"

I rolled my eyes at the nickname that was obviously spreading throughout the entire pack.

"Not in the last twenty-four hours," I replied teasingly, "but the night is still young, Brian."

"So," Zoey asked, leaning toward me, "looking forward to seeing that super hot Alpha tonight?"

The truth was, I was looking forward to seeing Ethan, but he had more important things to do on a Friday night than come to the club and dance with me.

"I'm never certain," I told her, "but if I were betting, I'd say yes, I'm looking forward to seeing him." I flashed her a smile.

"Girl, that man is fine as hell," she fanned herself dramatically. "You should try sleeping with him and tell me all the details."

I just laughed. I caught James watching me in the rearview mirror. Besides James, I wasn't particularly close with the others, so most people didn't know I was saving myself for my mate.

When we arrived at Howling Moon, the line stretched around the corner of the block.

Being regulars, James and I bypassed the queue, walking straight to the front where the bouncer waved us through, drawing complaints from the waiting crowd.

"Looking good, Little Savage," the bouncer said as I passed.

I stopped and turned to him. "Seriously? You're using that nickname too?"

He just shrugged and grinned. I sighed and walked into the club.

There's no drinking age limit in werewolf clubs. We're different from humans—our metabolism works faster, so we quickly metabolize alcohol. It takes a lot to get us drunk.

As soon as we got inside, James ordered a round of drinks. I don't drink beer, and I was mainly here to dance, so one drink was enough for me.

The place was packed tonight. I spotted many wolves from both local packs, along with some faces I didn't recognize. Just as I was turning away from scanning the crowd, my eyes locked with Alpha William's!

"Damn it," I cursed, turning around and grabbing my drink.

I clinked glasses with James, Zoey, and Brian before downing it in one go. The burning warmth slid down my throat into my stomach.

James looked at me with concern. "What's wrong? Who did you see that's got you so worked up?" He tried to peer over my shoulder to identify whoever I was avoiding.

"Your seven o'clock," I said quietly. He turned his head to the left, looking in the direction I'd indicated, then let out a low whistle before turning back to me.

"Think he'll come over?" he asked.

I shrugged, taking another sip of my drink. "I don't care. I'm hitting the dance floor!" I announced, setting my glass down. "Anyone coming?"

James said he'd join later. Zoey grabbed my hand and pulled me to the center of the dance floor. As I started to move, I could feel those ice-blue eyes watching me.

I closed my eyes and let the music surround me, my body swaying with the rhythm. Most people around me were warriors from our pack, so I knew they wouldn't approach me. I could relax without worrying about anything.

Besides, everyone who frequented this club on Friday nights knew that eventually, Ethan would come find me.

Zoey leaned in close to shout over the music, "Alpha William has been staring at you since we walked in here. What's that about?"

I shrugged because I honestly didn't know. I leaned toward her to reply, "He's been kind of hitting on me at school recently."

She pulled back to look at me, eyes wide, but I gestured for her to come closer again. "He doesn't even know who I am," I told her.

She stopped dancing and stared at me. "No way."

"I swear," I explained. "He literally asked my name and which pack I belonged to!"

Zoey's curiosity was now piqued. "How is that even possible? Everyone knows who you are!"

I could only offer one explanation: "I guess I'm not important enough for our future Alpha to notice."

She glanced over at William and then back at me. "If that's the case, I'd choose Ethan too. That man is perfection."