“How shameless can you be, Raelyn? Aiden told you to leave, and you’re still standing here?” “Geraldine, if you keep running your mouth, I’ll have you thrown out.” Geraldine burst into laughter. “And who do you think you are? Throw me out? This isn’t even your turf.” “This is my turf.” I stood a full head taller than Geraldine, looking down on her. Her face drained of color. “What do you mean?” “This bar is mine. You’re here screaming at me on my turf—aren’t you afraid I’ll actually throw you out?” I snapped my fingers, and two werewolf bodyguards appeared at my side instantly. Geraldine flinched in shock, pressing herself against Aiden. He looked helpless; I, on the other hand, met his eyes with cold indifference. The three of us stood in an uneasy stalemate. Just then, Jackson finished settling Alison and strolled over. When he saw Geraldine clinging to Aiden, he let out a sharp laugh. He slung an arm around my shoulder and said warmly, “Raelyn, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. That kid in the basketball jersey is crazy about you, he even asked me for your Twitter, so I gave it to him.” Aiden’s expression darkened instantly. “I was feeling a little guilty about it,” Jackson added with a smirk, “but judging by how my brother-in-law looks right now, I guess he doesn’t mind; after all, he’s already busy with his own women.” Though he called him “brother-in-law,” Jackson’s tone dripped with mockery and disdain. Aiden still didn’t respond, and disappointment tugged hard at my chest. I tugged Jackson’s sleeve. “Let’s go.” “Sure, sure; everyone’s waiting to toast you anyway.” He wrapped an arm around mine, ready to lead me away—but suddenly Aiden stood up. “Go home,” his voice cut through the air.I froze, curling my lips into a smile. “Weren’t you the one who said you weren’t going home?” Jackson sneered. “Well, look at that; guess the mute can talk after all.” Geraldine’s face tightened with surprise. “Aiden, why are you going home?” Aiden ignored everyone else; his eyes stayed locked on mine. “Go home.” But I wasn’t going to let him dictate this. I smiled faintly. “Aiden, admit it—are you jealous?” “A girl drinking late at night isn’t a good look.” “So, not jealousy?” “No.” “Then why?” “Jackson, you’re not allowed to touch her.” “Don’t tell me what to do.” Frustration surged in my chest. This bastard. For a second, I’d thought he’d finally softened, that he was ready to sit down and talk with me—but no. He was jealous of Jackson. I turned, flashing Jackson a bright smile. “Come on. Let’s drink. We’re not going home until we’re wasted.” I walked off without sparing Aiden another glance. Behind me, Geraldine’s voice rang out, “Aiden, don’t let a woman like that get to you. I’ll always be here for you.” I clapped my hands over my ears. I didn’t want to hear another word. Jackson’s POV: Raelyn dragged me back to a booth not far away and started pounding drinks. She drank hard, nearly a glass with every swallow, downing five or six shots of vodka in no time. “Hey, slow down! Raelyn, seriously—you don’t need to drink like this!” I tried to stop her, alarmed. She ignored me. Her face twisted in pain and abandon, desperate to drown herself in alcohol. My chest ached watching her. “Listen, Raelyn—Aiden’s cold. If it doesn’t work out, then dump him; find someone else. You two haven’t even mated yet. Switching mates isn’t the end of the world.” I didn’t get to finish; her nails suddenly dug into my arm. “Ow!” I nearly jumped out of my seat. “Don’t you dare talk about him!” Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glassy with drink. She jabbed a finger at me. “Only I can say that about Aiden. No one else.” “Alright, alright—I won’t,” I said quickly, nodding. I fixed her with a serious look. “But remember this, if Aiden ever betrays you, I’ll wipe Eclipse Pack off the map.” Raelyn tipped back another glass, muttering to herself. “Aiden… he’s just stupid. I know he has his reasons, but why won’t he tell me? Tell me, isn’t Aiden stupid?” Her words came broken, weak; but his name kept spilling from her lips. I rolled my eyes. “Yes, you’re an idiot, he’s an idiot. You’re two dumb birds of a feather.” Her gaze grew unfocused, but she fixed it on my face. Suddenly, she burst into a giggle and threw herself against me. Her voice rose in a shrill demand, “Aiden, tell me—do you love me or not?” My eyes went wide. She was stronger than she looked, and I didn’t dare shove her off too roughly. I froze stiff under her weight. “Yes, I like you! Now let me go, my lady!” “Like!” Raelyn squealed, delighted by the word. She dove forward, aiming straight for my mouth. I jerked my head away in horror. The next instant, her collar was yanked from behind; she was hauled straight off me. Through bleary eyes, Raelyn turned her head and found herself staring into Aiden’s furious face. “Oh, Aiden?” He didn’t answer her. He looked at me instead, gave a curt nod, and said, “I’m taking her home.” I blinked, then nodded back without argument, letting him go. I didn’t like the guy; but he was still Raelyn’s boyfriend. He wouldn’t hurt her… right?