Chapter 9 NINE

J A D E

"Hey, girls," A brunette woman greeted us. She was wearing a pair of shorts and a tight tank top. She was very pretty.

"Hey, this is Jade. The new girl," Eliza introduced me.

"Hi, Jade. Welcome to the family. I'm Ava." She smiled, giving me a quick hug.

"Thank you." I smiled back.

"I'll leave you two girls to talk. I'm gonna get a drink," Eliza announced, before walking towards the bar.

"So, how are you liking it here?"

"I'm loving it. It's so different from where I used to live. It's a lot more welcoming," I replied, feeling comfortable around Ava.

"Oh, trust me. The alpha will make you feel very welcome. That boy is obsessed with you. It's sweet, though. Markov needs someone like you."

"What do you mean?"

"Jade, he's had a hard life. His dad was a real son of a bitch. Markov didn't have an easy childhood. But, I can tell you one thing. He's changed since he met you. You bring out the best in him."

"Oh, well, thank you. He's been very kind to me. I appreciate him saving my life, and I'm trying to make it up to him. I hope one day I'll be able to return the favor."

"I have a feeling that you will, very soon." She said.

"Here you go," Eliza interrupted, handing me a beer bottle.

"Thanks," I said, taking a sip. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I don’t drink alcohol so I just went with the flow and rocked my body to the music. My body was buzzing with adrenaline and I requested for more shots.

I was having fun, and enjoying myself. I hadn’t laughed so much since forever. I was in the middle of telling Eliza and Ava a funny story, when my wolf pushed her way to the surface.

She growled, and snarled. She was acting wild, and I couldn’t control her.

"What's wrong with her?" Ava asked, noticing my struggle.

"I don't know. I think I should go back to the house." I said, worried.

"No, you're fine. Drink some more." Eliza urged, sharing a look with Ava.

Was there something they were hiding from me?

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Absolutely. Just sit here and relax. I'll go and get us another round of drinks," Eliza said.

"Okay, thanks." I nodded.

Eliza left and I sat there with Ava. My wolf was still fighting me, but I managed to calm her down.

"Here we are." Eliza announced, coming back with three glasses filled to the rim with tequila.

"Oh, no. I can't. I'm not allowed to have that," I said, shaking my head.

"Jade, come on. It's fine, I promise. You're not a child. If you don't want it, just give it to me."

"Fine," I said, giving in and accepting the drink.

"Cheers," Eliza said, tapping her glass with mine.

"Cheers!"

"Drink up." She ordered, before downing her drink.

"Alright, fine." I said, following her lead and chugging my drink.

"Atta girl!" Ava encouraged, patting my back.

"Ugh, that was gross." I coughed, patting my chest.

"Don't be such a baby. Let's go and dance," Ava suggested, grabbing my hand and pulling me up.

"Okay." I giggled.

The three of us went to the dance floor, and I swayed my hips, letting the music take over. My head was spinning, and the room was slightly blurry, but I didn't care.

I was having fun, and dancing the night away.

For the first time in forever, I felt alive.

I was having a great time, until my wolf decided to ruin it.

"We have to get out of here." She demanded.

"Why?"

"I need fresh air. Please, I can't breathe. And we need to talk. It’s too noisy here.”

"Fine." I said, sighing.

I turned to face Eliza and Ava, who were also dancing. "I'm just going outside for some fresh air."

"Okay. We'll come with you," Ava replied.

"No, no. It's fine. I won't be long." I insisted.

"Suit yourself. We'll wait here."

"Thanks." I left them, and exited the clubhouse. My wolf was restless, and she was driving me crazy.

I walked around the garden, and breathed in the fresh air. It was peaceful and quiet.

"What's wrong with you? And why did you act like that with Markov yesterday?" I finally asked.

"I was about to tell you that, but I got interrupted. Listen to me, very carefully, Jade. This pack is not who they say they are. They're dangerous and you need to get away from them. Now!"

"Wait, what are you talking about? They're not dangerous, Markov is my mate. Why are you saying these things?"

"Jade, please. Just listen to me."

"No! I don't understand. What are you trying to say?"

"He is not who you think he is, he is your mate, agreed, but that's not all."

"Then, what is he?"

"Markov is a –"

Before she could finish her sentence, I felt a pair of arms wrapping around my waist, and my heart almost jumped out of my chest.

The disgusting smell of alcohol wafted through my nostril and I turned to find a drunk man grinning at me, shining his yellow teeth.

“You look like you need a quick fuck to be all nice and quiet. Come with me, bitch. I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget." He licked my neck and I swallowed the bile that came up my throat.

"Leave me alone, asshole. Or else," I warned.

"Or else, what?" He said, laughing hysterically.

"I- I'll kill you!" I tried to mask my fear, maybe if I acted tough he would leave me alone.

"Shut up, little bitch!" He growled, pulling my hair, and a yelp left my mouth. I could feel his hot breath against my skin, and his hands roaming over my body.

I tried to fight him off, but he was too strong. "No!" I yelled.

"Yes, you're mine."

"Get off me! Help!" I screamed, but my voice was drowned out by the bass of music.

"Shut up, or else, I'll kill you. Don't you dare try anything, or I will snap your neck, bitch."

I was helpless, and I was scared.

I tried to shift, but my wolf refused to come out. I couldn't move, and the tears were streaming down my face.

"No, please. Don't do this. Please, let me go," I pleaded, trying to reason with him.

"You're gonna regret messing with me, little bitch!" He growled, slapping me across the face.

My cheek was stinging, and my face was burning. I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't care if he killed me. I was tired of living.

"Please, let me go. I'm begging you. Please, don't hurt me." I sobbed, closing my eyes.

Suddenly, the grip on my waist loosened and I opened my eyes to see the man lying on the ground, a pool of blood surrounding his body.

"What the –" My eyes widened, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Markov standing next to the man's lifeless body.

He was covered in blood, and his face was contorted with rage.

"What have you done?" I whispered, my body frozen with fear.

He looked nothing like the sweet man I knew, his eyes were glowing red, and his face was twisted into an evil scowl.

"What have you done?" I repeated again, louder.

"Get the fuck out of here before I do something I will regret!" Markov growled, glaring at me. I felt two pairs of hands on my arm as I was grabbed and pulled away from Markov.

My body was shaking and I felt like the world was collapsing around me. "Come on, we need to leave now!" Eliza and Ava whispered.

I turned to face them and they looked worried and scared.

"I told you this would happen." My wolf whimpered.

I was too shocked to reply, and my mind was reeling.

What the hell just happened?

How did Markov kill that man so fast? Without even shifting?

And, who the hell is he?

"Jade, come on. We have to go." Eliza urged, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the scene.

I could hear Markov's angry growls, and the sound of bones cracking.

"What's happening to him?"

"Jade, just leave him be. He needs time to cool off." Ava replied.

"Why are his eyes red?"

"Come on, he doesn’t want you out here." They said, ignoring my question. I sighed. Of course, what was I expecting? A response from them? They're probably in it too, and I am stupid to think that they would give me a proper answer.

They guided me towards the car.

I climbed into the backseat and Eliza started the engine.

We drove away from the clubhouse and I sat in the back seat, trying to process everything that just happened.

As the car sped, we heard a loud howl that shook the trees and sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"What was that?"

And as usual, my question was met with silence.