Chapter 12

• I scanned the surroundings, my gaze darting around in an attempt to locate Gary before any of the other demons had a chance to spot me. Doubts still lingered in the back of my mind regarding his true intentions, but those doubts were swiftly pushed aside when he uttered the word 'oath'. After all, people who didn't genuinely mean their promises wouldn't gamble with their lives.
• Kira, ever resourceful, quickly identified a table stocked with drinks. To be honest, a drink seemed like the perfect way to begin navigating this situation. The four of us proceeded toward the table, anticipating the challenges that lay ahead.
• It came as no surprise that my eyes fell upon Josh before anyone else. I had an innate sense of his presence, a connection that transcended mere visual observation. However, I couldn't resist stealing a glance in his direction.
• "I desperately wanted to avert my gaze. I was absolutely certain that I could muster the willpower to keep myself hidden from him, regardless of the unspoken connection that bound us together. However, it took no more than a fleeting moment for me to sneak a quick glance in his direction, and at that precise instant, our eyes met.
• In that suspended moment, he remained absolutely motionless, and I found myself pondering why he harbored such a strong animosity towards me. What had I ever done to warrant such disdain? What secrets did he harbor?
• "Leah?" Harry's gentle touch on my hand disrupted the intense staring contest that had begun to unfold. "What would you like to do?"
• My attention briefly shifted to the ongoing party, but before I could react, another hand seized my free one and pulled me away from Harry. A sudden rush of energy coursed through me, ignited by the touch, and I instinctively withdrew my hand.
• Oh, no. This wasn't what I had intended. Panic surged within me, and a rapid stream of thoughts flooded my mind.
• "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else," Pete explained apologetically. "Hey, Harry, I think Jason's searching for you. He heard you were here at the party."
• "Jason's here? It's been ages since I saw him. Leah, would you mind—?"
• Did I mind? Yes, I most certainly did. I had no desire to be left alone with the one individual hell-bent on wrecking my life. "No, not at all. Go ahead."
• "I'll find you in ten minutes, I promise," Harry assured me."
• This revised version maintains the original content while providing a more detailed and expanded narrative.
• "It's okay. Kira and Josh will keep me company. Take your time." I didn't want to seem like a total bitch on my first and a half date, plus Kira and Josh would be with me, Pete wouldn't....really....hurt me. Yeah, I am sure of that.
• Totally.
• Either that or my dead body would be found charred in a dumpster somewhere.
• Then why was my mouth so dry? Probably because this was the longest I had been with Pete with him not clawing at my throat.
• "You're the best, Leah."
• I smiled at him. At least some one other than Kira thought so.
• Suddenly, I heard a growl just behind me, but it drowned in the loud music playing. I gulped, but then realized I couldn't because my mouth was so dry.
• I spotted Kira and Josh at one of the couched, some feet away, just doing lovey-dovey stuff. It was like 20 steps, I could escape-
• "What the fuck are you doing here?" Pete growled, turning me by grabbing my arms to face him. "Do you-"
• His eyes were silver, but he closed them, taking deep breaths. "Get out before I throw you and your little friends out. Or maybe, I could do it just now."
• "Pete."
• I breathed a sight of relief, as I saw Gary approaching. He didn't look too happy. Which made me pretty darn happy. "She is my guest."
• "What?" "I invited her. And don't you dare try anything. She is... under my protection."
• Look I know how to fight. I could beat most of them to a pulp, but I didn't know how to fight Pete. He was someone I always lost to. So when he said that, my feminist self didn't go all grumbly.
• "Your protection?! YOUR PROTECTION?!
• She is my mate, Gary, you have no right-"
• "Then why don't you do it? Oh no, wait. You're the one she needs it against." They were both breathing heavily, and I was so ready to walk out. "Leah, please go on ahead and enjoy the party. I am sorry for this." I mouthed a 'Thank You' to him, and walked away. I didn't need to hear more.
• PETE
• "She's mine, Gary, don't-"
• "I have a mate, you dickhead." Like that changed anything. "Don't be around her."
• "She has suffered enough-" "Right, and you were always the savior? You never did anything to her." I monotoned, barely. "Well, I did much less than you ever did. But this? This is the limit, Pete. I just can't carry this guilt around anymore." I snorted. "You didn't feel any guilt when you egged her, or when you had to spread a million rumors, or when-" "I am trying to make it right, Pete. And, so should you." I snorted. What does he know about right? What does he know of anything?
• He sighed. "Can I ask you to not do anything, just for tonight? Please? She's my guest." How could I not do anything? She was right here, and it pulled me like a magnet. And just seeing her smile so genuinely, so beautifully at Harry. I felt hollow inside, but I was sure it was just my wolf. He was the one who wanted to love her, though I failed to see why.
• And that dick Harry—I was so sure my little trick would keep him away. But from what I had learned, Leah knew how to lure in just about anybody.