Chapter 3 Safe Heaven

"Hi, Baby Vixen!" The light was suddenly on, and I flinched, turning back at the sudden voice. I had thought I was alone.

Cold eyes stared at me like frozen steel; his eyes were enchanting, as if they could see through me.

"Who are you?" I stuttered. My throat suddenly felt dry.

He smirked. His looks were dangerous, and he didn't look like any Werewolf. His muscular body was almost visible, even with the suit he was wearing.

His gaze, dark and mysterious, raked over me. His eyes held a glint of mockery in them.

"So, this is your safe haven away from your scandal?" He grinned, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk. He was mocking me.

I gritted my teeth together, an unknown anger washing over me. How dare he remind me of something I was running away from?

I tilted my chin, refusing to be defeated by him. "Wherever I stay is none of your business. Now, if you'll excuse me," I said as his long legs took steady strides closer to where I stood. I took a step backward. He was so mighty as he towered over me, and I was compelled to look up.

He seemed to be enjoying it. The glint of mockery was still present on his face. I could read his expression even without him voicing it. He was laughing at my height.

I mean, I was 5'7" and hadn't considered myself short until this very moment.

Everyone was at the party, so I wondered what he would be doing there. I was very sure he was new to the Pack because I hadn't seen him before.

"Ryder Kael," he said, a taunting smile spreading across his face. He was handsome, no doubt. Dangerously handsome, if I must confess. His hairline was dark, his gaze dangerous, and he had broad, muscular shoulders.

"Jasmine Thane," I replied, stupid or not. At least telling him my name wouldn't bite.

He grinned. "Of course, I know the story of the adopted Jasmine Thane who was mated to Jason Thane but was rejected because she's wolfless." Anger welled up inside me as I heard him recount my misfortune before me.

How dare he? No one, no one had ever made me this furious. I gritted my teeth. One minute I was trying to hold myself from retaliating, the next, I heard a voice inside my head.

"We can't spare this, Jasmine. Give him a taste!" the voice whispered in my ear.

My fist connected to his jaw, my hands grabbing his neck. My eyes were seething red now, and then fangs from nowhere appeared as I sank them deep into his flesh.

Realization suddenly dawned on me as I realized he was hurting. I stopped, taking a step backward.

Did I really do this? Wait, what had happened? Staring at my claws, I was stunned. The claws could be understandable, but the fangs?

"Seems someone finally has a wolf," his voice sneered, as if he was reading my thoughts.

Wait, what? I have a wolf? "I'm sorry," I whispered to him, even though I knew he deserved it. But I shouldn't have gone so rough on him.

Besides, I have a wolf. Happiness coursed through me. I couldn't thank him enough for making me realize that.

One minute, I was standing an inch away from him, and then the next, I pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you so much," I said, holding him tightly. My head rested on his shoulder.

The erratic beating of his chest made it feel like home. I had just met this stranger, yet I felt like I'd known him for the rest of my life. He felt like my haven.

"Jason is an asshole to reject such a sweet vixen like you," he growled, his hands roaming freely through my hair.

"I'm Jasmine, not a vixen," I corrected. Was I still in his embrace?

"Jasmine?!" That familiar voice made us spring apart.

Ruby held a glass of wine and was staring disbelievingly at us.

I coughed, my cheeks flaring red. "It's not what you think, Ruby," I had to let her know to wipe off that nasty look from her face.

The tall, sturdy frame dipped his hands inside his pocket. "Yeah, not like we banged," he winked at Ruby.

Gross! Was he such a flirt? He walked to the end of the garden and then turned. "See you in there, Vixen!" A smile spread across his face, and this time, it was genuine.

"Holy cow! How on earth did you get the Lycan king to notice you?" Ruby rushed to where I stood.

My eyes widened. "What do you mean, Lycan king?" I queried. I wanted to be sure. Of course, I was right. His broad frame could pass off for a Lycan. Why didn't I notice?

"Do you mean the Crescent Pack?" This time, my voice was pitched high.

"Of course, your parents invited them for the engagement party."

If that was so, I was so going back in there, not because of anybody.

"Let's go. I guess I missed the part already."

The loud blaring music with people dancing, I had just myself and Ruby dancing. At least I came down here to enjoy my moments here. I wouldn't let my stupid crush on Jason ruin that.

"Hey, Sissy, you came back without a hi?" I felt my heart catch in my throat at the familiar voice. He sounded different. He had always sounded grumpy, mean, and rude. But now, he sounded nice and soft.

"Uhm... I'll excuse you," Ruby took the cue as she grabbed a glass of wine from the waitress and then walked away.

"Uhmm... Hi, Jason," my voice came out stuttered, my heart beating frantically.

Of course, how could I miss the fact that I once had a very major, stupid crush on him?

"You're looking stunning tonight." I could feel his gaze on my body. A few years back, I would have had adrenaline coursing through me if Jason, of all people, could stare at me like this, but now I found it insulting.

"Thank you," I said bluntly. He was nothing but a pervert.

"Hi, Vixen, you promised me this dance, remember?" that familiar voice spoke from behind. I turned, his eyes glinting, his hand stretched forward as he asked for mine.

And then I turned to Jason, whose hand immediately grabbed mine.

"She's dancing with me!" Jason's voice objected.