Chapter 2
707words
The gravel road leads to a sprawling timber and stone house. I park far from the house, unconsciously planning an escape route, and check my appearance.
My green dress feels foreign after months in scrubs, and I've left my dark hair loose for once.
My phone buzzes with a text from Mila: *Where are you??? Get in here already!*
I take a deep breath and step out of the car. The evening air carries scents of grilling meat, bonfires, and dozens of werewolves in various states of excitement.
Mila waits on the front porch with a tall, broad-shouldered man who must be Mason, his arm around her waist.
"You came!" Mila squeals, hugging me. "And you look amazing!"
"You must be Lucille," Mason says. "Mila talks about you constantly."
He's undeniably handsome, with warm hazel eyes and that impressive jawline Mila mentioned. But more importantly, he looks at her like she's the center of his universe.
Something twists in my chest—not quite envy, not quite longing.
"All good things, I hope," I say.
Mason pulls me into a brief hug. "Of course. Welcome to Blackwater."
"Come on," Mila says, linking her arm through mine. "Let's get you a drink."
"Drink first," Mila declares, pulling me toward a bar. "Liquid courage."
"I don't need courage," I protest. "I'm just here to relax."
Mila orders two amber-colored drinks and hands one to me. "Sip slowly. This stuff actually works on us."
I take a cautious taste and nearly cough as the whiskey burns down my throat. "That's... different."
"Good different, right?" Mila grins. "Now, let me point out some people you should know."
For the next half hour, Mila introduces me to various Blackwater wolves. Everyone is welcoming, though I notice curious glances.
I'm on my second whiskey when I feel someone watching me.
I turn slowly and my breath catches.
He stands at the edge of the patio, talking to two other males. Tall with broad shoulders and dark hair that falls just past his jawline. Even from this distance, I can see the strength in his stance.
"Who is that?" I ask.
Mila follows my gaze. "That, my friend, is Damon. The one I mentioned."
"The warrior?"
"Second to the Alpha," Mila confirms. "Single, gorgeous, and according to gossip, an absolute gentleman."
As if sensing our attention, Damon looks up. Our eyes meet across the patio, and something electric shoots through me. He's handsome in a rugged way—strong jaw darkened with stubble, straight nose, and intense eyes.
He smiles, and my wolf practically purrs.
"He's coming over," Mila whispers excitedly.
Damon moves through the crowd with easy grace. As he gets closer, I catch his scent—pine, leather, and something wild that makes my wolf stand at attention.
"Ladies," he says, his voice deep and smooth. "Enjoying the celebration?"
"Absolutely," Mila answers. "Damon, this is my friend Lucille from Moonhaven."
"It's nice to meet you," I say.
His amber eyes study me with interest. "The pleasure is mine. We don't get many visitors from Moonhaven these days."
"Luci doesn't get out much," Mila supplies. "She's been hiding in her cottage for months."
"I haven't been hiding," I protest. "I've been working at the veterinary clinic."
"She's amazing with animals," Mila adds.
Damon's expression warms. "A healer. That's a valuable skill."
"Assistant healer," I correct. "I just help."
"She's being modest," Mila says. "Last month she delivered twin wolf pups when the doctor was stuck in a snowstorm."
I feel heat rise to my cheeks.
"Sounds impressive," Damon says. "Would you like to see the gardens? They're particularly beautiful this time of year."
My heart skips. Is he asking me to go somewhere alone with him?
Mila nudges me. "Luci loves gardens. Don't you, Luci?"
"I... yes. Gardens. Great." I wince internally at my awkwardness.
"Perfect," Damon says. "There's a drink station out there too, if you'd like a refill."
As he gestures toward a path leading away from the main party, I catch Mila's exaggerated thumbs-up behind his back.
"Lead the way," I tell Damon, finishing my drink for liquid courage.
