CHAPTER 99: THE CLUB

Hailee’s POV

By the time I got to Club Lotus, the bass from inside was already pulsing through the pavement beneath my boots. The place glowed with red neon light, the letters LOTUS casting their heat against the night air.

I texted Lila.

Me: I’m here.

It didn’t take long before she stepped out of a sleek black SUV parked just down the street. And she wasn’t alone.

Walking beside her was her mate, Trent. Even if you didn’t know him personally, anyone could tell he was high-ranked. The way he carried himself—tall, broad-shouldered, a natural authority in every step—screamed strength. At just twenty, he was already one of the youngest in the pack to hold a high-ranking warrior position, which made him a rare kind of powerful.

And gods, he adored Lila. You could see it in the way his hand rested at the small of her back—protective but gentle. His eyes didn’t stray from her, not even for a second. To him, she was the only one in the room.

They stopped in front of me, and Lila grinned. "You look like trouble tonight."

I smirked. "Good. That’s the idea."

Trent’s sharp eyes swept over me, reading me far too easily. "What happened?"

I shook my head. "A lot. I don’t want to talk about it. I just... need to forget for a while."

Lila slipped her arm through mine. "Well, you came to the right place. Let’s go in."

Trent leaned closer to her, his voice low but audible. "Don’t stay out too late. And call me if you need me for anything. I mean it, Lila."

She smiled softly at him. "I will."

Watching them together was... strange. Lila used to be like me—an omega, overlooked, underestimated. But now... she was the mate of one of the strongest warriors in the pack. People didn’t sneer at her anymore. They respected her.

Because of him.

And soon, she’d be marrying him—just as soon as she finished her last school papers. Her future was sealed—safe, certain, loved.

I wasn’t jealous exactly... but I couldn’t help wondering what it would feel like to have that kind of certainty. That kind of love.

The kind I wasn’t sure I’d ever get.

Trent brushed a kiss against her temple before heading back toward his car. Lila gave me a little smirk. "Alright, let’s make tonight worth it."

We pushed open the club doors, instantly swallowed by heat and pounding music.

Lila and I made our way to the bar and slid onto the high stools.

"A glass of your most powerful dry gin," I said to the bartender.

Lila raised her brows at me. "Whoa... calm down..."

I gave her a sad smile. "Listen, girlfriend, I came here to get drunk. You can join me, sit and watch, or head back to your perfect mate."

Lila’s lips pressed together as she studied me. For a second, I thought she might take offense, but instead, she sighed and flagged down the bartender.

"Two glasses," she said, her eyes still on me. "If you’re going down, I’m going down with you."

A small laugh escaped me. "That’s why you’re my girl."

The bartender slid two shot glasses toward us, filled to the brim with clear liquid that already burned my nose just smelling it. I didn’t hesitate—I threw mine back in one gulp. The fire hit instantly, running down my throat and pooling hot in my stomach.

"Damn," I hissed, slamming the glass down. "That’s what I’m talking about."

Lila shook her head with a grin and followed my lead. She coughed once, muttering, "Okay, yeah... that’s strong."

She leaned closer, lowering her voice so it wouldn’t get lost in the music. "Okay... what’s going on with you? You’ve been off all night."

I stared at the glowing bottles behind the counter, debating if I should tell her. "It’s nothing."

"Hailee." Her tone made it clear she wasn’t buying it.

I sighed. "I’ll tell once the night is over." I pleaded.

Her expression softened, but she didn’t push further. "fine."

We ordered another round, and before I knew it, the edges of the night had already started to blur. The music felt louder, the lights brighter, the beat thudding right in my chest. I leaned closer to Lila, my voice raised over the music.

"I want to dance."

She smirked. "Then let’s dance."

We moved to the dance floor, weaving through a crowd of bodies that pulsed and swayed with the beat. The air was thick with perfume, sweat, and the heavy scent of wolves letting loose. A guy brushed past me, his hand lingering on my hip just a second too long, but I didn’t care. I was here to be wild tonight.

Lila laughed as I grabbed her hands and spun her. Her hair fanned out, catching the flashing lights. We danced like we didn’t have a care in the world, like the night was ours.

Somewhere between songs, a tall wolf stepped into my space. His eyes were a sharp, striking brown, and he had that cocky smirk I’d seen on more than one high-ranked male. He leaned in, close enough that I caught the scent of strong whiskey on his breath.

"Haven’t seen you here before," he said, his voice low, almost a growl.

I tilted my head, grinning despite myself. "Maybe you haven’t been looking hard enough."

He chuckled, his gaze raking over me in a way that made me feel irritated. But before he could say more, another presence stepped in—bigger, broader, radiating authority.

I lifted my gaze to see that it was Trent. He didn’t leave like I thought he did.

Trent’s shadow fell over both of us, and even before I turned, I could feel the shift in the air. His presence was sharp, commanding—one of those auras you didn’t ignore.

The tall wolf in front of me straightened instantly, the cocky smirk vanishing.

Trent’s voice came low, edged with annoyance. "Walk away."

The guy hesitated for half a second, then glanced between the two of us like he was weighing his options. But one look into Trent’s eyes, and he thought better of it. Without a word, he backed off into the crowd.

I raised a brow at Trent. "Was that really necessary?"

"Yes," he said without a shred of apology. His gaze flicked over me once, sharp and assessing, then shifted to Lila. "It’s time to leave."

Lila frowned. "Trent—"

"I have training at dawn," he cut in, though his voice wasn’t harsh, just firm. "I can’t stay here all night, and I don’t want you staying without me."

I folded my arms. "Then go. No one’s keeping you here."

His jaw flexed. "Hailee, this isn’t the safest place for either of you right now. You’ve been drinking, there are wolves here who’d take advantage of that, and I’d rather not leave you to find out the hard way."

I tilted my head, unbothered. "I can handle myself."

He gave me a flat look. "Maybe. But it’s not just about you. Lila is my responsibility, and she’s coming with me." He turned back to her. "Lila, let’s go. I’m not asking to ruin your night—I’m asking because I care about you."

Lila’s lips pressed together. "I just got here, Trent. Can’t I stay a little longer?"

His expression softened slightly. "If I didn’t have training in a few hours, I’d stay with you. But I can’t afford to be up all night. And I’m not leaving you here without me."

She glanced at me, clearly torn. "Hailee—"

I waved my hand dismissively. "Go if you want. I’ll be fine."

Trent exhaled slowly, like he’d given me my chance to agree and I’d wasted it.

"I can’t force you to leave, Hailee. But Lila is coming with me." Then, without another word, he stepped forward, scooped Lila up like she weighed nothing, and tossed her over his shoulder.

"Trent!" she squealed, pounding a fist lightly against his back. "Put me down!"

"Not happening," he said flatly, already heading for the door. His large frame cut through the crowd effortlessly, ignoring the curious stares thrown our way.

I stood there, watching them go, irritation and something else curling in my chest.

And just like that, my partner-in-crime for the night was gone.