CHAPTER 112: COUPLE

*~Hazel’s POV~*

I was still a little hesitant about the decision I had just made. What did I mean by teaming up with Roberts...for some dumb game? My mind was a mess of doubt and frustration, but before I could think too much about it, Alexander, the Alpha, spoke again.

"Every couple, please step forward."

His voice was loud and commanding. This night, according to him, was a blissful one. The pack had survived yet another full moon and grown even stronger.

That was the reason we were hosting different types of games tonight...to celebrate.

"And welcome our new special guest, Mrs. Esther," Alexander added.

Just like her helper said, I recognized her instantly. But he quickly clarified, "She will not be an omega, nor will she be treated like a weak, ordinary wolf. She’ll be staying in the High-House and will be well-respected. Do you all hear me?"

The wolves grunted in agreement. I clenched my hands together tightly, anxiety blooming in my chest. Alexander motioned again, "Every couple, step forward."

Roberts, my partner, gently picked up one of my babies and offered his hand to me. I took it with a soft smile. Together, we walked to the front. That was when I heard it—a chuckle.

It came from Aaliyah.

"I didn’t know single mothers could join the game... Can she even qualify?" she sneered loudly enough for the others to hear.

Alexander shot her a sharp glare, his discomfort evident, but she rolled her eyes and turned away. I ignored her. I had to. My focus returned to Cyrius.

He refused to look at me.

Not once did his eyes meet mine, as if I didn’t even exist. I could still see the anger simmering beneath his calm facade. The same kind of anger that brewed in me. Fine. If he wanted to ignore me, then I’d ignore him too.

Alexander raised his hands and began explaining the rules.

"There are two games: Blindfold and Dare. The entire pack will be watching. Let’s make it fun."

The crowd roared with excitement. I felt Roberts gently squeeze my hand, as if sensing my nervousness. I gave him a quick nod in return.

"One representative from each couple, please," Alexander said.

Roberts turned to me. "You go," he said softly. "I don’t think I can do anything blindfolded."

The

"I’m not sure I can either," I murmured, uncertain.

"Don’t worry. I’ll carry your second baby," he offered warmly.

I nodded and handed him Heather before stepping forward. Aaliyah did the same, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw me join. Most of the other women stepped forward too. Soon, we were all blindfolded.

"The challenge," Alexander announced, "is for your partner to signal an object or idea to you—without saying the word."

I swallowed hard. Then Alexander called the first name.

"It’s... Esther."

No. No way.

I was led forward by Roberts. They whispered the object into his ear and then gave him a signal to begin.

He brushed his fingers between mine..lightly and intentionally.

What was that supposed to mean?

Fingers... hand...?

"Glove!" I blurted out instinctively...He let out a joyful shriek. "I knew you were smart!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. I couldn’t help but smile. I had passed the first round. Roberts helped remove my blindfold, and the sudden rush of light made my eyes sting. He led me back to our place in the crowd.

"I knew you could do it," he said proudly. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling a tiny flicker of pride.

More couples went up next. Some succeeded, some didn’t. Then, the next names were announced:

"Aaliyah and... Cyrius."

My breath caught.

Aaliyah was blindfolded, standing in the middle of the circle like she owned the damn world. Hair done. Lips glossed. Fake smile plastered across her face. And Cyrius... bloody Cyrius stood in front of her like he was ready to devour her.

Alexander handed him the word—Dress.

That was all he needed.

Cyrius stepped closer. Too close. His fingers brushed her shoulders, slow... deliberate. I watched his jaw twitch like he was remembering something. And then he said it.

"Thin straps, soft on your skin... just like the one you wore on your birthday. Remember?"

WHAT?! He was not supposed to say anything personal. NOTHING. The whole point of the game was to give vague descriptions, body cues, clues—not bring up memories!

My mouth dropped slightly. My heart? It dropped completely.

Aaliyah giggled. "Umm... spaghetti?" Wrong. On purpose. That little witch was eating it up.

He smirked. SMIRKED. "Nope," he said smoothly, then ran his fingers down her arms. "Fits you like it was made for you. Right here..." He slid his palms across her waist, slow like honey. "Tight around the waist... stops right above your thighs."

He bent down, hands gliding over her hips. "Like that red one you wore when you made me lose my damn mind."

I choked.

The wolves howled with laughter, and Roberts leaned in, whispering, "You okay?"

I nodded. Again. Lying. Again.. Because I was not okay. My insides are burning.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to punch anything..

Aaliyah bit her lip, clearly savoring every second. "Oh... is it a coat?"

I rolled my damn eyes... Damn can’t she stop being obvious about her pathetic self.

Cyrius just leaned in and whispered something into her ear. I couldn’t hear it, but I didn’t need to. Whatever he said made her grin..

And then she said it.

"Dress."..Crowd: explodes.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, she grabbed him by the shirt, pulled him down, and planted a kiss on his lips. And then it turned to a deep one.

And he let her... He did not even push her but allowed it... My chest burned like fire. I couldn’t breathe. My fists were clenched so tight I could feel my nails digging into my skin. He knew I was watching.

And still..he let it happen.

I looked away, forcing a smile onto my face. If he wanted to play this game, well two can play this game..