Chapter 20 - Jade

Crowds have never been my thing. In fact, they rank somewhere between tax audits and root canals on my list of things I’d like to avoid. But here I am, standing at the edge of this three-pack party, my nerves fraying like an old sweater.

I shift my weight from one foot to the other, scanning the sea of faces. It’s mostly shifters, all laughing and talking like they haven’t got a care in the world. That’s the thing about shifters—they thrive on these kinds of gatherings, feeding off the energy of the pack. Meanwhile, I’m just trying not to let my pulse race out of control.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the swirling anxiety. Damien had insisted that Haley watch Penny tonight, giving me a break. And while part of me appreciates the gesture, the other part feels like I’m walking into a lion’s den.

“Just relax, Jade,” I mutter to myself. “It’s a party, not an execution.”

The music is loud, and the air is saturated with the scents of sweat and alcohol, and the unmistakable musk of shifters. I can feel eyes on me, but it’s different now. The whispers I used to catch, the accusing glances, they’re quieter tonight. Ever since the demon attack and everything that followed, word has gotten around that I’m not the witch behind all the chaos. I should feel relieved, but instead, I feel exposed.

“Jade, there you are!” Leah’s voice pulls me out of my spiral, and I glance up to see her weaving through the crowd. She’s wearing a sleek black dress that hugs her athletic frame, and her long, dark hair is pulled back in a ponytail. “Thought you might try to bail,” she teases, flashing me a grin as she comes to stand beside me.

I smirk. “Oh, I thought about it. More than once.”

“Well, you’re here now. Might as well enjoy yourself.” She nudges me with her elbow. “Come on, you’ve earned it. You saved some lives, remember?”

“I guess,” I agree, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets. “Doesn’t really feel like it.”

Leah gives me a long look. “You’re too hard on yourself. Just… try to relax, okay?”

I force a smile, but I know it doesn’t reach my eyes. I can’t help but scan the crowd again, spotting familiar faces from my own pack and the others. Most of them are talking, drinking, and enjoying the party. But then I catch a glimpse of two shifters standing off to the side.

Jeremy and Trevor. Of course, they’re here.

Jeremy and Trevor have been a thorn in my side since we were kids. They were part of the reason I never felt like I belonged in the pack. Always teasing, always finding ways to remind me that I wasn’t like them, especially once it became clear I couldn’t shift. Plus, there’s that whole bet they made with Damien.

As if sensing my discomfort, Leah steps a little closer. “Ignore them. They’re idiots.”

I nod, but it’s easier said than done. Even after all these years, their presence annoys the shit out of me.

But before I can get too lost in my thoughts, Mason appears, looking like he’s been through a wrestling match with a bear—probably because he has. His broad shoulders and square jaw give him that “gentle giant” vibe, but the mischievous glint in his eyes says otherwise.

“Jade! You made it!” Mason greets me with a grin, wrapping an arm around my shoulders in a friendly, if not slightly crushing, hug. “I knew you weren’t gonna hide out all night.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mumble, squirming out from under his arm. “Couldn’t let you have all the fun.”

Leah snickers. “That’s more like it.”

“Damn right,” Mason agrees, clapping me on the back hard enough to make me stumble. “Besides, I’ve got a bet going that you’ll outlast everyone here.”

“Oh, is that so?” I raise an eyebrow, amused despite myself. “And what makes you think I’ll be the last one standing?”

Mason shrugs. “Just a hunch. You’re tougher than you look.”

Before I can respond, another voice cuts through the air. This one sharper, more biting.

“Surprised to see you here, Jade.”

I don’t even need to look to know who it is. Jeremy. He and Trevor approach with drinks in hand, and they’re both wearing that same cocky swagger they’ve had since we were kids. They look me up and down, and I can feel the judgment radiating off them.

Trevor leans against the nearest table. “Heard you’ve been getting cozy with the alpha lately. Must be nice.”

“Yeah,” Jeremy adds. “Guess even witches get lucky sometimes.”

Of course, they’d take this opportunity to remind me of my place. Or at least what they think my place is.

But before I can say anything, Leah steps in on my behalf. “Back off, Jeremy. You and Trevor should really find something better to do with your time.”

Jeremy chuckles and raises his hands in mock surrender. “Just making conversation.”

“Yeah, well, you’re terrible at it,” Leah snaps.

Trevor snorts, clearly unfazed. “Whatever. Enjoy the party, Jade. While it lasts.”

They saunter off, leaving an uncomfortable silence in their wake. My shoulders are tense, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. No matter how much I prove myself, no matter how many demons I drive away, people like Jeremy and Trevor will never let me forget who I am. A witch among shifters.

“Don’t let them get to you,” Mason interjects. “They’re just jealous.”

“Jealous of what?”

“Of you,” he replies like it’s obvious. “You’ve got magic. You’ve got Damien’s attention. You’ve proven yourself, Jade. That’s more than they can say.”

I glance at him, surprised by the sincerity in his words. It’s not like Mason to be so sentimental, but there’s something in his eyes that tells me he means every word.

Leah nods in agreement. “He’s right. You’ve done more than most of us could even dream of. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore.”

Their words settle over me like a balm on the raw wound that Jeremy and Trevor opened. They’re right—I’ve done more than enough. But it’s hard to shake off years of feeling like an outsider. The wariness is still there, lurking in the background. But it’s different now. Less biting. More… curious.

Maybe I can get used to this after all.

As I take a deep breath, I realize that for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like running. The party hums around me, and even though I’m still a little on edge, there’s a strange comfort in knowing I’m not alone.

Maybe tonight won’t be so bad.

An hour later, the party’s in full swing, and I’m trying to convince myself I belong here. The music thumps through the air, and the chatter of shifters all around me is surprisingly upbeat. For once, I don’t feel like everyone’s glaring at me like I’m a ticking time bomb.

It’s not that the stares aren’t there—they definitely are. I can still feel the occasional side-eye, hear the whispers when people think I’m not paying attention. But it’s… different now. It’s like the whole demon situation shook some sense into them. Wariness still lingers, but at least no one’s outright glaring at me like I’m about to hex their entire bloodline.

Progress.

“Hey, Jade!” Leah’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I turn to find her waving me over to the table where she and Mason are sitting now. “Come sit with us. You look like you’re about to bolt.”

“Me? Bolt? Never,” I say, rolling my eyes as I make my way toward them. But honestly, she’s not far off. This whole “socializing” thing still feels weird, especially after being an outcast for so long.

Leah’s smiling when I get there, and Mason asks, “You surviving the party?”

“Barely,” I admit with a grin. “I feel like I’m navigating a minefield.”

“Well, no one’s tried to rip your head off yet, so that’s a win,” Mason deadpans, and I can’t help but laugh.

Leah smirks. “Ignore him. He’s just grumpy because I beat him in arm wrestling earlier.”

“You didn’t beat me,” Mason shot back. “You cheated.”

Leah rolls her eyes and flicks a piece of bread at him. “If you’d stop making excuses, maybe you’d win once in a while.”

The playful banter eases some of the tension in my shoulders. It’s weird, but being here with them like this… it feels normal. Like I’m part of the group, not the odd one out. I take a deep breath and glance around the room, letting the atmosphere settle over me.

Just as I’m starting to relax, I spot them.

Damien. And a woman I don’t recognize.

She’s tall, with blond hair that’s practically shimmering under the soft lights. And she’s standing way too close to him. Her hand brushes his arm casually, and her lips curl into this soft, coy smile. Suddenly, I’m hyper-aware of how she’s leaning in, talking to him like they’re sharing some kind of inside joke.

A weird, possessive knot twists in my stomach.

“Oh, for the love of—” I grumble, unable to tear my eyes away from them.

Leah catches my tone and follows my gaze. “What’s up?” she asks, leaning back in her chair. When she spots Damien and the blonde, her eyebrows shoot up, and her grin turns wicked. “Ohhh, I see. You’re jealous.”

I snap my head around to face her. “I’m not jealous.”

Mason chuckles, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Uh-huh,” Leah drawls, her smirk widening. “So the death glare you’re throwing right now is what, exactly? Casual interest?”

“I’m not throwing a death glare,” I say defensively, even though I totally am. “I’m just… watching. Observing.”

“Right,” Leah says, dragging the word out with a grin. “Watching him like you’re two seconds away from clawing her eyes out.”

I groan and slump in my chair. “Okay, fine. Maybe I’m a little annoyed. But it’s not like I have a claim on him. Okay, we’re technically mated, but, I mean, we’re still figuring things out, and this whole thing is… complicated.”

Leah tilts her head thoughtfully. “Complicated? Or are you just scared of admitting you actually want him?”

I stare at her, caught off-guard by the bluntness of her words. “It’s not that simple, Leah.”

“Sure it is,” she insists. “You like him. He likes you. You’re both too stubborn to admit it. The end.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I don’t know. It’s just… a lot.”

Leah shrugs before tossing another piece of bread at Mason. “Well, whatever you do, don’t let that blond Barbie doll swoop in and steal him.”

“Please,” I scoff. “She’s not going to steal him.”

“Then why do you look like you’re about to march over there and rip her head off?” Mason asks, raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t look like that,” I argue weakly.

“Yeah, you do,” Leah says with a grin. “And honestly? You should go over there. Remind that girl who Damien really belongs with.”

A surge of possessiveness flares up again, stronger this time. I know Leah’s just teasing me, but there’s something about the way that woman is looking at Damien that makes me want to prove a point. A point I’m not even sure I’m ready to admit to myself yet, but still…

Leah’s right.

I push back my chair, standing abruptly. “I’m not going to rip her head off.”

“No, of course not,” Leah says innocently. “You’ll just be interrupting their little moment.”

I ignore her teasing and start making my way through the crowd, and my heart pounds harder with every step. The knot in my stomach tightens as I close the distance between us, and I keep my eyes locked on the way she’s standing way too close to him.

When I finally reach them, I don’t hesitate.

“Damien.”

Both of them turn to look at me. The blonde’s eyes widen, and she takes a small step back, as if she wasn’t expecting me to show up.

“Am I interrupting something?” I ask.