It was happening, yet she couldn't believe it. Ana felt her whole life unraveling right before her eyes—everything she had ever hoped for and longed for had been thrown away into the wind.
Her hatred for Jax intensified with each passing second. If the moon goddess was kind enough to grant her a chance, she would bring them all to their knees.
Trudging through the dark forest, dried leaves crackled beneath her feet. The wind howled, making the night even eerier. All she could see was darkness until a half-moon illuminated the sky.
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she looked up. Was this her fate? The full moon would soon be upon her. Would she face it alone? She could die or turn feral without her mate by her side. Lost in thought, she wandered aimlessly until she stumbled upon a small town not far from Riverdale. At first, it seemed calm, but then she recognized the familiar bar, Raves.
Her heart raced at the thought of being in her father's territory. Jax had suggested they go there together before, but she had always declined, citing a dislike for social places. The truth was, she feared being recognized by any of her father's men.
After he banished her, he spun a tale, portraying her mother as a liar and a cheat who had an affair with a human and bore her. Anyone who knew her lineage would probably seek to inflict pain upon her for their amusement.
In the past, she had relied on Jax's protection, though it had been based on lies. It had meant something to her during that time.
Amelia was undoubtedly stronger than Ana, perhaps that was why he had chosen her. Pushing those thoughts aside, a daring idea formed in her mind.
She needed to escape her suffering. She needed something to lift her from the depths of despair.
"What's a beautiful lady like you doing out here?" a voice rang out. She turned swiftly towards the bar entrance and saw an average-height blonde beauty with bold red lipstick radiating confidence. "Care for a drink?"
After a moment's thought, Ana shook her head slowly. "I'm just observing the surroundings," she replied, forcing a faint smile while wrapping her arms around herself against the chill.
The girl gave her an incredulous look. "Sure, whatever, but you can't stay out here. I don't know if you’re looking for trouble, but come inside for a chance at new clothes. You look awful."
The girl was already walking away, leading Ana to the back of the bar. She didn’t know who this woman was or how she was connected to the bar, but Ana followed her. If she wanted to have the night of her life, it needed to be in style, not in torn clothing.
Ana was about to dive into another spiral of hatred toward them all when the strange girl called out again, her voice threaded with impatience.
"You're coming?" She raised a brow, holding the door that seemed to lead to a bathroom. Ana stepped inside the small space, letting the girl work her magic on her.
"You should try this," she said pleasantly, handing Ana a black, body-hugging dress that flattered her curves. "And I'm Layla."
"Nice name, I'm Ana," she replied softly, checking out the clothes. From the looks of it, the dress was very short and incredibly revealing. It made her feel like a real woman. She allowed her hair to cascade down her back and touched up her eyeliner to conceal the telltale dark circles under her eyes. By the time Layla walked into the room, having changed into her own dress, Ana felt a spark of transformation.
"Wow, you look stunning, Ana!" Layla exclaimed, her mouth agape. "I've never seen anyone look as beautiful and hot as you do right now. I don't know what messy breakup you've just been through, but with a face like that and a body like this—get yourself in the game, girl!"
"Game?" Ana asked innocently, and Layla waved her hands dismissively.
"Still so uptight! You need to loosen up," Layla smirked, rushing off only to return shortly after with two bottles of tequila. "This should do the trick, though I'd prefer a martini."
"What's that?" Ana inquired, scrunching her face as the tequila burned her throat, almost immediately sending a buzz to her head.
"It's a drink, but much stronger than this," Layla gestured to the tequila she was handing Ana.
Ana began to feel lighter after a couple of shots, her inhibitions melting away.
"Fuck you, Jax! Fuck you, Amelia! Fuck you, Dad!" she shouted as they ran like crazed lunatics into the crowded bar, joining the energetic dance while the music blasted around them.
"This feels so amazing!" she whispered over the loud rhythms, and Layla flashed her an 'I told you so' grin.
"Now we just need to get you laid," Layla said with a cheeky smirk before darting away.
The girl vanished for a moment, then suddenly appeared again, as if she held some magical power.
Ana's thoughts were interrupted when a strong hand grabbed her waist from behind, pulling her flush against a muscular body.
"You're a strange one, kitten. What are you doing in my VIP bar?" he whispered against her ear, sending heat rushing through her body as she felt his growing desire against her.
In a surge of confidence, Ana spun around, wrapping her legs around his waist. He was breathtakingly handsome, with cold gray eyes and a jawline sculpted to perfection. He resembled a god!
"Maybe I want you?" she coyly replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Kitten," he warned, but Ana was ready to take risks. His eyes widened with lust as she tantalizingly rubbed against him, prompting him to pull her away from the bustling crowd and discordant music toward the kitchen where the drinks were being served.
"Get the hell out!" He ordered the staff there, his presence radiating power as his chest heaved. Once the kitchen was empty, he turned to her, a devious smirk playing across his lips before lifting her onto the counter and pulling her dress up.
He cursed under his breath as his fingers brushed against her panties, teasing her with a slow, steady rhythm, his lips crashing down on hers.
A moan escaped her as he slipped a finger inside her, and just like that, the rest of the night went blank.
Ana woke up abruptly, a sharp pain between her legs bringing her to full alertness.
She found herself in a familiar room, panic setting in as she flicked on the light and was met with a photo of her mother that she had always kept in one spot.
Her father’s mansion. Her room.
Her blood ran cold.
She was in her father's pack.
"I see you're awake," Alpha Jaden spat coldly, his eyes draining the life out of her.