Chapter 26: Episode 25: A Night to Remember

Episode 25: A Night to Remember

(Briar’s POV)

The moment I stepped out of Olivia’s car, I could already hear the music thumping from inside the packhouse. The smell of grilled food, cake, and something sweet—probably Tara’s favorite dessert—filled the air. Fairy lights decorated the entire backyard, giving it a warm, golden glow. The entire pack had gathered to celebrate Tara, Ethan, and me finishing school, and while I appreciated the effort, my stomach twisted with nerves.

Olivia stepped beside me, her warm hand brushing against mine. “You okay, love?”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just… I wasn’t expecting all of this.”

Olivia smirked, tilting her head slightly. “It’s a celebration, Briar. You deserve it. Just try to enjoy yourself.”

Easy for her to say. She wasn’t the center of attention tonight.

Tara and Ethan came running up to me, grinning like idiots. “Briar, look at this!” Tara practically shoved her phone in my face.

I blinked at the screen, squinting at the pack’s group chat.

Caleb: “Biggest party of the year. Hope Briar doesn’t cry from the attention.”

Sofia: “She’ll survive. Olivia’s there to catch her.”

Ethan: “We should make a bet on how many people try to flirt with Briar tonight.”

I groaned. “You guys are the worst.”

Ethan slung an arm over my shoulder. “Oh, come on. It’s all in good fun.”

Tara rolled her eyes. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s just trying to distract himself from the fact that everyone keeps asking about us being mates.”

Ethan stiffened. “I’m handling it just fine, thank you very much.”

Tara smirked. “Sure, that’s why you turned bright red when Caleb teased you earlier.”

Before Ethan could protest, someone called my name. I turned, seeing a tall, good-looking pack member heading toward me. I recognized him—Logan, one of the warriors.

“Hey, Briar,” Logan said, flashing a charming smile. “Didn’t get a chance to congratulate you earlier. You must be pretty excited about finishing school.”

I smiled politely. “Yeah, it’s a relief.”

“You planning on celebrating properly? I could get you a drink,” he offered smoothly.

Before I could respond, Olivia’s presence was suddenly right there. One second, she had been standing a few steps away, and the next, she was beside me, an arm wrapping securely around my waist.

“She already has someone to take care of her,” Olivia said, her voice sweet but firm.

Logan chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Of course, Alpha. Just being friendly.”

Olivia’s grip tightened just slightly. “That’s good to hear.”

Logan nodded before walking off, and I turned to look up at Olivia. “Jealous much?”

She smirked. “No. Just reminding everyone that you’re mine.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide the way my heart raced at her words.

---

(Tara’s POV)

I should have been enjoying myself. The party was fun, the music was good, and Ethan was—

Wait. What was he doing?

I narrowed my eyes as I spotted him talking to one of the omega girls, his usual charming grin plastered across his face. She was laughing at something he said, flipping her hair in that way girls did when they were interested.

My wolf growled.

Ethan was mine.

I marched over, crossing my arms as I stood beside him. “Ethan,” I said sweetly.

He turned, eyes widening slightly. “Oh, hey, Tara.”

The omega girl glanced between us before giving a small wave and walking away.

I raised an eyebrow. “Having fun?”

Ethan smirked. “Why? Jealous?”

I scoffed. “Please. I just think it’s funny how you flirt with other girls when you already have the best mate possible.”

Ethan grinned, stepping closer. “You’re right. No one else could ever compare.”

I rolled my eyes but felt my cheeks heat up.

---

(Briar’s POV)

As the night went on, I finally started to relax. Olivia stayed close, making sure I was comfortable, and I even got pulled into a ridiculous dance battle with Ethan and Caleb.

At some point, Olivia pulled me aside, leading me away from the crowd. “Come with me,” she whispered.

She took me to a quieter part of the backyard, where the fairy lights flickered softly. The music was distant, and the only sound was the chirping of crickets.

I looked up at her. “What are we doing?”

Olivia cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing my skin. “Just taking a moment for us.”

I leaned into her touch. “I like that idea.”

She smiled before pressing a soft kiss to my lips, making my heart melt.

This night really was one to remember.

Robbed