Chapter 43

For years, she’d dreamed of exploring a human town. She’d spent countless nights lying awake, imagining the simple pleasures of pedestrian crossings and iced coffees in the early morning. But now that she was here, she wasn’t indulging in these delights. Instead, she was consumed with thoughts of winning over Caturix.

What had she become? She’d always been certain she didn’t want a life partner, especially not Caturix. But now, she was falling for him and he wasn’t reciprocating.

In a world where females were a dwindling population, he should’ve been yearning for her like the other men. He should’ve been trying to secure her as his mate. She was sure he felt something for her. She just needed to draw out his affection, to ignite the jealousy that every lycan man harbored.

But so far, her efforts were in vain. She’d tried to make him jealous by being friendly with every human man she met, but Caturix didn’t seem to care. In fact, since the previous night, he’d been treating her with complete indifference.

Whether they were at the café, the mall, or out for lunch, he didn’t care. Even when she clung to a human man’s arm at the theater, he didn’t bat an eyelid. She hadn’t even started flirting seriously and was already considering giving up. It was starting to feel humiliating.

Shemika slipped into the dress she’d chosen for the club: a deep purple, sequined, body-con dress with fully laced-up sides. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail that cascaded down her waist in a waterfall of blonde curls. To complete her look, she adorned her hair with pearls and gems and wore strappy mid-calf heels.

She felt like a goddess. But Caturix didn’t seem to notice. He didn’t even give her a lingering look. He didn’t have to adjust himself or suppress a growl of desire. It made her want to stomp her foot and pout like a child.

They arrived at the club, a massive modern building in the city center, without any incident. And by incident, she meant Caturix’s wandering hands. She could’ve been completely naked and he probably wouldn’t have given her a second glance. She was barely dressed as it was.

The club was exactly as she’d imagined. Packed with panting, sweaty humans. The music was loud, the lights were flashing, and the floor was littered with all sorts of things, including trash, lost items, and what looked like a used condom.

It was perfect.

Everything was just as she’d dreamed. But she wasn’t happy. All she could think about was the growing distance between her and Caturix.

Speaking of Caturix, he looked perfect. He was wearing a silky black shirt and black dress pants. His long hair was slicked back and well-groomed. She wanted to jump him right there.

Instead, Shemika headed to the bar for a drink. She was pleased to feel all eyes on her. She ordered a drink and didn’t even have to think about paying for it. Several men slapped their cards on the counter, leering at her like predators. They thought she was the prey.

Shemika made her way around the club, making sure to “accidentally” brush against several men. On the dance floor, men fought for the chance to dance with her. Except for Caturix.

He was sitting in a booth at the far end of the club, watching her with a cold, indifferent gaze. He was lounging, his arms draped over the back of the couch, seemingly unconcerned about her flaunting herself.

It felt utterly pointless.

Trying to hide her growing resentment, she returned to the dance floor, feeling slightly dizzy from all the drinks she’d accepted. It felt like she was having an out-of-body experience.

She found a group of women and started dancing with them. She didn’t sense any other lycan around, except for Caturix, and she relaxed. She moved in sync with the other women, not minding the men around her or the occasional unsolicited touch.

Suddenly, the crowd thickened. It was suffocating. A man stepped in front of her.

He was tall for a human and looked angry, much like Caturix.

Thinking of Caturix, she tried to find him in the crowd, but her view was blocked. Damn.

“Ouch,” her arm hurt.

She turned to the man. He was gripping her arm tightly. He was trying to get her attention, but she couldn’t focus. She felt nauseous.

He leaned in and asked, “Did you drink that Piña colada I got you earlier?”

Shemika tried to respond, but her words came out slurred. She nodded instead.

He grinned maliciously, sending chills down her spine. His grip on her wrist tightened. “Does your head hurt?” he asked.

How did he know? She nodded and immediately regretted it. Her head was spinning.

“Come, I’ll take you somewhere quieter. You can sip some water. You probably just drank too much alcohol. I saw you throwing them back,” he said, pulling her arm.

She didn’t want to go with him, but her body betrayed her. She stumbled after him. She twisted her ankle and lost her balance, but the man caught her and practically carried her out of the club.

Something felt wrong. She sensed danger. Her…wolf? A wolf she hadn’t felt since before puberty was trying to warn her.

As the man tried to take her outside, the club bouncer stepped in front of them.

“Are you two all right?” he asked.

The man laughed. “Oh yeah, I think she’s just drunk. She was throwing them back tonight.”

The bouncer looked at her suspiciously. “Is this your boyfriend?” he asked.

Shemika wanted to laugh. No, this man was not her husband. Her man was…still inside. But she said nothing. She just stared at him blankly, so weak that the man had to hold her up.

“No,” the man answered.

She managed to nod in agreement and immediately regretted it.

“We’re newlyweds,” he finished.

Shemika’s eyes widened. Newly what? She wanted to say, but couldn’t.

The bouncer’s suspicious expression softened. “Congratulations to you two.” He stepped aside, letting the man drag her out of the club.

This wasn’t right. They weren’t newlyweds. Why did he say that?

The man dragged her through the parking garage to a large black van. As they approached, the door slid open, revealing more men.

If she hadn’t already been feeling sick, she would’ve started feeling sick then.

The man handed her over to the others in the van. They pulled her in and shut the door behind her.