Page 55 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

I nod, grateful for the distraction. “What’s going on?”

Alec steps further into the room, shutting the door behind him. “The pack’s getting antsy, Damien. They’re usedto freedom. You keep them cooped up much longer, and we’re going to have more problems on our hands.”

I let out a heavy breath, rubbing the back of my neck. “I know. I’ve been thinking about that.”

“Well, think faster,” Alec replies. “We can’t keep this up. People are starting to question whether we’re doing enough to keep them safe.”

Jade looks up at Alec, then back at me. “What does that mean?”

“It means,” I say, the idea forming in my mind even as the words leave my mouth, “we need to give the pack a reason to come together. We need something that reminds them who we are—strong, united.”

Alec raises an eyebrow. “And how do you plan on doing that?”

“We throw a party.”

Alec’s expression shifts from confusion to surprise. “A party?”

“Yeah,” I say, the plan coming together in my head. “We bring all three packs together—ours, East Hills, and Starfire Hollow. Somewhere neutral. Everyone gets to let off some steam and feel normal for a night. We keep it under control, but at the same time, we show everyone that we’re united. We’re not hiding. And this way, we can keep an eye on things without making people feel like they’re under lock and key.”

“A three-pack party?” Jade questions.

“Why not? We could all use a break.”

Alec chuckles, shaking his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that might actually work.”

Jade’s lips quirk up into a small smile, and for the first time in what feels like days, I see a flicker of light in her eyes. “All right,” she says, standing up. “Let’s throw a party.”

I look between the two of them, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over me. Maybe this is exactly what we need. A chance to breathe. To remind ourselves who we are and what we’re fighting for.

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.”

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