Page 56 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

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.

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