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But a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers, Can you really? How long before your secret tears this all apart?
Dash’s vibrant energy infuses the atmosphere with lively feelings that uplift everyone present. Quinn’s quick wit and Zane’s quiet confidence blend seamlessly, creating a dynamic synergy within our group. The playful competitiveness between teams sparks a sense of friendly rivalry, fueling our determination to win each round.
“All right, this is the final round,” Dash announces, grinning widely. “Winner takes all!”
We all lean in, ready for the challenge. As Dash draws, I find myself leaning closer to Zane, our shoulders brushing. He glances at me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
“Do you think you can guess this one?” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing.
“I think we can manage,” I reply, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.
Dash steps back, revealing a drawing that looks like a jumble of shapes. “All right, what’s this?”
“A mess?” Quinn jokes, earning a laugh from everyone.
“No, come on, take it seriously!” Dash protests, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I squint at the drawing. “Is it…a rocket?”
Dash grins. “Close enough! It’s actually supposed to be the model rocket I built when I was ten. I launched it straight into a tree.”
“You’ve always had a knack for chaos,” Zane says, his tone warm.
“Yeah, well, some things never change,” Dash replies with a wink. “I am the master of chaos!”
When the pizza arrives, we descend on it like frat boys. I am no better than a man when my hunger strikes, and I nearly consume a whole pizza by myself.
“How about we mix it up?” Quinn suggests, shuffling the cards. “New teams, new round. I call dibs on Aria this time!” As we rearrange ourselves, settling into our new teams, the outside world fades away, leaving only the shared experience of this moment in time.
The camaraderie and connection among us deepen with each shared laugh and inside joke, weaving a tapestry of memories that will linger long after this night ends.
My hand instinctively touches my neck, where my scent glands are. The suppressants are working, but for how long? The guilt of my secret gnaws at me, threatening to spoil this perfect moment. I push the thought away, determined to enjoy this while I can.
“Is that supposed to be a dog or a deformed llama?” Quinn teases as Zane attempts to draw what looks like a blob with four legs.
“Shut up and guess,” Zane grumbles, but there’s a hint of amusement in his voice.
I watch them as warmth spreads through my chest. This feels right, like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. The worries and uncertainties of the past few days fade away, replaced by a sense of belonging.
A yawn cracks my jaw, and my eyes burn.
“Hey, sleepy girl.” Dash leans in, rubbing his cheek against mine. The whole room freezes.
I’m not dumb, I know exactly what Dash just did—he scent marked me without hesitation and without knowing I’m an omega, and damn me to hell, but I want to bathe in his citrusy salty scent.
It’s fine, I’m just totally not going to address it.
“What time is it?” I yawn again.
“Nearly midnight,” Zane murmurs.
Malachi stands up, stretching his arms above his head. “We should probably call it a night. It’s been a long day for everyone, especially Aria.”
I nod, feeling exhaustion settle into my bones. The emotional roller coaster of the past few days, combined with the excitement of tonight, has left me drained.
“I’ll show you to your room,” Malachi offers, extending his hand to help me up from the couch.
As I take his hand, I feel a spark of electricity pass between us. His touch is warm and comforting, and I don’t want to let go, but I do, reluctantly, as I rise to my feet.
