Chapter 4

The smell of steak hit me the moment I walked through the door, making my mouth water instantly. It was almost 5 PM, and after hours at Moonmark Mall, all I wanted was food and a shower before meeting everyone at Moonlight Lake by 7.

Sarah stood in the kitchen, wine glass in hand, expertly flipping a steak on our brand-new stove. The kitchen was spotless—not a single dish out of place.

"It smells amazing," I said, taking a deep breath.

"I'll fix you a plate. Go get cleaned up first," she replied without missing a beat.

I hesitated by the doorway. "Do you mind if I go out tonight?" Though Sarah never really stopped me from doing anything, I always asked. It felt wrong to leave her alone in a new place, but I really wanted to go to the lake.

She gave me that knowing look of hers. "As long as you're home by 2 AM and not drinking, go have some fun."

We both knew I wasn't legally old enough to drink, but that hadn't stopped me from having a few on occasion. I was always careful though—never drunk.

"I won't be late. Did you get everything you needed today?"

I watched her plate the steak, my stomach growling in anticipation. I'd always been a girl who loved food, no shame in that.

"I'm afraid the bed won't be delivered until tomorrow. That's the quickest they could manage."

One more night on the couch wouldn't kill me. "What about the contractors?"

"They'll be here the day after tomorrow."

The first bite of steak melted in my mouth. Sarah was truly exceptional in the kitchen.

"So everything's going according to plan. Hopefully we'll be able to call this house home soon."

"Hopefully, dear." She picked up a local history book marked with colorful tabs. "I'm going to take this wine and book to the front porch."

After my shower, I stood wrapped in a towel, staring at my open suitcase. What exactly does one wear to a lake at night? I texted Nina for advice.

"What do you wear to the lake at night?"

Her reply came almost instantly: "Wear whatever you want, but put on a swimsuit underneath. The night before the full moon can get crazy, haha, but don't worry, we'll take care of you. Come over when you're ready."

I settled on jeans with a leopard print bikini underneath—though I had zero intention of letting anyone see it. I pulled my golden curls into a high ponytail, wrapped a scarf around my neck, and grabbed my jacket. Black sneakers were non-negotiable—no way I was ruining my white ones.

After saying goodnight to Sarah, I headed to the Blackwoods' house. I could hear music and conversation from a distance, and suddenly my stomach was in knots. This was my first social outing since leaving California.

Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open. Dominic stood there, beer in hand, his amber eyes flashing with startling alertness.

Nina quickly pushed past him. "You look great! Come in—what would you like to drink?"

Their home was breathtaking—an open plan design with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest. Modern but somehow organic, like it had grown from the earth itself.

Nina took my jacket and tossed it onto a corner couch. I noticed her nostrils flare slightly at the scent.

"Riley, your body is amazing. That lace gives everyone a peek at your swimsuit underneath," she said with a wink.

Suddenly, I felt like every pair of eyes in the room was on me. Maybe wearing a lace bodysuit wasn't the brightest idea after all.

A deep growl echoed throughout the room.

Just like that, everyone stopped staring and returned to their conversations, as if responding to some unspoken command.

"Vodka lemonade with a hint of lime," Nina smiled, handing me a drink.

"I think I heard a growl," I said uncertainly.

"You might be imagining things," Nina casually dismissed it.

"Your house is beautiful, Nina," I didn't push the issue and took a sip of my drink as I moved toward the window.

"Thanks. Dominic and our father designed it. It connects everyone with nature," she smiled. "We're having dinner at our parents' house tomorrow night. You and your grandmother should come."

"I'll ask if she's free."

Standing by the window admiring the view, I suddenly felt strange—hot one moment, cold the next. I began to doubt whether going to the lake was a good idea; I might be getting sick.

In the window's reflection, I caught Dominic staring at me again, his eyes now a distinctive gold color. The pull toward him was becoming irresistible, and I felt conflicted.

"Finish up, we're heading out," Nina announced, handing me my jacket.

"Riley, are you okay?" Harper placed her hand against my forehead. "You're burning up. Come sit down."

Then she froze, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "No way. I knew I was right."

"What is it?"

"Nothing. I'll get you some water. You'll feel better soon, I promise."

I walked toward the kitchen and overheard whispers about "imprint" and "fated scent."

"You know it's rude to eavesdrop on people's conversations." Dominic's voice was deep and magnetic behind me.

I turned to face him. "It's also rude to stare, but you do it anyway."

"Watch your words, little one." As he stepped forward, I stepped back, feeling his predatory intensity. I wanted to be near him, yet simultaneously wanted to be as far away as possible. He made me feel dangerous.

Harper appeared beside us. "Riley, still want to go to the lake?"

"Yes," I said firmly.

"She cannot go," Dominic stated with absolute authority.

Harper's smile was meaningful. "So it begins," she whispered, earning a glare from Dominic.

A car horn sounded outside, and Harper pulled me toward the door. "Let's have some fun before the big bad wolf explodes," she said quietly.

I laughed, not understanding her meaning.

As we sat in the car, a howl followed by a dangerous growl cut through the night. The sound made me tremble involuntarily, while everyone else in the car bowed their heads in silence.

"Hey, it's okay," Harper whispered, taking my hand. "Feeling better?"

I did feel better, but my enthusiasm had waned.

The car hadn't started yet when an angry male voice approached.

"Harper." The voice was sharp as a blade.

"Oh no," she said fearfully as the door was yanked open.

"Get out of that car right now," Hunter hissed.

"Hunter, I didn't—"

"Now, Harper," he roared, cutting her off.

"Lake night is canceled, everyone, and you can thank Harper for that," he announced, grabbing her arm and pulling her inside.

Everyone scattered, leaving me alone in the backseat, seemingly forgotten.