Chapter 51 + 25 Bonus

“Oh, but I am,” Drake said, leaning forward on his elbows. “It sounds exciting, and besides, you know what they say about a good scare—it gets the blood pumping.” He glanced at Zoe. Her cheeks reddened, and she shifted uncomfortably.

A beat of silence followed as we exchanged uncertain looks, clearly surprised by the suggestion.

“I don’t know, Drake…” I began hesitantly. “I’m tired, and I’m sure Noah…”

“Well, it sounds terribly exciting to me,” Zoe interjected, speaking for the first time that evening as she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “I haven’t visited the Emily House since… well…” Her voice trailed off. Beside me, Noah’s ears turned pink. I quickly looked away, clenching my jaw. I imagined their dates there; it had likely been a favorite haunt.

Drake’s face lit up at Zoe’s words. He looked at Noah. “Well? What do you say, Alpha? Shall we give it a go?”

For a long moment, Noah stared at Drake, his expression unreadable. Then, with a barely perceptible shake of his head, a grim resignation settled on his features. “I don’t see that we have much choice,” he muttered. “Not if we want to impress our esteemed guest.”

Drake beamed, clapping his hands. “Splendid! Then it’s settled—we’ll visit your haunted house after dinner. And don’t worry, dinner’s on me.”

I found myself inching cautiously through the dark, strobe-lit corridors of Nightcrest’s haunted house, trailing behind the others, arms wrapped protectively around myself.

Ahead, a shrill scream echoed, swallowed by the rattling chains and ominous groans. My heart leaped into my throat as I whipped around, searching for danger. This had seemed like a stupid idea—why had I let Drake talk me into this? I was too old for these childish fear tactics.

Yet, as heavy footsteps resonated behind me, my pulse quickened.

Then, a hulking, masked figure burst through a doorway, harsh spotlights illuminating the whirring blade of a chainsaw mere feet away. I screamed. I stumbled backward, gasping for air as my heart thundered. My hands clutched uselessly at the air, searching for something solid. I found nothing—only disorienting strobe lights and approaching boots.

“Noah!” I cried out.

Just as quickly as the terror had overtaken me, it dissipated. Strong arms encircled me, pulling me against a solid chest; a masculine scent filled my senses.

I whimpered, tears springing to my eyes. “Noah…”

“Shh…” a low, soothing murmur against my neck. “You’re safe now, darling. I’ve got you.”

My eyes snapped open. It was Drake’s voice. For a moment, I froze, confused.

Then, a commanding shout sliced through the darkness. “Stop the show! Now!”

Noah’s gruff, authoritative voice rang out, seconds before the house’s lighting shifted from ominous reds and purples to the warm amber glow of overhead lights and lamps. I squinted, blinking as I pulled away from Drake.

Across the room, I saw Noah’s tall silhouette, his arm around another figure—Zoe, cowering against him.