Chapter 33: Bottoms Up

Thea’s POV

The phone buzzed against the bar counter for what felt like the millionth time. Iris again. Just like every other call since yesterday morning, I let it go to voicemail. She’d been trying to reach me nonstop, but I couldn’t bring myself to talk. She was Sterling Pack’s future Luna now, and I just wanted to stay far away from that world and everyone in it.

“Another one,” I told the bartender, watching him mix another fruity cocktail. This was how I was spending my birthday this year—alone in a bar, drowning in Sebastian’s cruel words. I’d been trying to forget everything he said, but his words were branded into my mind. Seven years of marriage, and I never realized I was just a replacement in his eyes. Just Aurora’s stand-in, even in bed. The thought shattered my heart all over again.

I should have known he would believe every word Aurora said. It was just like him, ready to believe anyone but me.

“Here you go,” the bartender said, giving me a sympathetic look. He must see countless people like me, drinking their sorrows away.

I took the drink, avoiding his gaze. I didn’t need pity. What I needed was a new brain, a heart untainted by pain and heartbreak, a soul that hadn’t been brutally wounded by Sebastian. If I could have seen this future coming, I would have run far away. If I’d known loving Sebastian would destroy me like this, I would have fled to another continent, or the other side of the planet.

I stared into space, my thoughts a jumbled mess. The alcohol was starting to work its magic, which was exactly what I wanted. I needed a temporary escape from this constant pain, even if just for a few hours. My eyes drifted to the dance floor. It had been ages since I’d danced. Maybe tonight I could let loose—it was my birthday after all.

Standing up, I walked to the dance floor and closed my eyes, letting the music take over. I started moving to the rhythm, feeling my troubles slowly drift away. In this moment, I could pretend I was okay, pretend I wasn’t just a broken soul wandering around. I could pretend I was whole.

I danced song after song. A few people tried dancing with me from behind, but I kept my eyes closed, not minding the proximity. I noticed some wolves watching me with predatory intent, trying to lure me away, but I refused them all. I ignored them until they gave up.

Only when exhaustion seeped into my bones did I stop. Opening my eyes, I made my way back to the bar. Just as I was about to order another drink, my phone rang again.

Expecting Iris, I was surprised to see Kane’s name flashing. I answered.

“Hi, Kane.” My voice was slightly higher than usual.

“Where are you, Thea? Are you okay? Why is Iris saying she hasn’t been able to reach you since yesterday? She’s worried sick.” His voice was full of concern.

“I’m fine, just don’t want to talk to her right now.” I had to raise my voice over the music.

“You’re at a bar?” he asked, just as someone screamed this was their favorite song.

“Something like that.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Just tipsy.” Though I fully intended to drink myself into oblivion tonight.

“How are you getting home? Do you have a designated driver?”

His concern made me smile despite myself. That was the cop in him—I kind of liked that about him.

“No, but I’m planning to take a cab.”

“No, wait for me. Ten minutes.” He hung up before I could respond.

I stared at my phone, not quite processing what he meant. But I didn’t want to think about it now. Tonight was about forgetting everything and letting go.

Some time later, I felt someone slide onto the barstool beside me. Looking up, I met Kane’s dark eyes studying me.

“Kane? What are you doing here?” I asked, confused.

“I said I’d be here in ten minutes, remember?”

I kept staring at him, like he was some kind of apparition. I couldn’t figure out how he’d found this place.

“I remember, I just didn’t think you meant it.”

We studied each other. I like him, but I really didn’t want to see anyone right now. Tonight was supposed to be my pity party.

“What are you doing here, Thea? I’ve never seen you like this. And it’s a workday—don’t you have classes to teach tomorrow?” He frowned, his expression full of worry.

The truth was, I didn’t. I hadn’t been myself since everything with Sebastian happened. I’d requested extended leave from school, using my incomplete recovery as an excuse. They’d been understanding.

“It’s my birthday. Wanted to celebrate.” I said. The music had died down, so we didn’t have to shout anymore.

“Like this? Alone in a bar at two in the morning?”

How could I tell him I had no one to celebrate with? That no one remembered my birthday? That even when I was married to Sebastian, he ignored this day every year? How could I explain that my family hated me so much they hadn’t cared about my birthday for seven years?

I shrugged. “No one to celebrate with. Could have been with Leo, but you know he’s not here. As for my family… they hate me enough not to care that I’m another year older.”

He looked stunned for a moment. Then he got off his barstool, helped me up, and silently led me by the hand to a quiet booth. He helped me sit down before sliding in next to me.

Turning to face me, he said, “Why would you say that? I can tell something happened with your family, it’s written all over your face.” He paused. “Does this have to do with Sebastian? What happened? Why do you say your family hates you?” The questions came like arrows.

I gazed at him. If things were going to progress with Kane, I needed to be honest. What I’d done might destroy his image of me, but he needed to know the truth.

Taking a deep breath, I said, “Because seven years ago, I slept with and got pregnant by my sister Aurora’s boyfriend at the time. That guy was Sebastian.”