The international sports competition would kick off in a few weeks. As the tradition of this school, we were to organize a party before the competition, and that was where we were now under the grand ballroom that shimmered with opulence, bathed in a soft glow that emanated from countless chandeliers hanging like crystal moon above.
The aura was alive with the melodic strains of music blasting through the Pete, and laughter from the students, most especially, lovers, and those sports figures, mingled with the sweet scent of roses that adorned every corner of the ambiance.
I nestled closer to the gate of the Pete and scanned through for my date. I know you would think I should be here with Jeremy, but no! I was with Jason. As I was scanning through the ambiance, my gaze met with Dax and a dark-haired girl, exchanging words in happiness, but as soon as our gaze met, Dax's smiles disappeared, and the dark-haired blonde noticed this. I took my face away and continued switching my gaze until I met Jason seated alone at a table of two.
I cat-walked gracefully through the students, a phantom amidst breathtaking attires and tuxedos. Jason smiled as he saw me walking up to his place. I also smiled back because tonight was very special to me, a rare opportunity to execute the plan that I had set in motion tonight.
I wedged in and took the chair opposite Jason. Immediately, he ordered pasta salad, but I insisted.
"I prefer Tennessee whiskey," I suggested.
"Good. Then I will go for that too. Bring us four bottles," he ordered.
A few seconds later, the bartender brought four bottles of Tennessee whiskey and opened them for us. Jason downed a little in his cup, the bubbles of the flavor simmering in my nostrils.
Jason's piercing eyes glint beneath the glass cup as he stole my gaze while downing his cup of Tennessee whiskey that adorned his face. He sipped it and said,
"Amaya, I must express my deepest thanks for your help in finding Sarah. Your intuition saved us time."
His words laced with genuine, but fueled the fire of my deception.
"It was my pleasure, Jason. I'm just glad we could bring her back safely. And also clear the bad reputation it would cost you."
Jeremy walked into the Pete, scanning through the party as if he was looking for someone. And I didn't refuse to believe he was here for me.
"Hey! Are you still staring at that scumbag? He's in trouble for impregnating Kayla. And I am sure he would not be allowed to step into that international sport," Jason mocked Jeremy. I sighed and rolled my eyes only to meet Dax's gaze. And then our gazes met.
"I want to dare you, Jason," I spoke, his face growing up, curiously waiting for what I had to say.
"What's that, Amaya?" Jason inquired.
" I want you to drop 10 bottles of beer in one sitting!" I said and laughed at him as if I was pulling tantrums out of him.
He smiled and said,
"Sure!! Even if it's taboo to drink that much, I will accept your dare in a replica of your assistance to me," he said and ordered ten more bottles.
Jason accepted the dare and started downing bottles of Tennessee whiskey. He began to flash his teeth at me, then followed by manic waves of laughter.
"Am- Amaya," Jason stammered, his eyes clouded by the effects of whatever concoction had been slipped into his drink.
"Yes, Jason. Are you okay?" I asked treacherously.
The bartender who served us was my friend, the girl who wanted to be my friend. I already planned with her and gave her a concoction to put into Jason's drink. This was my secret plan, and that was why I was closer to Jason. Jason is wise and intelligent. He would not have taken the wine if not for me - our closeness to be precise.
"You need to know about your mum," Jason whispered, his eyes rolling.
I regarded him cautiously, masking my surprise with an expression of concern, and asked,
"Alpha Jason, are you alright? What about my mother?"
He leaned in, his words escaping in disjointed fragments. "Your mum, Amaya. She's not missing. She's hidden, kept away from the pack. There's a secret, a dark secret," he landed drunkenly.
My adrenaline quickened at the revelation, and I led him to a secluded corner, away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.
"What secret, Alpha Jason? Tell me. I need to know."
He chuckled and smeared manic touches of laughter. "Your mum, Amaya. She knows things, things the pack shouldn't be aware of. She's a threat to the status quo, so they've hidden her away and erased her from our memories."
A slump arose in my stomach, but I swallowed and grinned at the pieces of a sinister puzzle beginning to align.
"Why? What does my mother know that poses a threat?" I asked him wittily.
"Promise me you won't tell anybody," Jason held my cheeks and pinched it.
"I promise, Jason. All ears!"