Kasia stood outside the pack house, her fingers smoothing over the green fabric of her dress. The early evening air held a brisk chill, raising goosebumps along her bare arms. Shivering, she rubbed her hands over the sleeves of her black leggings.
This was a mistake. Going anywhere with him, especially tonight, would only lead to heartache. Denying it felt futile; this outing felt dangerously close to something she couldn't-wouldn't-put a name to.
'It's not a date,' she sternly reminded herself.
But the voice in her mind mocked her naivety. 'Oh really? Then why are you dressed up and waiting for him like a smitten schoolgirl?'
Kasia scowled, even as warmth flushed her cheeks. She wasn't smitten. Ethan was the enemy, and her traitorous heart fluttered at the thought of spending time alone with him. He was the Alpha King, a monster like the rest of them, and she was a hunter sworn to destroy his kind.
This wasn't a date; it was a mistake.
'Keep telling yourself that, suga,' the voice taunted.
Ethan arrived in a sleek black sports car that purred like a great jungle cat. Kasia, eager to avoid prying eyes, slipped into the passenger seat after glancing around to ensure no one was watching.
"Trying to be inconspicuous, I see," she remarked dryly, her eyes taking in the flashy vehicle with its sleek lines and shiny exterior.
Ethan's laughter filled the car, deep and rich like good whiskey. "Believe it or not, this is one of my more subdued cars."
His casual attitude toward luxury infuriated Kasia, who couldn't help but shake her head. Trust a man to think a sports car qualifies as subtle. "So, what is this city we're headed to?" Kasia asked as she got in.
"Wulftree," Ethan answered, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Isn't that name quite on the nose?" Kasia quipped.
"And yet, you had no idea about it until today," Ethan countered with a smirk.
"Hmm," Kasia hummed in response, refusing to admit that Ethan had a point.
The two of them drove in comfortable silence, leaving the countryside behind and entering the bustling city. Kasia gazed out the window at the towering buildings and lively traffic, taking in the lively energy. She couldn't even recall when the last time she even went into the city was other than when she and Lana were homeless.
"Whatever you're thinking, put it out of your mind. We're going to have a good time tonight," Ethan said, noticing Kasia frowning.
"Easier said than done," Kasia muttered.
When they arrived at a large amusement park, gaining entry with a mere nod from Ethan, Kasia's curiosity got the better of her.
"Do you own this place, or do you come here often?" she asked.
Ethan glanced at her, a quirked-up corner of his mouth. "No, I don't own it. I don't come here often anymore. I don't have time to go like I used to."
Kasia followed Ethan, the lights and sounds assaulting her senses. She eyed the towering roller coasters warily as they strolled through the park.
"So, where to first?" Ethan asked, glancing down at her.
Kasia shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "You choose."
Ethan's eyes glinted knowingly, and Kasia had a sinking feeling she knew exactly where they were headed. Sure enough, he led them straight to the tallest roller coaster in the park.
As they climbed into the front car, Kasia gripped the safety bar so hard that her knuckles turned white. She kept her eyes fixed straight ahead as the coaster began its steep ascent.
"You, okay?" Ethan asked, amusement coloring his tone. "Are you afraid of heights?"
"No, I'm fine," Kasia bit out.
The coaster tipped over the peak, and Kasia's stomach dropped as they plunged. She squeezed her eyes shut, biting back a scream. Beside her, she could hear Ethan laughing and whooping gleefully.
After an endless minute, the ride coasted to a stop. Kasia pried her white-knuckled grip from the bar and climbed shakily out of the car. Ethan watched her, grinning.
"What's wrong? You look a little pale," he teased.
Kasia shot him a withering glare. "I'm fine," she repeated through gritted teeth. "Let's go again."
Ethan's grin widened wickedly. "As you wish."
Three more coasters later, Kasia stumbled from the latest ride on wobbly legs. She swallowed rapidly to keep from throwing up.
"Okay, break time," she declared, making her way toward a nearby food stand. Ethan followed, chuckling under his breath. As they waited in line, Kasia noticed that some of the people felt human. Before Kasia could answer, Ethan said, "The city is a neutral zone. Everyone is welcome, as long as they adhere to the rules. No violence."
Kasia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. How was that even possible? Why would humans want to be around them? Before Kasia could voice her thoughts, Ethan explained, "The people who come here keep it secret to protect it from those who would harm this peace."
"Why did you bring me here?" Kasia asked, slightly annoyed that he would risk these people's lives by bringing her into their hidden world.
"Because I trust you," Ethan answered simply.
As they approached the front of the line, Kasia ordered a soda in hopes that the sugar would calm her jittery nerves. She watched as Ethan picked out his own food, taking in their surroundings once again. The atmosphere was filled with joy and contentment, with couples and families happily chatting and enjoying themselves. Seeing this, it wasn't hard for Kasia to believe that such harmony between humans and werecreatures existed.
'Are you going to remain delusional, or are you going to finally accept that you were wrong?' The voice inside her head taunted.
Kasia didn't respond, feeling a pang of guilt and bitterness wash over her as she tried to enjoy herself amidst the truth slowly sinking in. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a familiar figure in the crowd, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. Fear and adrenaline coursed through her veins as she realized they were not as safe as Ethan had led her to believe.
"I'll be right back," she muttered to Ethan, not waiting for a response as she made her way over. If it was who she thought it was, it would not be good for her or anyone here.
'It can't be,' Kasia thought. 'No one knew about this place. Ethan just said that.'
As she got closer, her suspicions were confirmed. She braced herself as she tapped him on the shoulder.
"Milo?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"