Chapter 68

Renee’s POV

The night carries on better than I thought. Probably due to Emily’s generous pours of champagne to everyone.

We started with some lively conversation regarding Debbie’s health and the renovations we’ve made on the home, and Andrew shared some intel about the local packs as I fed Eric a couple bites of sushi.

He’s still slightly giving me the cold shoulder, but I’ve been trying to keep up the appearance that everything is fine. I lean on his shoulder as Andrew tells us a story about a fight that broke out between two rival packs.

I can hardly pay attention to the story, because my attention is hyper-aware on every movement that Eric makes; the rhythm of his breathing, the twitch of his muscles, the tense energy permeating throughout him.

We had a good thing going, I’d like us to get back to that. Not that it meant we were totally okay and together like a regular married couple, but it was the closest we’ve ever been- until he ruined it with that stupid proposal.

We all make our way to the living room with the lights dimmed and popular music playing on the background.

Emily and I share a love seat while Eric leans against the wall, refusing to relax. I’m not even sure I’ve seen him take one sip of his drink.

Jasper takes the recliner, looking perfectly at home in such a sophisticated seat. Andrew sits in the center of the long couch, his elbows propped on his knees and his beer hanging from the tips of his fingers.

The conversation is flowing easily enough with everyone discussing work. Though this party is technically for Eric and me, Emily is directing all questions to Jasper. It’s like she’s never talked to a doctor before.

“So, what’s the craziest patient you’ve ever seen?” Emily asks with the curiosity of a little child.

Jasper shrugs and takes a swig of his drink.

“You start to get used to the chaos,” Jasper answers rather dismissively.

“That is so cool,” Emily gushes.

“Yeah, your life sounds thrilling,” Eric comments sarcastically and Jasper shoots him a look.

“Eric has also worked with some really interesting people,” I chime in trying to prevent the mood from turning sour. The sound of a can being crushed fills in the blank space before Eric answers. I look toward the direction of the sound to see Jasper rising from his seat .

He puts his hands on his legs as he stands up with a grunt. “I’m going to get another drink,” he says. “Anyone want anything?” He asks barely looking around.

“I’ll take a glass of wine,” Emily chirps as he walks past her towards the kitchen. He doesn’t answer and I wonder if Emily is going to get her wine.

What has gotten in to him?

“We should play a game,” Emily declares and Eric’s eyebrows shoot up.

“What? Are we children?”

“Well, you might be childish but as for the rest of us I just thought it sounded like a fun thing to do,” Emily replies flipping her hair over her shoulder.

“Emily!” I cry out, not sure how else to admonish her rudeness. Just then Jasper walks back in with Emily’s wine in hand. He hands her the glass and as soon as it’s in her hands she brings the rim to her lips.

“I’m just saying with that way he handles his emotions it’s evident he might be a sore loser,”

My face turns the color of her wine.

Jasper laughs. “That’s probably true,”

Eric’s leans off of the wall and shares his stance. Emily swallows her wine and makes an excited sound.

“That’s what we should play!” She says, “truth or dare,”

Andrew rolls his eyes. “I’m with Eric on this one,”

“No surprise there,” Emily teases.

While I do agree truth or dare is a bit juvenile, I can’t say I’m not intrigued. This would be a good opportunity to learn more about Eric’s past, and maybe figure out why Jasper has been in a mood since the evening continues.

“I’m in,” I say and Emily claps her hands.

“That’s two for yes and two for now,” she brings her hoodie eyes towards Jasper. “You’re the tie breaker,” she tells him. Jasper looks at me and his lips curl into a half smile.

“Let’s do it,” he says and takes another drink.

“Eric, you go first,” I tell him trying to get him more engaged. “As the Aloha you to first,” I clarify to sweeten the deal. Jasper slumps back in his seat.

Eric laughs like this is ridiculous, and maybe it is but I’m excited to see what he does.

“Andrew,” he says surprising me. I thought he would ask me. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” Andrew replies like it’s a no brainer.

“I dare you to call the last person on your phone and challenge them to a fight,” Eric says. It’s a harmless enough dare.

Andrew nods and pulls out his phone but his thumb freezes over the screen and his face drops.

“Awh, man,” he says.

Eric smiles like he knew this would trouble Andrew.

“What is it?” I ask.

“The last person I called is my mom,” Andrew admits. We all laugh. “I can’t do that,” he says.

Eric shrugs. “I guess you’ll have to chug a beer instead,” Andrew grimaces.

“How’d you know I last called my mom?” Andrew says cracking open a can. Eric shrugs.

“Would you really be my beta if I didn’t know you that well?” Eric asks and it’s the first time I’ve seen him with his guard down all night and my heart leaps with joy. Maybe this game isn’t such a bad idea.

Andrew tosses the beer back in two gulps, it’s quite disgusting. He shakes his head and exhales sharply when he’s finished.

“All right,” he says like he’s just been splashed in the face with cold water. “My turn,” he looks directly at Emily. “What’s your problem with Eric?” He asks so directly it’s no question he’s feeling the effects of the beer.

I look at Emily, wanting to know that exact same thing. Just as Eric has been cold towards me, she’s been shrugging him off all night too. Emily laughs and leans back in her seat with her arms crossed.

“He’s hurt my best friend, I don’t like him. Simple as that,” Emily says. I dare gauge Eric’s expression.

His nostrils flare and his body tenses up.

“You just need more time,” I anxiously tell Emily in defense of Eric. Emily rolls her eyes. Jasper takes an audible gulp of his beer.

“My turn,” Emily says brushing Eric’s anger aside.

“No, I’ll go,” Eric cuts in.

“That’s not how the game works,” Emily snaps at him now sitting up.

“I’m the Alpha, remember?” Eric shoots back and looks at me for support. Of all the times tonight that I’ve wanted us to be a team he chooses now?

“Just go,” I tell him and Emily scoffs.

“Jasper,” Eric addresses. I again turn in anticipation. Jasper lifts his eyes off his drink and stares down Eric. His hatred palpable. “Do you love Renee?” Eric asks and I freeze. What?

Jasper laughs. “I’m not going to answer that,”

Eric’s tongue slides across his teeth. “So, you’re a wimp then?” Eric concludes.

Jasper tilts his beer back and drains the contents. “Typical Eric,” Jasper says. “Just like when we were kids,”

“Wait you guys are brothers?” Emily interjects. I place a gentle hand on her arms.

“I’ll tell you more about it later;” I whisper.

“Answer the question then,” Eric says. Jasper looks at me for help, but the truth is I want to know. Jaspers's expression changes and he nods his head.

“Yeah,” he says. “I love Annie,” he answers Eric but locks eyes with me as he says it. I don’t know how to respond. I advert my gaze. Is he expecting me to say it back?

Next to me Emily finishes her wine. I dare look at Eric and though he asked the question, he looks sickened by the answer.

“Well,” Andrew says sounding amused. “Good game.”