Afternoon sun lit up Lone Wolf Tech, the office buzzing soft. Ethan Nicolas sat at his desk, his dark hair sleek, green eyes bright, wearing a black shirt and gray jeans—looking sharp. Last night's forest ritual—king's crown, pack howls—slipped to the back of his mind, drowned by work.
The door swung open. Marcus Reed stepped in, tall and scruffy, grinning wide. He'd been in Singapore on a business trip, now back early. "Surprise," he said, dropping his bag by Ethan's desk.
Ethan looked up, ticked off. "What the hell, Marcus? You're back now? Mid-deal?"
Marcus shrugged, leaning back. "Chill, it's fine."
Ethan's voice sharpened. "Because of you, I sent Jake to Singapore. Someone from our side needs to be there—always."
Marcus waved it off. "Drop it, man. Tell me about the new girls here."
Ethan grinned, easing up. "Yeah—Riley and Ava."
He pointed across the room. Ava stood by a desk, dark hair loose, freckles sharp, talking to Riley—short black hair, quiet smile. "That's Ava," Ethan said.
Marcus nodded. "Yeah, her. Tried her yet?"
Ethan smirked. "Not yet. Should I go for a one-night stand?"
Marcus laughed. "I was joking, dude."
Ethan's grin stayed. "No, you're right. I'm bored with Claire and Tara—need something fresh." Marcus's return flipped him—forest stuff, king role, all out the window. The flirty, naughty Ethan was back, full swing.
Marcus raised a brow. "If you're that into it, invite Riley and Ava to the club tonight—Rusty Anchor."
Ethan nodded. "Smart." He walked over to them. "Hey, Ava, Riley—club tonight, Rusty Anchor. You free?"
Riley piped up fast. "Yes!" Ava paused, then nodded, no choice. "Sure."
After work, the four piled into Ethan's car—black, sleek, humming low. They rolled up to Rusty Anchor, neon lights flashing, bass thumping through the walls. The crowd inside was loud and packed.
Marcus grabbed Riley's arm. "Come with me," he said, pulling her to the other side of the club, leaving Ethan and Ava alone.
Ethan leaned close, green eyes glinting. "So, Ava—who around here's got your eye?"
Ava stared into his green eyes—deep, sharp—for a few seconds. Ethan felt a pull, her dark eyes catching him off guard, but she broke it quick, pointing across the room. "That guy—standing there."
Ethan glanced over—a tall dude, casual, by the bar. "Hm. So your wild one-night dream's on him, right?"
Ava frowned, confused. "What?"
Ethan leaned in, voice low and blunt. "Ava, I'm straight up—I need you, your body, to fill my thirst."
Her stomach twisted—his words hit hard. So he's a player, she thought, feeling grossed out. She stood up fast. "I need a sec," she said, excusing herself.
She found Riley with Marcus, laughing at some dumb story. "Riley, I've got a headache—let's go," Ava said, voice tight.
Riley blinked, then nodded. "Okay, sure." They grabbed their stuff and left, weaving through the crowd, Ethan's eyes trailing them out.
He sat back, grin fading. Marcus slid over. "What happened?"
Ethan shrugged. "Pushed too hard. She's gone."
Marcus smirked. "Told you I was joking."
Ethan laughed, short and sharp. "Yeah, well—next time." The forest, the hunt—still gone. Ava was a miss, but the game wasn't over.
To be continued...
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