It wasn't until the drinks began to flow that the topic changed.
Joel leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's make things interesting tonight. A little wager, perhaps?"
Aiden arched his brow. "What kind of wager?"
Joel's smirk widened. "A test of strength, of course. We each put something on the line and whoever wins the fight gets to claim the prize."
The alphas murmured in agreement, excitement flickering in their eyes.
I paid little attention to their foolish games—until Joel's next words made my blood run cold.
Joel's gaze slid toward me, and a slow smirk curved his lips. "Whoever wins gets to take her home for the night."
A chill ran down my spine.
Laughter erupted around the room, deep and unbothered.
I turned to Aiden, waiting for him to end this ridiculous conversation. To tell them I wasn't a prize to be passed around like a bottle of expensive whiskey.
But he didn't.
Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Was he actually considering it?
"What do I get if I win?" Aiden finally asked, curiosity filled his voice.
Joel grinned. "A hundred acres of my land near the southern border."
The room filled with murmurs of approval. It was a generous offer. Any alpha would want to expand his territory.
But the fact that Aiden was even entertaining this bet—willing to risk me for land shattered something inside me.
He took a slow sip of his drink, then exhaled. "Fine. I accept."
The men cheered.
"Aiden—" I started, but his sharp glare silenced me.
"Sit there and be quiet."
I clenched my fists, swallowing my pride. I had no power here. No one was listening to me.
Athena leaned in close, her breath warm against my skin. "I hope Joel wins," she purred. "At least he knows how to treat a woman properly."
I refused to react. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.
The game began.
One by one, the alphas faced off, moving pieces with precision and calculation. I barely paid attention, my mind reeling. I should have known better than to expect anything from Aiden.
Eventually, only two players remained.
Not Aiden.
Not Joel.
But Klaus.
I looked up at him, surprised.
He was the quietest alpha in the room, rarely engaging in their arrogance. He had barely spoken to me before tonight, yet now, he sat at the chessboard, fingers resting lightly against the queen.
Aiden leaned back, watching. Amused. Unconcerned.
The final match was slow, deliberate. Each move was made with careful thought, every piece sacrificed with purpose.
And then, after what felt like an eternity—
Klaus said, "Checkmate."
Silence.
Then, Joel exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Well, damn."
The others chuckled. Someone clapped Klaus on the back, congratulating him.
My heart pounded.
I turned to Aiden, expecting… something.
Rage. Jealousy. A refusal to let this happen.
But there was nothing.
Aiden just poured himself another drink, utterly indifferent.
Klaus stood, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves before glancing at me. His expression was unreadable, but there was no smugness in his gaze. No malice.
"You're coming with me," he said, his tone gentle, almost careful.
I hesitated.
Aiden didn't.
He just waved a hand dismissively.
"Take her."
My heart broke even more at his words.
Take her.
Like I was nothing. Like I wasn't worth fighting for.
I forced myself to stand, my movements stiff. The room felt colder to me now, emptier.
Klaus offered his arm, but I ignored it. I wouldn't pretend to be okay with this.
He didn't seem to mind.
He led me outside, where the cool night air hit my skin. For a long moment, we stood in silence. Then, finally, he spoke.
"I won't hurt you."
His voice was softer than I expected. Steady.
I didn't answer.
He sighed, opening the carriage door for me. "Get in."
I hesitated again. I wanted Aiden to stop me. To do something.
But when I looked back at him through the window, he was already deep in conversation with the others. Like I'd never even been there.
My throat tightened.
So I got in.
The car ride was quiet.
I sat with my hands folded tightly in my lap, staring straight ahead. I was still in disbelief that Aiden would do such a thing.
Klaus didn't speak. He didn't try to make small talk or ask how I was.
It wasn't until he pulled into his building that I finally looked at him.
"This is your place?" I asked, my voice hoarse.
He nodded once. "Yes."
He parked, stepped out, and walked around to open my door. I was surprised at his gesture.
I hesitated a bit before stepping out.
Inside, the building was quiet.
Klaus didn't look at me until we reached the top floor.
"Do you live alone?" I asked quietly.
"Yes." He walked ahead.
I stayed near the door, uncertain.
Then he turned to me. "You shouldn't be here."
I blinked. "What?"
"You shouldn't have come with me." He said coldly.
I folded my arms, suddenly cold. "You won. I didn't have a say."
He exhaled. "I didn't expect Aiden to just—" He shook his head. "To give you away like that."
His eyes snapped to mine.
I swallowed. "That's who he is."
Klaus stared at me for a long moment. "You deserve better."
I laughed—dry, bitter. "Is there a reason you are saying this to me?"
"Nothing in particular," he said, too quickly. "Maybe I just want to be kind. And maybe that's more than most."
For a moment, I just stood there, caught between wanting to run and wanting to collapse.
"Thank You," I whispered.
"You are welcome." His voice was soft.
Klaus stepped forward, but not too close.
"You can take the guest room," he said. "You don't owe me anything. And I won't touch you unless you ask me to."
I nodded stiffly.
He turned away without waiting for anything more. "There's food in the kitchen. Clothes in the closet. Make yourself at home."