Chapter 9: Game
Ava met up with Lily and Sarah at the garage close to midnight. Something was different. Alliances were being formed, and Ava wasn't sure yet if she was on the winning or losing side.
"Doesn't matter how much money you spend to look good, a pig will always be a pig," Sarah sneered.
"Sarah..." Lily muttered.
Ava smirked. Oh, the joys of frenemies. There was no use crying over lost friendships when they were never real to begin with.
"Shall we?" Ava slid into the car.
The club was exclusive. Only the highest-ranking pack members and their mates—or playthings—got in. Inside, "Hips Don't Lie" blasted from the speakers, the bass thrumming.
Alpha Raventhorn sat in the VIP section, scowling at life itself. He clutched a glass of bourbon in one hand and a cigar in the other, the picture of brooding dominance. His inner circle flanked him—Gamma Kade, who for once was wearing a shirt, and his Beta, whose name Ava hadn't bothered remembering.
Lily and Sarah made a beeline for the VIP area, probably hoping to drape themselves over the Alpha. Their desperation was almost admirable.
Ava? She had a different plan.
She walked in like she owned the place, confidence rolling off her in waves. Her dress hugged her curves just right, her long, dark hair cascading over one shoulder. A dangerous shade of red coated her lips, and the glitter dusting her skin caught the strobe lights, making her shimmer.
She saw him watching her. Of course, he was watching her.