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“Good luck with that. This place is crawling with them.”

“Oh… You’re not one, are you?” I ask, realizing I don’t actually know what order Josten is.

“Nah, I’m all wolf, baby girl.” He takes the seat across from me, tossing a few peanuts from the table in his mouth.

I lean back, smiling. “Those weren’t mine. I only sat at this table to hide.”

“If I was just drugged, then you’re responsible for watching me.”

This causes me to laugh. “Who drugs peanuts?”

Josten spreads his arms over the booth behind him, lifting his right shoulder in a shrug. “Can never be too careful.”

“Right. Like letting a stranger carry your bags all the way to your house?”

“Exactly.” He throws me a wink. “So, did you plan on sitting here in hiding? It is open mic night. Usually, people drink, sing, and dance at these things, you know.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “That’s the plan.” A plan that was forced on me, but it’s still the plan. Besides, this is a good opportunity to try facing the public.

I’m absolutely not singing though, and I hadn’t really thought about trying to get a drink. At least, not of the alcoholic variety. I’m not technically old enough. Then again, do they have laws on alcohol in Fall Haven? No one even asked for my ID when I came in, which is lucky, since that’s currently collecting dust somewhere back in my world.

“Great.” Josten smiles, bringing his hands to the table. “Which first?”

I look him over with a raised brow. It was my intention to do this alone. Baby steps into normalcy. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to stand in this room full of people, to do things normal people do. And Liya’s right. If I’m going to be here, I might as well try to enjoy myself.

Though, I suppose a night out with Josten could be fun. We actually got along pretty well when we met.

“Tell you what, you get us some drinks, then we’ll dance.”

“Any recommendations?”

Standing, I make my way to the main floor, calling over my shoulder, “Surprise me.”

The room is packed with bodies. So much so that no one even notices me. I like it that way. I’m invisible, which means I’m safe.

I close my eyes, letting my hips sway to the music, forgetting everything and everyone.

It isn’t long before a strong pair of hands grabs my waist. He pulls my body into him, moving in rhythm against me. Josten’s hands glide down my stomach and over my hips. I lean my head against his chest, bringing my arms up to tangle my fingers through his hair, which is slightly longer than I would have thought. He responds by holding me even closer, squeezing me in all the right ways.

It feels so natural, the way my body forms with his. Fire follows the path of his touch, like molten lava coursing beneath my surface, a simmering, irresistible force that stirs something deep within me.

When I allow it, it’s okay. When it isn’t forced on me, I can have this contact.

My fingers trail down the sides of his neck, and his grip tightens around my waist. “You’re going to get yourself in trouble if you keep pressing against me like that.”

My eyes spring open.

That wasn’t Josten’s voice.

RHENN

Why, oh why, would my little stray come to a tavern? Seeking her independence? Trying to wrestle her fears into submission? I know she’s not one for crowds.

I hadn’t necessarily minded. Her demeanor told me she wasn’t planning on staying for long. A dance, maybe two. I was positive she’d leave soon.

But then I spotted the guys watching her. Three of them. All standing nearby, drinks in hand.

Their gazes had raked over her legs, crawling up to her mouth like they were imagining it on theirs.