Kane POV
I can tell that she wants to be my actual girlfriend. All her body language speaks to me—her gaze, her holding me close, even the way she gets jealous when I talk about other girls. I'll decide for now that she will only be my fake girlfriend.
She does not deserve that place in my life just yet. She needs to prove to me that she can earn my affection. This time around, I am determined to see how much patience and control I can exercise with her.
Everyone was shocked, but I had no problem claiming that Zara is my girlfriend. Her response gave me immense glee, and I still find the complaint portion of our subsequent talk just as entertaining as I did before.
With frustration and disbelief sketched across her face, she accused me of saying baseless things without consulting her. I found her flustered state quite amusing, and the way she let her emotions run wild was refreshing.
Deep down, it proved to me how much she is emotionally invested in people and their perspectives. Furthermore, how much she wishes that title were real.
Now, as for her hitting Cassie, that's a completely different story. I can't allow myself to justify her behavior simply because she feels like it. She must grasp the concept of consequences, especially when actions are involved. It is my responsibility to punish her, not because I'm being heartless, but rather because it is what she needs.
If she is to be my luna, she needs to acquire patience, respect, and self-control as far as her emotions are concerned. Until then, I will look after her as my fake girlfriend and ensure that she understands her role.
***
The loud music and flashing lights were making my head spin, which I didn't want to do at the moment. I pushed through the dancing crowd and made my way back to the bar. Sofia was nowhere to be seen, but Jackson was sitting at the counter, talking to one of the bartenders. We came to the bar tonight, as we decided a week ago.
"Hey, I was looking for you!" Jackson grinned as I sat down next to him.
"I was just dancing," I chuckled, ordering myself an ice water.
Jackson raised an eyebrow and took a sip from his drink. "You've been dancing for over an hour?"
"An hour?" I frowned. No wonder my head was spinning. I'd been dancing for over an hour on just one glass of alcohol. Wolf or human, it wasn't good for anyone.
"Yeah, an hour." He nodded. "Sophia came here looking for you once." "The last time I saw Sofia, she left with some guy." I chuckled, my eyes darting around.
After drinking a whole glass of water, my head cleared a little. Not completely, but enough.
"Speaking of guy." He smirked, but something about his expression seemed forced to me. "Alpha Kane was just at the bar."
Kane's name made Nova walk over.
"I suggest we find him," Nova smirked and sniffed the air.
"Now you should talk," I chuckled.
"I've been talking to you this whole time." Nova rolled her eyes and grumbled, "I can't even hear you over that damn music."
"I'm going to go outside for a minute and get some fresh air." I smiled at Jackson, "If you see Alpha Kane again, let him know where I disappeared to." "Want some company?" Jackson frowned, tilting his head to the side.
I shook my head, "No, I'm fine. I just need a break from the music and lights for a minute."
"Don't go too far from the club." He frowned, and I nudged him lightly with my elbow.
"I won't, sir." I put on a stern face, but his cheeky grin made me smirk.
I walked out of one of the side doors of the club. These doors were closely watched, making sure no one tried to sneak into the club.
I leaned against the brick wall of the club, breathing in the fresh air deeply. This side door was in the middle of an alley. A lone bouncer leaned against the wall. Judging by the smell, he was human.
"Feeling okay?" The gruff bouncer nodded at me, holding a cigarette between his parted lips.
I nodded, "Just need some fresh air."
The smell of cigarettes filled the air, and I wrinkled my nose. My heightened senses were great until I smelled something unpleasant.
"Sorry," the bouncer chuckled hoarsely, throwing his cigarette to the ground. "Nasty habit."
"Well, hello dear, gorgeous," another male voice called out, and I watched indifferently as two college-aged guys strolled down the alley.
I could tell by the smell and appearance that they'd been drinking for quite some time. The two approached me with grins on their faces, as if they were a gift from the goddess to us women.
"What's a gorgeous woman doing here?" The first one gave me what he thought was a dazzling smile, "Party's inside, cutie!"
"Back off," the bouncer snapped, rising from the wall.
"I can handle it myself." I smiled confidently at the bouncer. "Don't worry."
"Just don't let them in, go ahead." The bouncer shrugged indifferently.
"See, she can handle it herself." The main guy sneered at the bouncer and turned his attention back to me.
The two guys looked like college students. One had short brown hair combed to the side, and the other had a buzz cut.
"Why don't you let us in, honey, and we'll hang out with you?" The one with the buzz cut smirked. "Better yet, come join us."
"Aren't we the luckiest girls in the world?" Nova giggled.
I couldn't help but snort. "No, thanks, I'm fine."
I suppressed a smile as the bouncer let out a deep chuckle.
Normally, I wouldn't torment the two poor bastards, but they seemed to be the type who wouldn't take no for an answer. I couldn't help but laugh at the irony. Alpha Kane wouldn't take no for an answer, and yet he was intoxicating to me. These two were anything but intoxicating.
"Playing hard to get?" the one with the slicked hair smirked, taking a step toward me.
"Oh, I'm not playing hard to get." I shrugged. "But if I were you, I'd keep my distance."