Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One Chapter 27: Playing Safe

Hailee’s POV

I stared at him with furrowed brows. Was he really serious... or was this so kind of twisted joke?

"Are you serious right now?" I asked, folding my arms.

He nodded, his expression unreadable but serious. "I’m Dane Blackwell. I keep to my word. Co to the bonfire with , and I’ll grant any request of yours."

I let out a laugh. "So if I said I wanted the head of your father, you’d just hand it over?"

Without missing a beat, he replied, "I’d love to. Is that what you want?"

I froze.

Wait—was he joking? But the look in his eyes told he wasn’t. Not even a little. He ant it. I blinked, suddenly unsure how to respond. "I... I was kidding."

"I wasn’t," he said simply.

There was a silence between us. I looked away first. My mind began to race. Nathan had asked to the bonfire. So did Callum. Going with either of them would turn the night into a war. Tension. Drama. Probably a public ss I wasn’t ready to deal with. But Dane? He was unexpected. And now he was offering sothing... anything I wanted. A blank check. A wild card.

Why not play it safe? Why not go with the one no one would expect? And that way, Callum and Nathan won’t rip each other’s throats out... this is playing safe.

"Alright," I said finally. "I’m in."

His brows lifted slightly. Like he hadn’t really believed I’d say yes. But I just gave him a small smile. "Just know... I take people up on their promises."

"Sure... tell ... what do you want?" he asked.

I went quiet, my mind scrambling for sothing clever to say. What could I even ask him for? My thoughts ca up empty, so I just said, "I’ll tell you tonight."

Dane didn’t seem bothered about what I would ask for. He nodded. "So I’ll co pick you up at six?" he asked.

I nodded. "Do you know where I live?"

He smiled... a warm, genuine smile that made realize he did have a beautiful smile. "Don’t worry, I’ll find my way to you."

With that, he turned and walked away, but his sharp, intoxicating scent lingered in the air like he was still standing there, cornering without even touching . I let out a groan and shut my eyes.

Why did Dane’s smile have to be that warm? Why did he have to look at like he’d really do anything I asked? And why, for the love of the Moon Goddess, did that make my heart skip instead of run for the hills?

I leaned back in my seat and covered my face with both hands, groaning softly. "What is wrong with ?"

First Nathan. Then Callum. Now Dane freaking Blackwell? Out of all the guys I could possibly have options with... why were the cockiest ones the only ones showing up? And worse—why was I even considering any of them?

Was this what turning eighteen did to a person? Did it co with a full dose of hormonal stupidity? Because I swear, every ti one of these infuriating n got close, my brain just packed its bags and checked out.

I dropped my hands and let out a frustrated sigh, staring up at the ceiling. Great. Just great. I was about to go to a bonfire with the guy who told five minutes ago that he hates ogas and thinks love is a joke. But sure... this is fine. Everything is perfectly fine.

I groaned again and slamd my forehead gently against the desk. Maybe I was the joke. Or maybe... maybe turning eighteen really was a sickness. And I had just caught it.

The rest of the day I made sure not to think of any of the n... but that was useless because they kept having their turns in my head. By 4 p.m., I was ntally drained. I closed the library and headed ho, trying to push them all out of my head. As soon as I got through the door, I dropped my bag and grabbed my phone.

: Hope you’ll look sexy tonight.

Lila’s reply ca instantly.

Lila: Felix got a new dress. It hugs in all the right places. I look hot af.

I laughed, feeling a little lighter. We exchanged a few more texts—mostly about the bonfire and how many girls were planning to throw themselves at every single ranked male there. Then we said our goodbyes and I finally looked at the ti.

5:07 PM.

I sighed and stood up, ready to start getting ready when my phone buzzed again. I checked the screen.

Nathan: I just got back to the pack. So... what’s your decision? Are you coming to the bonfire with ?

My heart skipped. I stared at the ssage for way too long, not knowing what to say. My fingers hovered over the screen, but I couldn’t type. What was I supposed to say? I hadn’t told him I was going with Dane. Hell, I didn’t even know how he’d take it. Before I could decide, another buzz.

Callum: Hailee, have you decided? If you’re still up for it, I’d like to co pick you up.

I swallowed hard. Why was this happening all at once? I still hadn’t replied to any of them when another ssage popped up.

Nathan: It’s okay if you don’t want to be my date. I’ll see you at the bonfire either way.

My chest tightened. My heart sank a little. He sounded disappointed. Hurt. But he didn’t press further. Then ca Callum’s ssage right after. Almost like they were next to each other. Which, weirdly, I knew they weren’t... but it still felt like they were saying the sa thing in different voices.

Callum: I understand if you don’t want to be seen with tonight. I’ll still be there. I’ll see you at the bonfire.

I stared at the two ssages. Why did they have to sound so calm about it? Like they’d already accepted the rejection before I gave it.

I sighed deeply and set my phone down on the bed, letting the weight of it all settle on .

This was turning out to be one hell of a night... and it hadn’t even started yet.