In His Arms The Alphas Temptress

Penelope's POV

I've never been great at doing my own makeup.

That's why I was sitting cross-legged on Callista's pink bedspread while she lined my eyes like she'd popped out of the womb with a brush in her hand.

"Don't blink," she cautioned, while also clamping my chin down.

"I'm trying," I grumbled looking up at her wide-eyed. "But your eyeliner feels like I am being stabbed in the soul."

She chuckled, that sweet, familiar chuckle that made everything feel like a safe space. "Beauty is pain, babe. You're almost done."

We'd been best friends since we were in high school. Back when she had braces and I had bushy brows and both of us were obsessed with vampire books. Over the years, we'd grown into different people but somehow, we'd stayed close. She knew my secrets. I knew hers. Or at least... I thought I did.

Tonight was Julian's birthday.

Julian. My boyfriend. My mate. My everything. He'd booked out an entire club for his party, and everyone who was anyone was going to be there.

I was nervous but mostly excited.

"Done," Callista announced, handing me a mirror.

I blinked at my reflection. "Oh my god. I look hot."

"You look stunning," she corrected, flopping back onto the bed. "Julian's going to faint when he sees you."

I laughed, brushing my fingers over the tight curls she'd helped me style. My red dress clung to me in all the right places, deep neckline, smooth fabric, and a slit that made me feel bold.

Callista wore black, short, sparkly and completely backless. Her dark brown curls were pinned to one side, and her red lipstick made her smile dangerous.

"Okay, but seriously," I said, grabbing my heels. "We look like trouble."

"Exactly the goal." She winked. "Now come on. We don't want to be late.

On the Road

The car ride was full of music and laughter. We sang along to songs we'd played a hundred times before, windows down, wind in our hair.

"You think Julian's gonna propose or something?" Callista teased, glancing at me while waiting at a red light.

"Shut up," I giggled. "We've only been together for six months."

"Yeah, and you're already acting like his wife."

I smiled out the window, cheeks warm. I didn't know what the future held, but tonight felt perfect.

Still a small ache tugged at my chest.

"Alpha's like him go for rich and powerful packs," I said quietly. "Not my type."

Callista turned the music down a little, eyes flicking over to me.

"I haven't even gotten my wolf," I added, voice softer. "Not sure his parents would like me, don't you think?"

She didn't answer right away.

"Till now it's just me, you, and his friends that know we're in a relationship. I don't think his siblings or parents even know. Feels like he's hiding me."

"Penelope..."

I shook my head with a sigh. "Wish he would tell them. I want to leave that so-called house. Away from my father and stepmother."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Julian... he's the only good thing I have."

"You have me," Callista said with a small smile.

I smiled back without looking at her. "Yeah. I know."

We pulled up outside the glowing entrance of Club Ether, where velvet ropes and flashing lights made it look like a movie premiere.

A line of people stretched down the block, but when the bouncer saw Callista's car, he waved us straight through.

"Must be nice," I whispered.

She grinned. "Perks of having a scary rich dad."

I didn't say anything, but deep down, I sometimes wondered what it felt like having power like that. Influence. A family name people respected.

All I had was a mother who'd passed too early and a father who barely noticed I existed.

But tonight wasn't about that. It was about dancing, Julian, and making memories.

The bass of the music pulsed through the ground, and everything felt alive.

And then I saw him.

Julian.

He was standing outside the VIP section in an all black outfit, his tall frame leaning casually against the velvet rope. His dark eyes were bright as soon as they hit me.

"Penelope," he grinned, arms outstretched.

I didn't think, I ran into him, arms wrapped around his body like I hadn't seen him for years.

"Happy Birthday," I said, my voice muffled against his shoulder.