glitch

chapter three - the spark

Shit.

So much for not drawing attention to myself, I guess. Lucas is glaring so hard, it feels like there's a spotlight on me. How did he even notice me among all these people? For him to find me so fast...

It almost feels like he must've been trying to find me.

I look back down as quickly as I'd glanced up, sitting taller and swallowing the sudden nervous lump in my throat. Why did our table have to be so close to theirs, for heaven's sake?! I can feel Lucas's eyes boring into me even as conversation starts back up around us, and the longer he glowers, the more eager I am to book it.

Coming to this stupid ball was a mistake. And I, like a complete and utter fool, actually let myself get excited. Dad sets a hand to my shoulder for just a moment; it's the only smidge of comfort he can provide at this moment, when all the attention should be on the Alphas and their heir, but it's appreciated nonetheless.

Once again, I find myself taking deep breaths, trying my damnedest to soothe the clawing bite of anxiety in my stomach before it has a chance to materialize as fidgeting or, Gods forbid, a tearful interpretation of "making my dramatic escape."

I've managed to calm myself down by the time everyone's returned to their seats and the first course of food is brought out. Dad shoots me a soft smile when my color's returned, and between us, Ma's struggle to contain her excitement over the food—and her laughable lack of awareness of my previous situation—finally pulls my attention away from the pouty heir just a handful of steps from us.

I think I can do this after all. I just need to relax and pretend Lucas isn't here at all—which, frankly, is easier said than done, but he can frown at me as long as he wants. I'm not going to give in and start something in the middle of his parents' anniversary ball. 

I will handle myself with dignity, even if he can't.

———

Before I know it, the entre dishes are swept away, and we enter the break before dessert. Once I managed to engross myself in my parents' banter, doing a fine job of ignoring Lucas and his silent tantrum, things actually started to feel enjoyable. Though, honestly, I could probably do with less food.

"I'm stuffed already," I groan as I lean back in my seat, patting my stomach, and Ma laughs, drawing a few eyes from the tables nearest to us. I'm proud of myself for ignoring them completely.

"Please, you could've easily had another plate," she muses, leaning over to kiss my cheek. "You should work it off on the dance floor, though, if you're that full." She gives me a playful nudge towards the center of the patio, where some of the younger wolves, mostly within the range of eighteen to mid-twenties by the looks of it, were already starting to gather. I roll my eyes.

"I think I'll just end up cramping," I mutter doubtfully, but I set my napkin aside and push myself up to standing all the same. I have no intention of dancing, but maybe it'd do me some good to walk around a little. "You don't happen to know where the bathrooms are, do you?"

Both my parents just shrug. How very helpful. "I'm sure you'll find it. Just find someone to ask if you get lost," Dad says as he motions me off, a light, almost mischievous glint in his eyes. I've been alive long enough to know that's code for "go explore and tell us all the details."

I just sigh, giving both of them a quick kiss on the cheek before I trot off. They're no help whatsoever, but that's nothing new, at least in terms of giving directions. They both love to gossip, even if Ma's the only one who'll admit it.

Looking around briefly, I spot a young woman heading inside, her bright blue dress and auburn hair catching my eye. She might know where the bathrooms are, judging by how confidently she walks into the Alphas' manor. Maybe she works with them, somehow?