The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 5: Tangled Loyalties

Valentina's POV:

As I was about to head towards the basement, a guy stepped in front of me.

"Noel?" I said, my heart sinking as he flashed a smile.

"Valentina," he said, pulling me into an unexpected hug. "You're looking sexier than ever," he whispered in my ear.

I tensed and pulled away, my jaw clenched. Noel was one of my brothers' closest friends but also a part of Rogelio's gang. When I'd discovered he was trying to drag Lucas and Owen into the gang, I'd threatened him. I'd claimed I'd involve his sister if he didn't back off—though it was a lie, it had clearly struck a nerve. He'd tried to choke me once, and I'd retaliated by hitting him and pulling a gun on him. Since then, he'd cut ties with my brothers.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.

"Does Connor know you're here?" I added, noting the way Noel's eyes darted around.

"He's here," Noel said with a smirk. "But we're off duty tonight. We're just here for fun. I'd guess Connor is wasted somewhere."

Thank God.

"Rogelio has been asking for you," Noel said, and I met his gaze.

"He can keep asking," I replied coldly.

"Maybe I can take you to him," he suggested.

Before I could think, I pulled out the knife I'd hidden in my jeans and pressed it against his throat. "If you tell Rogelio I'm here, I'll come after your sister," I said, my voice icy. It was a lie—there was no way I'd ever harm her—but the threat seemed to rattle him. "I'll make sure you regret it, Noel. I'm not afraid of you or Rogelio."

Noel's gaze dropped to my lips. "Damn, I love it when you're pissed," he murmured.

I heard footsteps approaching and quickly sheathed the knife, slipping it back into my jeans as I put on a calm face.

"Say a word, and I'll kill you," I warned as I released him. He winced and began touching his neck where I'd held him.

"Noel, what the hell are you doing?" Jason's voice cut through the air.

I glanced at Noel, who was already walking away. "Just catching up with an old friend," he said, throwing a last look at me. "I'll see you later, Valentina."

As Noel disappeared into the crowd, I turned to Jason, who was eyeing me with suspicion.

"How do you know him?" he asked.

"Old high school acquaintance," I replied curtly, trying to move away. Jason grabbed my arm and made a move for my pocket, clearly aiming to get my knife. I quickly stopped him, holding his hand and mine in place.

"What are you doing?" I hissed.

Jason's eyes flicked to my lips, but his focus remained on the knife. "Why the hell do you have a knife?" he asked.

I smirked. "For moments like this." I pushed him away and walked off, relieved that he didn't try to stop me again.

Good.

I was observing the party, feeling a bit like a voyeur, but I was just trying to keep an eye out. I wanted to enjoy the night and get drunk, but trust was a luxury I couldn't afford here.

My gaze landed on a tall, imposing figure heading upstairs, his broad shoulders cutting through the dim light like a shadow. It was Xander. I recognized him instantly—not just because he towered over everyone else in the room, but because his powerful, muscular frame was unmistakable. His back rippled with every step, the inked designs on his arms, swirling like dark secrets etched into his skin. His jet-black hair, slightly tousled, contrasted sharply against the pale skin of the girl trailing behind him, who clung to his arm as if she belonged there.