A Hybrid's Hunger

Chapter 62

Chapter 62

With every passing minute, the crowd gets thicker and I'm thankful that Zade has kept his hand around my waist, or else I'd be completely lost among these vampires and werewolves. I don't know anyone here, I don't recognize anyone. It's like I'm surrounded by a whole new species of beings.

And I am.

All these vampires and werewolves in one place, in one room. It's a lot more than what I'm used to seeing, but Zade does know his guests very well, so it's not much of a surprise.

It's the district vampires, werewolves, and vampires from his territory as well. It is indeed a rare sight—werewolves and vampires together. In my old town, no vampire ever dared to step. Our alpha deemed them dangerous and forbade us from mingling with them, even for a simple conversation.

Zade appears to be fine. He doesn't seem even a little tense. Maybe it's because there's nothing to worry about or maybe because of the fourth drink in his hand. It's not blood, it's alcohol and while it reliving to not see him drinking blood, I can't help but be curious about why he is drinking.

"Why the alcohol?" I ask while looking up at him.

Zade smiles at me and then downs the glass before putting it on the nearest table. He nears me and pulls me closer, making sure our bodies touch. "Why not? It's a party. You should have a drink too."

I eye him as he takes another glass. My brows furrow and then I let out a sigh. Zade offers me the glass and my fingers wrap around it as I take it from him. I don't plan on drinking, though.

He glances at the glass and then looks at me, amused. "Aren't you going to have it?"

"Maybe."

"Come on, have some fun, Aurora."

"I am. With you."

He rolls his eyes playfully and nears closer to me. Thankfully, someone interrupts us and I take my chance to slip away from him. Nearing a bin, I tip the glass and pour the champagne into it before turning back around and looking for Estella.

At the same time, I see Zade reaching the bar with whoever is with him. He's being different today, not the usual Zade. Maybe it's just because there's a party and so many people—maybe I'm overthinking about it.

I step out of the room and search for Estella. She's not going to be with the guest, but I knew where to find her.

I walk through the halls until I finally get to the kitchen where the smell of food invades my nostrils. Estella's in there with the cooks and when she sees me, her eyes light up.

"Oh my, look at you," She comes closer to me with a smile on her face. "You look stunning. But why are you here? You're going to get yourself all sweaty, go back."

"I just needed to step out for a bit."

She loops her arm around mine and walks me out. The smell of food begins to fade as she takes me further away from the kitchen and near the ballroom.

"Have you seen him?" I ask her. "Zade?"

Estella nods, "Yes, of course, I saw him. Why? Did something happen?"

"Nothing, just—" The sound of old instrumental music comes from the ballroom, cutting me off. "It's just that I don't know, he's acting a little weird. He's drinking, a lot that too. Not blood. And he seems like he's enjoying the party way too much. It's weird, right?"

"Dear, Zade enjoys parties, especially the one with this crowd. You don't have to worry. I have known him for so many years and he's just like that. Drinking is the norm during these events. Everyone does," She assures me, a smile on her face. "Even I would sip on the strongest drinks if I didn't have to handle the kitchen." She winks at me before walking off.