CHAPTER 128: REEK OF ALCOHOL.

Angela stepped into the pit that belonged to Renn. He was nowhere in sight even though his scent lingered in the air, strong enough for her to know he was close. She moved toward where Samuel stood, but before she could ask him about Renn, she felt something quick behind her. Strong hands slipped around her waist, pulling her back until her body pressed into his. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was. Only Renn knew how to make his presence so clear.

"Babe," his voice came in a whisper that sent cold shivers racing down her spine. His touch alone had the power to undo her. She tried hard not to think of him in that way, especially when everything around them was already a mess.

"Renn..." she breathed, wanting to turn and face him, but he wouldn’t let her. He held her tighter, his face buried in her hair, breathing her in like it was the only thing keeping him alive. "Can you stop being—"

She never finished, because he spun her around and kissed her. It was sudden, unexpected, but brief. Yet that small moment was enough to drive her wild, leaving her lips burning and her heart screaming for more.

Angela broke free from his hold, her fingers brushing across her lips as her eyes widened. "What the hell, Renn?" she whispered, stunned. Her friends pretended they hadn’t seen a thing, greeting him casually before walking away toward Samuel.

"I knew it would be different with you," she said, shaking her head and landing a soft slap on his chest, though it was nothing against someone as strong as him.

Renn only smirked, biting his lower lip as he caught her hand and pressed it against his chest again. "I like it when you hit me like that," he teased, pushing her hand harder against himself in a playful way that made her laugh despite herself. "See... you like it too."

"I am not doing this with you," Angela pulled her hand away, trying to keep her resolve. She had been so worried about him, but here he was acting as if nothing was wrong. Maybe his case wasn’t as serious as the others. "I thought I would find you in bad shape when I came here, but you look just fine."

"You think so?" he asked, his eyes glinting with something she couldn’t read.

"Yes. I am happy you are doing well," she replied softly, concern still lingering in her eyes. Then her attention drifted to Samuel. He, too, seemed unbothered. Everything here felt strange, but she was grateful they were fine. "Hello, Sam."

"Hi, Angela," Samuel answered with a smile, lifting a glass in his hand. She caught the scent almost instantly. Alcohol. He had been drinking. Her chest tightened as her thoughts went straight to Renn. If Samuel had turned to the bottle, then what about her own boyfriend?

"Have you been drinking too?" Angela asked as she moved closer to him, but Renn stepped back. She did not stop. Each step she took forward, he moved away, until he half ran around the place while she chased after him. "You have been drinking. I can smell it."

"No, you are wrong. It’s only wolfscan. You can ask Samuel," Renn replied, stopping at last and staring at her, hoping she would give up and believe him.

But this was not just any girl. This was Angela, his mate, his girlfriend, the one who never gave up no matter the situation.

"Then why are you running away?" she asked, arching a brow. She planted her hands firmly on her waist and stopped chasing him. "Tell me, why are you scared?"

"I might have stood close to Samuel, and now my body reeks of alcohol," Renn said with a straight face. He knew she would not buy it, but he still tried.

Angela frowned, folding her arms across her chest. She stood her ground and waited for him to come back to her. "I can see that. But why are there two glasses over there? You better not lie to me."

"Hey..." Renn finally walked toward her. "I am sorry, but I needed the alcohol. Not much, just enough to forget the pain if I could."

Her chest tightened at his words. He wanted to feel less pain, but she could do nothing to help him until the full moon came and went.

"I don’t want you to be sad," he said gently, lifting her chin and giving her a small smile, even though her lips stayed pressed in anger. "It’s not as bad as you think. I feel better with you here."

"Do you want me to stay until the moon comes out?" Angela asked softly.

"Yes... sure," Renn answered, and a smile tugged at her lips. The thought of staying seemed to please her, and his heart leapt at the sight. But he knew he would only disappoint her in the end. "I was joking. You should not be down here on your birthday. Today means so much. It is bad enough we ruined your morning, and now you are here with us. You should go out and enjoy with your friends."

Before she could tell him she wanted to be with him more than anywhere else, Renn called out, "Alex, come here."

Angela turned to him, confused. "What are you doing?"

He did not look at her. His eyes stayed on Alex as he approached. "Come here, buddy," Renn said with a faint smile. "Why don’t you take your friend out on a date since I am stuck down here?"

"I can’t go anywhere even if I wanted to," Alex said. "I have to stay with Kaito since I’m his Beta. Even if I find a replacement, we still can’t go out. Only Alphas can leave without a pass from the authorities."

"A pass will take days to be approved," Renn added, realizing there was no way out without him or his brothers. He turned back to Angela with a small sigh. "I am sorry, there is nothing I can do."

"I think she likes it here," Alex said, smirking as he stepped back. "Besides, she has her boyfriend."

Angela’s eyes widened at his words. She could not believe he said that in front of Renn. Her cheeks burned. "I’m going to pay you back for that," she muttered.

"I know," Alex laughed as he walked back to the others.

Renn’s eyes rested on her. "So you like being around me that much?" he asked softly. His body was already beginning to heat up, sweat forming on his skin. The change should have started earlier, but for some reason it was delayed. A thought flickered through his mind—was it because she was here with him?

Angela’s heart raced. "I... I..." she stuttered, unable to finish. She looked away, struggling to catch her breath. Each time his eyes locked on hers with that fierce intensity, memories from the night before came flooding back—the way his lips had taken hers with so much hunger, as if they were made only for her.

Get hold of yourself, Angela, she scolded silently, biting her lip.

Renn closed the gap between them, pulling her into his arms. He held her tightly, kissed her forehead with so much depth, as though he feared she might vanish if he let go. His voice dropped low and tender. "Thank you for coming into my life."

"I was supposed to come. It’s fate," Angela whispered.

"I know... but don’t kill the moment with words," he murmured.

"Okay," she laughed softly, her hand rubbing his back. But a moment later, her hand stilled. His back felt different. It was too hairy for someone like him who barely had any body hair at all. She was certain it had not been there yesterday.

Before she could run her hand across again, Renn broke away from the hug and called out to her friends. "Come on. You guys should go and rest before evening."

"There is still time and I could—" Angela started, but Renn cut her off with a gentle smile.

"No, dear. You should go," he said firmly as her friends walked over. He waved lightly. "Bye."

His eyes lingered on her as she walked away, his chest heavy. He knew she did not want to leave, and truth was he did not want her to either, but she had to. The moment she was gone, the mask fell away. He could no longer hold back the pain he had been burying deep so she would not worry.

His body shook, heat tearing through his veins. He staggered toward the chains, his breathing harsh as he called out for Samuel. His temperature was spiking, his blood pressure soaring, and there was no stopping it anymore. The agony he had been fighting back finally erupted.

"Chain me now," he commanded his Beta, his voice breaking with pain.