CHAPTER 87: CHAPTER 87 RAISING THE STAKES

Caroline’s POV

When I felt a hand grip my shoulder, I already knew who it was. My whole body tingled at Draven’s touch, Rory whimpering with recognition. His cedar and musk scent enveloped me.

"Caroline," Draven growled low in my ear,"I’m getting tired of chasing you around town only to find you surrounded by other males."

His possessive tone made my knees weak, but I wasn’t going to let him see that.

"Oh look, the cavalry has arrived," Eleanor quipped, not even bothering to look at Nate’s face.

"Again, Kyle? Every time I see you girls now, you’re surrounded by this pack of wolves?" Luke ranted, and we all burst into laughter.

"Nobody invited you here!" Kyle shot back without even glancing at Luke’s direction.

"Really? So my dear wife just happened to tell me exactly where and when she’d be tonight because she wanted me informed of her whereabouts?" Luke huffed sarcastically.

"I simply spared you the effort of tracking me again," Kyle retorted, "but I never invited you or your little wolf pack to join us."

Jax and his friends were clearly enjoying the others’ discomfort. Then Dominic had a brilliant idea.

"Since we’re all here, why not sit down and enjoy ourselves? Let’s play blackjack, have some drinks, and chat. What do you say, gentlemen?"

"If you want our company at all, you’d better agree, because we’re not going anywhere," Ava stated firmly, watching as the men exchanged uncertain glances.

With reluctant nods, the guys finally agreed; sharing space with Jax and his friends was becoming an unwelcome habit. They pulled up chairs and ordered their drinks, tension still thick in the air.

"So what are we betting tonight?" Ryan asked eagerly.

"Shut up, Ryan!" Joesph snapped, clearly trying to prevent another confrontation like last time.

"Well, we do share certain... interests," Paul said with a smirk. "Perhaps we should make this interesting."

"Nobody’s betting on us, Paul. Not happening!" Eleanor warned immediately.

"We could always go to my place and play strip poker," Dominic suggested casually, and I watched Draven’s face contort with disgust.

"Nobody is getting naked in a group setting," Draven growled, his Alpha tone bleeding through.

"I’m with him on this one," Jax agreed, throwing me a protective glance. "Let’s stick with chips and see where the game takes us."

We all nodded in agreement, and the game continued. The atmosphere gradually lightened, everyone having fun, and the men were even beginning to tolerate each other. But Eleanor wasn’t satisfied and sent a mindlink to our group.

"This is too civilized. They’re becoming friends! We need to stir the pot."

A few hands later, I noticed Ruby’s smile growing wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She’d clearly thought of something.

"What if we raise the stakes and start betting kisses?" she suggested innocently.

"Are you insane?" Ava responded immediately.

"The winner gets to choose someone to kiss," Ruby explained simply.

"I like where this is going, but we can’t do that here. The casino would throw us out," Eleanor chimed in quickly.

"Ryan has an amazing game room at his mansion," Kyle pointed out. "If everyone’s game, I could convince him to invite us over."

We all exchanged knowing glances. It was time for Kyle to work her magic without the men realizing our true intentions.

"Ryan, you could host us at your place, right? It’s getting crowded and stuffy here. And you have that incredible game room you’re always bragging about."

"That’s actually not a bad idea, Kyle," Ryan agreed, looking around at the crowded casino floor. "It is getting packed in here."

"Perfect! Let’s go, ladies,"Joesph said, standing up and extending his hand toward Ava.

"We’re only going if Jax and his friends come too," Eleanor stated firmly without moving an inch.

"What? Those losers too?" Nate protested loudly.

"Watch your tone, Nate. They’re our friends and they invited us tonight. If we’re changing venues, they’re coming with us," Eleanor scolded her mate harshly.

"If they’re not welcome, we’ll just stay right here," I added firmly, feeling Draven’s frustration roll off him in waves.

"Caroline, you can’t be serious," Draven sounded exasperated.

"What’s the matter, gentlemen? Afraid of a little competition?" Wesley asked with a challenging grin.

"Not at all. It would be my pleasure to host all of you," Ryan responded with surprising civility. "Shall we proceed?"

"Fine by me. It really is getting claustrophobic in here," Jax agreed.

As we left the casino, the inevitable question arose about transportation arrangements. Eleanor quickly stepped in before anyone could suggest carpooling,"No one’s driving anyone. I have my car, and all the girls are coming with me."

"You’re even sexier when you’re taking charge, beautiful," Dominic said with an admiring smile directed at Eleanor. "I love a woman who knows what she wants."

I could feel Draven seething beside me, his hand possessively settling on the small of my back as he leaned close to my ear.

"You’re playing a dangerous game tonight, Carrie" he whispered, his warm breath sending goosebumps across my skin. "Just remember,I always win."

Rory whimpered inside me, responding to his dominant energy.

I pulled away from him, my heart racing as I hurried to join the girls in Eleanor’s car. This night was about to get very interesting indeed.