59. Hailey
Chapter 59
Hailey
T he house feels unusually still as I finish getting ready, the kind of quiet that feels charged rather than peaceful. When I snuck back in last night, Stone and Jax had come down just as I reached the kitchen. Pretty sure they didn’t believe my lie about being hungry. They’d made me grilled cheese anyway and stayed and watched me eat it.
Now, my heart beats faster with every passing second, my nerves fraying even as I take one last glance in the mirror.
The dress Finn had delivered for me clings to my body in all the right ways, the deep emerald fabric shimmering faintly under the light. The neckline dips low, just enough to feel daring, while the long skirt flows behind me like liquid silk. It’s the kind of dress I’d only seen on TV. A dress I would have never imagined myself in, but tonight…tonight is different. Tonight, I want to be different.
I’ve pinned my hair up, soft tendrils framing my face, and sprayed extra scent blocker at the nape of my neck and wrists, even though I know it might not be enough if my pre-heat flares again. Still, I’m hoping for the best. Finn even gave me the scent modulators he bought. I’ve got two patches just on the inside of the dress, one under each breast. Well-hidden and they should do the job .
Because tonight isn’t about me. It’s about them—Finn, Stone, Jax…Ren—and everything they’ve worked so hard to protect. It’s about clawing back what the Academy has been trying to steal from them. From me.
My freedom.
And maybe…maybe it’s about something else, too.
I swallow hard and smooth my hands down the front of my dress before stepping out of my room. My heels give me an extra three or four inches of height. Finn, always thinking ahead, had insisted on buying me wedge heels after I nearly twisted my ankle trying on the stilettos he originally picked out.
“You’ve got enough to worry about,” he’d said with a teasing grin as he handed me the box. “No need to add falling flat on your face to the list.”
The thought makes me smile now, even as my nerves buzz beneath the surface. The wedge heels are comfortable enough that I can walk without worrying, yet they still give me the confidence boost I need, the added height making the flowing emerald gown feel even more elegant.
And tonight, I need all the confidence I can get. Taking one final steadying breath, I leave the nest room and make my way to the staircase. When I finally reach the landing and look down, the sight of them steals my breath.
Finn, Stone, and Jax are standing near the bottom of the stairs, dressed to the nines in sharp suits that look like they were tailored just for them. Finn’s gray suit is perfectly fitted, the cool tones making his silver eyes stand out even more, while Jax’s deep navy ensemble is offset by the faintest hint of gold in his tie, a subtle nod to Finn’s impeccable taste. Stone, as always, is a vision of strength and calm, his black suit as imposing as the man himself, the crisp white shirt and black tie giving him an air of quiet authority.
They look like they belong to another world—one of power and prestige, where people command the room with a single glance .
And for a moment, I’m too caught up in admiring them to realize they’ve all gone silent and are looking at me.
When I finally meet their gazes, the intensity in their eyes makes my breath hitch.
They’re staring . At me.
All of them.
Finn’s lips part slightly, his gray eyes warming with something that makes a flutter rise in my chest. Jax’s usual seriousness is gone, replaced by a look of pure, unguarded admiration that sends heat rushing to my cheeks. And Stone—steady, unshakable Stone—looks completely bewitched, his amber eyes watching me like I’m the only thing in the room worth looking at.
“What?” I whisper, uncertainty nearly pulling me down as I descend the staircase.
“You look…” Finn starts, but his words trail off, his gaze sweeping over me like he’s trying to commit every detail to memory.
“Radiant,” Jax finishes for him, his voice quieter than usual. “You look radiant, Hailey.”
My cheeks burn, and I glance away, smoothing my hands over the fabric of my dress. “It’s just a dress.”
“It’s not the dress,” Stone says. “It’s you.”
I bite my lip, my heart pounding as I reach the bottom of the stairs. For a moment, I don’t know what to say, and the silence feels almost too heavy to bear.
But then Finn steps forward, offering me his arm with a gentle smile. “Shall we?”
I nod, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow, and together we head to the front door, stepping outside into the cool night air.
The others follow close behind, their presence grounding me even as my nerves start to creep back in. The gentle hum of crickets fills the air, mingling with the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. But my gaze keeps drifting toward the treeline, hoping— praying —to see Ren step out of the shadows.
He doesn’t.
I’ve been waiting all day, hoping he’ll turn up. Each minute that passes, a bit of my hope gets taken away, the weight of my disappointment settling heavily in my chest. I told myself not to expect too much, but I can’t help it. I made a deal with him. I thought he’d come.
By the time we reach the SUV and slide inside, I’ve almost convinced myself that I was wrong to hope.
Maybe Ren isn’t ready.
Maybe he’ll never be ready.
The ride to the gala is quiet, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Finn’s hand rests lightly over mine, his touch warm and reassuring, and I lean into him, drawing strength from his steady presence.
My thoughts race as we approach the venue, a grand estate glowing with lights that pierce the night like stars. The driveway is lined with luxury cars, the kind that cost more than most people make in a year, and the building itself is a testament to wealth and power, its towering columns and sprawling gardens making it look more like a palace than anything else.
I try to focus on the task at hand—supporting the males I care about, showing them that I’m strong enough to stand by their side—but my thoughts keep circling back to Ren. To the empty space where he should be.
Stone, Jax, and Finn step out of the car first, their confidence so effortless it’s almost intimidating. They carry themselves like they belong here, like this world of polished smiles and whispered deals was made for them.
And then there’s me.
I take a deep breath and step out into the cool night air, clutching Finn’s hand as I follow them toward the main entrance. The driveway is a flurry of activity, the soft hum of engines mingling with the low murmur of conversations as elegantly dressed guests step out of luxury cars. Valets move with quiet efficiency, their crisp uniforms immaculate as they open car doors and drive the vehicles away with practiced efficiency.
The moment we’re all out of the vehicle, I feel the weight of eyes on us.
People pause mid-conversation, their gazes lingering just a little too long, some openly staring while others glance our way and quickly look away as if caught doing something they shouldn’t. A few guests, older alphas in sharp suits and silk ties, nod subtly in acknowledgment, their sharp eyes taking in every detail of Stone, Jax, and Finn like they’re assessing rivals or allies.
One woman—an omega, I think—dressed in a sleek black gown that clings to her figure like liquid shadows, watches us with a small, knowing smile before dipping her head ever so slightly in greeting. Her eyes land on me for a second longer than the others, and I can’t tell if she’s impressed or curious—or both.
“People are staring at you guys,” I murmur under my breath to Finn, my voice barely audible over the sounds around us.
“Let them,” Finn replies smoothly, his gray eyes glinting with quiet confidence as he squeezes my hand. “You look ravishing, sweetheart.”
Jax, walking just ahead of us, glances over his shoulder with a smirk. “They’re not staring at us, darling. They’re staring at you .” He adjusts his tie with a deliberate flourish, like he’s basking in the attention. “Finn’s right. You look absolutely delicious tonight.”
Delicious?
His words almost make me stumble, a rush of warmth spreading to my cheeks.
The grand double doors open as we approach, held by uniformed attendants whose crisp black-and-white attire matches the formality of the venue. They nod politely but subtly, their heads dipping just enough to acknowledge us without breaking the composed professionalism expected of them .
The moment we step inside, the world seems to shift.
The ballroom takes my breath away—a space so vast and opulent it feels like something out of a dream. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their light refracting into soft prisms that dance across the polished marble floors. The walls are adorned with intricate gold detailing, and towering arrangements of fresh flowers—roses, lilies, and orchids—add a touch of delicate vibrancy to the otherwise lavish surroundings.
The air hums with the sound of conversation and laughter, the clink of glasses and the soft strains of a live orchestra filling the space. Everywhere I look, there are people who exude wealth and power, their movements graceful and deliberate as they navigate the room with an ease that comes from belonging.
I swallow hard, my grip on Finn’s hand tightening as my nerves threaten to overwhelm me.
Finn leans in slightly, his voice low and reassuring. “You’re doing great.”
I nod, forcing myself to take a steadying breath as we move deeper into the room. Stone and Jax have already begun drawing attention, their commanding presence impossible to ignore. Stone’s quiet confidence and Jax’s effortless charm make them stand out even in a crowd like this, and I can see the way people are drawn to them, like moths to a flame.
Finn stays close to me, his presence solid and grounding, and for a moment, I let myself relax.
But it doesn’t last for long.
“Jax Ironwood!” A deep voice cuts through the hum of the room, and I glance up to see an alpha approaching us, his stride purposeful. He’s older, his salt-and-pepper hair swept back neatly, his sharp black suit tailored to perfection. There’s an air of authority about him, the kind that makes people step out of his way without him even needing to ask.
“Robert,” Jax greets him with a nod, his voice calm. Polite. “I wasn’t sure you’d be here tonight. ”
“Of course, I’m here.” Robert gives him a faint smile, though his sharp blue eyes flick to me briefly before settling back on Jax. “With everything that’s been happening, I couldn’t afford not to be. And you—well, I’m surprised to see you here, given the circumstances.”
“Circumstances?” Jax’s smile doesn’t shift.
“Well, a little birdie told me Iron Fitness might be in some trouble.”
Jax’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, but his voice remains steady. “Ah, is that what you heard?” He laughs, those polite chuckles reserved for the rich and famous. “We’re here to make sure things move forward, despite the setbacks.”
“Setbacks,” Robert repeats, his tone laced with dry amusement. “Is that what we’re calling them now?”
Stone steps in smoothly, flashing a smile that’s equal parts charming and disarming. “Setbacks, challenges, opportunities—depends on how you spin it, doesn’t it?” He extends a hand to Robert. The older alpha hesitates—just for a fraction of a second, but long enough that I notice—before clasping Stone’s hand. “Good to see you again, Robert. Still running the show over at Burlington?”
“Still running it,” Robert confirms, eyes slightly narrowed as his lips twitch into another faint smile. “Though if I’d known you were coming tonight, Stone, I’d have prepared myself for a headache.”
Stone laughs, the sound easy and genuine.
Robert shakes his head, but there’s a glimmer of something calculating in his eyes as he looks back at Jax. “You’ve got your work cut out for you tonight. I’ll say that much. A lot of people are…concerned.”
“We’ll address their concerns,” Jax replies firmly. “We’ve already taken the necessary steps to stabilize things, and tonight is about showing them that.”
Robert hums thoughtfully, his gaze flicking between Jax and Stone, before landing on me again. This time, his glance lingers a little longer, and I fight the urge to shrink under the weight of his scrutiny.
His nostrils flare slightly, almost as if he’s trying to catch my scent, and something shifts in his expression—a subtle darkening of his eyes that makes my skin prickle with unease.
“And who’s this?” he asks, his tone polite but with an undercurrent I can’t quite place.
Stone’s golden eyes harden as he steps slightly closer to me. “This is Hailey,” he says simply. No more explanation. Not other words.
“Hailey,” Robert repeats, as if savoring the name. He offers me a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Welcome. I hope the evening isn’t too overwhelming for you.” His gaze trails down briefly before returning to my face, the movement so quick I almost miss it.
“Thank you,” I manage to say, focusing on keeping my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest.
I feel Finn shift closer to me on one side, while Jax subtly repositions himself in front of Robert. The movement is casual enough that an outsider might miss it. But I don’t. And from the slight shift in the strange alpha’s gaze, he doesn’t either.
“I must say, Jax,” he continues, his attention ostensibly back on business though his eyes dart to me once more, “you always did have excellent taste. In all things.”
I’m not imagining that, am I. There’s a double meaning there.
Jax’s smile doesn’t falter, but his eyes cool several degrees. “We’ve always valued quality over quantity at Iron Fitness,” he replies.
But I don’t think either of them are talking about Iron Fitness anymore.
Robert nods, his expression unreadable, before turning his attention back to Stone. “Well, I won’t keep you. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of people to charm tonight.” He tips his champagne glass before stepping away, though not before his gaze lingers on me one final time.
As he disappears into the crowd, I release a breath.
Stone’s voice pitches low. “Still the same old Robert. Always testing the waters, never committing to anything. Not even pack. Lone alphas aren’t common.”
Jax pushes a hand in his pocket, narrowed eyes still watching the alpha go. “He’s a politician at heart. Won’t pick a side until he’s absolutely sure it’s the winning one. Can’t say I blame him, though—he’s survived this long by playing it safe.”
His eyes meet mine briefly, a silent question there—are you okay?—before he continues. “Though his interest tonight wasn’t entirely about business.”
“I noticed,” Stone mutters, his jaw tight. “I’ve never seen him look at anyone quite like that before.”
“I don’t like how he looked at Hailey, either,” Finn’s brow is furrowed. “That was different from his usual ‘ omega appreciation’ .”
I glance up at him, comforted by the protectiveness I see in all three of them. “Omega appreciation? So, is he always like that?”
“No,” Jax says quietly. “Not quite like that. And that’s what concerns me.” He exchanges a look with Stone that I can’t quite interpret.
Stone says nothing, his gaze drifting toward the far side of the room, where clusters of people are mingling near the bar. His expression sharpens, and I follow his line of sight, curious as to what’s caught his attention.
At first, I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. The same polished crowd moves gracefully through the space, their laughter and conversation blending seamlessly with the soft strains of music coming from the orchestra. But then my eyes snag on a woman—an omega with a stunningly delicate frame and dark, glossy hair that spills over her shoulders. She’s laughing, her head tilted back in a way that feels too open, too carefree for a room like this .
At first I assume Stone is watching the omega, but then my gaze shifts to what’s really caught his attention. Behind her, just a few feet away, stand four alphas.
And they don’t belong here.
They’re dressed in tuxedos like everyone else, their suits tailored and pristine, but there’s something about them—a sharpness, a danger—that makes the fine fabric look like a thin disguise. The way they stand, slightly apart from the rest of the crowd, with their shoulders squared and their postures tense, sends a shiver down my spine.
One of them, a tall alpha with a scar cutting across his eye, leans in to murmur something to another, his gaze scanning the room like he’s assessing a battlefield.
The third alpha, broader than the others and with a jawline that looks carved from stone, stands with his arms crossed, his gaze locked on the omega as though he’s watching over her—or maybe watching her too closely.
The fourth is the most unsettling. His pale eyes flicker across the room, landing briefly on me before moving on. It’s quick, almost unnoticeable, but the intensity of his gaze leaves a knot of unease curling in my stomach.
“That who I think it is?” Stone asks.
Jax follows his gaze, his brow furrowing as his eyes settle on the group. “Pack Ashgrave,” he says, the name weighted with meaning.
I glance between them, my pulse quickening. “Who are they?”
“Not enemies,” Finn murmurs, his voice calm but cautious. “Not allies either.”
“Ashgrave doesn’t take sides,” Jax adds, his tone quieter now. “They’re powerful, calculated, and they do what benefits them. That’s it. If they’re here, it’s not for the hors d’oeuvres or the music.”
Stone’s expression hardens, his golden eyes narrowing as he studies the group. “They’re neutral. But neutrality doesn’t mean harmless.”
I glance back at the alphas, my unease growing. The tall one with the scar is still murmuring to his companion, his sharp gaze sweeping the room like he’s cataloging every exit, every potential threat. The broader alpha hasn’t moved, his attention fixed on the omega with an intensity that makes me uneasy. And the pale-eyed one—the one who looked at me—now leans casually against the bar, but there’s nothing casual about the way his gaze continues to flicker across the room, as if he’s waiting for something to happen.
“They bought a stake in our Burlington merger,” Stone whispers, his tone thoughtful. “We need to make sure they’re on board.”
“Already on it,” Jax says, his grin fading into something more serious.
Finn leans in closer to me, his voice low. “Maybe we should head to the bar or something. This is overwhelming for even me.”
“I’m fine,” I try to smile, though my chest still feels tight. When Finn squeezes my hand again, I give him a more genuine smile, drawing strength from his presence. Still, my gaze keeps drifting—to the windows, the doors, the shadows at the edges of the room.
Hoping.
Praying.
Waiting for Ren.
Because I know we need him.
Not just for his skills, though those are invaluable.
We need him because he’s part of this. Part of us.
And if we’re going to stop the Academy, if we’re going to fix this mess and protect what they’ve built together, we need to be whole.
All of us.
I just hope Ren realizes that before it’s too late.