#Chapter 17: Last Night of Freedom

I switched off my phone, unable to stare at Giana's post any longer. The restaurant felt suffocating with its romantic music and sympathetic glances from staff who realized I'd been abandoned. Without thinking, I walked into a nearby bar with dim lighting and overpriced cocktails. I needed something strong to burn away the night's humiliation. "Whiskey, neat," I told the bartender. "Double." Two drinks later, the edges of my pain had dulled enough that I could breathe again. The bar had grown crowded, but I barely noticed until a familiar laugh cut through the noise. Kane. He sat in a private booth surrounded by well-dressed wolves, his arm around a beautiful brunette. I should have slipped out unnoticed, but he looked up and our eyes met. His expression shifted from surprise to amusement as he made his way toward me. "The future Luna in a place like this?" he said, leaning against the bar. "I'm shocked." "Don't start with me, Kane. Not tonight." He studied my red-rimme