In My Lycan Stepbrother's Bed

BLAIR'S POV

They say parties are meant for fun, a place to lose yourself and escape your worries. In my case, I lost my mate and everyone I thought I trusted.

I spotted a couple kissing the moment I stepped into the loud frat house filled with people dancing and drinking. I watched them for a second and shook my head as they groped each other.

As I weaved my way through the dark crowd, the house vibrated with deafening music and the air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat.

Wow, I thought, seeing how people were pressed against each other, grinding to the beat and lost in the thrill of the party.

Once again, Jaxon had thrown the wildest and best birthday party of the year.

I tightened my grip on the wrapped gift in my hands, making sure it didn't slip. I had spent weeks thinking about what to get him this year and finally decided to get him a jersey with my name printed on it.

It was different from the usual cologne, sneakers, or watches I'd given him over the years. This was more personal. More meaningful. And I hoped he liked it.

Jaxon and I had been together for four years already. We started dating in high school, and two years later, when I turned eighteen, I discovered he was my mate.

When I found out, I felt like fate had rewarded me. I loved him already, but realizing we were meant to be? It was like everything in my life had fallen into place.

After that, we decided to apply to the same college, Northvale, so we wouldn't have to do long-distance. I wanted us to experience everything together and love each other even more.

Jaxon was everything a girl could want. Handsome, confident, and popular. He was a star player on the basketball team. And most importantly, he took care of me. Even if we were a little different, it didn't matter. Nothing mattered because I loved him.

And that should have been enough. Right?

"Hey, Blair."

I turned to see Max, one of Jaxon's friends, standing by the counter, a red solo cup in his hand. He was already tipsy and wore a lazy grin.

"Hey," I replied, my eyes scanning the kitchen. But Jaxon wasn't there.

"You looking for Jax?" Max asked, reading my expression.

"Yeah, have you seen him?"

He nodded. "Saw him go upstairs a while ago."

I exhaled, relieved. That was even better. If he was in his room, we could talk privately. I could give him his gift, maybe even steal a few quiet moments away from the chaos of the party. And then go back to study for my test.

"Thanks, Max," I said before heading toward the stairs.

The music faded slightly as I moved up the stairs, my fingers still gripping the neatly wrapped jersey.

I hoped he liked it.

When I reached his room, I lifted my hand to knock