5.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to mask the rush of heat creeping into my cheeks. “You really think too highly of yourself, Lucas. You’re just an arrogant prick.”

“Arrogant?” he echoed, feigning offense. “I prefer the term ‘confident.’ Besides, it’s not my fault that you’ve caught my attention tonight.”

My heart thudded in my chest, and I felt a rush of warmth at his admission. “You’re just messing with me, aren’t you?” I challenged, crossing my arms defiantly.

“Messing with you?” He leaned closer, his eyes locking onto mine, the playful edge in his voice replaced with something deeper. “Maybe I’m just trying to see how far I can push you before you break.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the intensity of his gaze. “And what if I don’t break? What if I push back?”

Lucas chuckled, his confidence radiating from him like a warm light. “I’d love to see you try.”

Before I could respond, he turned away, waving over another friend and completely breaking our moment. My heart sank a little, frustration bubbling within me. Just when I was about to challenge him, he decided to tease me further.

“Come on, Lyra!” Happing called, pulling me away for another dance. “Let’s show these guys what we’ve got!”

As we spun around, I caught Lucas watching me from the sidelines, his expression a mix of amusement and intrigue. I felt like a puppet on a string, his teasing pulling me in while I desperately tried to find my footing.

After another dance, I found myself near him again, my determination reigniting. “You think this is a game, don’t you?” I challenged, my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest.

“Of course,” Lucas replied with a smirk. “Life is a game, and I just happen to play to win.”

“Winning by bullying me isn’t impressive,” I shot back, stepping closer so only he could hear. “It’s petty.”

He raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall casually. “Petty? You’re taking this too seriously, Lyra. I’m just trying to see what makes you tick.”

“Maybe you should stop trying to tick me off,” I said, folding my arms again, the heat in my cheeks betraying my bravado.

“Ah, but where’s the fun in that?” Lucas replied, tilting his head, his voice smooth as silk. “You have this fire in you, and I can’t resist fanning the flames.”

I glared at him, trying to keep my composure. “You think you can get a rise out of me? You’re mistaken.”

He laughed, the sound low and teasing. “Oh, I know I can. And I will. It’s too easy.”

I felt a rush of irritation mixed with an undeniable thrill. “You really are insufferable,” I muttered, my lips twitching in a barely suppressed smile.

“Just admit it, you enjoy this,” he said, leaning closer again. “You like the attention, even if it comes from someone you claim to despise.”

“Maybe I do enjoy it,” I retorted, trying to sound tough. “But that doesn’t mean I like you.”

Lucas chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, that’s where you’re wrong. You like me more than you’re willing to admit.”

“Stop acting like you know me,” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively. “You don’t have me all figured out.”

His gaze softened slightly, but the arrogance remained. “Maybe not, but I’m getting closer.”

I glanced away, the tension between us palpable. “What if I’m not the person you think I am?”

“Then I’ll find out, won’t I?” he replied, his voice low and enticing. “And maybe, just maybe, I’ll help you discover who you really are along the way.”

I bit my lip, torn between annoyance and the thrill of his challenge. “Is that your goal? To help me?”

“Who knows?” he shrugged nonchalantly. “But I’m definitely enjoying the ride.”

With that, he stepped away, laughing as he joined his friends, leaving me standing there with a swirl of emotions. I clenched my fists, my heart racing with both irritation and an undeniable attraction to the arrogant Alpha.

As the night continued, I realized that this push and pull was only the beginning. Lucas was determined to tease me, to challenge me, and I was just as determined not to let him win easily. I wouldn’t break. I would push back, and maybe—just maybe—find out what lay beneath his confident facade.

After a 'Hello' here and 'Nice to meet you!' there, I found myself leaning against a pillar, watching Lucas from a distance. The lights dimmed, casting soft shadows across the room, and his figure stood out among the crowd. His laughter echoed, carefree and annoyingly magnetic, as he joked with his friends. I was about to turn away when his gaze suddenly snapped to mine, catching me staring.

He raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk spreading across his face. My heart thudded in my chest as he started walking toward me, his stride unhurried yet purposeful, each step tightening the invisible pull between us.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked, stopping just close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him.

"Not particularly," I lied, forcing myself to hold his gaze even as my cheeks betrayed me with a blush.

He leaned in, his face inches from mine, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Liar," he whispered, his breath brushing against my ear. "You’re more transparent than you think, Lyra."

I swallowed, fighting the urge to step back but refusing to give him the satisfaction. "You’re mistaken," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Am I?" His eyes gleamed with a challenge, and he tilted his head, studying me. "You think you’ve figured me out, but you have no idea what you’re getting into."

"Maybe I like the mystery," I shot back, surprising even myself with the boldness in my voice. "Or maybe you’re just not as complicated as you think."

He chuckled, a deep sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "You have no idea what I’m capable of," he said, his voice a murmur that promised trouble.

Before I could respond, he straightened up and took a step back, his gaze never leaving mine. "Goodnight, Lyra," he said, his tone almost mocking. "Try not to dream about me too much."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my mind racing and my heart pounding. I clenched my fists, a mixture of frustration and intrigue swirling within me.

As the last notes of the music played and the crowd began to disperse, I realized that Lucas had left me with more questions than answers. He was a puzzle wrapped in arrogance and charm, and I couldn’t deny that I was drawn to him—no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise.

This wasn’t the end of our game. It was just the beginning.