Chapter 66: Astrid Rahon
Augi Pov
The music is blaring through the speakers, shaking the ground beneath us. You can always count on a party hosted by Astrid Rahon at the racecourse to have the loudest beats, neon lights flashing like lightning, roaring cars lined up on the track, and a crowd of people hungry for chaos and fun.
Yet again, Astrid has outdone herself. I don’t know how she manages to throw a better party every single year for our end‑of‑season celebration. The boys have been talking about this party for weeks, hyping it up like it was the championship itself. Even Jade knew better than to let Gabs come alone to this party so she came with him, probably to keep an eye on her future husband.
"Players versus our beloved bunnies, who kisses hotter?" Astrid’s voice cuts through the music as the crowd clears into a circle. She struts to the front, her heels clanking against the concrete, her gold skirt shimmering under the neon lights, a tiger‑print tube top hugging her frame, jewelry clinking with every step.
"We need two players and two bunnies willing to devour each other in front of us!" she announces, her grin wicked. Murmurs ripple through the crowd, people laughing, pointing and daring others to step forward.
"Did I fail to mention, the winner gets my car?" Astrid adds, amusement dripping from her tone. Suddenly, everyone wants in, shoving their way to the front. She grabs the first four who reach her, pushing the rest back with a wave of her hand. I blink in surprise when I see Gabs up there, Rex beside him. Rex doesn’t shock me, he lives for this kind of spectacle, but Gabs? Jade must be losing her mind somewhere in the crowd.
The chosen bunnies are Kristy and Morgan. If I’m not mistaken, Morgan is dating our number thirteen, which makes this even messier.
"Kiss, bitches, kiss!" Astrid shouts, bouncing with excitement, her smile wide.
Gabs wastes no time. He grabs Rex’s face and smashes his lips against his, eyes squeezed shut. The crowd groans. "That looks painful," I mutter, shaking my head. Yeah, they’re definitely not winning this.
I glance at the bunnies. Both are dressed in glittering bunny costumes, ears perched on their heads, stockings hugging their legs. They take their time, teasing the crowd, moving closer with deliberate slowness. The applause grows louder, anticipation buzzing in the air. Morgan tilts Kristy’s chin, licking her neck all the way up to her mouth before their lips collide. Their tongues intertwine, their bodies pressed together, and the crowd erupts in cheers. The heat of their kiss is undeniable, the kind of spectacle Astrid lives for.
"Alright, folks, I think we have a clear winner," Astrid announces, side‑eyeing Gabs and Rex’s awkward attempt. Walter and I could do a hundred times better, no question.
"Our bunnies!" Astrid shouts, throwing her arms up. The crowd surges forward, hugging Kristy and Morgan, who are still locked together, oblivious to the chaos around them. I think number thirteen may have lost his girlfriend.
The music swells, the lights flash brighter, and the party roars on. Astrid laughs like a queen watching her subjects, and I can’t help but think, this is exactly the kind of madness she thrives on.
Buzz.
I feel my phone vibrate in my back pocket, and I pull it out to check the caller ID. White‑Hair Kei. Seriously? Why is he calling me now? Did something happen back at home?
"Max, I’ll be back," I say to the player beside me, who has been talking my ear off for the past thirty minutes about something I wasn’t listening to. I weave my way out of the crowd, pressing the phone to my ear and plugging my other ear with my finger to hear better.
"Hello," I mutter.
"Where are you?" Kei’s voice comes through, but it’s broken, filled with static.
"Out," I reply curtly.
"Y... n... t... ome... F..i..." The static increases, the music pounding too loud around me. I can’t hear a damn thing.
"Kei, I cannot hear you. Goodbye." I hang up and switch off the phone. Whatever he’s calling for, I’m sure it can wait. What could possibly have happened in a single day?
"Augustus, you racing today?" The clatter of jewelry behind me makes me turn, and I know instantly who it is without needing her scent. "Astrid," I say, turning fully.
"The one and only," she sings, her voice dripping with confidence. A man trails behind her, and she waves him off with a flick of her hand, telling him to bring her something strong to drink. He scurries away like a servant.
"Your new boy toy?" I ask, giving her a look. If only her parents knew what their innocent daughter did with their money.
"He’s cute, isn’t he?" she says, checking him out shamelessly.
"Back to your question, no, I’m not racing. I just came for the vibes." Honestly, I came to escape the hostile environment back home. I can’t deal with it tonight. Everyone is just so angry that Lorali’s back and I’m not that bothered.
"I know this will sound sudden, but why is your pack treating that girl so badly?"
I frown, confused. "Which girl?"
"The Alma omega," she reminds me, her tone impatient wanting to know the gossip. I avoid her gaze, my chest tightening.
"It’s complicated." Everywhere I go, I’m reminded of Lorali. I’m surprised Astrid knows Lorali even though I shouldn’t be surprised Astrid knows of her, she lives on the floor beneath us, of course they would have met.
"Does my father know what your pack is doing?" she presses, her eyes narrowing.
That’s my cue to leave. "Does your father know about your boy toys or your partying habits?" I shoot back, already walking away. "You wouldn’t tell Augustus Spade!" she shouts after me.
"I won’t if you don’t. And trust me, he’ll believe me. I have pictures," I call back over my shoulder. I don’t, but she doesn’t need to know that. Whatever it takes to keep the biggest gossip’s mouth shut. I guess.