Chapter 211: Chapter 211 Wine, Confessions, and Virgin Tales
Caroline’s POV
Social Club’s brunch room buzzed with laughter and chatter, our favorite spot for girl time. Security guards positioned strategically around the venue kept watchful eyes on us without crowding our space. Despite the threat hanging over us, I was determined to enjoy this night with my friends.
"So tell us everything about being a Luna," Ruby demanded, leaning forward with gleaming eyes. "Is Alpha Draven as dominating in bed as he is in the boardroom?"
I felt my cheeks flush. "A lady never kisses and tells."
"Bullshit!" Eleanor laughed, clinking her champagne glass against mine. "You’re among sisters here. Spill it!"
"Fine," I relented, lowering my voice. "It was perfect. Draven was incredibly attentive and romantic. The way he touched me..."
The girls squealed in delight as I shared carefully edited highlights of my passionate nights with Draven.
"God, I wish Ryan would take notes," Ruby sighed. "He’s attentive but sometimes I wonder if I need to draw him a map."
"And you, Elle? How’s living with Nate?" I asked, grateful to shift attention away from myself.
Eleanor’s face lit up. "Honestly? It’s perfect. He brings me coffee in bed every morning, plans surprise dates, and treats me like I’m the most precious woman in the world."
"What about you, Ava?" Ruby asked. "Things didn’t work out with Theo, right?"
Ava grimaced. "We went out twice, but there was zero chemistry. Then he got all pissy when I wouldn’t sleep with him and said he ’wasn’t in the mood to wait for me to make up my mind.’"
"What an asshole," Ruby growled.
"It’s fine," Ava waved dismissively. "Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about Joseph. We had lunch today, and he seemed genuinely sorry about everything. He suggested we try being friends."
"Friends?" Eleanor snorted. "Is that why he insisted you stay at his place during this security crisis?"
"That’s just him being protective," Ava protested weakly.
"Sure it is," Eleanor smirked. "You should definitely go to his place, though. Perfect chance to see if he’s genuinely changed."
"Since when are you so supportive, Elle?" Kyle raised an eyebrow.
Eleanor’s grin turned mischievous. "Who said I’m being nice? I just think she should test his resolve. Tease him mercilessly, drive him wild, have him eating from her palm."
"I like where this is going," Ava’s eyes lit up.
"Did you pack overnight things?" Eleanor asked.
"Already in my car," Ava admitted with a slight blush.
"Take a page from Ruby’s playbook," Eleanor advised. "Remember how she tortured Ryan for months? Wear something skimpy to bed, claim insomnia, ask him to keep you company watching movies, and when he’s thoroughly aroused... say goodnight and walk away."
"You’re evil," I laughed. "But effective."
"Now for the main event," Eleanor turned to Nina. "You called this emergency meeting. What did Investigator Hottie do?"
Nina pulled her collar aside, revealing a massive purple mark on her neck. "He did this, for starters."
"Holy shit!" Kyle gasped. "That man is going to break you in half! Too much testosterone in one package!"
"Seriously," Ruby fanned herself. "Those arms should be illegal. I got wet just watching him scan the room earlier."
"He’s actually very gentle," Nina defended, turning crimson. "But there’s something I need advice about..."
"What happened?" I prompted.
"He drove me home after the wedding and kissed me," Nina explained, staring at the table. "It’s just... I... um..."
"Wait a second." Kyle’s eyes widened. "Was that your first kiss? Ever?"
When Nina nodded shyly, the table fell into stunned silence.
"Are you telling us you’re a virgin?" Ruby blurted out.
"Obviously!" Nina shot back. "If I’ve never been kissed before, what do you think about the rest?"
"You’ve never even masturbated?" Eleanor asked bluntly.
Nina shook her head.
"Shit! And we practically threw you at a man who screams ’I’ll ruin you for other men’!" Eleanor gasped.
We all burst out laughing, causing nearby tables to glance our way.
"Guys have always disappeared when they learn I’m a virgin," Nina admitted sadly. "Wesley called me too inexperienced and ghosted me."
"What is wrong with men these days?" Ruby fumed.
"I can’t complain about Paul," Kyle smiled. "But back to Nina—did Jace run when he figured it out?"
"He doesn’t know exactly," Nina explained. "He suspects I’m inexperienced, but I don’t think he realizes I’ve literally never done anything with anyone."
"Tell us everything," I encouraged.
Nina described how Jace had grabbed her breasts while kissing her, startling her. After taking her home, he’d sensed her inexperience and been honest about his preferences—which apparently leaned toward rough, primal sex.
"He told me to think about whether I really wanted to get involved with someone like him, and to find him when I decided," Nina finished. "But how can I decide when I have zero experience?"
We sat in stunned silence when she finished.
"How did this happen?" Ruby finally asked. "The never-been-kissed, never-explored-yourself situation?"
"I’ve been waiting for my fated mate," Nina explained. "My grandmother always said true wolves save themselves for their fated pair. I know it’s old-fashioned, but..."
"I think that’s beautiful," I said softly. "Rare, but beautiful."
"Well, Draven and I are fated mates, and once we actually got together... oh my God, girls, the feeling is just indescribable. It’s like pure fire and electricity all at once. So I think what you’re doing is really sweet, but maybe you could consider testing the waters a bit first?"
"Yes, honey, mates are incredibly rare," Eleanor said gently. "Some wolves wait lifetimes and never find theirs, but that doesn’t mean you should live like a celibate nun in the meantime."
"I know," Nina sighed. "That’s why I’m reconsidering everything."
"So, how was kissing him?" Kyle wiggled her eyebrows.
"Amazing," Nina breathed. "I felt butterflies and this intense heat...down there."
"Say pussy, for goddess sake!" Eleanor laughed. "You’ll need to get comfortable with the terminology if you’re planning to let Investigator Hot Stuff between your legs!"
"Eleanor!" Nina buried her face in her hands.
"Nina, you’re overthinking this," I said. "You’ve always seemed confident at work. What happened to that girl?"
"I know the mechanics," Nina defended. "I just haven’t practiced them. My mom was super strict about dating."
"Well, this is phase two of your transformation," Eleanor declared. "We’re upgrading your sexual confidence."
"First, you need to tell Jace you’re a virgin," I advised. "Especially if you’re going to his place tonight."
Nina groaned, banging her head on the table.
"You need to watch some porn!" Eleanor suggested excitedly.
"Absolutely not," I laughed. "Remember our disastrous porn marathon in college?"
Eleanor giggled. "But seriously, Nina, if you enjoyed his kiss and touch, that’s your body telling you something. If you hadn’t liked it, you would have felt uncomfortable, not pleasurable."
"But what if he runs like Wesley did when I tell him?" Nina asked anxiously.
"Wesley was an idiot," Ruby insisted. "Jace is a mature male who knows exactly what he wants. I doubt a virginity seal will scare him off."
"You think?" Nina looked hopeful. "Because I really want him to kiss me again."
"Aww, our little Nina’s falling for the big bad wolf investigator!" Eleanor teased.
"Here’s what you do," Ruby leaned in. "March straight to his place tonight, push him against the wall, and say ’I’m a virgin, but I want you to kiss me again.’ Then jump his bones."
We all burst out laughing, but Nina seemed to be seriously considering the advice.
"Seriously though," I said, "Jace seems like a decent man. If he can’t handle your inexperience, he doesn’t deserve you."
Nina nodded.
"To sexual awakening," Ruby raised her glass.