Tango 2 the Alpha's Heart

Lilly’s POV

"You must be insane if you think I’ll be riding in that to the ball!" Sade cried in horror as the apple-green 1911 Ford Jitney pulled up.

Jacob had made a call, and moments later the old vehicle rolled up the driveway.

The driver, an older wolf with grey hair, stepped out, nodded to the two warriors, and quickly moved to the back to open the door.

I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at Sade’s reaction.

"It’s just a car, Sade," I teased, stepping closer to inspect the vehicle. "But I have to admit, it does look like something out of a vintage movie."

Sade shot me a hateful glare.

"What’s wrong with riding in the Jitney?" James asked, irritation in his voice. "It’s a classic! A wonderful ride! You should be grateful for it!"

I bit my bottom lip to hide a smile as Sade’s face turned red with anger.

"Grateful? You mean stuck in that old rust bucket?" she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

James raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her reaction.

"It’s not just any old rust bucket; it’s got character," he replied, grinning.

"Character? More like a death trap on wheels," she retorted.

"You need transport to the ball," Jacob added.

"And we arranged it for you," James continued.

Sade crossed her arms defiantly, not convinced.

"Not in that!" she shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at the Jitney. "It’s... it’s hideous! I can’t be seen in that! What will the pack think of me?!"

Jacob and James exchanged a glance, both trying to suppress their laughter.

"They’ll think you’re the most daring pack member, ready to make a statement," Jacob said, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Seriously!" Sade exclaimed.

"The rest of the she-wolves on the jitney don’t seem to care," James pointed out, gesturing to the other dressed ladies.

I instinctively scanned their faces, hoping to spot someone familiar, but none triggered a memory.

"They’re just happy they have transport to the ball," Jacob said. "And so should you."

"I am not just anyone!" Sade yelled, stomping her feet. "I have class, you know! That thing will ruin my hair and reputation forever!"

The girls on the jitney looked offended by Sade’s comments and shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

James rolled his eyes toward the sky, as if saying a silent prayer—or maybe just counting to ten.

Jacob let out an irritated huff, glancing at his brother for help.

I was used to Sade’s tantrums, but clearly, they weren’t. I found the situation amusing. Sade was quite the diva, obviously entitled. Would she be able to sway the brothers to let her go with us? Which one would give in first?

I couldn’t help but smile at the tension sparking between the three of them.

"Suit yourself," Jacob said abruptly, shrugging and turning away to walk toward the limo. It was clear he’d grown tired of her demands.

I quickly pressed my hand over my mouth, stifling a chuckle.

"If you’d rather not accept a ride on the jitney," James said seriously, steering me toward the limo, "the only other option is for you to shift and run in wolf form..."

"But if I were you," Jacob added, glancing at Sade, "I’d make my decision quickly. You’ve already wasted enough time and the jitney needs to leave. I won’t delay eleven other guests because of your stubbornness..."

"Why can’t I go with you?" Sade cried, her bottom lip trembling. She was on the verge of tears, trying to sway them.

"Because this is a private arrangement," Jacob said sternly, opening the passenger door for me.

James helped me inside, and I scooted over to the center of the seat.

"But Lilly is like a sister to me!" Sade wailed. "She’s practically family! Sisters stick together! We should go together!"

I rolled my eyes and muttered under my breath, "More like an evil stepsister..." Too late, I realized I’d said it aloud.

"Did you say something?" James asked, squinting at me as he got in the car.

"Nope," I chirped, shaking my head. "Just thinking out loud." James chuckled and winked, closing the door behind him.

Jacob came around the car, opened his door, and suddenly paused.

Was Jacob about to yield to Sade’s demands?

My heart raced with worry. I really didn’t want to share the car with her... Was it wrong to feel that way?

Jacob’s expression was cold, his eyes turning black—his wolf had taken control. He focused on Sade and let out a warning growl that made her whimper.

I internally sighed in relief. I was glad Jacob didn’t cave in. Sade would certainly ruin my evening.

"Get in, brother!" James called impatiently from the other side. "We’re already behind schedule! Beta Zack will be furious with us."

Jacob’s attention snapped back to us.

"I said, get in!" James repeated, more forcefully.

Jacob gave a quick nod, shot Sade one last glance, and got into the car.

"That she-wolf is going to drive me to something stronger than alcohol," he muttered as he buckled up.

I chuckled, amused.

Jacob’s gaze snapped to me. "How the hell isn’t she driving you insane?" he huffed. "She’s impossible!"

That made me laugh even harder.

"I’m serious!" he groaned, clearly exasperated. "I’ll do anything—even chew off my wrists—just don’t make me deal with her ever again."

"I can’t promise that," I said, trying to get my laughter under control. "Besides, you two have done a much better job handling her and her mother than I ever did."

James and Jacob exchanged interested glances, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

I could tell they were curious about my experiences—they’d asked a few times—but I still wasn’t ready to open up about my pain to people I hardly knew.

"She isn’t worth getting upset about," I said, placing my hand on Jacob’s shoulder. "Sade’s just a spoiled brat. She doesn’t know any better."

"Yes, but—" Jacob started, but I shook my head, signaling that nothing he said would change anything.

He sighed, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his seat.

I rolled my eyes at him, and he raised a teasing eyebrow, making me laugh again.

James tapped on the driver’s window, signaling we were ready to go.

The driver slowly pulled out of the driveway, my heart pounding with excitement. This was it—I was leaving the Black residence, even if just for the night.

My gaze caught Sade’s face. It was flushed, her eyes dark and furious.

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