Chapter 1: Introduction
He couldn’t get her out of his head.
“you’re all bitches to me.” Jack had said. “You all heard her while she screamed my name from the hallway closet.”
The guys around the table roared with laughter, clinking their red cups together, the beer sloshing over the sides.
Max smirked, his eyes scanning the crowd at the frat party. The night was young, and the alcohol was flowing like a river. Girls were everywhere, in skimpy outfits, dancing and grinding to the throbbing bass, trying to catch his attention.
And yet, all he could think about was her—Bella, the blonde bombshell with the attitude that could charm or crush a man in a single glance. He’d heard the rumors, the whispers that whispered of her power, her dominance over men.
They called her the Castratrix, a title she wore like a crown. He’d seen her around campus, her short blonde hair a beacon in the sea of students, her piercing gaze always scanning, always in control. But he hadn’t been interested. Not until tonight.
“I’m sure she was Max,” Bella said, rolling her eyes. “But I’m not convinced you’re all that.” She didn’t bother looking at Max, her gaze fixed on the crowd. “It’s all talk with you jocks.”
Max scoffed, crossing his arms. “You saying I’m not up for the challenge?”
Bella finally turned to him, her eyes sparkling with a challenge of their own. “I’m saying you’re all the same. All bark, no bite.”
Max leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. “You want to see my bite, sweetheart?”
Bella smirked, her eyes never leaving his. “Maybe I do.”
Max felt a thrill run through him.
“But I get you’ll be screaming that you’re MY bitch by the time we’re done.” Bella’s voice was ice, her words cutting through the noise of the party like a knife. Max felt the challenge coursing through his veins, the adrenaline pumping.
“Is that so?” Max grinned, taking a swig of his beer. “And what makes you think that, sweetheart?”
Bella leaned in, her breath hot on his ear. “Because I always win.” She pulled back, her eyes locked onto his. “And you, Max, are no different.”
Max laughed, though it came out more as a bark. “You’re on, then.” He looked around the room, his gaze landing on her friends, The Coven.
“come to my dorm tomorrow night then.” Bella dismissed. “And don’t be late.” Bella turned away, leaving Max with a sudden chill down his spine. He watched her walk away, her confident strut commanding attention, her entourage of women, The Coven, following suit.
Max leaned back against the wall, his beer forgotten. He felt a mixture of anticipation and unease. He’d never been one to back down from a challenge, but something about Bella was different. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
“Dude, you okay?” Jack, his best friend, clapped him on the back, snapping him out of his trance.
“Whoa, you sure you want to take that bet? That’s Bella, man. She’s… different.”
Max turned to him, a smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah, Jack. I’m sure.” He took a swig of his beer, the cold liquid sliding down his throat like a chill. “I’ve never lost a bet yet.”
Jack shrugged, taking a step back. “Alright, man. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Max nodded, his eyes scanning the room. Bella and her friends were gone, but the excitement lingered in the air.