Another day, another party.

The Pit was alive with the throbbing beat of music and the buzz of conversation. Dauntless members and initiates mingled, the dim lighting casting shadows over their faces. It was a rare moment of relaxation, a time to let loose. Despite the upbeat atmosphere, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease of everything that's been weighing on my shoulders.

The serum.

Abnegation.

Eric.

Things were stressful to say the least. And now I'm at a party, trying to let myself forgot about all the things that could happen, even for just a little while.

I was standing with Jake and Andrea, trying to lose myself in the moment. Andrea was telling a story about her latest training mishap, and Jake was laughing heartily, but my eyes kept drifting toward the group of leaders gathered on the other side of the room. Eric was among them, his presence a magnetic pull I couldn't quite ignore. We haven't spoken to one another since I left his apartment that morning.

Him, being busy with leadership duties and me, fear sims and keeping up with the double life I feel like I'm living. Even though I should be using Eric for more information, I've come to the realization that that it's more than that. I've found myself looking for him in crowds, thinking about him when my mind finally starts to settle down.

I don't think I would be doing those things if I didn't feel anything towards him.

"Jo, you with us?" Jake asked, nudging me gently.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just distracted."

Andrea rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on, Jo. We're at a party. Try to have some fun."

I nodded, doing my best to push thoughts of Eric out of my mind. But as if summoned by my thoughts, a group of initiates approached us, and among them was Dylan.

"Hey, Dylan," I replied, trying to keep my tone light and friendly.

Andrea raised an eyebrow at me, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Looks like someone's got an admirer."

I shot her a warning look, but she just laughed and turned back to Jake. Dylan seemed oblivious to her teasing, his focus entirely on me.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked, looking hopeful.

Before I could respond, a voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding. "Initiate."

I turned to see Eric standing a few feet away, his eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. The other leaders had paused their conversation, watching the scene with interest.

"Eric," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Eric's gaze flicked to Dylan, his expression hardening. "I need to talk to you. Now."

Dylan's face fell, and he took a step back. "Maybe later, Jo."

"Dylan, wait—" I began, but Eric's hand on my arm silenced me. His grip was firm, not painful, but insistent.

"You heard me," Eric said, his voice low and dangerous. "Now."

I felt a surge of anger and embarrassment. "Fine," I said, pulling my arm free. "What do you want?"

Eric led me to a quieter corner of the Pit, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. He turned to face me, his expression a mix of anger and something else I couldn't quite place.

"What are you doing with him?" he demanded.

I crossed my arms over my chest, meeting his gaze defiantly. "Talking. It's a party, Eric. People talk."

His eyes narrowed. "You know that's not what I mean. He has a thing for you."

"So?" Eric's stare is intense, and he's obviously pissed. "You're jealous," I said, a hint of teasing in my voice.

Eric's eyes flashed dangerously. "This isn't a joke."

I tilted my head, studying him. "Eric, it's a party. Dylan is just a friend. Why are you so worked up about this?"

"Because you know who I am," he snapped, stepping closer. "And I don't like other guys looking at you or talking to you like that. You're mine."

I blinked, taken aback by the possessiveness in his voice. "We're back to this caveman act?"

Eric's jaw clenched, his eyes boring into mine. "It's not an act. I don't want to see you with anyone else."

I took a step back, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. "Eric, this isn't how it works. You don't get to decide who I talk to or who I spend time with. I'm not some possession you can control."

Eric scoffs, taking a step closer to me, and tells me with a low voice, "I may not be able to control you, but I can make that kids life a whole lot tougher here."

My jaw drops. "You wouldn't," I say in disbelief.

"Try me."

"You're fucking toxic."

Before Eric could respond, Four appeared, his expression calm but his eyes blazing. "Is there a problem here?"

Eric's eyes flashed with anger again. "Stay out of this, Four."

Four's gaze didn't waver. "I think I'll hang here for a while."

Eric turned his anger on Four, his fists clenching at his sides. "You always have to be the hero, don't you? Think you can just swoop in and save the day?"

Four stepped closer, his stance protective. "I'm not trying to be a hero. I'm trying to stop you from being an ass."

Eric's face twisted with rage, and for a moment, I thought he might actually throw a punch. But then he took a deep breath, visibly calming himself.

Eric looks directly at me, fury all over his face. "This isn't over."

With that, he turned and stalked off, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding,

Four turned to me, his expression softening. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was. "Yeah, I'm good."

"What was that about?"

"You know Eric, always trying to pick a fight," I say with a shrug of my shoulders, trying to brush it off.

Four stares at me, he clearly knows I'm lying but thankfully doesn't push it. He gives my shoulder a comforting squeeze and walks off.

I walked back to where Jake and Andrea were standing, doing my best to compose myself. Andrea's eyes met mine, filled with concern. She leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you okay?"

I gave her a quick nod, forcing a smile. "I'll tell you about it later."

Andrea nodded in acceptance, her expression understanding. Jake and the others seemed oblivious to the tension that had just unfolded, for which I was grateful.

The rest of the party passed uneventfully, though I couldn't fully relax. My mind kept drifting back to the confrontation with Eric and the intensity in his eyes. Eventually, the party began to wind down, and we all started to head back to the dorm.

As we approached the entrance, a guard stood waiting. Confusion rippled through our group.

"What's a guard doing here?" Jake muttered, echoing everyone's thoughts.

The guard's eyes locked onto me. "Jo, you're needed."

Panic surged through me. Was I found out? My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped forward. "What's this about?"

The guard's face remained impassive. "You'll find out soon enough. Come with me."

My mind raced with worst-case scenarios as the guard led me away from the dorm. When we were far enough from the others, he finally spoke. "Eric requested you be escorted back to his apartment."

Relief and confusion mixed in my chest. While I was relieved I wasn't found out, the fact that Eric had requested me in such a public manner made my stomach churn. The guard now likely suspected something, and that worried me even more.

We reached Eric's apartment, and the guard knocked on the door. Eric opened it, his expression unreadable. "Get in," he said curtly, stepping aside to let me pass. He nodded in thanks to the guard, who then turned and walked away.

"What the actual hell, Eric?"

"He's not gonna say anything," he says as he shuts the door. "He's a friend."

"Hmph, surprised you have any of those," I say, crossing my arms.

Eric isn't amused.

"What do you want?"

Eric's face softened slightly, but his eyes still held that intense edge. "I didn't like seeing him all over you."

I roll my eyes. "He was literally just talking to me."

"I know, but I still didn't like it. I don't like anyone looking at you like that." Eric pauses, seemingly trying to figure out what he wants to say next. "I know you're not my possession, but seeing guys around you, it sets me on edge."

I raised an eyebrow, my anger giving way to a mix of confusion and empathy. "I understand, Eric. But you can't make a scene every time a guy comes up to me. You know that."

He nodded, though the annoyance was still evident in his expression. "I know."

We stood there in silence for a moment, the tension between us palpable. Then, Eric took a step closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "I want you," he tells me.

My eyes widen at his bluntness. "W-what?"

"I want you to know, that I want you," Eric hands comes up to my chin and tilts my head up. "Tell me what you want."

With no hesitation I whisper, "I want you too."

For a moment, we stood there, the world outside forgotten. Then, Eric leans in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was both fierce and tender. I melt into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I returned the kiss with equal intensity. The kiss deepened, our breaths mingling as the heat between us grew. Eric's hands roamed down my back, pulling me closer, and I could feel the tension and frustration from earlier melting away in the warmth of his embrace.

My fingers tangled in his hair, and I felt his grip on me tighten. The kiss grew more urgent, more demanding, and a small moan escaped my lips. The sound seemed to spur Eric on, and he pressed me against the wall, his body flush against mine. The room seemed to spin around us, the world narrowing down to just the two of us and the electric connection we shared.

But as much as I wanted to lose myself in him, a small voice in the back of my mind reminded me of the reality outside these walls. With a reluctant sigh, I gently pushed against Eric's chest, breaking the kiss.

"I should go back to the dorm," I whispered, my breath still coming in quick gasps.

Eric rested his forehead against mine, his own breathing ragged. "Stay a little longer," he murmured, his voice rough with desire.

I shook my head, though it took all my willpower to do so. "I can't. Not tonight."

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine for a moment before he nodded. "Alright."

With one last, lingering kiss, I stepped out of his embrace and made my way to the door. Eric followed me, his hand lingering on the doorknob as he opened it for me. "Be careful," he said softly.

"I will," I replied, my heart still racing from our encounter.

As I walked back to the dorm, the night air cool against my flushed skin, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.