Gaia's POV

Fear spikes through me, but I force myself to stay calm. To keep my expression open and apologetic.

"Oh Goddess, I'm so sorry!" I pull my hand back, laughing with embarrassment. "I'm way more drunk than I thought. Look—my claws are even coming out." I gesture at my partially shifted fingernails. "Thank God your collar didn't fall. I'll buy you a new shirt tomorrow, okay?"

Jackson's eyes remain narrow. Suspicious.

But I hold his gaze, let him see nothing ...