Aria's POV“Oh no, oh no,” I muttered under my breath, panic surging through me as I scanned left and right for an escape. I needed a miracle to get me out of here.Last night with Knox had filled me with happiness, but I was still painfully aware of the sneers and pointing fingers this morning. So, I had decided to avoid them as much as possible. I didn’t want anything to steal my joy.Liam and I had paused as we stared at each other from the opposite sides of a deserted hallway that was rarely used, which was exactly why I had followed it – to keep my distance from the others.Unfortunately, my decision had brought me to this horrible situation – face-to-face with my ex-mate, Liam Reed. Liam began walking towards me with a determined look in his eyes.Immediately, I whirled around and began walking back the way I came. I would rather face the pointing fingers and the sneers a million times than see Liam again.“Aria!” He called with a plea in his voice.I ignored him, and increased
Aria’s POV“What do you think you’re doing, boy?” A cold, authoritative voice cut through the air.Liam flinched and jumped back as though my skin had burned him. Relief flooded through me as I heard that voice.Knox stood there, with a calm posture, but his gray eyes were burning with fury, like a thunderstorm. A chill ran down my spine at the fury in his gaze. He looked nothing like the soft Knox that I had been with a few hours ago.“Un… Uncle Knox,” Liam stammered with a shaky smile, stepping away from me slowly “I… I didn’t hear you come.”Knox’s eyes flashed with disgust as he gave him an icy look. “No, you didn’t, you were too busy harassing m–an omega.” Knox replied coldly.Knox had almost called me his mate. For some reason though, my heart clenched in pain as he called me an omega, even though I was the one that had asked him not to tell his family yet. He was just respecting my wishes.Liam released a shaky laugh. “Oh no, no, Uncle, you must be mistaken, I was just–”Knox t
Aria's POVToday was Knox's last day in the Gray Moon pack, and that meant that it was mine also. Excitement flooded through me at that thought, and I snapped my eyes open.Knox squeezed himself by me, and was sleeping soundly. It never ceased to amaze me how he could sleep on my awful bed after being used to so much luxury.“Good morning, Knox.” I greeted him when he finally blinked his eyes open.He grinned the moment his gaze landed on mine, and his eyes brightened.“Good morning, little angel.” He murmured huskily.“How was your sleep?” I asked softly.His grin widened. “The best,” he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.His eyes gleamed with amusement when he saw my doubtful look. But I didn't say anything about his words.He stood up from the bed, and began putting on his clothes, while I sat up on the bed, and feasted my eyes on his naked body with a thrill.“You know,” he started with a dark voice, “If you keep on looking at me like that, I won't be leaving here anytime soon.
Aria's POV“Oh yes of course, Aria,” Alpha Maxwell released a forced laugh. He didn't care what my name was. “So, I know you don't know what you were called here for, so I'll go straight to the point.”Whatever it was, wasn't going to favour me, I just knew it.“My son has asked for a birthday present, and I want to grant it as it is quite simple.”Simple for who? I thought to myself in concern.“Anna, my son, the alpha-to-be of this pack, told me that the two of you were lovers before he found his mate. So he has requested for you to be his consort,” Alpha Maxwell declared.My mouth gaped open in shock. What the hell? I thought to myself. Liam was lying that we were lovers, not mates.I turned to Liam in disbelief. He was smiling at me with happiness.“Consort? Liam, you have a mate!” I exclaimed.Alpha Maxwell cleared his throat. “It doesn't matter, an alpha male has a higher need for sex than a regular male. The need is usually too much for one female to handle, so it is recommende
Aria's POVLiam gaped at him in disbelief. “Wh… What? I… I don't understand. Why?” He stammered.Knox didn't reply. He just stood there with an unflinching gaze. It was Alpha Maxwell that repeated the question.“Knox, what do you mean?” He asked in obvious confusion.“You told me the first day I came here that I could pick any female I wanted,” Knox replied.Maxwell furrowed his eyebrows. “Yeah, but you said you weren't interested. I've always made that offer to you whenever you come around, but you've never been interested.”Knox shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, now I am, and Aria is who I'm interested in.”Maxwell looked at Knox oddly. “But isn't she too young for you? She's more in Liam's age group. I can get you someone more experienced and mature,” Maxwell urged.I hid a snarl at that suggestion. Rhea, my wolf, growled lightly. Knox was our mate. How dare they?Knox's gaze did not waver. “There will be no need for that, brother. I want Aria.”Liam shook his head frantically. “No, pl
Aria’s POV“You told me that you were keeping yourself for your fucking mate!” Liam growled, his eyes blazed in fury and frustration. He was finding it hard to express himself the way he wanted to because that would mean exposing to everyone in the room that we were formerly mates.“So you see,” Veronica continued with a smug smile, “Aria is a whore.”Liam was finding it hard to restrain himself from lunging at me. It was Knox’s presence besides me that stopped him.“Who is he? Huh? Who is that fucking bastard? Tell me, so I can rip his fucking head off!” Liam barked.“Calm down, Liam. Why are you getting so agitated?” Maxwell asked with a curious look on his face.Liam clamped his mouth shut, grinding his teeth in fury as he glared at me venomously.Knox’s jaw tightened, and he gave Veronica an icy glare. “Did you see who this person was?” He asked coldly.Veronica’s smile faltered slightly. “No, Your Majesty,” she admitted, glancing around for help, “but… but people heard it. The no
Aria’s POVKnox had gone back to his room in the pack to prepare for his departure, and I prepared for mine also, as I gathered the little miserable belongings that I had in my room. As I packed, I felt no sadness or sense of loss. All I felt was excitement and anticipation. I couldn't wait to be free from this place.Someone knocked on the door of my room, and I furrowed my eyebrows in thought. Who could it be?It couldn't be Mama Felz. She never knocked. It couldn't be Knox. He wouldn't knock, because he knew he didn't need to.I felt a sliver of fear as I wondered if it was Liam, who was back for revenge.“Who is it?” I called, making sure I kept my voice steady.“It's me.” A familiar voice replied—Claire.I paused. What was Claire doing here? After all those things she said the last time, what else was she here for?I reluctantly opened the door, and I stood in front of the door frame with a cold expression on my face. Claire had a somber expression on her face.“What do you want?
Aria’s POV“I swear, those fucking gossips have nothing better to do in life.” Mama Felz growled, plopping down on her worn-out couch with a groan.My heart ached as I glanced around Mama Felz's place. This was my childhood home.Mama Felz had unofficially adopted me when I was being bullied relentlessly. She did that to put a warning sign on my head to stop others from bullying me.When she adopted me, she warned me several times.“I'm not your fucking mother, so don't expect me to act like one. Only come to me for help during a life or death situation.” she said several times.However, when I came to her for little things that were unnecessary, she would glare at me, but still do it.If I didn't come to her for help, and I messed up, she would still glare at me while she helped me fix up my mess.My heart ached as I looked around the chaotic place that had always been my sanctuary. Mama Felz may have glared, growled, and cussed, but she had saved me more times than I could count.I
Aria's POVI ran a hand through my hair in frustration as I stared at the empty hallway. Why did I do that?‘Because it was the right thing to do,’ the dark voice whispered.“Shut up,” I gritted through clenched teeth.‘He’s trying to control you, to make you weak.’“Shut up!” I snapped louder, and my voice echoed in the hallway. My hands clenched into fists, and for once, the voice went silent and retreated.I released a sigh of relief, as I finally felt like I could think clearly. I released a sigh as my mind raced. I needed to speak to Knox and apologize. I shouldn’t have snapped at him. But where was I going to find him? His office, his room, or somewhere else.I ignored my aching muscles as I made my way out of my room to find him. The visit to the pack clinic could wait for now.I decided to go check out his office first. My body hurt as I walked, but I focused on Knox and my regret for snapping at him to get strength to move on.I ignored the weird looks I got from the pack mem
Aria's POVAt Knox's words, I paused with a small wince.“Well…” I started, and Knox also paused, lifting an eyebrow at me in question.“I want to go on my own.” I said softly, but steadily. “I don't want you to come with me, let me handle it myself.”He hesitated, clearly unhappy as he crossed his arms with narrowed eyes.“Why not? Is there a problem with me walking you there?”I shook my head quickly. “It’s not that. I just... I want to do this on my own. I need to.”His jaw tensed as he watched me, “Aria, I don't want anyone taking advantage of your kindness or soft heart to disrespect you.”“I’ll be fine,” I assured him, “I want to stand on my own two feet. If you come with me, it’ll feel like I’m relying on you for everything. Please, Knox, trust me.”Knox sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I do trust you, Aria. It’s just… after that incident with Connor, I…I”He trailed off with a frustrated sigh, clenching his fists. “I just don’t want anything like that to happen again.
Aria's POVI froze, staring at him with wide eyes, as a thrill ran down my body, even though my body was in a sorry state.“What?”He was talking about the silent treatment I had been giving him this morning.Knox laughed heartily at my reaction, “Relax, angel. I think today’s training was punishment enough, don’t you?”I exhaled sharply, feeling both relieved, annoyed and a little disappointed. “Very funny,” I muttered, glaring at him.Knox grinned, and he pushed off the door frame and headed toward the bathroom. “Let me go run that bath for you,” he said over his shoulder.As he entered the bathroom, I fell back on the bed, releasing an exhausted sigh as I stared up at the ceiling.Today had been torturous, but a little part of me felt proud of myself. This was my first step towards being stronger. If Hunter was really going to teach me how to fight, I would be stronger, not just physically but in other ways.A few minutes later, Knox returned, leaning against the door frame with a
Aria's POVAs I rose to my feet, I winced at my aching muscles. They would certainly hurt more later on. My throat was parched, and I desperately needed water. The thought of walking all the way back to my room to get some made me groan inwardly.Just as I was about to force myself to start the long trek, a bottle of water was thrust toward me. Startled, I looked up to see Hunter standing there with his usual sneer on his face.I hesitated, eyeing the bottle suspiciously. For a moment, I wondered if he had done something to it—poisoned it, maybe. Besides, he was Astrid's brother after all.“Take it or don’t. Your choice.” He said flatly, and his eyes shone with impatience at my hesitation.I clenched my jaw, thinking about my two choices. I could reject the water out of pride, or I could accept it because I needed it. At the end, the dryness in my throat won the battle, and reluctantly, I reached out and collected the bottle of water.“Thanks,” I muttered reluctantly.Hunter snorted.
Aria's POVThe distance they stood at was far enough that I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Knox murmured to Hunter, and I tried to pick up what he was telling Hunter by reading his lips or by watching Hunter’s facial expression. However, to my disappointment, I couldn’t pick up what he was saying, and Hunter kept his blank, so I couldn’t even get a hint.I turned away from them disappointed, deciding to wait for them to finish their private discussion instead. Internally, I was slightly upset that I was being excluded.A few minutes later, they both walked back to where I stood.“Hey,” Knox said softly, “You’re in good hands, alright? Like I said earlier, Hunter is a very good and experienced fighter. One of the best in this pack, actually. I might be a better fighter than he is, but he’s a much better teacher.” He assured me.I nodded in understanding, but internally I was panicking inside because very soon, I would be left alone with Hunter.“Take care of yourself, I’ll come s
Aria's POVKnox watched me for a moment with a piercing gaze, and I had to force myself not to look guilty or tense. At that moment, his eyes were unnerving, as though they were piercing into my soul.Finally, he nodded, and I sighed internally in relief. ‘That was not a comfortable feeling,’ I thought to myself.Knox placed a soft kiss on my lips. “Rest up now, Aria. I’m right here,” he murmured softly, and I closed my eyes.“Remember that you have training with Hunter this morning by 6am,” he added.Immediately, my eyes flew open, and my heart raced – I had totally forgotten. No matter how excited I wanted to be about learning how to defend myself, the fact that it was Hunter that would train me, really dimmed my excitement.Knox’s voice cut through my thoughts. “I know you’re excited about tomorrow, but you need to go back to sleep.” He must have mistaken my racing heart for excitement, and not panic.But I obeyed, and closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down as I tried to sleep
Aria's POV“You are the cause of all this,” the voice cackled. “Their blood is on your hands, you've brought death upon them... this is your power, Aria.” The voice was getting closer now, but I was frozen in terror.“Embrace it, Aria. This is what you are meant to be.”I scrambled to my feet, but the bodies were everywhere. I couldn't escape them. It was my fault. I had done this.I turned to look at Knox’s body again, as the guilt ate into me.“Accept it, Aria. You have the power. You always have. You are the one who ended their lives. You are to be feared. You're the one who destroys. Embrace your strength. Embrace who you are.”I collapsed to my knees, and closed my ears with my shaking hands to block out that dark voice. “No, no, no.” I mumbled over and over.But the voice didn’t stop. It became even louder, forcing its way into my mind.“You are more than what you think. You are unstoppable. Powerful. The blood is your birthright. You will take what is yours, and you will make t
Aria's POV~A week later~“Knox?” I called softly as we lay on the bed in my room. We were about to sleep. For some reason, Knox kept sleeping in my room, but I had never seen his own room.Whenever I asked him about his room, he always said, “Yours is more comfortable, so why bother?”He had even brought more of his clothes into my room so that he could dress in my room.He turned to me, yawning with sleepy eyes. “Yeah?”I bit my lips softly before I replied. “I want to learn how to fight,” I told him.He furrowed his eyebrows. “Why? Who are you fighting?” Then he paused with a small frown. “Did someone threaten you?” He growled.I shook my head, as I quickly sat up. “No, no. It's…it's nothing like that. No one is threatening me, Knox,” I said firmly.And that was true. Since that incident with Connor at the pack clinic, no one had approached me to say anything insulting. The people that disliked me could only glare at me and give me angry looks. Nothing more. Not even Astrid said an
Knox's POV“Do you think not telling me will protect them?” I asked coldly. “All you’re doing is making it worse for them. I will find out, Aria. One way or another. You should know that by now.”Her eyes widened, but she didn’t respond.I took a step back, with a hard glare on my face.“And when I do, there will be no mercy. If you had told me their names, I might have considered being lenient. But now? Now, they’ll face the full wrath of the Alpha King—and the wolf who protects his mate.”I could see a hint of fear cross her face. However, she wasn't scared of me. She was scared of what I would do to those people. Good.I turned away from her. “You’re mine, Aria. And I won’t allow anyone to treat you with disrespect. Not ever.”After my declaration, I went to sit on my chair behind the table, and there was a tense silence.Aria fidgeted as she stood there, avoiding my eyes. I wondered what was going through her mind at that point.As I opened my mouth to ask her to take a seat, a lo