Aria's POV"See," Natasha smirked. "He doesn't love you."Words cling to the roof of my mouth, unable to justify the love Nicholas and I had. I am once again deluded by idealism, wishing that what we had was genuine. But hearing him say he doesn't love me made me reconsider all we'd done. What am I to him if he doesn't love me? A hoe he can use when he gets horny? A mate that he can manipulate?"What makes you different?" I replied, annoyed. "Don't act superior since you're not loved either. Fuck buddy, sure. Cheap!"Natasha was about to grab my hair in rage when I descended, barely hearing her frustrated ranting. After exiting the pack house, I let out a long sigh as everything began to sink in while Nicholas' response to Matthew's question replayed in my head. He doesn't love—plain and simple.Fuck you, Nicholas.My heart was heavy, yet no tears flowed from my eyes, maybe due to the rage and fury I was feeling within. I expected more from him, but he delivered less. And being deceiv
Aria's POV"What kind of training is this?" I complained.The happy hormones I had earlier when he said he would train me died down when he brought me to a construction site. I don't intend to be a laborer. But the shameless Nicholas made me lift concrete blocks and helped the omegas construct the incomplete building. I didn't fucking sign for this."The training is already a breeze for you. I don't need to teach you anything but this," he said.My forehead, nose, and face were all covered in sweat. Nicholas even had me wear a head protection that was too loose for me, covering my eyes each time, which was irritating. And despite wearing gloves, I could still feel the block's roughness in my palm because the ghoul Nicholas forced me to carry the rough one even though there was a smooth variant.I wanted to cry."Aria, this isn't too hard."I forcibly carried two blocks at a time while rolling my eyes at him. I wonder if this is his retribution for my lack of attention to him last nigh
Aria's POVI couldn't help but laugh as Nicholas's face could no longer be drawn because of its excessive frown. He wasn't moving while the manicurist painted his fingernails like an obedient puppy.Earlier, he was cursing and ranting. Maybe he got tired—a reason for his mouth to shut, though I could feel his annoyance. Nicholas must have known what I felt earlier. In point of fact, the nail color I requested from the nail technician to be put on him can be easily washed off with water. I have no intention of spoiling his reputation. I just want to annoy him. But he had no idea it was erasable."You're happy now?" Nicholas sarcastically asked.I bit my lower lips, trying to stop myself from bursting into a laugh. Nicholas looks cute with his pink nails despite his masculine figure. He is like a mash-up of Ken and Barbie. It was hilariously funny."I didn't expect that pink nails look good on you," I teased."Shut up, Aria."I also heard some of the staff laughing along, which earned
Aria's POVEach pack was present in the House of Justice during Crescentius' trial. I never anticipated arriving at this hellhole that no pack has dreamed of. Those who commit crimes are dealt with in the house of justice. Fortunately, I came here as a spectator rather than a guilty party."I haven't seen them yet; weren't they meant to arrive early?" I asked Nicholas.Only a few empty seats were available in the spacious area, which was about to be filled, but Mysha and Luke were not yet visible. The central spot is still vacant, and no sign of them in the vicinity. I would rather not think adversely. In light of the fact that not going to this preliminary would mean they're blameworthy."Let's wait for the elders, who are also not on their designated thrones." He responded. "Maybe they're just around the corner."Nicholas was right; a few minutes after the elders came, Mysha and Luke arrived, as did a specific man who had a chain around his wrist and was standing in front of the eld
Aria's POVThe second trial will take place on the 13th of next month. Unfortunately, my hailing ceremony is at the same time, so even if I wanted to support Mysha, I wouldn't be able to because I would also be busy."It's a close trial, Aria." Nicholas reminded me, "even if we have a schedule that works, we still couldn't get in and witness."I know. Nonetheless, support extends beyond simply attending the hearing. There are a lot of options. It just needs effort. Though, I know that regardless of what I do, Mysha may still be enraged.Rather than being straightforward with me, Mysha is making me go through this labyrinth of whatnot that main she knows about. I'm not even a seer or a magician. She can't expect me to understand her thoughts and resolve her enmity. That's not how it works."Oh, Mysha! Mysha!" I chanted, swirling in the air. "How can I appease your anger?"Nicholas amusedly watched me do my craziness, plastering a genuine smile on his face. Although handsome, I couldn'
Aria's POVMy head hurts so badly that I think it's splitting open. Despite the heavy eyelids, I awoke. I can't recall what occurred last night. The only thing I remember is Nicholas and I had a heart-to-heart talk about some not-so-important issues."Good morning," Nicholas spoke as he kissed my lips.My brow furrowed after realizing I hadn't washed my teeth yet and prolly had bad breath. However, what surprised me the most wasn't the kiss. It was the fact that I was nude. Did we?I pulled the blanket tightly around my body, subconsciously biting the brim, trying to remember how we got here and how I became naked. My head was barren of ideas, and even recalling how I became intoxicated was like a camel passing through a needle hole."Why am I not dressed?"Things are confusing me. If something had happened to us. I would have felt an uncomfortable sensation between my thighs, but nothing. Besides, Nicholas would never seize an opportunity. He's better than that."You don't remember?
Aria's POVThe weekend has arrived, and as we discussed the night before, Nicholas and I went shopping for a frock to wear to the ceremony. Likewise, it was our way of at least having a date outside of the pack because the place he selected for us to visit is no longer a part of Red Moon.I believe it was named Silver Glaze Pack or something related to glaze. That seemed odd, and the name reminded me of a glazed doughnut. Speaking of which, I'm craving a doughnut."Which is better, this one," I asked Nicholas, pointing to the mermaid-like gown studded with pearls and diamonds or "this one," pointing to the white silk-fitting dress that is a little exposing.For my tastes, I favor the latter. Yet, the event is formal, so a decent outfit is better, especially since a few other Alphas and Lunas are invited."Whichever of the two you like, Aria. I'd have no say. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable."This is what I appreciate about him. He's protective of me in ways that don't go beyo
Aria's POVThe Ancestral Hall, where the ritual is held, is what I can see out of the window. The dated building has been transformed into an excellent one with a grandiose design. The entrance was embellished with vines, butterflies, and a motif that resembled a portal on the door. It exceeded my expectations.Everyone who entered would get the illusion that they were traveling through a separate dimension, even if they weren't. During the pre-planning, I made sure to point out these particulars to the organizer, and they both concurred. I informed them that the cotton-white theme would be applied inside the Hall and the forest-themed ones would be outside. While the interior was delicate and graceful, the exterior was aggressive and organic. It was how I imagined the afterlife to be.The rituals haven't started yet, but the tension in my chest is mounting. And my nerves were amplified as the loud music began to play, signaling that the ceremony was about to start.I sighed, turned
Nicholas I was peering out the window, clutching the cigarette I had just lighted, waiting for an update. I sent Kairo to spy on Crescentius, but the fool was caught, so I despatched Milan to spy. I was in the midst of my thought when the door to my office opened, and the wounded Kairo appeared. Angry, I delivered a powerful punch to his face, causing him to fly against the wall. He groaned in pain before falling to his knees. "You careless fool!" I growled. Kairo coughed up blood before struggling to rise. He was tortured so much because of the number of wounds on his body. Well, Luke does not easily let go of rogues. They kill them after torturing them. So how did Kairo get away? I puffed on my cigarettes, thinking about something. "How did you escape?" "Trek's youngest daughter released me," he admitted. I throw my cigarettes away while hearing Kairo's pathetic report. He was saved by a woman and not just any ordinary she-wolf, for she is the enemy's daughter. Look at how fa
Aria's POVNatasha's rage puts the baby she's carrying in danger. Fortunately, Doctor Green intervened quickly to prevent a possible miscarriage. So, instead of coming in the hospital for a check-up, Natasha ended up being confined. Her pregnancy wasn't quite healthy; a little stress would have stripped the pups she was carrying away."Let her take this medicine on a daily basis; it will help the baby grow healthy inside her," Doctor Green stated as she handed us a pill.She spoke softly, moved smoothly, and was very professional. Earlier, when Natasha attempted to scratch her face and cause havoc in the hospital, she calmly dodged her attack and injected her with a calming antidote.Rejecting her was probably Matthew's biggest regret. She is the epitome of grace and elegance. Not to mention how respectable her profession is. If I were in her shoes, I would never assist the woman my mate prefers over me. Nonetheless, she put her personal life aside and remain professional. She handl
Aria's POVLast night's conversation with Nicholas took us nowhere. He became irritated, so instead of staying outside for a few hours, we returned home earlier than planned. But, to be fair, despite his irritation, he didn't left me there. He's truly improved; perhaps he learned his lesson from the past."Luna Aria, there's a letter for you," Elora said as she handed me an envelope.I accepted it while combing my hair. The texture and fragrance of the envelope felt familiar. Only Crescentius sent letters on ivory paper, and the logo on the front of the envelope proved my claim. When I opened it, there was a small piece of paper stick inside. "M.S." I read the writing at the bottom.After reading the letter's contents, my breath caught in my throat and I had to stop combing my hair. I went back and read what had been said to make sure it wasn't just a delusion, but it wasn't. It was real. Mysha send me a letter. She wished for us to speak.My heart swelled with excitement. I have be
Aria's POVWe returned home as dusk approached. I knew Nicholas had made us stay in the village for a half-day so I could spend time with my new found family. That man frequently works behind my back, not to hurt me, but to make me happy."I wish I'd get to reconcile with, Mysha," I blurted out as we approached the gate.The previous conflict had been resolved. Nicholas and I are also steadily establishing our relationship, and my human family has accepted me. Only my relationship with Mysha remains unresolved. "You'll reconcile sooner, love. Let time heal the wounds of the past or....how about you reach out for her?" he advised as he parked the car.My goal had always been to mend our shattered connection. I want to reach out to her, but every time our previous encounter comes to mind, fear stops me. She wanted me dead. So I'm worried that if I go to Crescentius, I won't make it out alive. Aside from my issue with Mysha, Alpha Luke had also disgusted me. I knew he was rational, but
Aria's POVI was drifting off into space, recalling what had just transpired. Things had quickly gotten out of hand. I'm not sure how to respond to all of the thoughts racing through my mind. It's commendable that the Elder acted fast and dispatched someone to address the disagreement. They also clarified what transpired in the past and cleared up any confusion. And Mysha was mistaken; our parents duped her into believing their lies, which she did.Our parents' previous attack on Rojo La Luna was laced with jealousy and threat. The reason they claimed Nicholas's parents were hiding in the rogue, even though they weren't."Are you okay?" Nicholas asked, sliding his hand on my stomach, hugging me from behind.I sighed before nodding. The trace of blood from Mysha earlier haunts me with worries. She is pregnant, yet she is willing to jeopardize her health for the sake of vengeance. Mysha is a fool for making that decision. She endangers not just her people, but also herself and the baby
Aria's POVAngered by the discourse she had with Nicholas, Mysha launched an attack. Our defense line was the first to meet Mysha's army of wolves, followed by the attacker, and they did the same. I looked at the sister I once admired, and I can't seem to find the familiarity in her anymore. She's totally different."Is there no other way to end this war?" I asked Nicholas.I don't want us to get to the point where blood is spilt and there is nothing left in the land because of my and Nicholas' parents, who are the basis of all of this. They're gone, therefore this meaningless fight must come to an end. We'll never know who uttered the truth on both sides because they're all dead. They are no longer present to testify about what occurred in the past. So, why are you still hanging on to that sad phase of life? We should all go on and forget about it. We will never progress if we remain rooted in the past. "If the Elders find out about this, both packs will suffer greatly," Natasha sa
Aria's POVI was so taken aback by Natasha's words early in the morning that I didn't have time to shower, brush my teeth, or even get dressed. I followed her in my pajamas to the packhouse, where all of the officials were already dressed in war gear. They look like royal armies ready for battle, whilst I am completely unprepared. My form right now was so out of place."How did you know my sister was coming?" I asked Nicholas, who was perched on his seat.Despite the fact that Mysha and I do not get along as siblings. Maybe she thought of me as a stranger by now. Hurting her feels like a second regret that I'll have to live with for the rest of my life. My parents' demise made me realize how important family is. I can't face the idea that something horrible will happen to her."Our Crescentius spy delivered us a message," he explained.He had planted a spy in Crescentius? How could I have missed that? "Why do you have a spy there?"A gust of doubt hustled through my nascent trust in
Aria's POVNicholas' feverish kisses resumed once we entered his car. I was a little sober from the inebriated sensation, but a slight touch from him put me on my knees. I surrendered myself to him, ignoring my rationality. I couldn't stand the heat. Nicholas' kisses literally steal my sanity."You taste like honey, my sweet," he said in my ear as his hand began to make advances on my body.Our movement is restricted, though, due to the limited space within Nicholas's automobile. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine making out inside a car. It made me feel both scared and excited. Fear of being caught. Thrill at the prospect of new experiences."Nicholas, can't we be seen here?" I told him. He planted soft kisses on my neck. "It's tinted, baby. Don't worry." I know it's tinted, but we're in the werewolf realm. Their vision is more developed than that of humans, and they could presumably see what's within even if it was tinted. Nicholas must have forgotten it because he was so co
Aria's POVThe meeting was cut short due to Luna Beatrice's temper tantrums. Nicholas can't forced Alpha Dony to return so that they can continue what they're talking about."Should we go see the cityscape?" he inquired.We were heading back to Red Moon around five o'clock. I'm not sure what Nicholas' plan is, but he mentioned the cityscape. Perhaps because it's almost night and the light there is excellent."It all depends on you; what are your plans?"I'm game for anything he wanted to do. Aside from the fact that we only go out from the pack on rare occasions, this could be a nice time to decompress."Let's unwind there for awhile," he said.True enough, we went directly to the city and reserved a table at one of the city's tallest restaurants. We are presently on the rooftop, from which we can overlook the entire neighborhood. This place reminds me of Antohollan; I've never been there at night, but I imagine it looks exactly like this at night. The magnificent streetlight embelli