Aria I'm staring at Lucas like he’s just asked me to calculate Pi to the thousandth decimal. Lost for words doesn’t even cover it. What the actual fuck is Serena’s deal? Seriously, who wakes up and decides to ruin someone else’s life for fun? I’m still processing when Lucas gives me that look…the
Aria “Now squat.” I glare at him over my shoulder. “You just want a fucking view of my ass.” He grins, completely unapologetic. “And? Get to it.” Laughing despite myself, I do as he says. “Happy now?” “Very. The view’s incredible.” My legs are shaking like fucking jelly. Is this training or s
Aria “Why the fuck did you keep this away from me?” Lucas asks, his voice sharp and cutting. His glare is practically stabbing holes in me. “Aria, that person literally threatened your fucking life. How could you not tell me?” I sigh, dragging a hand through my hair like it might somehow calm the
“It was her!” Coach John exclaims, looking genuinely shocked. “I thought for sure it was that bastard Ethan.” “I can’t fucking believe this,” I can’t help but mutter under my breath.” My hands clench into fists. Why the hell would Vanessa do this to me? How many times do I have to tell her I’m not
Lucas I can’t fucking believe this. Exhaustion? Aria passed out because she was stressed out and overworked? How the hell did I not see that coming? She skipped breakfast, looked like she was carrying the weight of the damn world, and that stupid box practically had her spiraling. I should’ve know
“I can protect her,” I spit back. “Bullshit,” he fires, his voice rising. “Your father won’t even let her set foot in Shadow Pang territory. You’re putting her in danger just by keeping her close.” The words hit me like a sucker punch. For a second, I want to snap back…hell, maybe even scream that
Lucas My head’s spinning like I’ve had one too many shots of tequila, except this time, the hangover's coming from life itself. I’m stuck on this damn ship, no woods, no moonlit runs, no escape. Just me, my wolf, and this constant pressure like I’m holding up the goddamn sky. I head to the game r
Lucas I see red. Before I even realize it, my hands are around his throat. His eyes widen as I squeeze tighter, his struggles growing weaker by the second. "Let me go, you bastard," Ethan chokes out. "No... I want you to die. Die, you fucking bastard!" "Lucas!" Damon’s voice cuts through the ha
Mia “You’re finally here,” Lily says the second Theo and Damon step into Joy Park. She’s all grins like we didn’t just spend hours waiting. “And are you sure you weren’t followed?” “We were, actually.” Theo wipes his forehead like a dramatic diva. “But we lost ’em. Shit was wild.” “You both look
…. I step out of the shower, a towel snug around my waist, water dripping from my hair. Great. Lucas has already showered, thrown on one of Sarita's mate’s clothes, and is probably waiting for me to figure out my next move. And here I am, with zero clothes of my own. Ugh. I glance at the closet are
Aria Before I know it, Lucas is on top of me, his lips crashing against mine, leaving me breathless. My hands instinctively slide up his back, nails grazing his skin as I pull him closer. His weight presses me into the mattress, and all I can think is how much I fucking missed this. “Lucas…” I ma
Aria The taxi ride is long as hell…like, long enough for me to question my entire life. But exhaustion wins, and we both end up passing out. I wake up drooling on his shoulder just as we pull up to this apartment building that looks like a bougie-ass getaway spot. It’s all glitzy and modern, with
Aria I pull up at Joy Park, practically sprinting out of the car like I’m running for a meet-and-greet with Beyoncé. The place is crawling with people, kids screaming, couples taking selfies, some dude trying to juggle flaming torches. Classic Saturday chaos. I’m on a mission, though. Mia and Lily
She shakes her head. “I can’t. Alpha Marcus will kill me!” “Maria, please,” Theo pleads, turning up the charm to 11. He grabs her hands, and I swear she melts on the spot. “We just wanna see him. Nothing else.” “Fine,” she sighs, her cheeks still red. “But you owe me.” “Anything you want,” Theo w
“Yeah, but—” “No buts. Get in. Wait for his car to go inside, then floor it. Head to Joy’s Park. Mia and Lily are waiting for you.” “What about you?” I ask, my voice shaky as hell. She slams the car door, her eyes fierce. “I’ll distract them. Now go.” I duck my head as her dad’s car pulls up. My
Aria I’m in the room, mentally spiraling, when Vanessa busts in like she’s in an action movie. She slams the door shut and glances around like she’s expecting an ambush. Then she full-on shudders. “Fuck me,” she groans, waving her hand in front of her face like she just walked into a swamp. “This
“Thanks, Dad,” I mutter, already heading for the stairs. I climb up, my stomach knotting tighter with every step. I don’t even know if they’re keeping Aria in the mansion. What if she’s in the dungeon? But no, Ethan’s gross obsession with her makes it more likely she’s stashed away in one of these