Aria“Andy, let’s play a game. I will take you to the ladies’ room and you must lock yourself in the toilet. You won’t come out until I call you, okay? Let’s play a trick on your mum,” I held Andy’s hand, leading him to the restroom as I whispered.“Won’t mum get angry with us, Aria?” Andy hesitated.“No, sweetie. We’d better hurry if we want to trick her. Okay?”I left him in the restroom, made sure he was safe and rushed down the stairs at the speed of light. Time was against me. I had delayed trying to keep Andy safe. I was quick enough and caught the culprits trying to abduct Daniels’s mother. She hadn’t noticed their presence and was looking for her phone in the car with the driver's door open. They approached her silently and one of them lifted his hand and injected her with something. Luna Sarah fell over, unconscious. They tried to take her out of the car when my voice boomed in the parking lot.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” They turned to me, confused. When the
Aria“What?” Both my father and Alpha Jackson looked at me as if I was insane. I couldn’t tell them what Lea said on the phone. Not yet. I had suspicions but had to be sure I was right before saying anything.“I mean, think about it. The rogues attacked Andy, probably knowing he was alone in the forest and now this. Who could have known that Luna Sarah would be at the mall today? I don’t think those men did it on impulse. They ran after your wife when they saw her enter that elevator alone. Someone must have tipped them off, or their leader if they have one, about it. They had wolfsbane with them, for Moon Goddesses sake, Alpha Jackson. Who carries that shit with them on impulse?” I got carried away and overreacted. I saw surprise in my father’s and father-in-law’s eyes. And then pure admiration.“Go on,” Alpha Jackson requested and looked at me eagerly.“Well, I suspect someone is informing the kidnappers about your family members’ activities. I don’t know who that person is, but we
DanielAfter my mother left for the mall with Aria and Lea, I called Alex and asked him to follow me to the mall. There was no way I would leave Aria and Lea in the same space unattended. They could seriously harm each other, and knowing Aria’s temper she would surely spill the beans to Lea and get me in trouble.When Alex asked me why I wanted to go after my mother and my girlfriend I lied about wanting to surprise Lea and buy her a delightful meal.“You were on a trip a couple of days ago and now you want to surprise her? " You must be crazy about that woman,” Alex laughed, taunting me.I didn’t reply. Was I crazy about Lea? If anyone had asked me that question at university a few weeks ago, I would have agreed without hesitation. Why did I hesitate now? My future Beta was talking to me about my girlfriend; all I could think about was Aria and how I kissed her back in the forest.Shit! Was I losing my mind? Was Aria some kind of witch? Did she use some spell on me? I shook my head in
AriaI could not believe what Daniel’s mother said. She wanted me to be appointed as her Gamma. How could that ever be possible? I was only just promoted to warrior status. Weren’t things moving too fast?“Isn’t it what you wanted, Aria? The sooner you climb ranks, the better for you. You will get closer to Daniel and have more time to seduce him. Being around his mother is a significant advantage and you’d better accept the offer,” Tania advised me and then went silent.“Mum, what are you talking about?” I turned to the sound of Daniel’s voice; he was standing at the entrance and must have heard his mother’s last words.“Aria has been a guardian angel to your brother and me, Daniel. She risked her life twice to save us from being kidnapped. I can’t think of anyone more suitable for the role,” his mother replied relentlessly.“Mum, she can do it without becoming your Gamma. We never had a female Gamma before. And aunt Gloria is your Beta without titles and stuff. Your request seems ab
DanielI left my father’s office in a rush, knowing that if I stayed any longer I would not be able to hold myself back. I would take Aria in my arms and prove myself the biggest liar ever.I didn’t know what had gotten into me to spit those harsh words at her. My father’s decision to appoint Aria as my mother’s Gamma made me feel uncomfortable. That way she would always be around me, messing with my feelings and driving me crazy with lust.I knew it wasn’t Aria’s idea but she should have refused my father’s offer. And now, as I felt her fingers caressing my chest set a fire in my insides, all I wanted was to make her mine right in that room, forgetting about my girlfriend and my responsibilities towards her.And I was going to until I closed my eyes and Lea’s pitiful face when I left her alone in my room came to my mind. I felt guilty and regretful about having sexual thoughts about Aria while Lea waited for me upstairs.Realising that Aria had been trying to seduce me angered me. D
AriaI left the packhouse feeling like a total wreck. Daniel had once again rejected me, using harsh language and insinuating that I was behind his parents’ decision to promote me to female Gamma status, a rank that had never existed.His words had a hidden meaning. Was he implying that I had something to do with the attempts against Andy and his mother? If he did, he was not just a jerk. He was the worst male pri.ck ever.“What the heck, Alicia? Is that your way of having fun? Turning every little step I make to get closer to my mate into a disaster? Do you think you can stop me this way? Let me tell you that the more you put obstacles in my way, the merrier. It will be a sweet victory after I succeed,” I sneered, talking to my predecessor.“I wouldn’t be so confident if I were you. Aria. So far, Daniel hasn’t responded to you the way you hoped. And I bet you will lose in the end, dear. I will be the winner of this bet, mark my words. I am merely giving you a taste of your own medici
AriaI left the dungeon feeling distressed. If Daniel hadn’t appeared, that bastard would have given me Erick’s name and proven my suspicions right. And now he asked Daniel to get me out of there, promising he would tell him everything.Wait! What?“Tania, if Daniel finds out who is behind this, that could ruin our plans. We won’t be able to reveal Lea’s true identity, and she will find a way and get away with it. We can’t let that happen. Not before I gain Daniel’s trust. He is so against me now that whatever I say will be taken as slander of Lea,” I told my wolf. “What do you suggest, Aria? What can we do about it?” Tania asked.“You told me you can’t use all your powers right now. How about you try? I need you to mind-link that scumbag and order him to keep his mouth shut and not tell Daniel who’s behind the attacks. Then force him to give you Erick’s name. Can you do that?” I pleaded with my wolf.“I am not sure, Aria. I will try my best, though,” Tania replied.I knew that for Ta
LeaI never expected things to turn out that way. When we left for the mall, I thought we had settled all the details of Luna Sarah’s abduction. I even left the cafeteria and guided the stupid asses on how to make a move on her.I found the opportunity and took her phone out of her bag when she gave it to me to hold and placed it near my feet. That would make Daniel’s mother return to the parking lot to look for her phone. I created the perfect opportunity for them, and they blew it. They fuck.ing blew it.When Aria came looking for Andy and me, she said she couldn't find Daniel’s mother. That gave me hope that Erick’s men had captured Luna Sarah.Everything led to that conclusion. Luna Sarah’s car was gone, and Alex took us back to the Opal Moon pack. We arrived at the pack, and there was no sign of Luna Sarah’s car.I felt at ease and entered the packhouse, awaiting the news of Luna Sarah’s kidnapping. I walked upstairs to Daniel’s room and lay on the bed, waiting for Daniel to come
Daniel I opened my eyes and watched Aria sleep. Her hand was on her swollen bump and a smile brightened her sweet features. We were supposed to sleep in different rooms since we would have our mating ceremony today but I couldn’t bear to leave her side. I got out of bed, trying not to wake her, and walked over to the window. It was dawn and the rosy glow of sunrise made the landscape dreamlike while a light breeze rustled the leaves. I planned everything with the help of my and Aria’s mothers. I wanted to surprise my mate and make today special. I even invited Ella and Darius to help me. As Aria’s closest friends, they had a special place in our lives. Ella would be my Luna’s Beta after our mating ceremony. Darius had become the second in command after my Gamma. Since he had found his mate, he was no longer a threat to me. I turned to check on Aria and she was still asleep. I left the room quietly, mind-linking our parents, Ella and Darius to meet me in my office. “Is ev
Aria I followed Daniel back into the house and upstairs to our room, still thinking about how he killed Lea to save me from nausea. He gripped my hand all the way into the packhouse and when we approached the stairs, he held me by the waist, helping me up the steps. Not even once did he mention Lea and his part in her death. His main concern was helping me into the house, ensuring I was comfortable enough to walk the long distance. Had my mate changed so much? “What more do you need as proof, Aria? He just killed his ex-girlfriend so you wouldn’t feel unwell. Cole and Daniel are ours to keep, sweetie. Please let’s leave the bad memories behind and start over, shall we?” Tania’s calm voice interrupted my thoughts and I nodded in agreement. My wolf was right. Lea was history and so were all the bad memories from when I first met Daniel. We entered our room and Daniel helped me to the sofa. “Sweetie, stay here until I get the bathtub ready okay?” he said softly and entered t
Lea I had lost count of the days. Daniel had chained me to the wall inside that dark cell, not bothering to check on me again. They fed me once a day. I was drained, filthy and exhausted, cursing Daniel for the ordeal he had put me through. He hadn’t allowed me to explain myself and justify my actions. He was too engrossed in finding that Aria bi.tch and had lost his mind. I hated that I had lost to Aria and Daniel. My stomach turned with anger and disgust. My uncle was not as strong as I’d thought. I’d staked my life on his plans; he was so sure he would succeed. His failure had cost me my freedom and could still cost me my life in the end. Once putty in my hands, Daniel had turned into my worst enemy. I thought through my actions, trying to pinpoint the mistakes that led me to be chained in a prison cell. The rest of me focused on finding a way to escape, if it was even possible. Daniel hadn’t returned since the day he imprisoned me. I wondered what he was up to. I could
Aria I packed my few belongings with Evelyn’s help, unable to believe how things had turned out for Daniel and me. I never expected him to confront Alicia demanding that she leave us in peace and then admit his true feelings in such a raw manner. I knew he was being honest, I read his thoughts. As the mother of all, I had the ability. The position had to have some benefits after all. “I am so happy for you, Aria. Being with your mate is the best thing that could happen to you at a time like this. Your pup needs his father by your side while growing inside you. And you need Daniel’s love and support. From what I heard, as the pregnancy proceeds you will get cranky and more dependent on your mate. Not that I am sure, though. I will never have the chance to feel that way,” Evelyn said, smiling bitterly only for a minute. Then her smile brightened and she patted my shoulder. “You have to promise to stay in touch, Aria. I think of you as my younger sister and I will always be there
Daniel I took Aria in my arms and rushed back to the house. Joshua and his mate were nearby and came running as soon as they saw me. “She fainted,” I explained breathlessly and Joshua led me upstairs to Aria’s room. I placed her on the bed and caressed her pale face. “The doctor is on his way,” Evelyn, Joshua’s Luna said, giving me a deadly glare. “What happened?” Joshua was calmer. “She asked me to accept her rejection and reject her back to prove my love to her. She fainted before I finished accepting her rejection,” I explained anxiously. “Are you stupid? Why would you do such a thing? Aria was simply testing you,” Evelyn reprimanded me. “She insisted it was the only way she would believe me. What else could I do?” I excused myself, holding Aria’s hand. “I can’t believe you are so stupid,” Evelyn argued and I tried hard not to growl at her. “What was I supposed to do? I was trying to convince her of my feelings,” I defended myself. “Joshua, you take care of
DanielMy mate paled as I took a few hesitant steps towards her. Then my eyes fell on her swollen belly. Her hands covered her bump protectively as she looked left and right for an avenue of escape. “She is pregnant. Our mate is pregnant with our pup. Our scent is all over Aria,” Cole voiced my inner thoughts, confirming my suspicion. Suddenly, my mind filled with images of a pregnant Aria who tried hard to hide from Erick’s wrath. A scared young female who had lost her entire family and her fiance at the hands of that lunatic. All the images she had shown us to convince played like a movie in my mind and I clutched my chest in agony, unable to breathe. There wasn’t enough air in my lungs; I was suffocating and started coughing, my eyes brimming with tears of regret. Once more, Aria was pregnant and alone because of my stupidity and sought refuge with the couple who raised our daughter as Beta Jason informed me.With a pained look in her eyes, Aria turned around to leave, gripping t
DanielAfter the strange call from Alpha Ross, I left my office and went for a run. I was restless after his last comment. He sounded as if he was hiding something from me. I could tell by the tone of his voice that there was a secret meaning behind his invitation. Could it be that he knew something about Aria?“Keep dreaming, Daniel. Aria would never ask someone to call you on her behalf. She rejected you, remember?” Cole mocked, and I swallowed hard. My wolf was right. What was I thinking? Aria had left, determined to never show herself to me again. The thought hurt like hell but I knew I deserved worse after being such an ass.hole towards my mate. Still, I wanted to believe that there would be a day I would see Aria again and earn her forgiveness. I returned to the pack and was moody for the rest of the day. After taking over it was the first time, I yelled at my Beta and Gamma over unimportant pack matters.Alex and Dave had confused expressions, and when I stopped yelling, the
JoshuaAria was Daniel Taylor’s mate, and I wondered what kind of person the future Alpha was to mistreat his mate in such a manner.It bothered me that Aria wanted to hide from him. The Opal Moon pack was one of the most prominent packs in our area and Alpha Jackson was an excellent Alpha. How could his son be such a jerk?I felt sorry for the poor girl. She seemed so miserable and dejected that I couldn’t bear to reject her request for shelter. “Honey, we must help Aria. Let’s take her in and be her family for now. What will happen to her and her poor baby if she leaves our pack? She has nowhere to go since her mate has declared her a missing person.” My dearest mate was compassionate and considering that Aria was pregnant and alone, she wanted to do everything she could to help her out. Her pleading tone softened my heart even more and even though hiding Aria might bite me in the rear, I couldn’t deny my mate’s request.“Aria, you are welcome to stay with us for as long as you l
Aria Evelyn and I had just returned from my morning walk to the lake. I sat under the kiosk in the garden, resting until Evelyn returned with our lemonades. Baby Alison was restless today. She kept kicking and turning in my womb as if trying to tell me something. I knew how much a pup needed its father’s voice to feel safe and calm. The deep connection between the foetus and the father was also essential to the pregnant female. After the first trimester and when the mother prepared to nest, waiting for the day she would hold her baby in her arms, she needed her mate close by to comfort her and put her at ease. Our creator designed us that way from ancient times, and nothing could change the way a pregnancy felt for a future mother. It had been three months since Alpha Joshua asked me about my true identity. I couldn’t hide that I was Daniel’s mate anymore. He had posted my photo in the Alpha forum asking if anyone had seen me or if I’d sought shelter in their packs. I tol