Aria’s POVI stood, forcing my limbs to move. “Thanks for tonight, Cole.”He just sighed. “Anytime.” I could see the disappointment on his face. Elijah was already moving.Already leading me away. And I followed carefully behind him till we reached the car.I waited till we entered the car, and then I snapped.“What the fuck was that, Elijah?” Elijah didn’t even look at me. He just turned the key, started the car, and pulled away from the curb like he hadn’t just dragged me away from my fucking date.Like he hadn’t just walked in, sat down, and ripped me out of that restaurant like I was a fucking child.Like I didn’t have a say.Like I didn’t fucking matter.“Elijah,” I snarled, voice sharp and shaking. “What the fuck was that?”Still, nothing.“You think you can just come in and do whatever the hell you want? You think you can just—just fucking control me?”Silence. “Elijah!” I exploded, slamming my palm against the dashboard. “I am not his anymore! Do you understand that? I’m
Aria’s POVThere was nothing better for me right now, than a clear mind running a few shifts at mom's restaurant. I stepped into the restaurant for the first time in months and then that familiar scent hit me. The fresh and warm scent of Mom's famous spaghetti source and her freshly baked bread. Except it didn’t feel like home.Not anymore.It had changed. Modernized. New furniture, new workers, a fresh coat of paint used on the walls.I was happy for mom, but deep down, it ached my heart to know it was from money Luca paid me off with. I barely made it two steps inside before my mom turned, froze, her hand gripping the counter like she needed it to steady herself."Aria," she breathed. Then she moved. Fast. Pulled me into her arms like she was afraid I’d disappear again.I stood there, stiff for a second. Then I sank into her warmth. When she pulled back, her hands cupped my face, searching me."I'm sorry, I'm just still missing you alot, you know?" It came out like a question.
One hour was enough for me to get a quick shower and freshen up a little. But, I still couldn't shake off the vision. Talking with the white wolf. And then it says I'm a white wolf too.‘You are a White Wolf, Aria.And whether you accept it or not—your destiny is already in motion.’ The words were still fresh in my mind. It was all too overwhelming for me… But, for now all that has to wait. I had to see Jasmine. And try to explain and make sense of what happened. I grabbed my jacket and pushed the door open. But, moment I stepped outside, I knew.Something was watching me. I just had that tingle. It wasn’t just paranoia. It was something thick and heavy in the air, curling around me like a warning.I ignored it.“Taxi!!” I yelled standing on the sidewalk. The can drove to me and I slid into the backseat, rattled off the address Jasmine sent me, and tried to shake the feeling.Didn’t work.The entire ride, I felt it. A weight pressing into my back. Every streetlight we passed
Elijah’s POVI sat in the dim hotel room, staring at the chipped coffee cup in my hands. The coffee was cold. Had been for hours. But I wasn’t drinking it. Just gripping it like it had answers.Waiting.For her.For Aria.And that was the problem.She wasn’t back.She should’ve been back.Where the fuck was she?Then came the knock.Too hard. Too fast. Urgent.I was already moving before I even thought about it, the chair scraping against the floor, my body coiled tight like a goddamn wire about to snap.The soldier outside the door looked like he had been running.“She’s been gone too long.”My chest went tight.“How long?” My voice was flat. Cold.“Hours.” A sharp inhale. “She hasn’t returned.”My fingers curled into fists.Fuck.I grabbed my coat, shoved past him. The drive to her house was a blur. The moment I got there, I knew.The door was unlocked.Bad. Bad fucking sign.I stepped in, ears sharp, eyes scanning.Her scent was here. Fresh. But fading fast.My stomach knotted.I
Aria POVI woke up to an intense pain. Everywhere. It felt like my brain wanted to bulge out of my own head.I cracked my eyes open. My room. My bed. Safe. But I didn’t feel safe.I felt wrong.Like my skin wasn’t mine. I forced myself up from my bed, exhaling sharply. What the hell happened?And then it hit me.Memories rushed in—fast, violent, suffocating.The club. The drinks. Jasmine laughing. The air too thick, the music too loud, the world spinning.Then the cold night air. The sidewalk. Stumbling. The ground unsteady beneath me.And then—him.The rogue. The glowing red eyes. The stench of blood. The way he moved—fast, predatory, like I was prey.I had tried to run. Useless. Weak. Slow.He had pinned me down, claws slicing into my skin.I should have died.I would have died.But I screamed. And something inside me answered.A burst of light, white-hot and blinding. An explosion that sent him flying.And then—the shift.I gasped, gripping my arms, my whole body shaking.I ha
Aria’s POVIt was almost midnight when I finally reached our apartment. I dragged myself to my room like a corpse, feet heavy, mind a twisted mess. Everything felt wrong. I slammed the door shut behind me. I was a white wolf.A fucking white wolf. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t my life. I was human—no, worse—I was a rejected mate, tossed aside like I was nothing. But now, I wasn’t nothing.I was something.Something that could rip a rogue to shreds.I couldn’t stop seeing it.The rogue.His eyes had widened. His whole body had gone rigid, his mouth parting like he couldn’t even process what was in front of him. His stance had changed—hesitation.Fear.He had seen a white wolf standing where a pathetic, fragile human had been.And in that split second—he knew he was going to die.A shudder rolled through me.And he had.I had killed him.I should have felt something.Guilt. Horror.But all I had felt was power.That scared me more than anything.I curled my knees to m
The night had fallen over the city of Grand Midea. Dark clouds filled the skies and rain threatened to fall.“Ahh!!”I left out a frustrated groan as I continued to pace to the party in my high silhouettes. I could barely keep my balance, and I threatened to fall a couple of times already.“Are you okay?” that's when I realized I was walking next to Phoebe.My best friend since... forever actually. She walked elegantly taking massive strides with her heels as though she was born to wear them.Her wore a beautiful red dress that hugged her body exposing a little of her breasts.Her long blonde hair moving with the wind.Phoebe was a party person.She could literally mingle with anyone she wishes.She was confident and had a charm no guy could resist.But for me the contrary was the case. I wasn't a party person, infact I hated them. I was rather much of an introvert, who really hated to mingle with others and was a bit shy.I prefer to spend most of my time researching on supernatural
I walked back to meet Phoebe, but I still couldn't shake off the strange feeling of the man. One second he was there and the next he vanished“Phoebe,” I said, forcing a smile. “I think I’m just tired. I might head out soon.” “But... you just got here!” she protested, but I shook my head.“I know, but I'm not really feeling well.” I lied. I just didn't want to stay around, the only reason I even stayed this long was because of the stranger.“Okay, but can I atleast walk you halfway? It's very dangerous to walk alone by this time.” “I'll take a taxi. Text you later,” I said, already backing away.As I stepped outside into the cool night air, a little bit relief washed over me.But even as I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling of that piercing stare frpm earlier. But the mystery man was gone and that's all that matters.I waited for any car or taxi outside.But it was already late and there were no empty vehicles avaliable at that moment.My house was just about fifteen minutes aw
Aria’s POVIt was almost midnight when I finally reached our apartment. I dragged myself to my room like a corpse, feet heavy, mind a twisted mess. Everything felt wrong. I slammed the door shut behind me. I was a white wolf.A fucking white wolf. This wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t my life. I was human—no, worse—I was a rejected mate, tossed aside like I was nothing. But now, I wasn’t nothing.I was something.Something that could rip a rogue to shreds.I couldn’t stop seeing it.The rogue.His eyes had widened. His whole body had gone rigid, his mouth parting like he couldn’t even process what was in front of him. His stance had changed—hesitation.Fear.He had seen a white wolf standing where a pathetic, fragile human had been.And in that split second—he knew he was going to die.A shudder rolled through me.And he had.I had killed him.I should have felt something.Guilt. Horror.But all I had felt was power.That scared me more than anything.I curled my knees to m
Aria POVI woke up to an intense pain. Everywhere. It felt like my brain wanted to bulge out of my own head.I cracked my eyes open. My room. My bed. Safe. But I didn’t feel safe.I felt wrong.Like my skin wasn’t mine. I forced myself up from my bed, exhaling sharply. What the hell happened?And then it hit me.Memories rushed in—fast, violent, suffocating.The club. The drinks. Jasmine laughing. The air too thick, the music too loud, the world spinning.Then the cold night air. The sidewalk. Stumbling. The ground unsteady beneath me.And then—him.The rogue. The glowing red eyes. The stench of blood. The way he moved—fast, predatory, like I was prey.I had tried to run. Useless. Weak. Slow.He had pinned me down, claws slicing into my skin.I should have died.I would have died.But I screamed. And something inside me answered.A burst of light, white-hot and blinding. An explosion that sent him flying.And then—the shift.I gasped, gripping my arms, my whole body shaking.I ha
Elijah’s POVI sat in the dim hotel room, staring at the chipped coffee cup in my hands. The coffee was cold. Had been for hours. But I wasn’t drinking it. Just gripping it like it had answers.Waiting.For her.For Aria.And that was the problem.She wasn’t back.She should’ve been back.Where the fuck was she?Then came the knock.Too hard. Too fast. Urgent.I was already moving before I even thought about it, the chair scraping against the floor, my body coiled tight like a goddamn wire about to snap.The soldier outside the door looked like he had been running.“She’s been gone too long.”My chest went tight.“How long?” My voice was flat. Cold.“Hours.” A sharp inhale. “She hasn’t returned.”My fingers curled into fists.Fuck.I grabbed my coat, shoved past him. The drive to her house was a blur. The moment I got there, I knew.The door was unlocked.Bad. Bad fucking sign.I stepped in, ears sharp, eyes scanning.Her scent was here. Fresh. But fading fast.My stomach knotted.I
One hour was enough for me to get a quick shower and freshen up a little. But, I still couldn't shake off the vision. Talking with the white wolf. And then it says I'm a white wolf too.‘You are a White Wolf, Aria.And whether you accept it or not—your destiny is already in motion.’ The words were still fresh in my mind. It was all too overwhelming for me… But, for now all that has to wait. I had to see Jasmine. And try to explain and make sense of what happened. I grabbed my jacket and pushed the door open. But, moment I stepped outside, I knew.Something was watching me. I just had that tingle. It wasn’t just paranoia. It was something thick and heavy in the air, curling around me like a warning.I ignored it.“Taxi!!” I yelled standing on the sidewalk. The can drove to me and I slid into the backseat, rattled off the address Jasmine sent me, and tried to shake the feeling.Didn’t work.The entire ride, I felt it. A weight pressing into my back. Every streetlight we passed
Aria’s POVThere was nothing better for me right now, than a clear mind running a few shifts at mom's restaurant. I stepped into the restaurant for the first time in months and then that familiar scent hit me. The fresh and warm scent of Mom's famous spaghetti source and her freshly baked bread. Except it didn’t feel like home.Not anymore.It had changed. Modernized. New furniture, new workers, a fresh coat of paint used on the walls.I was happy for mom, but deep down, it ached my heart to know it was from money Luca paid me off with. I barely made it two steps inside before my mom turned, froze, her hand gripping the counter like she needed it to steady herself."Aria," she breathed. Then she moved. Fast. Pulled me into her arms like she was afraid I’d disappear again.I stood there, stiff for a second. Then I sank into her warmth. When she pulled back, her hands cupped my face, searching me."I'm sorry, I'm just still missing you alot, you know?" It came out like a question.
Aria’s POVI stood, forcing my limbs to move. “Thanks for tonight, Cole.”He just sighed. “Anytime.” I could see the disappointment on his face. Elijah was already moving.Already leading me away. And I followed carefully behind him till we reached the car.I waited till we entered the car, and then I snapped.“What the fuck was that, Elijah?” Elijah didn’t even look at me. He just turned the key, started the car, and pulled away from the curb like he hadn’t just dragged me away from my fucking date.Like he hadn’t just walked in, sat down, and ripped me out of that restaurant like I was a fucking child.Like I didn’t have a say.Like I didn’t fucking matter.“Elijah,” I snarled, voice sharp and shaking. “What the fuck was that?”Still, nothing.“You think you can just come in and do whatever the hell you want? You think you can just—just fucking control me?”Silence. “Elijah!” I exploded, slamming my palm against the dashboard. “I am not his anymore! Do you understand that? I’m
Aria’s POV I thought coming back to the human world would help.That being back in my own bed, in my mother’s home, surrounded by normalcy, would make everything feel… lighter.That maybe—just maybe—the weight of him would fade.But it didn’t. Far from it. It clung to me like a second skin.Not physically, but in my head, in my bones, in my goddamn soul.The rejection was supposed to set me free.It didn’t.It just left a wound that wouldn’t close.A slow, rotting ache in my chest that I couldn’t shake, no matter how much I tried to drown it out with distractions, with sleep, with pretending.And the worst part?I couldn’t stop wondering.What if?What if things had been different?What if he had fought for me?What if I had stayed?What if I had never met him at all?Would I be happier? Would I still feel this raw, broken, hollow?The thoughts were relentless, circling, suffocating.I hadn’t even been back for long, and already my mother was worried.Jasmine too."You’re miserable
Luca’s POVThe office was quiet. Too fucking quiet.It had been a day. A fucking day.Aria was gone. I let her go.The right choice. The rational choice. The fucking logical choice.Then why the fuck did it feel like my chest was being hollowed out with a dull knife? She wanted to go, didn’t she?Or did she want me to stop her?I exhaled hard, rubbing my face, trying to drown out the noise, the regret, the fucking ache that had been clawing at me since the second she walked away. Since I let her.A knock. Sharp. Clipped.Didn’t answer. Didn’t fucking care.The door swung open anyway.Elena.Her eyes found mine like she already knew. Like she had been waiting for this.I stiffened, forcing the mask back on. Shoving all the fucking wreckage deep, deep, deeper.“What do you want?” I muttered, reaching for the half-empty bottle of whiskey on my desk.She stepped inside, shut the door behind her. Crossed her arms. That sharp, knowing fucking look in her eyes.“You look like shit.”I snorte
Chapter 25AriaI stormed into my room and sat by the window. I couldn't stay here anymore. There's nothing left for me here. If Luca wants me so close so bad, then he should come with me. I can't stay here. Just then, Luca walked into my room. Speak of the devil. “You can go.” he said, his voice calm. “I know.” I answered sharply. I had already made up my mind I was going whether he agreed or not. “But Elijah’s going with you.” his next words stunned me a bit. Elijah? But to think more of it, it made sense. He seemed strong enough to protect me against other packs Alpha’s.“I don’t need a babysitter.” but I still shot back.“You need a goddamn army,” I bit out. “But you’re too fucking stubborn to admit it.”“Elijah will make sure you’re safe. He’ll take you wherever the hell you want to go, keep his damn distance if that’s what you want. But he stays.” he said. “Fine.” I agreed. “I’ll come for you when I’m done here.” he said. I remained still, but the way he said that, lik