Aria & Darren Aria For a moment I could only stand there and blink, too stunned to even move as Darren rushed toward me like a freight train. Darren’s face was close, his breath warm, so intoxicating that I couldn’t think clearly. He leaned in, his eyes fluttering closed. His lips brushed mi
“Help it?” I muttered bitterly, starting the car and pulling away from the curb with a screech of the tires. “No, but you can control yourself. You could’ve let me walk away tonight, and maybe, just maybe, she wouldn’t think I was some ass who’s just playing with her emotions. If you really wanted a
Darren The moment Lily’s voice echoed off the walls with that last line—“You have a mate?!”—I nearly lunged across the desk to clamp my hand over her mouth. It was like she’d just let off a firework in the dead of night. “Lily,” I hissed, holding a finger to my lips, leaping up and slamming the
Aria Bella lounged on my couch in an oversized hoodie and matching sweatpants, her legs spread out in front of her as I poured us each a fresh glass of wine in the kitchen. It was a peaceful Friday night, despite everything. The memory of Darren’s almost-kiss still lingered, but he had respected
“I’m not looking to be reminded of Jackson,” I bit out. The name fell between us like a brick, and Bella’s face softened instantly. “I didn’t mean that,” she murmured. “I’m just saying… don’t you want to live a little? Put yourself out there?” “Yes,” I admitted. “But I’m also not ready for anoth
Third Person Arthur arrived back at the packhouse by sundown, his feet sore from running halfway across the filthy human city all day. But he felt little relief as he saw the peaked roof and sprawling gardens come into view, because it meant that his day as a servant was long from over. And of c
Finally, she mused, “But who the hell could she be mated to?” Arthur didn’t answer immediately, his mind racing as he considered. Each pack had their own distinctive mating mark shape, and Moonglow’s mark happened to be a crescent—which meant that it had to be someone in their pack. Someone… Sud
Aria Bella was right—I really did need a spa day after all. As I made my way to work on Monday morning, I felt as if I had turned over a new leaf. With Sarah and her parents—hopefully—out of the way for good, along with a fresh haircut and smooth skin, I felt more refreshed than ever. Like a new
He paused, letting his words sink in. “I hope this clears up any misunderstandings. If anyone has further concerns, my door is always open.” With that, the meeting was over. People filed out slowly, some looking reassured, others still casting curious glances in my direction. I stayed seated, unab
Aria My heart stopped the moment I saw the pictures on the screen. It was the image from the masquerade—the dip, the kiss, followed by my mad dash with no mask on. And it became clear to me, in that moment, that everyone in the office had seen it. Everyone. Which only meant one thing. “How b
“So, breakfast?” she asked, her grin a little too eager. “Sure,” I said with a shrug. I was honestly craving some diner coffee and a big stack of waffles. We ended up at the diner down the street a little while later, a cozy little spot with red vinyl booths and the smell of sizzling bacon in th
Aria The picture on the screen felt like a knife to the gut. As if tonight wasn’t already confusing enough, images of our kiss—complete with my face on full display—were circulating the internet. I stood there, stunning into silence, just staring at the phone. “No,” I repeated. “No, this can’t b
Darren I watched Aria dart away, disappearing into the crowd with her gown trailing behind her like a fleeting shadow. My heart pounded in my chest, a tornado of emotions swirling around inside of me. What the hell had I just done? Again? “Dammit,” I muttered under my breath, raking a hand thr
But at the same time, dancing with him felt… right. Just as right as that strange scent I had briefly encountered. And I wasn’t moving to walk away, even though I felt bad for William. “Darren,” I suddenly said, unable to hold it in, “I… I think I picked up your scent just now.” His eyebrows sho
Aria The soft strains of the orchestra filled the grand ballroom as William led me gracefully into a dance, his hand resting on my lower back. We began to chat about various topics, everything from my own questions about the modeling world to pointing out interesting masks around the room. But i
I glared at him. “I’m not planning on starting anything.” “Your wolf says otherwise,” he remarked. “I can practically feel the tension rolling off you.” I tore my gaze away from Aria and the panther shifter, focusing on the ice melting in my glass. Maybe he was right. “It’s none of my business.”
Darren I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, watching as the dim lights of the ballroom reflected off its surface. The masquerade was in full swing—lavish costumes, ornate masks, and the hum of meaningless chatter filled the air. These events were never my scene, but as the CEO of Lunar Labs, I