“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 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
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 & Third Person Aria The week dragged on like an eternity, each day blending into the next. Darren and I spoke only when necessary—quick exchanges about work tasks or brief updates about Lucas. Nothing personal, nothing meaningful. He kept his distance, and I let him, burying myself in my
Her words felt genuine, and for the first time in days, I felt a flicker of relief. It wasn’t much, but it was something. “I’m gonna run to the restroom,” I said, sliding off my stool. “I’ll be back in a minute.” “Take your time,” Tracy replied, lifting her glass in a mock toast. I weaved thro
Darren The wind rushed through my dark fur as I sprinted through the forest, the earthy scent of pine and damp soil filling my senses. Lucas bounded ahead of me, his smaller wolf form agile and quick as he weaved expertly between the trees. In moments like these, I felt truly free—unburdened by
My heart skipped a beat. “Lucas, where did you hear about mates?” He looked up, his eyes earnest. “Liam told me a little. He said when a werewolf finds their mate, they fall in love and stay together forever. And I heard you say once that Aria is your mate.” I sighed, running a hand through my h
Aria I felt like I was swimming through molasses, my limbs heavy, my thoughts muddled as I argued with Lily. Every word seemed to come out of me in a slurring rush, every movement erratic and unnatural. “You always act like you’re better than me! But you’re just... you’re just jealous!” Lily s
AriaLunar Labs was reduced to a shell of its former self.The once-sleek and vibrant building, surrounded by lush gardens and pebbled fountains, was now barren and burnt. The glass walls were shattered, the halls within burned and destroyed. Those damn slurs were still painted across nearly every s
He didn’t hesitate. “No.”The word hung in the air for a long moment. The president blinked, clearly startled. “With all due respect, Mr. President,” Darren went on, leaning forward in his chair, “we’re not coming back. Not like that. After being deported, hunted, abused by your government—my people
AriaDarren and I stepped out of the car and faced the sprawling estate that was the human president’s home. My chest still ached faintly from my wound, the stitches long gone but the pain lingering. Beside me, Darren subtly favored his left side when he moved, still healing from the hole in his che
We stayed like that for a while, neither of us speaking. At some point, I must have begun to drift off again, too exhausted from the day’s events to keep my eyes open.But then, suddenly, the door burst open, shattering the stillness, and I jolted upright, wincing as the movement pulled at my wound.
AriaDarren and I lay tangled together in the hospital bed, much to the nurse’s earlier chagrin. They had finally allowed us to remain together, reinserting my IV and moving my monitors to his side of the room, when my eyes had glowed and a low growl had accidentally ripped from my throat when they
He didn’t answer. I didn’t even think he heard me.Finally, the wail of sirens pierced the air, and red and blue lights flashed through the crowd. Paramedics pushed their way toward us with a stretcher rattling between them. Liam waved them over, shouting instructions I couldn’t process. Hands reach
AriaThe world erupted into chaos around me, a deafening roar of fury and movement as the protesters surged forward. Hundreds of voices shouted, feet pounded the pavement, and bodies pressed together in a wild rush toward Bella’s father.I caught a fleeting glimpse of him, his face twisted with rage
“Trying to be brave?” Sarah taunted. “Trying to protect your little dog? Maybe you need to learn a lesson.”The first shove came from behind, sending Aria stumbling forward. Then another from the side. And another. They were pushing her between them like some cruel game, laughing as she tried to kee
DarrenAria’s scream tore through the air, and time slowed to an excruciating crawl. I saw the chief’s finger squeeze the trigger, saw the flash as the gun fired, saw the bullet begin its deadly journey toward us.Toward Aria.In that moment between life and death, my mind flew backward, tumbling th