Ethan’s POVI couldn't blame Ariah for not showing up, but I was still surprised she didn't. Lowell came behind me, he must have noticed what I did too and he said, "In her defense, it would have been too difficult to take, did I tell you we had a chat earlier today?" I looked at him, "You did? When was that and what did you talk about?" I asked. "That was when you were locked up in your study like a hibernating animal, we went for a walk. And what else do you think we talked about apart from you and the pack and Layla? From what I can say, she's more than heartbroken, I think it was the best decision for her not to come." Lowell replied, his eyes as serious as ever. I sighed, my eyebrows gathering in a worried look, "I'm afraid she might hurt herself or something." "Hey! It's the man himself, really proud of you this time, Ethan." An elderly Lycan king said and slapped me on the shoulder as he walked past. I nodded and flashed a brief and emotionless smile at him. "I
Ethan’s POVWhat a bloody day it has been so far.The event was flagged off by an elder from my pack and most of the time, while the few people who had brief speeches to give gave them, I sat stiffly with a frown on my face. Layla had the opposite expression on her face, she was happy and smiling broadly the whole time as she sat next to me. Her father's speech was pretty short and direct but I was hardly listening. All I wondered was what Ariah was doing right now and if she would show up for the feast later on. "As you all know, this is the biggest day we have seen in a very long time, and trust me, I've been around for a long time." Alpha Campbell started his speech. "Here is a day that will bring together two very similar cities who differ a lot in various ways and I am nothing but proud that my pack and I have been able to contribute immensely to making this a success." There was a brief round of applause, then it died down as slowly as it had risen. "This night marks the end
Ariah’s POV I thought the guard had deserted me because I was so bored, but he had only gone for a drink.He came back with that cold expression on his face and a glass of cheap liquor. "You could have asked me to get something from the king's cabinet, he surely wouldn't have minded since you're so busy watching over me," I said nicely and he just stared at me. "We don't mess with the king's stuff." He said flatly and looked away. I gave up trying to talk to him and concluded that remaining in boredom was a better idea, so I decided to call it a night. I got to my feet and his alert and sharp eyes cast a look at me. "You don't have to watch me anymore, I'm going to bed now," I said but he didn't reply. I shrugged and walked past him, he followed me! I thought he just wanted to go back to the feast but no, he followed me up the stairs and I got so uncomfortable, I had to turn and address him. "What are you doing?" I asked, staring at him in confusion. "I said I'm going to bed,
Layla’s POV It was all going to plan and I was elated that I had gotten up to this point.The hall was starting to get empty as people started leaving for the pack house, I was caught up with a few people I knew, Lunas of other packs, and all the others I couldn't refer to as my friends and I completely lost Ethan in the crowd. When I found my way around them, I searched for Ethan but I couldn't find him anywhere. Lowell came to me as I was about to walk out, I had to get fond of him because I had immediately noticed the closeness between him and Ethan. "Lowell, have you seen Ethan?" I asked as politely as I could. "Oh yes, he asked me to accompany you to the feast, he left while you were still busy with your friends." He replied in a plain tone. "Where is he? Did he have something urgent to do?" I asked curiously. His eyes flickered, and then he said, "Uhm...Yeah, he had some office work he had to go clear up before the feast started, he won't be long for sure." I nodded. "We
Ariah’s POV I was so tense as I descended the stairs.Leia had picked it for me, the black dazzling gown I wore was all her idea. "I think it befits the occasion, you're mourning the dead relationship between you and Ethan, aren't you?" She had said while I was looking in the mirror. "Good one, Leia," I remarked bitterly. "And fuck you." I walked down the stairs and the first person I saw was Lowell, it seemed like he was waiting for someone. When I tapped him gently on the shoulders, he turned and said, "Finally, Ariah, there you...." His voice trailed off as he looked at me over, his eyes wide with awe and admiration. "...are." He completed the sentence. "Beta Lowell? Is everything alright?" I asked, wondering if I was overdressed for this although I didn't even wear any make-up. "Everything is great..." He said slowly. "And so is that damn outfit, you look stunning." He said with awe-filled eyes. Despite how nervous and panicky I was, I flashed a smile at him, "Thank you, E
Ariah’s POV Just when I thought meeting Alpha James at the ballroom would be the worst thing to happen to me, there came Layla.What a bitch! I had to go change my outfit because I didn't want to go the rest of the night smelling like liquor. To be honest, I didn't want to go back there with everyone's eyes lingering on me, I became the center of attraction twice in ten minutes for opposite reasons. Lowell led me to a bathroom on the ground floor and left me with his suit as I rushed in. I washed my face and left the water running as I stared angrily at the mirror. I could have smacked the shit out of her if she wasn't who she was. "Ugh! This is so fucking annoying, I don't have another black dress!" I exclaimed as I brushed my face with my palms. Luckily I had no make-up on, if not, my face would have been a complete mess. "Then you can wear the white one," Leia said.There was a beautiful white dress in the wardrobe that I never thought I'd wear. "You said I was mourning, didn
Ethan’s POVI was annoyed with Layla after she spilled the drink on Ariah.I had noticed Layla's movements from the corner of my eyes while I had been talking to Lowell, it didn't look like a mistake to me, that was what was so annoying. I was about to rush towards Ariah, Lowell held me back firmly and he didn't make it look so awkward as he rushed to her instead. I just watched as he led her out of the room, Ariah cringing in embarrassment and keeping her head low. I sighed when they were out of sight and looked at Layla scornfully, "That was a stupid mistake to make, Layla." I said. She looked at me in surprise, "Are you scolding me because of that? It was a mistake, why would I spill a glass of wine on her purposely?" She asked. You tell me! I thought that sure didn't look like a bloody mistake to me. "You don't spill drinks like that," I said firmly. "Why are you making a fuss about it, Ethan? It's not like she's anyone important, is she?" Layla retorted. I could have lashed
Layla’s POVDid I spill the drink on her on purpose? Yes, it was completely intentional.Now, I regretted it though, she came back even better, even more daring and I could feel my blood just boiling like it was on a pressure cooker. I was very surprised by how Ethan reacted to the incident with Ariah, for I second there I thought he was going to lurch at me or something. That made me very suspicious, certainly, something must be going on between the both of them. Their relationship was certainly something more than what met the eyes. For a lot of reasons, that triggered my anger and curiosity even more, I flared up at Ethan. That was one thing I tried to control, my temper and the way words flew out of my mouth. My thoughts just couldn't leave Ariah, what was her position in the pack? She seemed to be someone very important, she showed up at the feast at my pack and now she was here. Although I hadn't caught sight of her at the coronation, she just had escaped my eyes then. If she