Aria Never dreamed of coming your way Never thought of feeling this way You put happiness into my life It is my dream to be your wife. As I looked into your eyes I see stars, flowers, and butterflies Your promises will be kept For me, you are perfect…” Just in time for me to sing the last verse, I turned off the shower knob. I took the towel I hung from the rack and slowly dried myself. When I felt that clean feeling on my skin, I smiled. It might be weird, but I really enjoyed my time in the shower. Ever since Peter came into my life, I started to enjoy the simple things that life has to offer. After I was done fixing myself, I got out of the room. The smell of toasted bread slices welcomed me. I strode to the kitchen immediately, very eager to find out what Peter was making for our afternoon snack. After a few steps more, I reached his location. I saw him working on assembling slices of what appeared to be roasted meat slices, tomatoes, lettuce, and the toasts I smelled fro
Aria The clapping of the crowd continued, but I felt that my world stopped. I remained rooted in my spot, not knowing how to react. By the looks of it, it seemed like my body forgot how to move, as I felt nothing on it. I could only hear the wild beating of my heart and my constant breathing. I want to punch Peter so hard. How could he do this to me? Another minute had passed, and I saw the crowd begin whispering amongst each other. They started scanning the place as they waited for where the mysterious singer would come out. And though Nixon continued clapping, a string of worry could be seen on his face. On the stage, I saw Sex Deity pointing in my direction and addressing the crowd once more. “Ladies and gentlemen, again, let’s give it up for Miss Aria Williams!” Game over. I no longer had the opportunity to run away, as the crowd already knew who I was. There’s no turning back now. Even if I wanted to, I could no longer get out of this situation unscathed. “You can do it!”
Aria “My next song is dedicated to a very special man in my life. Almost eighteen months ago, he had found me in the middle of Craigwood Mountain, cold and alone under the rain. Not only did he give me food and a place to stay, but he also changed my life for the better. I will not be in this place if not for him. Pops, this is for you.” On my cue, Chris, who was our lead guitarist, began strumming his guitar to the tune of Tyler Collins’ hit song “Thanks to You.” I looked at Peter, whom I now call Pops, who was beaming with pride. And then, I began to pour every ounce of emotion through the lyrics of the song. “Thank you for teaching me how to love Showing me what the world means What I've been dreamin' of And now I know, there is nothing that I could not do Thanks to you..” Eighteen months ago, I was a runaway teenager who didn’t know where else to go after my own mate rejected me to favor my own sister. With the number of betrayals I received from the people around me, I vow
Aria “An order of your apple crisp, please.” “That would be $4.98.” I handed a crisp five-dollar bill to the cashier and took the receipt. Then, I patiently waited on one of the tables for them to hand it over to me. Today was my day off. I did not have a live performance tonight so I am free to do whatever I want. “Here’s your order, ma’am. Thank you for coming and enjoy your apple crisp!” the waiter uttered. I smiled at him and waved goodbye. Then, I guided my feet toward the next block where Royal Cave was located. About two hours ago, Nixon called me and asked me to come over to the bar. He told me that Sex Deity, I mean Alpha Axel, wanted to talk to me about something. To be honest, he could have just discussed the matter with me over the phone so I didn’t need to come down from the mountain. But since Nixon stated it was important, I decided to come down and visit them. I still wondered what that talk would be about. But still, I tried my best not to think about it that much
Aria’s POVIt was a beautiful Sunday morning. From the windows of my room, I could see peace and quiet outside. Some of the small animals began to peak from their wholes and were about to start their day. I let myself feel the heat of the morning sun one last time before I got out of bed. I headed straight to the shower afterward. Contrary to the usual time I was spending washing my body, I got out of it faster than I normally would. I had a very important appointment today. For this day, I finally agreed to visit the Darkwood pack and meet Alpha Axel’s congregation. I chose to wear high-waisted leggings and a gray hoodie. I was just glad that because of my work in the Royal Cave, I would no longer have to borrow the clothes of Peter’s dead wife. “Just in time. Breakfast is ready,” Peter uttered. The smell of crispy bacon and pancakes welcomed me when I passed by the kitchen. “Sorry, Pops! But I have to go. I don’t want Alpha Axel to wait for me. You know how much he hated latecome
Simon’s POVAfter long hours of walking and asking these stupid humans for directions, I finally reached the place. I looked up the bar signage to confirm whether I was on the right one Royal Cave, the signage said. I could not be mistaken. This was the bar the man I asked earlier had talked about. “Let’s see if the mouse was here,” I said to the evening wind before walking toward the front door. But not before taking out the last vial of the potion I got from a witch back in the forest of Craigwood. It was a bit expensive but it was all worth it. Normally, I would use it for my hunting spree but now, I would need this to mask my scent from Aria in case she was really here. I needed to ensure she would not go anywhere once I found her. And so, I drank the bitter, sparkly-blue liquid from the tiny bottle and headed to the front door. “Welcome to Royal Cave,” a waiter whom I bumped into exclaimed. I nodded at him in return and proceeded to one of the empty tables on the darkest corn
Aria’s POV“Will you come with me or would you go to Royal Cave yourself?”Contrary to his usual demeanor, Pops seemed to have been oddly quiet these past few days. This started when I told him about a familiar presence that I felt the other night at the bar while I’m singing. Worst, I felt that presence following me on my way home. But when I checked, I didn’t see anyone. No scent was left to follow a trail. In the end, I told Pops about it. And he had been suspicious and overbearing ever since. To his word, never underestimate the instinct of a wolf. “I’m sorry, Aria but I’m afraid I will miss out on your performance tonight. I still need to investigate the mysterious presence you were talking about. The truth is, I was able to gather some faint smells near our home. This was the same smell that I was able to gather at the bar yesterday.”My heart began to race inside my chest. “What does that mean?”“It means that whatever you are feeling was real. Somebody was following you.”I s
Aria’s POVAlpha Adrian already knows your location.Alpha Adrian already knows your location.Alpha Adrian already knows your location.Simon’s words continued to echo inside my mind. I saw him smirk seeing my reaction. “Are you the one that follows me these last few days?” I asked, hoping that he would provide an honest response. I no longer care on whether how he was able to spy on me undetected. What mattered to me now is the truth. “It wasn’t easy, I admit. But nothing a Simon Lopez couldn’t do,” he boasted. I gave it to the guy, he was good at hiding his scent. I wonder what type of black magic he was able to channel for him to have accomplished this?I heaved a sigh. I needed to gather my thoughts together. Once Simon noticed that I was distracted, it might give him the opportunity to attack. I might handle him in single combat but not in a surprise attack. Simon was one, sneaky wolf. I wouldn’t allow him to drag me back to Moon Valley and deliver me to his alpha. Not now,
Aria’s POV Three years later… “Blow the candles, mommy!” I smiled at my seven-year-old seeing her grin from ear to ear while holding my birthday cake. I pinched her rosy cheeks before taking a deep breath and puffing the candles. Cheers from the background roared. We were inside Alpha Axel and Luna Sheila’s house where I decided to celebrate my 23rd birthday. Aside from them and their equally cute daughter Krissy who was now playing with my daughter, I invited my close friends and family from Moon Valley to celebrate with us. There’s my mom who was busy handing the food to everyone. Meanwhile, Ash and his wife were having their sweet moments on the couch. He touched Thea’s growing bump. Like him, we couldn't wait to see the new addition to our family. Beside them was Beta Nick, who just found her mate, Klea, recently. Ahh…This is life. And yet, something still feels missing. “Have you heard from him?” It was the voice of Luna Sheila that brought me back from spacing out. “N
Aria's POVAs the light drains away, I found myself in the same spot over and over. The sky was like a canvas bearing a mixture of orange, red, and pink on its surface. I held to the bouquet of some white roses tighter. I couldn’t wait to give this to him.Finally, I reached the place. Slowly, I put down a bouquet of flowers on top of the elevated land. A cross was sitting on top of it. I remembered the words of Luna Sheila during the time I was still grieving his death. She said, “The pain of losing someone doesn’t go away. It would give you the same intensity regardless of the years that passed. You will just learn to cope with it.”Yes, I was coping. Under this grave was the memory of the person I lost in a blink of an eye. Tears started streaming down my face as I remembered him. I have always remembered him. Always and forever. A lone tear escaped my eyes. It’s been a year since I lost him. But until now, the pain was still in my heart. My face plastered a bitter smile. “Don’t
Nixon’s POV“Nixon…Nixon…Wake up…”The beautiful voice woke me up. When I opened my eyes, I was welcomed by a lush green valley. The scent of the fresh dew brought by the spring season was mixed with the cold, comforting breeze. I slowly lifted my eyelids and was welcomed by the blue sky doming above me. The sun was nowhere to be found but the whole place was bright and sunny. I got up slowly and scanned the place with my still narrowed eyes. Before I could ask myself where I was, the lovely voice that woke me up from slumber rang in my ears once again.“You are awake, my love. Welcome Elysian Fields,” she stated while plastering the most radiant smile I had seen in my life. The woman had wavy blonde hair and eyes as silvery yellow as the moon. Moreso, she was incredibly beautiful. The maiden was wearing a white knee-length tunic. Her shoulder was armed with a golden bow and arrow. And although her face can surely bewitch every male creature in the land, surprisingly, you will neve
Aria's POVAlpha Axel, and I along with Darkwood warriors, came on time to the Stone Valley where Stonewood Pack was situated. We came here with nothing but courage and faith. For some, this mission was a suicide. To come here with a small army was no match to the force Blade showed us the other night. We would not sugarcoat this reality. We would not be comforted by a lie that we would be able to win this battle by ourselves. We won’t but we would be sure to give them a hell of a fight. For Nixon’s sake. I came here to show Blade my true colors. He will now see that he shouldn't be underestimating someone like me, especially when I am a rare diamond in the rough. I am the only shifter of this land. I was far from the weak shifter he met and almost killed the first time. My life experience taught me greater things about my strength and capabilities. No one came aside from us and that gave me a bitter taste in my mouth. I still couldn’t believe that the people of Moon Valley, whom
Aria’s POV As I was running, tears began in a downpour.Fear was all that could try to embrace me at this moment in time. But when I am reminded of what he has done for me, I pushed the fear at the back of my mind.Nixon is not just anyone. He is my best friend. He was always there to help me out. He didn’t fail to be with me in times of adversaries.I remembered his loyalty and devotion to me and Aurora. He was her father figure.His unconditional love toward us is evident. His sacrifices were made to ensure my safety at all times. He was willing to do everything for me.Now, it was time for me to step up. It's my time to do this for him. To save him as he would always try to do for me. For my sake.I wanted to return that favor no matter what even though I'm unsure of whether I would succeed in helping him. But it didn't matter anymore. I would die trying. I will never give up.If it means I would sacrifice my life to save him, I will do everything to get him back safely."Nixon...
Aria’s POV I was panting. I heard myself begging, pleading. But I couldn't get a hold of my words. They were drowning in the abyss of darkness. Hollowed and dreadful. I knew it was my voice. I sense the familiarity within its timbre and vibration.Inaudible it may seem, but slowly, it could be heard as I guessed about the words.Then, the things around me became clear. I could hear the rustling of the wind brushing against the leaves. The vast unfamiliar road was the first thing I saw. My dress glided with the wind. My hair followed suit.With this endless void, I saw his figure. The familiar figure which I yearned for so much.Nixon.Tears began to flow from my eyes.His back faced me. He was running. Running away from me.Why? Why would he run away from me?Didn't he suffer enough to be away from me? Didn't he wait for this day to come, to finally be with me?Then, why? Why is he running away from me?Frustratingly, I followed him. I ran and ran towards him."No. No, Nixon!" I shou
Aria’s POV It was hard to believe what just happened. In a blink of an eye, the alpha, who was revered for defeating the infamous Death Eater, was now lying on the grounding and feasting in his humiliating defeat. In this continent, everyone knew who Adrian Patterson was. Everyone knew the story of how he triumphed over his tyrannical father. It would forever be engraved in our history. And yet, it was hard to imagine that the same, glorious man who became well-known throughout the continent was defeated just like that. What could possibly go wrong for him to lose in such an important battle like this? “Because he lost you, Aria. You broke our bond with him for the second time. His wolf weakened when you rejected him last night,” Cleo stated inside my head. I bit my lower lip upon hearing that. It made me remember the time when my mother went to the Royal Cave Bar and implored me to go back to Moon Valley to strengthen Adrian’s wolf before his battle with the Death Eater. At t
Adrian’s POV"Do you like my grand entrance?" The man said that it made me almost lose my cool.Simon Walker... How dare he betray me and show himself here? How dare he show his face to the pack he chose to fucking betray?I groaned in so much anger as I looked at him with eyes that were ready to kill. Among the council, he was one of those I trusted! But look at this mutt gathering his weaklings of companions, trying to instigate war!The veins on my neck and my temple were already bulging, and I could feel how my resentment slowly enveloped my heart. Just the sight of this traitor made me livid.“What the hell do you want?” I questioned him, furious.Simon scoffed and smirked before he spoke, “You, Alpha Adrian. I want nothing but to beat your ass and witness how you will lose everything.”My ears twitched the moment I heard that. There was also gasping that was heard around right after. It was an obvious challenge to my throne. Seeing his irking smirk, I knew he wanted to fight an
Adrian's POVThere was an obvious fiasco in the meeting hall where we were gathered at that moment. Together with the councils, Aria was also present. We were currently discussing the aftermaths of Cassie’s schemes to Moon Valley. I could not deny that I was still very uncomfortable with her presence after what happened last night. I wanted to exclude myself from seeing her but this meeting only made me do what I didn’t want. How cruel fate was on me! I was bothered that she sat here with the council as if nothing pivotal happened a few hours ago. I mean, how could she act so naturally in front of everyone when she rejected me, her mate, coldheartedly last night? Groaning silently in my seat, I frowned.However, the more I saw how she was leading and speaking her ideas, the more I realized how deserving she was for the seat of Luna. Our council was right in choosing to believe in her. I could not deny that she was doing a great job. It was as if she was born to lead, a trait that c