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 “Happy birthday, Aria!” My mom exclaimed. She was holding a strawberry cake with a lighted candle on the top while grinning from ear to ear. “It’s time to blow the candle and make a wish!” Mom happily inched forward to the side of the bed. She handed the cake closer, still wearing her festive demeanor. I heaved a sigh before puffing the fire out. My mother’s forehead formed some vertical lines in the middle. Her smile disappeared from her beautiful face. Instead, a mixture of confusion was written all over her face. “Did you not make a wish, Aria?” “As if it will make any difference to her already pathetic life,” I heard my older sister, Cassie, spoke. She was leaning at the door, arms crossed on her chest, looking disdainfully at me. “Don’t talk to your sister like that, Cassie! Can you spare her your hate just for now? It’s her birthday for crying out loud!” Mom yelled at her. “Whatever!” Cassie flipped her hair and walked away while rolling her eyes. I heaved a sigh. M
Aria The pain was undeniably excruciating. It suffocated me. It was killing me, little by little. My heart shredded into pieces as those words came out of his mouth. I couldn't help but cry as I digested those painful words.Just when I thought the torment was over, he leaned down to kiss my sister in front of my face. I felt betrayed. My devastation couldn't be expressed in words. That hurt me a lot. How could they do this in front of me like I didn’t exist?“There’s still a way to get him back, Aria Tell him that he is wrong. Tell Adrian that we are not weak!” My wolf yelled at the back of my head. However, I skunk her as I didn't want her to take over without my prior knowledge.“Wake up, Aria! We will lose our mate if you're not going to tell him the truth!"My fist clenched as those words were uttered by my wolf, Cleo. I could feel her agony. She was in deep pain as well after witnessing our mate kissing another woman.Cleo was already frantic and she was begging me to speak up.
Aria The day was about to end. My legs hurt as I continued running through the forest unstoppably. I didn't realize that I had been running for a while now. My head tilted up to the sky. The sun was about to set. Darkness would arrive in a while. And I have to go back to the house now before a tracker would see me.I have always felt pressured being Ash and Cassie's sibling. Running through the forest helped me to be at ease. This was my solace. I would feel better after and ready to face the world again when I came out from the forest after a short sprint. However, the pain that I carried deep within my heart was still there. That pain shredded my heart into pieces. The rejection of my mate was more than the worst experience that I have had in my life. Being rejected by my mate was beyond incomparable.Minutes had passed and I could already see our home from afar. We have the best in life, a luxurious home, and anything that we could possibly need. Our cabin was one of the best home
AshJust when I remembered a quote from one of Robert Dunn's works, my sister crossed my head. Guilt is what I felt right now from what I did to Aria. I still couldn't imagine that I would do those things to her. Aria didn't deserve that. Maybe she was the youngest and the weakest, but definitely the sweetest. All her life, people were looking down on her because of us. She was always known in the pack as the “weak” sister of the great Williams siblings.Despite all the disdain that they threw upon her, she remained strong and unbothered. She only dreamed of one thing, which was to find her destined mate. She was kind, innocent, and pure.But the question is, why did I smack her? Obviously, I was an asshole for doing that to her.Aria's fantasy to be mated to our alpha's son was something that I couldn't handle. I love my sister, but I won't make her believe a lie. I couldn’t let her believe that she was fated with the man who would become the next ruler of Shadowmoon.Do I believe it
Adrian’s POV“Take me…”It was more of a desperate plea than a command. She moaned seductively as she caressed her fingers to my chest. The gesture made the hairs on the back of my headstand. Without hesitation, I claimed her lips. I had been tasting the same set of lips for a while now but I had never seemed to get over it. Lust claimed my reasoning. My lips traveled down to her neck. I paused when I reached her collarbone. I stuck my tongue out and licked it. Cassie moaned, sending me into a frenzy. I began to take off her upper garment. Her white, smooth breasts were revealed to me. The next thing I knew, I was sucking her breast like a hungry child. I held my teeth in between her nipples, pressing them slightly to put pressure on them. Then, I continued to play with it using my index finger. This action made Cassie go out of control. “Ohh ..” A soft moan escaped from her mouth. This was the signal I was waiting for.I immediately laid her on the bed. Then, I took off my shirt.
Adrian A million and one things were circulating inside my mind. Mind games had never been my thing. This was something my father had always warned me about. In his words, I needed to balance my brain with my brawn if I wanted to be a successful alpha someday. I wasn't saying I was dumb; instead, I knew I still had so much to learn. One of those things was discerning people, knowing what was going on inside their minds, or predicting their next steps to help me screen the people who would become my future leaders. So, it was crucial for me to find out what was going on with Ash. What was the deal behind his sudden change in behavior? Why had he acted so weird earlier when he called me? I must have fallen deep into my thoughts because I failed to notice that the Williams Residence was within reach. I had decided to walk from my place to theirs since it was just a couple of blocks away. Their home was one of the biggest houses in the pack, making it easy for me to spot in my location
Adrian This probably was the longest day of my life. It had been less than an hour ago since I went to the Williams Residence and found out that Aria ran away from our pack to live on her own. I was already at my own home trying to comprehend what just happened. Was that enough reason to leave the comforts of Moon Valley and live as a rogue? At the back of my head, I saw my wolf Rickon roll his eyes at me. He gave that “Are you stupid?” look that I kept on getting since I decided to date Cassie. I shook my head in disbelief. Even my wolf was not supporting me with my decision to not be with Aria. Well, it should be obvious. He would always choose our mate over any girl that I would be with. Why did I feel that the world was despising me for not choosing her? Am I that selfish to think about the future of my pack ahead of my happiness? I heaved a sigh. I looked at the cassette tape sitting on top of the bedside table and began to ponder whether l should play it or not. I mean, wha
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