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,
Adrian’s POVAria was like a dream. A dream that would never be part of my reality. Hearing the lyrics of her last song, my heart was filled with guilt. Am I that bad? Am I that bad to inflict those pain on her? On my own mate?I took the glass of vodka in one gulp. I felt the bitter-sweet liquid go down my throat. Even the sudden burst of alcohol in my system was not enough to ease the pain that I was feeling. It was me who drove Aria away. Why am I feeling this way?Aria had changed drastically since the last time I saw her. Gone were the days of her being the insecure, unconfident, and awkward teenager who was the younger sister of my best friend. Now, she completely bloomed into a very beautiful lady. Her hair was now longer. Her body was more desirable with bustier breasts and curvier hips. She was still having her small face but now more defined with a touch of makeup. Indeed, she had grown from a regular-looking teen into a beautiful well-groomed woman. Finally, Aria turned
Adrian’s POV“How dare you show your face to me! How dare you enter my life after what you did!”I saw her eyes burned not with passion but with rage. I held my breath, as my chest tightened with indescribable pain. It hurt so bad that she was looking at me this way. And for the nth time, I have nothing else to blame but myself. “I came here to say sorry for what I did,” I said swallowing my ego. I looked her straight in the eyes and uttered the words I’d been practicing saying for the longest time. “Please come back to my life.. I’m a wreck without you…”I tried my best not to be fucking emotional as I uttered those words. It took me two long years to admit my feelings to Aria, and finally, I let it all out. It was a tough pill to swallow but worth all the pride in me. Every word, every phrase, I meant it from the bottom of my heart. When I drove her away, I slowly became a robot.I was functioning but not breathing. I existed but felt empty.I was living but feeling dead inside.
Peter’s POVI shook my head contemplating the event that led me here in the forest hunting for something that I wasn’t even aware of. I should have been in Royal Cave listening and cheering for my foster daughter Aria while she was performing on probably the most important night of her singing career. And yet, here I was, sniffing in the air like a Bloodhound dog inside the forest. I agree that over the last few months, I became complacent. I haven’t been doing a lot of patrolling because I was so busy with my life with her. It had been a while since I became invested in building a relationship with another wolf so it really altered my everyday routine. Nixon and Sex Deity were both important figures in my life but it was still different when you live with someone else. When I lost my mate Leila years ago, I was certain that I would die alone. But the night I found Aria shivering under a thunderstorm, everything changed. She put another meaning to my routine life. And I wouldn’t trad
After the bar’s anniversary event, the rest of the Royal Cave employees decided to continue partying at a local club. This was not part of the original plan but since Alpha Axel and Luna Sheila were both needed at home to attend to little Krissy, we have no choice but continue celebrating elsewhere. The rest of the crew members were having the time of their lives while I was left alone at the bar counter, drinking a cold glass of Gold Rush in my hands. If only Aria was here…Ah, that girl! Just thinking about her made my mouth plaster an automatic smile. I mean, she was not even my mate. However, my spirit wolf also adored her. I could still remember the first time I saw her. I was really having a hard day that night. But when my eyes landed on her walking in that lovely green, velvet dress, my day suddenly brightened. Aria’s smile had a certain effect on me. Something that even I couldn’t explain.But I did not see that on her tonight. Yes, she was grinning from ear to ear but I c
Nixon’s POVI could see Peter’s motionless face. His eyes, closed. His mouth was slightly open with a bit of blood gushing out of it. My heart was racing and I could feel it. My thoughts were clouded and I really didn't know how to react to seeing him lifeless on my lap. I want him to gain consciousness. I did try to shake his body trying to wake him up but it was no use. I was numb from the pain. How could a person as strong as he died like this? He was so lively when I saw him the other day and now, he was gone. My tears were beyond controllable. Losing him like this was adding agony to my already shattered heart. I slowly lifted him up, and gently lay his body on the ground. I wiped my tears with one arm and took a deep breath trying to control my breathing. It was the worst feeling to say goodbye to him this way but I still have an important task to do. I promised him that Aria will live and that was exactly what I was intending to do. I rushed to Aria and gently put her on m
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