Aria’s POVSuddenly, I heard a knock. My mom and Luna Sheila might have forgotten something. I inched towards the door and did not hesitate to open it. But my smile soon disappeared from my face when I saw the person standing outside the door. And her visit was quite unexpected.“C-Cassie,” I whispered. I could only utter her name as I didn’t know how to react. “Hi, Aria,” she said softly. We exchanged awkward glances towards each other. We couldn’t blame each other. Our relationship with each other was nothing but pure awkwardness. To be honest, I didn’t know where all these hatreds had begun. I just woke up one day with Cassie making my life a bit more difficult than it already was. We started to go to school, she would let me get bullied by other kids for being the “weak” sister. A lot of people were expecting me to deliver the same exceptional results as her and when I didn’t, they would hate me for it. As my big sister, I expected her to stand up for me or at least attempt to
Adrian’s POVEverything was set. The venue was ready. Since the pack house was not equipped with glamorous outdoor illumination, the string of lights hanging on some make-shift lamp posts made it look like tiny stars that went down to the ground to give us some lights. The team who took care of the reception made a good job taking full advantage of the natural splendor surrounding us. The sans tablecloths, the bare wood, and the vases of lush eucalyptus perfectly blend with the scenery, practically growing from Moon Valley itself. Potted flowerless plants mimic the shrubbery of the packhouse yard, making them stunning centerpieces for the tables. The chairs were already aligned. Lanterns and flowers were everywhere. But above all, my favorite thing about this whole wedding aesthetic was the ceremony backdrop. It was nothing but a curtain sheen drapery hanging on the pack’s oldest tree but it posts a certain significance. Because every single male in our family married under this ol
Aria’s POVI wake up with waves of nausea flooding my senses. My brain felt it would swell beyond what my skull could handle, making me hold my temples and frown. My stomach gurgled as my mouth held an acidic aftertaste. I raised my heavy eyelids halfway only to make them shut once again after trying. I tried raising them again, this time with all my might, and I succeeded. That was when I realized that I was on the floor. I wonder how long I had been lying in here. I scanned myself. My makeup was still intact. My hair, on the other hand, was now changed into a messy bun. But what puzzled me was the dress I was now wearing. My body was now wearing a pink, midi, floral Nikita dress while on my feet was a pair of boots. My forehead creased. I hate wearing boots. So what am I doing with one? I got up in a sitting position and tried to remember what had happened before I got to this point. At first, I didn’t know where to start recalling the events. But after a couple of tries, I final
Adrian’s POVMy gentle appearance immediately changed when I looked at Cassie. She was now trashing the wedding decorations the omegas had labored tirelessly over the last few days. The nerve of her to come here and do that!Her insanity needs to stop!“That’s enough, Cassie!Hearing my voice, Cassie looked in my direction. Her face was a picture and confusion and distraught. She took a couple of steps forward while looking at me as if I didn’t make sense at all.“What did you just call me? Did you just call me Cassie?”“And what should I suppose to call
Aria’s POV"You are no longer allowed to set foot on this pack. I, Adrian Patterson, the alpha of Moon Valley, am now banishing Cassie Williams from this pack. She is now considered a rouge and will be living on her own from now on!"The declaration sent chills down my spine. Looking at Adrian, he looked like he was about to kill me. The very thought of him loathing me to the core was making me shiver.I crawled toward him, no longer thinking about how I would look in front of all these people. While I already lived as a rogue for a couple of years, my life was different from this circumstance. I didn’t have Aurora back then. I was only watching after myself. “Don’t do this to me, Adrian. Please, you are making a big mistake. I am Aria. I am the real Aria!.” I begged desperately throwing all my shame away. I couldn’t be banished from the pack. My daughter needs me. I kneeled while hugging his legs, hoping that he could sense the truth in my voice, But he remained indifferent. Worst,
Nixon's POVThe fragment of my thoughts drove me to think of what happened when the wedding between Adrian and Aria commenced. Although I completely let them be, I was still hurting deep inside— something I could not deny. Yet it was also I who knew deeply that Aria would be happier with him than she would ever be with me. Thinking about the wedding, I was bothered by a lot of things, not just because I witnessed the mess that woman did but because I had heard something I thought I should not have.It was like that when all of a sudden someone poke my cheek from the side. My gaze went to Luna Sheila who popped out of nowhere. "Still thinking about Aria? Really? Can you just move on, Nixon?" There was a slight teasing in her voice. I only raised an eyebrow and sighed."I am, but not because I wanted to be with her.""Of course, you can't be with her now that she's married!"Rolling my eyes while sarcastically smiling, I shook my head. Right there and then, the atmosphere went serious
Adrian's POVThe moon was fully shown and there were no clouds in the sky, making the stars along the bright moon shine to their full extent.We were appreciating its beauty on the balcony of the house. In my arms was Aria who was resting her head on my chest, while my arms were around her waist, fully embracing her.I could not believe we finally tied the knot after everything that had happened. This woman was now my wife and I could not wait to spend the rest of my life with her.Leaning nearer, I graced the tip of the nose from her cheek down her neck. "Fuck," I softly cussed out when I felt the hotness creeping into my system with just the scent of her. But I blinked a little when she smelled slightly bit different. It must be because she changed her perfume."We're married for real now, huh? You happy?" I whispered against the skin of her neck. Aria inhaled sharply while closing her eyes a bit."Of course, Adrian, of course. You are now completely mine," she mumbled and tilted h
Aria's POVSlowly, in the middle of coldness creeping into my body, I opened my eyes. It was blurry at first but when I was fully adjusted, I realized where I was.Fear began reigning deep inside and out of the blue, I felt the sudden urge to do something so I could escape. I tried to move my body but I soon realized that I was tied in chains fully to the point that I could not move properly."Oh, the cargo is awake," the unknown man said after seeing me with eyes wide open. He was throwing me with an impassive stare.Inside this tiny cart coated with grasses only horses would eat, I knew instantly that I was in trouble. When I gazed around, it seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere. Only animals around would hear my desperate screams.My whole body trembled and tears began forming in my eyes. The thought of helplessness, the thought that no one would ever try to save me scared me a lot that I wanted to cry and shout.Yes, I knew that no one would help me now. I was already ban
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