DANTE'S POVI sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Old grudge. It's a long story."Aria looked between us, her eyes wide. "Shouldn't we tell someone? Alpha Ezra-""No," I cut her off, maybe more sharply than I intended. I quickly softened my voice. "No, we can't tell anyone about this. Not now.""But Dante-”I took her hands in mine, looking into her eyes. "Aria, please. This is Grandfather's birthday. I don't want to ruin it with all this drama. And if he finds out, he'll worry. You know how he gets."Aria bit her lip, looking clearly torn. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head.“Please,” I said again, my voice barely audible. I could feel my own desperation creeping into my tone, something I wasn’t used to feeling, something I didn’t like. “Until I figure out what to do next… Can you keep this a secret? Just for now?”Aria hesitated, her eyes searching mine. Then, slowly, she nodded. “Okay, Dante,” she agreed reluctantly, her voice soft but firm. “Just for now. But y
ARIA'S POVDante's words hung in the air between us. I felt a rush of conflicting emotions, all tangled up inside me, and for a moment, I couldn’t speak.I saw something raw and vulnerable in his eyes, something I hadn’t seen in a very long time. But then, just as quickly, another memory pushed its way in — the memory of the child I had lost, our child. The loss that had torn me apart, that had left me shattered. And it had been his fault.Because of his cheating, his careless, nonchalant attitude towards me… his refusal to see me, really see me.The pain of that bitter memory cut deep, and suddenly, I felt a rush of anger rise within me like a wave crashing against the rocks.I pulled my hand away from his grasp, shaking my head. “You want to know why I don’t rely on you?” I snapped, my voice shaking with the force of my emotions. “It's because you never gave me a reason to, Dante. Because every time I’ve needed you, you’ve turned your back. You’ve lied, cheated, and pretended like n
DANTE'S POVAria's words had cut through me like a blade, but I couldn't blame her for being mad – I had given her plenty of reasons to feel that way. Though, it still stung.The memory of her tear-filled eyes, the way she had pulled away from me — it haunted me as I stood alone in that empty room.I had watched as she angrily walked out into the night without a second thought, but the thought of her going back alone troubled me.My enemies were still out there, lurking in the dark, and waiting for any opportunity to strike, so I couldn’t let her leave like that, not without knowing she would be safe at least.Without thinking, I hurriedly made my way out of the hall. I followed the scent she left behind, that familiar trace of her perfume mixed with the cool night air. It was faint, but it was enough to guide me.As I ran through the path, I tried to tell myself that she would be fine. But something in me — some strong instinct was screaming that she was in danger.The dark forest st
ARIA'S POV“Dante! Dante!!” I cried out, my voice shaking with panic as I knelt beside him, gripping his shoulders.His eyes were closed, his face pale, and his body felt far too still under my touch.I shook him, desperate, hoping that somehow I could wake him up. But there was nothing - no response. Just his shallow breathing, barely there, and the slow trickle of blood staining the ground beneath him.“Dante, please!” I shouted again, louder this time. “Don’t do this to me! Wake up! Come on!!”Good grief! What was I supposed to do?“My phone… where’s my phone?”I quickly started rummaging through the dirt and leaves, my hands shaking as I searched for it. “Come on,” I whispered. “Where is it?”Finally, my fingers brushed against something solid, and I snatched up the phone.Without wasting time, I quickly unlocked the screen, my fingers fumbling over the keys as I scrolled through my contacts. My hands shook so badly I almost dropped it.“Ryan, Ryan…” I muttered, searching for my b
ARIA'S POVWhen I woke up, the world felt oddly muted. I blinked, trying to make sense of my surroundings.White walls, beeping machines, the sharp smell of antiseptic… I then realized that I was in a hospital, and suddenly all the memories came rushing back - the attack, the chaos, the fear.I sat up too quickly, wincing as a sharp pain shot through my body. I actually just had a few cuts and bruises. Nothing too serious.My head spun for a moment, but it wasn’t the dizziness or the faint ache in my muscles that mattered. It was the thoughts of Dante – the memory of his blood-soaked body, his weak breathing, flooded back to me.I hurriedly scrambled out of bed, ignoring the protests of my aching muscles.Where was he? Was he alright? The last thing I remembered was… Ryan standing in front of me.I stumbled into the hallway, my bare feet cold against the floor. I didn’t care about myself — I just needed to find him.A nurse was walking by just outside my door, her arms full of medical
ARIA'S POVI recognized the voice instantly – it was Ryan.Goodness, what on earth was he doing here? How did he even know that I was in here?Panic seized me as I looked between Dante and the door that was about to burst open at any second.I couldn't let Ryan see me in here, not with Dante. I had to leave before he barged in and started to lash out unnecessarily."I have to go," I whispered hurriedly to Dante, my eyes locked with his. The confusion in his gaze made my chest ache, but I didn't have time to explain.Before anyone could stop me, I moved to the door and placed my hand to it for a moment, trying to calm the panic that was building inside me.When I opened the door, I saw Ryan standing in the hallway, his face dark with anger. His eyes flashed, and before he could even speak, I quickly stepped out, shut the door behind me, and pressed a finger to my lips.“Ryan, not here,” I hissed, cutting off whatever explosion was brewing. “Let’s just go.”He gave me a fierce look, his
ARIA'S POVAfter I left the hospital, a heavy burden settled in my chest. My thoughts were consumed by all that Ryan had revealed, the picture still burned into my memory.How could Linda be involved with something like this? It was hard to believe, but the pieces were starting to come together in ways I never wanted to imagine.I needed to act, and using the power of my family, it wouldn't be difficult to start putting plans into motion.The Griffith family… we were influential, strong, and when we set our sights on something, we always made sure to get results. I intended to use every ounce of that influence to get to the bottom of this mess.It wasn't long before I called an urgent meeting with Ryan, Adam, and our most reliable pack warriors. We all gathered in the study of our family estate.The first plan was capturing the wolf who had attacked me.Adam had already begun mobilizing our forces. We even called in a special team — wolves and hunters trained for missions like this —
ARIA'S POVColour drained from the man's face. "You're bluffing… I know you are," he stammered. "You Griffiths, you're too noble for torture."Adam and Ryan both burst into laughter, surprising the man.The man’s eyes shifted nervously between us, wide with fear. He was trapped, and he knew it.“Listen, I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he flattered, trying to pull away, but Ryan kept a tight grip on him.“Oh please,” Adam said, his voice cold and commanding. “We know you attacked Aria. We know you’re involved with the rogue wolves. Now, tell us everything.”The man swallowed hard, realizing that there was no way out. His shoulders slumped in defeat. “I… I was ordered to do it,” he muttered, barely above a whisper. “I didn’t have a choice.”“Ordered by who?” Ryan demanded, shaking him slightly.He hesitated, his eyes flicking toward me for a moment, then back to Ryan. “Linda,” he admitted quietly.A gasp escaped my lips, and I took a step back. I had already suspected that sh
ADAM'S POVI was sitting at my desk when the news hit me like a punch to the stomach. The words on the screen didn’t make sense at first, and I had to read them again. “Alpha Mason of the Astral Pack to marry Aria, the Griffith princess of the Blood Moon Pack tomorrow.”The Griffith princess? Aria? My sister?My heartbeat thundered in my ears as the weight of those words sank in. Aria was getting married? To Alpha Mason? “No way,” I muttered, leaning forward, my hands gripping the edge of the desk. My thoughts were racing so fast that I could barely keep up. Why would she agree to a marriage like this?I grabbed my phone and quickly searched for more information. There were already articles popping up, but they all said the same thing: Aria Griffith is set to marry Alpha Mason in the Astral Pack.“No,” I whispered under my breath, shaking my head. This couldn’t be right. I didn’t waste another second. My fingers flew over my phone as I tried to call her. I pressed her name, held
KIERAN'S POV The wedding was set for tomorrow. Tomorrow!The word echoed in my mind like a warning bell. I didn’t have more time. If I waited even a moment longer, it would be too late. Aria would be trapped forever tied to that monster of an Alpha. I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let that happen.My plan was dangerous and messy, but it was all I had. Sitting outside the palace in the shadows, I watched carefully, observing everything—the guards, the maids, their routines.It was just after sunset when I spotted her. A young maid walking towards the side door of the palace. She was alone, carrying a tray. Perfect.I moved quickly, staying low, my steps silent. When she turned the corner, I was already behind her. Before she could scream, I grabbed her from behind, one arm around her mouth, the other holding her firmly in place. “Shh!” I hissed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”She kicked and squirmed, her tray clattering to the ground, but I tightened my grip. “Stop and liste
KIERAN'S POV I paced back and forth in the shadows of the old inn, my mind spinning in every direction. How could this happen?Just hours ago, I had been racking my brain for a way to rescue Aria, but nothing made sense. Then, out of nowhere, I heard the strangest news: Alpha Mason was getting married. At first, I ignored it. I didn’t care about his ridiculous celebrations. What did a wedding have to do with me? But then I heard something else. The bride was the Griffith princess of the Blood Moon Pack.I froze the second I heard it. The Blood Moon Pack was legendary, one of the largest and most powerful families among werewolves. Their influence stretched far and wide. If Mason was marrying into that family, it meant one thing: power.But then another thought hit me. Aria.Could it be?I shook my head at first. No, there was no way. I had spent days trying to figure out where they took Aria. There was no mention of a mate or a wedding before now. It didn’t add up. Yet, deep down,
ARIA'S POV I sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at the walls around me. The room was far too big, far too fancy, and yet it felt like a prison. My mind was a tangled mess, with my thoughts crashing into one another like waves during a storm. What should I do? How do I get out of here?Pacing the room restlessly, I clenched my hands together. My body ached from all the struggling earlier, but I couldn't bring myself to sit still.I instinctively reached for my phone, driven by desperation. My heart dropped when I realized it was missing.Had the soldiers taken it from me when they dragged me here? I let out a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through my tangled hair. “Of course,” I muttered to myself bitterly. “Why wouldn’t they?”The silence of the room was unbearable. I rushed to the door, banging my fist against it. “Hello? Is anyone there?” My voice was loud, shaking slightly, but no one answered.I banged harder. “I know you’re out there! Don’t pretend you can’t hear me!”
ARIA'S POV The man stood at the far end of the room, his tall figure casting a long shadow under the dim golden light. His face was unforgettable, not because of its strength but because of the scar. A jagged line started at his forehead and ran down to his mouth, pulling one corner of his lips into a permanent sneer. He looked terrifying, like someone who had lived through a war and walked out more dangerous than ever.I swallowed hard as his piercing eyes locked onto mine. His stare felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. Slowly, he began to move, each step measured, like a predator closing in on prey. My breathing quickened, but I forced myself to stay calm.“You’re the princess of the Griffith Pack?” His voice was rough, broken, like every word scraped his throat raw.I froze, the words catching in my throat. Could he tell I was scared? I tried to keep my voice steady. “Yes,” I said, barely above a whisper.His gaze narrowed, suspicion flashing across his scarred face. “P
ARIA'S POV I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My mind was blank. Completely blank.What could I say? My thoughts were a mess, tumbling over one another in a rush of panic. Should I just tell them what my father looked like? No, what if that wasn’t enough? Should I say something about my family? But what if I said something I made a mistake? Would they shoot me on the spot?“I… I don’t know,” I finally stammered, my voice weak and shaky. “I need more time to think…”“Time?” the man sneered, cutting me off. His eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, the gun still in his hand. “You think we have time to play games? Tell me something now, or I’ll just assume that you’re lying.”“I’m not lying!” I yelled, panic creeping into my voice. “I swear, I’m not! Just give me a second!”The man’s face darkened. His grip on the gun tightened, and my pulse raced.“Think, Aria, think!” I screamed at myself in my head. But what could I say? What would the Griffith princess know that no one els
ARIA'S POV The moment the soldiers charged towards me, my body froze in fear. My injured arm throbbed painfully, but I instinctively pressed it against my side, trying to protect it as I stumbled back. The sharp smell of blood mixed with the sterile hospital air, making my head spin."Don't move!" the leading soldier barked, his voice harsh and commanding.I didn't have much of a choice. My legs felt weak, and the room spun as adrenaline coursed through me.Before I could react, the lead soldier pushed me aside with so much force that I fell to the ground, landing hard on my already aching arm.I winced, biting my lip to keep from crying out. The soldier paid no attention to me. He rushed to the window, leaning out and peering out below."Damn it," he growled under his breath. "Where is he?"The other soldiers crowded behind him, their boots thudding against the floor as they scrambled to get a look."Do you see him?" one of them asked, his voice tight with urgency.The leader didn
ARIA'S POV“Kieran!” I suddenly shouted, “For goodness' sake, they are almost here!”But he didn’t move. He didn’t even flinch. His eyes were locked on me, and they were full of something… something that made my heart squeeze. Guilt? Anger? Fear? Maybe all of it at once.The heavy sound of boots thundered closer, with the soldiers’ shouts echoing down the hallway. My pulse hammered in my ears. Kieran didn’t have time. They were coming.Before I could say anything else, the hospital room door burst open, and the professor surprisingly rushed out. His face was pale, and his breathing was laboured, but there was a fierce determination in his eyes.“Get out of here! Both of you!” the professor yelled, positioning himself protectively behind me. His body was thin compared to Kieran’s, but there was no hesitation in his movements. “Kieran, take her and get out of here! Now!”“Professor, no!” Kieran shouted, his voice breaking with raw emotion. “You don't have to do this. We can all leave
ARIA'S POVI leaned against the wall outside Kieran’s hospital room, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. The hallway was quieter now, but it wasn’t calm. There was a certain unease that seemed to hang in the air, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.The faint hum of the hospital’s fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, blending with the occasional sound of pages flipping or the scratch of pens at the nurses’ station nearby.Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a few of the nurses glancing my way, their whispers carrying just far enough for me to hear my name. Some of them giggled, while others seemed more curious, their eyes darting between me and the closed door of Kieran’s room.However, one of them, the nurse who had burst into my room earlier, was different. She was standing at the edge of the nurses’ station, holding a clipboard tightly to her chest. Her eyes briefly glanced in my direction before she quickly looked away, as though she was afraid