ARIA'S POVFor a moment, Finn didn’t say anything. His jaw was set, his eyes fixed on his mother’s, and I could almost feel the tension radiating off him. But then, his shoulders relaxed, and he took a deep breath, his voice steady and calm in a way I hadn’t expected."No, Mother," he said. "I'm not mad. I'm perfectly fine. In fact, I've never been clearer about anything in my life." He paused and took a deep breath. "I've found love, Mother. Real, honest love. And I'm not going to let anyone, not even you, stand in the way of that.”The words echoed in the silence that followed, hanging in the air like a thunderclap. For a second, the world seemed to stop.I stared at him, utterly stunned. Did he really just say that? Was he being serious? Love? But… when did that happen? And why was my heart suddenly racing at the thought?Agatha’s eyes widened in shock, her face drained of colour. She tried to speak, but no sound came out, and then just like that her eyes rolled back in her head an
ARIA'S POVThe question filled me with panic, and I couldn’t help but laugh—too loudly, too awkwardly. It was the kind of laugh that didn’t feel natural, the kind you give when you're caught off guard and scrambling for some control.“What?” I blurted, quickly glancing at him before focusing back on the road, my heart racing. “I wasn’t staring at you. Seriously.”Finn raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Uh-huh.”I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, and I hurriedly tried to defend myself, desperate to cover up the fact that he had caught me again. “No, really! I wasn’t staring. Why on earth would I be staring at you?”He chuckled again, the sound light but teasing. “That’s what I would like to know.”I tried to come up with something, anything that didn’t make me sound like a complete idiot. “I was… uh… I was looking at the trees outside. Yeah, the trees. They’re really nice, you know?”Finn just stared at me, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile. He didn’t believe a word
ARIA'S POVMy hand hovered over the door handle as my mind raced to come up with a response. I really wasn’t ready to confront this, not now, not after everything that had happened tonight.I felt Finn’s gaze burning into my back, waiting for an answer. But instead of acknowledging his question, I forced a bright, fake smile and raised my voice. “Come on, Finn! Let’s go see how your mother is doing, shall we?”I didn’t wait for him to respond. I turned quickly and started walking toward the hospital entrance, my steps faster than they needed to be, my mind a mess of conflicting emotions. I could hear Finn’s footsteps behind me, slower, more hesitant, but he followed without saying another word.Inside, the sterile scent of antiseptic and the quiet hum of hospital machinery greeted us. We walked up to the front desk, where a nurse smiled politely, her fingers tapping at her computer as she looked up at us.“Hi, excuse me,” Finn said, his voice sounding steadier now, more composed. “We'
DANTE'S POVI watched from the hospital room window, my breath fogging up the cold glass. Below, Aria was getting into her car, her movements slow, hesitant.The tight knot in my chest hadn’t loosened, and watching her drive off didn’t make it better. If anything, it made it worse.And then, there was Finn.He stood there, hands shoved deep into his pockets, his eyes trailing after Aria’s car as it drove away.There was something about the way he watched her—it felt wrong. Off. Too…interested.I narrowed my eyes, my hand tightening into a fist at my side. Just as I thought he might leave, Finn turned and started walking back towards the hospital.As soon as I heard his footsteps nearing the door, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I pushed it open and stepped into the hallway before he could enter the room.“Finn,” I called, my voice harder than I meant it to be.He stopped in his tracks, eyebrows raised in surprise. “What?”“We need to talk,” I said, motioning for him to follow me awa
DANTE'S POVFinn didn’t flinch. His jaw tightened, but there was no fear in his eyes, no respect. It was like he was looking at me as just another man—not the one who had raised him, not the Alpha who had led him, not the brother who had fought alongside him through everything. Just another man.There was a tense silence, and when I opened my mouth to argue, the words wouldn’t come. Instead, all I could do was stand there, staring at my little brother—no, not so little anymore—and wonder how the hell we had gotten here.How had it come to this?“I won't tolerate you speaking to me in that manner, Finn,” I whispered, but it was weak. Even I could hear it.Finn’s eyes softened for a brief moment, but then he shook his head again. “I won’t be like you, Dante. I’m not afraid to fight for her. And whether Mother approves or not? That doesn’t matter to me. You know why?”I swallowed hard as Finn took one last step forward, his eyes locked on mine.“Because at least I’m not too much of a cow
ARIA'S POVBy the time I finally got home, I was completely drained. Every step from the car to the door felt like I was dragging a thousand pounds behind me.My mind was still spinning from the chaos of the banquet, but I didn’t want to think about any of it. Not Agatha, not Dante, and definitely not Finn.All I wanted was to collapse into bed and forget this nightmare of an evening.But the moment I opened the door and stepped into the quiet of the mansion, I saw Adam.He was leaning against the kitchen counter with that signature smirk, like he had been waiting all night just to get under my skin.The second he saw me, his grin widened. I could already see the taunt forming in his head.“Well, well, well,” he drawled, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Look who’s home. If it isn't the belle of the ball herself. I hear you caused quite a stir tonight.”I held up my hand to silence him. "Not now, Adam. I've had a hell of a night and I just want to…”“Is it true your ex-mother-in-law faint
ARIA'S POVI didn’t answer Adam. I couldn’t. Instead, I hurried up the rest of the stairs, leaving his voice echoing behind me like some taunting reminder of all the choices I didn’t want to face.As I entered my bedroom and closed the door behind me, I leaned back against it, pressing my palms flat against the cool wood.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out everything—Adam’s laughter, his teasing words, the way he had tossed Finn and Dante into the same sentence as if choosing between them was something I could do with a snap of my fingers.Who was I going to choose?The question seemed to follow me, like a whisper I couldn’t shake, a burden I wasn’t ready to carry.But what if it did come down to that? What if I really had to choose? Dante, who had been a part of my life for so long, or Finn, who was suddenly there in a way I hadn’t expected, stirring up feelings I wasn’t sure how to handle?I moved towards the bed and collapsed into the soft mattress, feeling the exhaustion
LINDA'S POVI stood in the hallway, my arms crossed, eyes narrowed as I watched Finn pacing with his phone pressed to his ear. He was too engrossed in whatever pathetic conversation he was having to notice me. But I knew who he was talking to.Aria.That bitch.The rage simmered in my chest, coiling tighter with each second he spoke to her, his voice soft, his expression… worried. Anxious, even.Finn, who was always so easygoing, was now suddenly so serious over someone like her, and I couldn’t stand it.I stepped closer, the heels of my shoes clicking loudly against the tile floor. I wanted him to hear me. I wanted to interrupt his little moment of affection.“Finn!” I snapped, my voice sharp enough to cut through the air.He froze mid-sentence, his eyes darting to me, and for a second, he looked like a deer caught in headlights.Good. Let him feel uncomfortable. Let him realize what a fool he’s being, doting on that… thing.“Who the hell are you talking to?” I asked, my voice rising
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