FINN’S POVAs Aria's words trailed off, I realized that she was terrified. Not of me, but of whatever had just happened between us.The weight of that moment—the way I had leaned in, the way I almost crossed a line neither of us were ready for—it was too much for her. And I didn’t blame her. Hell, I wanted out of my own head.What the hell was I even thinking?The clarity struck me fast, like a cold bucket of water thrown over my head. I shook off the stupid, reckless thoughts that had been swirling in my mind, the ones that had nearly driven me to kiss her.“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, the words tumbling out in a rush. I didn’t even wait for her to respond. I turned on my heel and got back into the car, slamming the door shut behind me.My heart was pounding, my thoughts racing as I sat there, trying to get a grip on myself.The car started up again, the hum of the engine filling the tense silence. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my head buried in my hands, trying so
ARIA'S POVAs soon as I stepped into the house, all thoughts of Finn and the… the kiss disappeared from my mind, replaced by the heavy tension in the air.Adam was sitting on the sofa, his posture rigid, his face tight with an expression I rarely saw on him. And seeing him like this made my stomach twist with uneasiness.“Hey,” I greeted softly, trying to keep my voice steady as I dropped my keys on the small table by the door. “What’s going on?”Adam’s eyes flicked up to meet mine, and for a moment, he said nothing. Just stared, like he was trying to figure out how to break whatever news was sitting on his shoulders.My pulse quickened, and a million thoughts rushed through my mind. Was something wrong with the pack? Had something happened to Father?Then Adam cleared his throat, the sound sharp in the quiet room. “Aria,” he began slowly, his voice low, careful. “We’ve got a problem. A big one.”My heart skipped. A problem? I took a step closer to him, my fingers fidgeting with the s
ARIA'S POVAfter pacing back and forth in my room for what felt like hours, I finally made my decision.I couldn’t do this alone. Going to see that rogue by myself was nothing short of suicide.My hands trembled as I ran them through my hair, trying to calm my racing thoughts.I had to tell Adam. He would know what to do—he always did.I took a deep breath and made my way downstairs, trying to mask the anxiety that was building up inside me.When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw Adam sitting on the sofa, looking utterly exhausted. His eyes were heavy, his body slouched in a way that told me he hadn’t slept at all.I knew he had been working nonstop, calling for help, reaching out to every connection he had, trying to track down the rogue. And it was all for my sake.The guilt hit me like a wave. He was doing all of this to protect me, and yet here I was, about to burden him again.I paused, and as I watched him my heart ached. I really didn’t want to add to his burden, I shou
ARIA'S POVThe streets were empty—eerily quiet for this time of the night. Not a single soul was in sight. The street lights dimmed and flickered as if they were on their last breath.The further I drove, the more empty it became, the darkness swallowing the road ahead of me like a black hole. The silence in the car felt deafening, broken only by the soft hum of the engine.It reminded me of a haunted graveyard, the kind you see in horror movies, where nothing good ever happens.I swear I could literally hear my instincts screaming at me to turn around, to head back home where it was safe, but I shook the feeling off. I couldn’t let fear paralyze me now.Suddenly, the car jolted, hitting something hard on the road. I gasped, my heart leaping into my throat as I slammed on the brakes. The car screeched to a stop, the sound cutting through the night air like a scream.I gripped the steering wheel, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps as I stared out into the darkness. For a moment,
DANTE'S POVFinn and Aria’s sudden departure weighed heavily on my mind. The moment they drove off together, something in me shifted, unsettled.I couldn’t shake the look I had seen in Finn’s eyes—intense, burning, filled with desire. It wasn’t just protective concern; it was something deeper, something that made my gut twist in ways I didn’t want to acknowledge.Desire for Aria.I tightened my grip on my wine glass just thinking about it.Heck! I should have stopped Finn from leaving with Aria, should have said something. But what could I do? As her ex-husband, I had no right. As Finn’s brother… I didn’t know how to handle it.It was a mess, a twisted knot that no amount of reasoning could untangle.Let it go, Dante. It’s not your place anymore. I kept telling myself that, but it didn’t help. The thought of Finn looking at Aria like that… of them being together… it gnawed at me, made me feel like my chest was going to cave in.And then, there was Linda.“Dante, are you even listening
DANTE'S POVThe flames surrounded the car quickly, licking up the sides like they were hungry for more. I stood frozen, staring at the scene in front of me, my mind spinning.The night air was thick with the sharp stench of burning rubber and metal, and there was something about the way the flames curled around the wreckage that sent a chill crawling down my spine.I wanted to go over, to see what had happened, but the darkness around the crash felt thick, heavy with danger.It was too quiet, too still, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t supposed to be here. Everything about this scene screamed to stay away.My hands tightened on the steering wheel, and I thought about driving off, leaving this mess behind.A car explosion in an empty area like this? It was suspicious, to say the least. No one would blame me for getting out while I still could. It was none of my business.But then it hit me—PAIN. It was sharp and sudden.A searing bolt of pain shot through my chest, like m
DANTE'S POVThe thought echoed in my mind, louder than the crackling flames.I looked again, squinting through the thick smoke, and that was when I saw the sparkle—the familiar sparkle from the diamond bracelet I had given her. It kept on catching the light from the flames, flashing like a warning, and my breath caught in my throat.It had to be Aria. It was really her.“Aria!” I shouted, my voice rough, but there was no answer. My pulse spiked as panic clawed its way up my chest. I couldn’t waste any more time.Without even thinking for more than a second, I rushed into the flames, my body moving on instinct.The intense heat was suffocating, the smoke thick enough to choke me, but I didn’t care. My mind was a blur, my only thought to get to her. To save her.The fire had not reached the front of the car yet, and I thanked the goddess for whatever safety features had kept the flames at bay. The driver’s seat was still intact, though the rest of the car was a twisted mess of metal and
ARIA'S POVWhen I woke up, it felt like my entire body was wrapped in a fog. I blinked slowly, trying to focus, but everything around me was a blur.The sterile smell of antiseptic and the faint beeping of machines were the first things that registered. And then, the pain hit.A dull, throbbing ache spread throughout my body, and I realized I couldn’t move. My limbs felt heavy, weighed down by something tight.As I glanced down, I saw that I was wrapped in bandages—so many bandages. My body looked like it had been mummified.Where am I?I tried to speak, but the moment I opened my mouth, a sharp, intense pain tore through my throat. I swallowed, wincing as the dryness scratched at my voice box. No sound came out. I felt helpless and confused.My heart pounded as I took in my surroundings—the room was empty, and I was alone.How did I even get here?I racked my brain, trying to remember, but everything was hazy. Bits and pieces of the night flashed before my eyes—the accident, the expl
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