Aria's p.o.vI gasped, my lungs burning as air rushed into them replacing the water in it. Then began coughing out uncontrollably as water slipped from my mouth.“I thought I was about to die” I mentally noted. A gentle hand caressing my back reminded me of my savior, his soothing voice making me shiver the more, adding to the nights cold “There, there. You're fine now” The voice said and I turned slowly to him. Wearing a smile, I noticed his dimple going deeper into his face as he smiled the more. He looked around mid 20s, but had a physique if the Greek gods, nothing compared to Xanthea.“Charming, ain't I?” He pulled me from my thoughts. I averted my gaze immediately before saying “thank you” I mumbled.“You're welcome.” He then sat beside me at the jacuzzi Slab. “What were you doing here all alone. The party is held inside, you know?” I turned to him and said “I wanted to get fresh air. Before….” My voice trailed off, realizing how I ended up in the pool.“I can't believe Len
Xanthea P.o.vI hadn't realized when the word flew from my mouth. I didn't want Aria to know about him, however seeing him here means he is up to a devious plan…. To kill me.Randy and I were once childhood friends, but because our fathers were rivals, we had no choice to turn against each other. Although I never wanted that friendship to end, Randy was always trying to overshadow me in everything… his competitiveness left him jealous and envious over my success which he then swore to bring me down no matter what.“Why would he want to kill you?” Aria's soft expression pulled from my thoughts.Shaking my head, I sat down at the slab, looking out at the moon and the snow.Remeinsnecong, on the words she said earlier. Her cute jealous act made me smile, and an image of her cheeks burning in embarrassment flashed in my memory.“He just hates me, and as earlier stated, he is looking for ways to bring me down” I said not sparing her any glance, as I tried to shake off her image from my hea
Aria’s povThe drive to the mansion had an eerie and uncomfortable silence between us. I could tell that Xanthea isn't pleased to see Randy, but what can I do?.I sighed then turned to glance at the streets, the street lights and the bustling city drew me in, coupled with snowflakes.I was still soaked and cold. Sitting beside the window, a hurl of wind breezed through the window making me shudder and I sneezed.“Close the window, you'll only catch more cold” Xanthea said, concern laced in his tone.I rubbed my nose aggressively before cuddling the jacket which Xanthea had earlier given to me.The long stretched silence proceeded for about another hour. While we drove, I sensed Xanthea being absent minded. He had told the driver to go home when we arrived at the party. Saying he'll take care of things.“What are you thinking about?” I began a conversation, breaking the uncomfortable silence between us “Nothing” I said, staring at the road with all seriousness.“Doesn't look like any
Aria's Pov.Her words were still plunging in my head and I tried grasping what she was saying.“How can Steve know my parents? I thought they were dead. Also, why is Lena so interested in finding my parents? Does it have anything to do with Randy too?” I asked internally trying to connect all the dots, but they were too compelling and overall not leading anywhere.I sipped my orange juice and said “did Lena say any other thing?”Mom poured me a glass of juice replacing the one I had previously gulped. “She didn't. I overheard her talking with someone, but I don't know who it is. However…” she dropped the jug containing Juice and said. “Lena is not as bad as you think. She might be messed up in the head but that doesn't mean she hates you” she paused, staring at me.I averted the gaze and bit my lips, a habit I incorporated ever since this mystery began a few days ago.“I also want her safe. However mingling with Steve is quite…. ludicrous” I said calculating my next step of action.“D
Chapter 33Xanthea's p.o.vI watched Aria shut the door behind her, sensing the anger as she left.With a sigh, I turned back to my laptop and kept punching in the words. I was doing research on Randy's recent activities but nothing seemed to be popping up. Even his name on The internet was hidden, it was like he was keeping the world away from himself. “It is weird how he vanished from the face of the earth then reappeared in Steve's party. Is there something I'm missing…” I reasoned, my gaze fixed on the screen then a click to the door drew my attention from the screen.Leo stepped in with an ipad in his arms and dug his free hand in another. His gaze was on the pad as he spoke. “You have urgent meetings with two individuals” he said, then raised his head to stare at me.He adjusted his glasses and said, “From Alpha Mui, which I presume he wants the answer from last meeting and Mr Steve” he paused and studied my expression for a while before saying. “You hardly look Into your lapto
Aria's p.o.v“Come on, I'm just joking” Randy teased and laughed to himself while I rolled my eyes hard at him.“It's not that funny you know” I said, crossing my arms against my chest.His laughter died down and he wiped out the stray with tears in his eyes “I'm sorry. You should have seen your face. It was like the blood inside you drained out” he mocked.“Cut it out. I really don't want to be here, you know. Xanthea would be worried sick by now” I said In a serious tone. Randy coughed then adjusted himself forward “am I that worthless if your time?” He said, acting hurt while clamping his chest.“I don't have time for this…” I said about leaving when his words stopped me.“You still owe me one, you know that right?” He intoned more seriously.I glanced at him Coldly, my expression changed as I tried predicting what he requested. “I knew he wouldn't let that off so easily. Who would? Saving someone's life is like a hot cake to bill them these days” I thought.“So what do you want?
Aria’s P.O.VBlackwood mansion I stared at my reflection above the mirror's sink. A sense of thrill and anticipation washed over me as I rinsed my hands in the water. My eyes sparkling like a child on a Christmas day waiting to unwrap their presents.It was my twentieth birthday. A day I anticipated, causing me sleepless nights, and countless daydreams.One day I'll finally be bound to my fated mate, Ryder Darkhaven of Blackwood pack.After drying my hands with a rag, I sighed deeply without breaking eye contact with my reflection, then my eyes travelled to the necklace below my shoulder bones.I wore a flowery off shoulder blue dress, and the diamond necklace situated around my neck. I remember clearly how Ryder had worn it on me, I smiled at the thought. The dress and necklace was bought by Ryder course, he said he wanted me to look very beautiful and the colour of the blue dress matches my irises beautifully. Not only that, he said he had a surprise for me.Of course I didn't know
Aria's pov The music screeched to a halt and the room fell silent as everyone's eyes were glued on me. I felt my face breaking every inch of sweat as their gaze bore a hole in me, my face burning with shame.Flashback: an hour earlier...Lena's microphone shrieked, drawing everyone’s attention. Their heads swiveld towards her “we’ve all heard of a tale about a child who was cast to die in the forest for the sake of the land's peace.” She paused gripping the interest of everyone. It was a popular story that everyone knew, some had doubted it and others believed. One thing was certain; everyone was attuned and enthralled.I stood paralysied In horror. A sense dread washing over me alongside every negative feelings. My heart dropped again sending a sharp pain to my chest. Then and there, I knew there was no redeeming what has been done.“That cursed child, destined to die is…Aria” she announced and the crowd went wild. People gasped at the revelation, some began muttering, disbelief
Aria's p.o.v“Come on, I'm just joking” Randy teased and laughed to himself while I rolled my eyes hard at him.“It's not that funny you know” I said, crossing my arms against my chest.His laughter died down and he wiped out the stray with tears in his eyes “I'm sorry. You should have seen your face. It was like the blood inside you drained out” he mocked.“Cut it out. I really don't want to be here, you know. Xanthea would be worried sick by now” I said In a serious tone. Randy coughed then adjusted himself forward “am I that worthless if your time?” He said, acting hurt while clamping his chest.“I don't have time for this…” I said about leaving when his words stopped me.“You still owe me one, you know that right?” He intoned more seriously.I glanced at him Coldly, my expression changed as I tried predicting what he requested. “I knew he wouldn't let that off so easily. Who would? Saving someone's life is like a hot cake to bill them these days” I thought.“So what do you want?
Chapter 33Xanthea's p.o.vI watched Aria shut the door behind her, sensing the anger as she left.With a sigh, I turned back to my laptop and kept punching in the words. I was doing research on Randy's recent activities but nothing seemed to be popping up. Even his name on The internet was hidden, it was like he was keeping the world away from himself. “It is weird how he vanished from the face of the earth then reappeared in Steve's party. Is there something I'm missing…” I reasoned, my gaze fixed on the screen then a click to the door drew my attention from the screen.Leo stepped in with an ipad in his arms and dug his free hand in another. His gaze was on the pad as he spoke. “You have urgent meetings with two individuals” he said, then raised his head to stare at me.He adjusted his glasses and said, “From Alpha Mui, which I presume he wants the answer from last meeting and Mr Steve” he paused and studied my expression for a while before saying. “You hardly look Into your lapto
Aria's Pov.Her words were still plunging in my head and I tried grasping what she was saying.“How can Steve know my parents? I thought they were dead. Also, why is Lena so interested in finding my parents? Does it have anything to do with Randy too?” I asked internally trying to connect all the dots, but they were too compelling and overall not leading anywhere.I sipped my orange juice and said “did Lena say any other thing?”Mom poured me a glass of juice replacing the one I had previously gulped. “She didn't. I overheard her talking with someone, but I don't know who it is. However…” she dropped the jug containing Juice and said. “Lena is not as bad as you think. She might be messed up in the head but that doesn't mean she hates you” she paused, staring at me.I averted the gaze and bit my lips, a habit I incorporated ever since this mystery began a few days ago.“I also want her safe. However mingling with Steve is quite…. ludicrous” I said calculating my next step of action.“D
Aria’s povThe drive to the mansion had an eerie and uncomfortable silence between us. I could tell that Xanthea isn't pleased to see Randy, but what can I do?.I sighed then turned to glance at the streets, the street lights and the bustling city drew me in, coupled with snowflakes.I was still soaked and cold. Sitting beside the window, a hurl of wind breezed through the window making me shudder and I sneezed.“Close the window, you'll only catch more cold” Xanthea said, concern laced in his tone.I rubbed my nose aggressively before cuddling the jacket which Xanthea had earlier given to me.The long stretched silence proceeded for about another hour. While we drove, I sensed Xanthea being absent minded. He had told the driver to go home when we arrived at the party. Saying he'll take care of things.“What are you thinking about?” I began a conversation, breaking the uncomfortable silence between us “Nothing” I said, staring at the road with all seriousness.“Doesn't look like any
Xanthea P.o.vI hadn't realized when the word flew from my mouth. I didn't want Aria to know about him, however seeing him here means he is up to a devious plan…. To kill me.Randy and I were once childhood friends, but because our fathers were rivals, we had no choice to turn against each other. Although I never wanted that friendship to end, Randy was always trying to overshadow me in everything… his competitiveness left him jealous and envious over my success which he then swore to bring me down no matter what.“Why would he want to kill you?” Aria's soft expression pulled from my thoughts.Shaking my head, I sat down at the slab, looking out at the moon and the snow.Remeinsnecong, on the words she said earlier. Her cute jealous act made me smile, and an image of her cheeks burning in embarrassment flashed in my memory.“He just hates me, and as earlier stated, he is looking for ways to bring me down” I said not sparing her any glance, as I tried to shake off her image from my hea
Aria's p.o.vI gasped, my lungs burning as air rushed into them replacing the water in it. Then began coughing out uncontrollably as water slipped from my mouth.“I thought I was about to die” I mentally noted. A gentle hand caressing my back reminded me of my savior, his soothing voice making me shiver the more, adding to the nights cold “There, there. You're fine now” The voice said and I turned slowly to him. Wearing a smile, I noticed his dimple going deeper into his face as he smiled the more. He looked around mid 20s, but had a physique if the Greek gods, nothing compared to Xanthea.“Charming, ain't I?” He pulled me from my thoughts. I averted my gaze immediately before saying “thank you” I mumbled.“You're welcome.” He then sat beside me at the jacuzzi Slab. “What were you doing here all alone. The party is held inside, you know?” I turned to him and said “I wanted to get fresh air. Before….” My voice trailed off, realizing how I ended up in the pool.“I can't believe Len
Aria's pov Still standing in awe as I saw Lena standing beside the man. She's not meant to be here, or least I thought.“What are you doing here, Lena?” I mouthed hoping she understood. However, Arthur, the party thrower, Interrupted me.“Xanthea, you never told me this was your mate” Arthur said with a broad smile while staring at me, I forced a smile but all I could think about was Lena The last time I met her, she told me she was going back to the university.“Well, that's why I brought her,” Xanthea replied.Lena excused herself and left, I was tempted to go after her but Xanthea held me back. My hands were around his arm, in a tight grip.“Come on, have your seats” Arthur said and we both took our seats.Few minutes into the luxurious opulence of the party, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. I felt so out of place, loner and commoner in the midst of royalties.Everyone seems to know themselves, even Xanthea. They all dressed and talked fancy. I never believed I didn't catch
Aria's povIt's been seven days since that steamy romance between I and Xanthea, which I couldn't stop thinking about. Every night and day, I keep reminiscing about that day like it was yesterday, and at each thought, butterflies clustered around my belly and my face would turn red, making my cheeks hurt.I haven't been able to make eye contact with Xanthea ever since, and always keep a distance whenever we're in contact, which is very often.I could still remember how he held my back, caressing me and kissing all over my nape. The thought made my cheeks hurt and Medina caught on.“I see you're thinking of something,” She noticed while clipping my clothes from behind.I reacted quickly to mask my excitement “I just thought of the party, that's all” I briefly said then turned to the gigantic mirror standing in front of me. I could no longer recognize the girl standing in front of me, with the dress and the jewelries, made me nothing more than a princess.“Done,” Medina announced.“You
Xanthea pov The devastating news came to me as soon as I arrived at the meeting, which I then had to hurry up, dismiss the meeting and book a flight back. I knew that Aria wasn't in safe hands with Darcey but I had entrusted her with Leo, asking him to keep a close eye on Darcey. Why did he have to leave? My mind kept reeling with a series of questions and doubts.Fortunately,the police came in time to take her away before more harm was done. What was I thinking? I could believe Darcey when she said she'd look after Aria.“Give her this and make sure she stays relaxed often, her legs would heal” the doctor said handing me a drug before leaving. I went back inside with a heavy heart, and gently Opened the door.Ryder was gone now and Aria was on the verge of tears.. or not.I walked in slowly Into the room and sat across from her, letting the silence envelope my sense of thought leaving me with regret and void.“I should have known” I let out softly then she turned to me “It wasn't