Aurora’s Pov “Like how?” I asked, checking my outfit out.“Ivy sent this to me,” I added, unintentionally doing a complete 360 degree turning around.“Why are you dressed like a fugitive?” His lips curled into a smirk.I adjusted my scarf, keeping my face hidden more. "Just being cautious," I said. "I’m trying to avoid attention." Darius scoffed. I rolled my eyes. “Clearly, you haven’t seen the papers.”“I saw them,” he shrugged. “Well, I care,” I shot back, adjusting my scarf for what felt like a hundredth time. “I have a reputation to maintain.” I smoothed out the vintage fabric, making sure it was perfectly aligned. Then I realized it had begun to slip off again. I frowned puzzled.I had no idea why it keeps slipping off. ‘Why did it keep doing that? I had tied it securely’ I thought. I adjusted it once more.“Reputation, huh? And what exactly do you think I am? Some scandal waiting to happen?” he scoffed.He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against mine as he gently r
Aurora’s Pov The air in the restaurant shifted the moment Kieran and Aria approached our table. I felt my stomach tighten, already bracing myself for whatever stupid remarks Kieran was about to throw my way.“Good afternoon, Alpha Darius,” Kieran and Aria said at once together. “A pleasant afternoon to you both as well,” Alpha Darius responded.“Hey dear sweetie, how are you doing? How was school today?” Aria crouched down to greet Ivy with a warm smile.“I'm good, thank you ma'am,” Ivy answered in a polite and formal voice. “School was fine.” “Aurora... didn’t expect to see you here” Aria looked stunned, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile.“Well, well,” Kieran said slowly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “I didn’t know you’d be out, Aurora. You said you wanted to stay home, away from attention.”I met his gaze, unbothered. I wasn’t about to explain myself to him. “Plans change,” I said simply, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an excuse. His smirk d
Aurora’s Pov Kieran leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on mine as he swirled the last of his wine in his glass before letting out a dramatic sigh. “Well, I suppose it’s best we leave now,” he said, now glancing at Darius. “Wouldn’t want to overstay our welcome or interrupt… whatever this is.”Kieran's tone was laced with jealousy, it was all over his face. He was powerless against Alpha Darius and knew he had to watch his words. Darius wasn't someone to be messed with, he was a lycan Alpha, powerful and ruthless but up close he doesn't seem like the rumor was right about him being cold-hearted. Aria shifted uncomfortably beside him, clearly sensing the growing tension between the two Alphas. She quickly finished the last sip of her drink and stood. “We should get going,” she said quietly.Kieran nodded, standing as well before turning to me. “Aurora,” he said, his voice softer now, but still carrying that possessive edge that had always made my skin crawl in my past life,
Darius's POV The moment we reached the edge of the pack’s territory, the pungent scent of smoke hit me. Magnum was in serious rage, pressing to the surface and I had to fight to keep control. I fought the urge of jumping out of the moving car because it could bring harm to Ivy and Aurora. The sight before us was pure chaos, the pack center hall was on fire, thick black smoke rising into the sky. Pups screaming and running, the pack warriors and some pack members clashing with rogues. I drove close to the mansion, getting out, I slammed the car door shut and turned to Aurora and Ivy. Aurora’s eyes were wide, scanning the burning building with a mix of shock and fear, but she kept herself composed. I could see the protective instinct in her body, the way she gripped Ivy’s hand tightly and kept her close like a mother bear protecting its cub.“Ivy,” I said, kneeling down so we were eye level. “I need you to take Aurora to the secret room in my private chambers. You know the way.” “B
Darius's POV “No, no, no, Aurora.” I begged with a whisper.My hands trembled as I cradled her, pressing against the deep wounds, desperate to stop the bleeding. But no matter how hard I tried, warm, sticky blood seeped through my fingers, staining them.Magnus howled inside me, his anguish mirroring mine. Not again. Not her. My breathing rapid as memories crashed into me like a tidal wave.My mother. Lying in a pool of her own blood. My hands pressed against her wounds, just like this. My voice, hoarse from screaming, just like now. Begging. Pleading. But she had slipped away. Her wolf, long gone from traumas.And now Aurora.No. I couldn't lose her too. Not when I just found her. "Stay with me," I choked out, pressing my forehead against hers. Her skin was too cold, her breath too faint. I felt her pulse weakening beneath my fingertips.Was this going to be her end?I couldn't save my mother. I was powerless against death and forced to watch as she died in my arms. "You can't le
Darius's POV Stepping out of the hospital, I let out a deep breath that I have been holding for a while. I hated being in the hospital and as a werewolf, I rarely went there. After Harper arrived, I instructed her to stay with Ivy. I needed to focus and work on finding out what's going on with the rogue's attack. The rogue we caught made a statement about wanting to take everything from me so definitely it was personal. The attacks recently were too personal and each had targeted Ivy. The central hall that was being prepared and decorated for her birthday has been burnt down to ashes. Thankfully, I had picked her from school today. I couldn't clear my head of the different scenarios that could have happened if I didn't pick her from school or if Aurora hadn't laid her life for her.Getting to my car, I saw my reflection in the rearview mirror, my body stained with blood and the short I had picked up from who-knows-where was almost tattered. I desperately needed a bath to clean up a
Aurora’s Pov The air smelled like blooming jasmine, rose and fresh rain. A soft breeze blew against my skin, and I slowly opened my eyes, I noticed I was lying down. Taking in my surroundings, I saw the most breathtaking sight I had ever seen. Flowers of every color stretched far and the sky above was a perfect blue with a touch of gold from where the sun shone. The place felt peaceful. I stood up slowly, my body feeling light and weightless at once. The last thing I remembered was Darius. His face had been the last thing I saw, his eyes were filled with fear and concern mixed with shock. I had attempted to reach for him, to tell him I was okay, but my hands felt heavy to move and then darkness had swallowed me whole before I could even move. This place looks nothing like the Lunaris Dominion pack. ‘Was this heaven?’ I thought.I started walking through the garden, my bare feet brushing over soft grass. Everything was so vivid, so perfect, the kind of beauty that didn’t seem rea
Darius's POV I slammed my fist into the steering wheel, the sharp crack of pain wasn't enough to overcome the storm raging inside me. The car’s interior felt suffocating, and my chest was tight. So tight I thought I might explode. I had never felt this kind of fear before. Not in the countless battles I’d fought. Not when I’d nearly lost my pack in wars or when I’d faced enemies more brutal than most could even imagine. But the thought of losing Aurora had brought me fear. I just found out about her and I feel so much vulnerable when it comes to matters that are related to her. My feelings for her was like a teenager boy falling in love for the first time with no idea of how how to control his hormones. I thought I was cursed when I didn't find my mate for years. I thought the moon goddess has damned me for the sins of my past and now I can't feel the ether mate bond which means only one thing. Aurora was dead. I gripped the wheel, my breathing ragged. The mate bond had faded
Aurora’s Pov Mason dropped me off inftont of the hospital, it didn’t take long, Rachel appeared with her car to pick me. I needed somewhere to gather my thoughts and a friend to talk to which was why I had texted her to come. While she drove me to her pack, she didn't question me, Rachel could tell I needed the space and time to regather my thought. The moment I stepped foot into her room, I jumped onto the bed and I felt a calmness settle in my chest. She immediately served me a cold soda drink that sent chilly thrills down my stomach and afterwards I took a nap.A few hours later, I was awake, we sat cross-legged on her bed, a warm mug of tea in each of our hands, and I finally began to narrate everything that happened yesterday to today.The dinner, the appeal to spend the weekend with him, Magnus sudden appearance on my bed then the kiss, the sex and the shocking mate claim. My wolf, Terra, speaking to me for the first time. The conversation about reincarnated mates. The rejecti
Aurora’s Pov When I heard the voice, I thought it was Darius calling me or he probably was outside at my doorstep but the voice sounded so unfamiliar, like it was mine and at the same time different. Then it came again, soft, and more distinct this time with a little force that seems powerful. It wasn’t echoing from the hallway or the room next door. It was then I realized it was from my mind.I froze mid-step, halfway into yanking my top over my head.“Aurora.”My hand trembled as I put on my shorts. I needed to get out of here but first what could it be? Was I going crazy and hearing voices just because I'd been hit with another betrayal?“What the hell…” I whispered, glancing around the room. “Aurora, listen.” I heard clearer.“Who said that?” I asked, shaking my head.“I did. Don’t be afraid.”My breath caught. My heart thundered in my chest. “Where are you?”“I’m here. Inside you. I always have been.”I shook my head, confused, my eyes darting around the room as if I’d somehow
Aurora’s Pov This was what I craved. What I needed. A reprieve from the anger and heartache, a chance to simply feel alive. My nipples were tight peaks beneath my top, sensitive and wanting for his touch. Darius’s lips were hot and firm against mine. He pulled me closer as his tongue teased mine. I moaned, my hands going through his hair as he deepened the kiss. It was like I’d been holding back for years, and it was finally time to let go. We were kissing each other like we were running out of time.I was panting from the intensity of everything. My skin was tingling, warm, flushed, and trembling. His breath ragged against my cheek, his scent suddenly wrapped around me. It was wild, beautiful and everything I hadn’t expected.His hands trembled when they touched me, like he couldn’t believe this was happening and honestly, neither could I.“Fuck, Aurora…” Darius breathed against my lips, breaking the kiss for only a second. “We need to stop.”“I could smell your arousal and I’m on
Aurora's POV Watching as he turned to leave the kitchen, he walked with nonchalant grace, his movements were swift, full of grace and virility. I had to fight the urge not to study his body when he pushed me against the kitchen counter earlier. When he left the room earlier, I noticed his shorts were tattered from shifting and I could tell it had skipped his mind. The good thing was that it wasn’t totally shredded or hanging by the threads. I would have gotten myself a good show of what was down there. I wouldn't say I wasn't curious to know.I couldn't study his body in the room since he was under the sheet but seeing him in the kitchen brought the mischievous side of me till he killed the vibe when he answered me with a serious tone that maybe he was in love with me. Sighing, I looked down at the plate of food untouched in front of me. I couldn’t eat. I stared at it, hoping my stomach will growl for it but my body had other plans. My heart was too busy racing, and my head were c
Darius's POV I sat up instantly, cursing under my breath. “Magnus,” I growled silently. “What the hell did you do?”"You're welcome," my wolf purred smugly.“You took over. You came in here last night.”"You wouldn't. I had to meet her." He snapped at me.“You were supposed to stay put. I thought we agreed,” I hissed mentally.He didn't answer.Typical Magnus move. Whenever he does something impulsive, he vanishes when it was time to deal with the consequences.I ran a hand down my face and then glanced back at Aurora. Her long lashes rested on her cheeks, her hair splayed out over the pillow like waves of caramel and ink. I loved how peaceful she looked. Hating and loving what Magnus did at the same time. I stared at her with longing and how right it felt to be here beside her.I reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face and the moment my fingers grazed her skin, I felt it again.An electricity tingling sensation.It started at my fingertips and coursed throu
Darius’s POVThe moment I stepped out of Aurora’s room and gently closed the door behind me, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t even realized I was holding. My chest was tight, my head buzzing with all the things I’d just heard and the things I hadn’t been brave enough to say to her. Every time I think I’ve figured her out, she throws me off balance again and again. I made my way to the room across the hall that has been prepared for me for the weekend. I shut the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment before getting off and stripping off my shirt.I headed straight for the shower, hoping the water would cool the thoughts rushing through my mind and as the warm water touched my skin, I rolled my neck, letting the water run over my back. Things weren't going as I planned it except the part where she had agreed to stay for the weekend. I didn't expect her to stay but she did. One thing I was sure of was that she didn't stay because of the way I persuaded her, I can tell from the lo
Aurora’s Pov I looked at him, my heart thumping hard in my chest, and knew there was no turning back now once I spilled it out. I could tell from the way Darius's brows shot up that I had his full attention now.“I found out some things,” I began carefully, my voice low, “about Lily.”His expression darkened slightly with a mixed expression of confusion and curiosity. “Lily?” he repeated. “Alpha Alaric’s daughter? Kieran’s sister?”I nodded. “Yes.”He straightened, his gaze locked onto mine. “What kind of things?” he asked in a serious tone.“There are documents and images,” I began. “I left the folder in my bag, and my bag’s in the car that brought us.” I sighed heavily.Darius waved a hand dismissively. “No, it’s not in the car anymore. Mason already brought everything in. They’re in one of the rooms.”He stood and looked down at me then stretched out his hand in assisting me. “Come on,” he grabbed my arm and led me towards the room. “I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping anyw
Aurora’s Pov I hesitated, my body fixed on the mat we sat on as his words hung in the air. ‘Stay.’It was a simple request, but my mind was racing with a thousand reasons why I shouldn't consider it. Yet, it wasn't just his asking that made me want to stay. A turbulent storm was building up inside of me, making my heart pound and my palms sweaty in the cool night breeze. I feel like I was on the edge of doing something and one wrong action could take me deeper than I want to go.My instincts were screaming at me to be careful, to protect myself from these emotions that seemed to be out of my control but a part of me, a part that I couldn't quite explain, felt an overwhelming urge to experience the feelings and go with it. A part of my heart is giving in to Darius dangerously but my other part which is pent up with getting revenge is fighting the urge.I love the way he was making me feel, the butterflies I feel in my tummy, my heart pounding anxiously whenever I see him, the throb
Aurora’s Pov We walked in silence, the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet and the sound of insects chirping filled the air. The night was cool but not uncomfortable, the kind that wrapped around your skin gently.I let my eyes roam. A garden was by my left. It was in full bloom with roses, tulips, wild daisies, and those pale lavender flowers I could never remember the name of. The scent hit me as walked by it side. The kind of smell that made your shoulders drop and your chest relax. It was beautiful and breathtaking sight to behold even in the dark with light stand by the walk way shining on it.I could also smell river or ocean ahead."Where are we going?" I asked, eyeing him from the side."You'll see," Darius said, that mysterious smirk playing at the corners of his lips.We walked a bit farther and soon the scent of the river became clearer and then, we turned a small corner of the path, and I gasped.A small fireplace had already been lit. There was a comfortable-looking p