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
Darius's POV I shook my head, frustration simmering just beneath my skin. “Not yet. We captured one of them and we’ll be questioning him soon. Until I have answers, I’m keeping the pack on high alert.” I answered.Alaric nodded. “Smart. If you need additional warriors…” “I’ll let you know,” I said, dismissing his idea of thinking I would be ready to take warriors from someone I don't trust. “In the meantime, the birthday party’s canceled. Once things settle down, I’ll reach out about the alliance meeting.” I informed him.“Of course,” Alaric agreed. He hesitated, then added, “I assume you’ll want us to remain here until the situation is resolved?” “That's if you don’t mind. You can always shift the alliance and we can agree to pucking another time.” I suggested knowing he wouldn't want to give up the alliance that easily. “Not at all,” he said, though there was a glint of suspicion in his eyes. I didn’t care. If keeping them here a little longer meant keeping Aurora close,
Aurora's POV I kept staring at the message reflecting on my phone screen like it held the power to throw my whole world off balance.“I’m in your pack to see you. Meet me at the Moe's Diner.”My heart dropped and leapt at the same time as the message echoed in my head over and over again.Why was Alpha Darius here? My fingers hovered over the screen for a few minutes before I locked the phone and tossed it to the bed.“No. I’m not doing this,” I muttered to myself. “Not today.”I was still trying to shake off the irritating feeling Kieran had left behind in my room like ten minutes ago. His touch and his arrogance makes my stomach twisted in disgust. The entitlement dripping from every word he’d said, like my future, my body, my time were only his to control. I was stupid to even think twice about loving him even with all the red flags that were so obvious. Now Darius was here, the man I should be avoiding. The man who gives me all sort of feelings. I feel so drawn to him and some
Aurora’s Pov By the time we reached the pack, the sun was beginning to dip behind the treetops. I stepped out of the passenger seat of Sandra’s car, the weight of my earlier conversation with George still fresh in my mind.Sandra, a soft-spoken pack member in her early sixties who ran a small handcrafted jewelry shop in Northshore for fun of leaving the pack once a while, offered me a small smile as she adjusted the bangles on her wrist. “Thanks for the doughnut today, Aurora. It was lovely having a ride partner once again,” she said kindly.“Thank you for the ride and I’ll definitely be doing more of riding with you now,” I replied with a warm smile, genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have someone who could always drop me off at Northshore.In the past Aria had always drove me to Northshore since we were bestfriend, sometimes Kieran as well whenever he was going to work but since I found Sandra store I started following her instead. She gave me a wave and drove off, her tir
Aurora’s Pov I replied to Rachel's text immediately. I told her I was free after my interview. I had no plans except to volunteer and probably bury my head in loads of work. Rachel text popped again on my phone screen.“Great! Let’s meet at the café near Northshore University Hospital afterwards.”Instead of going back to the study room, I settled into the chair in the corner of my room. I opened the journal app on my phone and began to put down events of my past life that were significant. The memories came flooding back, and I realized that this present life had taken a different path because of the choices I'd made. I needed to capture these moments, no matter how painful, to ensure I didn't lose sight of the details.As I reflected on the events, tears welled up in my eyes. I longed to let go but the weight of what happened to Caleb has cut deep into my heart. I would never forgive myself for what happened to him. Caleb is the reason why I can't back down.How I wished I could
Aurora’s POVThe general study room in the packhouse was one of the few places where I found peace. It was quiet, filled with the scent of both new and old books. I had been spending most of my time here, drowning in medical texts, pushing myself to focus. Rachel had helped with my residency registration and all I had to do now was to appear in person and take an interview. It wasn't really necessary since I was one of the outstanding interns there but they just wanted to follow protocols and not give off the favoritism vibe to the others. My peace didn't last long when I heard the familiar voice.“Aurora,” Aria’s overly cheerful voice broke through my concentration. I didn’t even look up. I already knew the grin she wore before I saw it.“I expect to find you here,” she continued, stepping closer.“How unfortunate for you,” I said dryly, flipping a page in my book.Looking up, I saw Aria roll her eyes as she scoffed, unfazed by my sarcasm. “There’s a package for you outside.”“A pac
Darius's POV Ezra and I climbed the stairs from the basement, stepping into the small room above that serves as the living room, Ezra close the basement door behind us. The air inside was stale and heavy with dust. I moved toward the window, peering out into the darkness of the forest surrounding the small house. The night was still, but I knew it wouldn’t be for long, day will soon break. Ezra leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he studied me. “What’s the next move?” he asked, a strange, faintly eager look flashed in his eyesI turned to face him. “Call the Shadow Team.”“Now that's what I'm talking about.” He grinned widely.“Tell them to regroup and meet us at the north border.” I said, my eyes darkening dangerously.“Also, tell them it’s time we took revenge for our brothers who died at the drop site ambush.” My voice hardened. Ezra’s expression hardened as well. He gave me a sharp nod and pulled out his phone.“And,” I added, “mind-link the warriors at the north border.
Darius's POV “Your clothes Alpha,” he said as he tossed me a clean set of clothes he took from the front seat in the truck.“I've spoken to the cleaners, they are on their way,” his brow wrinkled with thoughts.I took the clothes and stepped to the side, swiftly swapping out of my torn, blood-soaked attire. The fresh shirt and pants were a welcome change, though I still felt the weight of the fight lingering in my muscles. Ezra stood near the bodies, checking for anything useful. After a moment, he turned back to me.“No insignias. No identifying marks. Just as I expected,” he said.“They were mercenaries,” I confirmed. “Hired to take me alive.”Ezra’s jaw tightened. “So Watson, right?”I smirked. “Yes. I didn't expect him to be this stupid.”Ezra didn’t look surprised, but there was concern all over his face. “If he’s bold enough to send mercenaries after you, he might be planning something bigger.”“I know.” My voice was calm, but a cold edge lingered beneath it.Ezra didn’t ask
Darius's POV The mercenary's breath was ragged against my grip, his pulse thumping violently beneath my fingers. Fear clouded his wild eyes, but I could tell he wasn’t stupid. He knew he was dead already and it was only a matter of time. Still, I needed him to talk, I loosened my grip enough to let him gasp for some air and to speak. “I’ll tell you,” he gasped, clawing weakly at my hand. “I’ll talk.”I let him down, his feet touching the ground, my grip still around his neck to give him a taste of freedom. “Start talking,” I commanded. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard and fear glittered in his eyes. “A man hired us,” he said, panting, “He said it was just a test of our skills and it was nothing too serious.”“He picked three of us and asked us to meet his other own personal mercenaries around Millvale.” He wheezed, coughing as my claws barely relaxed around his throat. “We were supposed to bring you in alive to him.” He added. “Who was the man?” My voice was low, a dark
Darius's POV The moment I noticed the black sedan following me, my instincts sharpened and I gripped tightened on the steering wheel, my eyes fixed on the road ahead, pushing all my thoughts behind me. At first I had thought it was a coincidece but after I had noticed it following me for a while now and we were driving in the same direction even though I had taken a few wrong turns and the black sedan took it as well then I knew I was wrong. This was not a coincidence.I pressed my foot harder on the accelerator, the engine roaring as my car picked up speed. A tail wasn’t unusual, but this wasn’t some casual surveillance. Whoever was behind me was persistent, and I intended to find out, who was in that car, and what did they want.I was now going at a speed of 80km/hr and I felt a surge of adrenaline as the car sped up. The black sedan also kept same pace with me, refusing to back off. I took a deep breath and made a sharp turn, hoping to lose it in the streets but to my surprise, a
Darius's POV The question lingered between us. Elena had asked me who the woman in the painting reminded me of. Seeing the changes on her face, she was curious. I hesitated for a second before answering, “A woman I know,” my eyes narrowed at her. Her expression remained polite, but I noticed the flicker of curiosity in her brown eyes. “Oh?” she said, clearly wanting more.I wasn’t going to give her more.“I’ll take it,” I said instead, shifting the conversation. “I’ll have it sent to someone.”She blinked at the sudden change of subject but quickly recovered, nodding. “Of course,” she observed me through lowered lashes.Reaching into her small purse, she pulled out a small red ‘SOLD’ tag and carefully placed it on the artwork’s lower corner. “I’ll have it packaged and delivered once you make your payment,” she said in a voice that seemed to come from a long way off."I will have my assistant make the payment details and send over the delivery address,” I answered with staid calmn