Aurora’s Pov As soon as Kieran left, I felt relieved. I was half scared he would want to try something funny but thankfully he didn't. I let out a long sigh. Finally, I can lay my head to sleep. I wasn’t sure which emotion was stronger, relief or anger. Relief that he was gone, that I didn’t have to deal with his manipulative behaviors tonight and anger that he even dared to think he could touch me after being with another woman. I wasn’t that weak, stupid, naive girl anymore. I wouldn’t let him have sex with me again. More than anything, I wouldn’t let history repeat itself. I felt my heart clenched as I remembered Caleb. The memories of Caleb came flooding, my heart felt like it was being squeezed. The pain was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. I remembered Caleb, my sweet, innocent child, and the agony I felt when I lost him. I sobbed uncontrollably, the tears streaming down my face. I even made Aria his godmother. A deceitful, two-faced bitch. She honestly des
Darius’s Pov I woke up by dawn, the familiar urge stirring within me. It was time for my daily run, a ritual I cherished a lot. It gives Magnus freedom as well while I get to clear my head and give in to my animal side. I quickly got dressed and headed out. I was eager to let out all the pent up frustration and irritation inside of me. All through the night, I was restless, unable to stop thinking about her. The way she reacted to my touch in the stall had me craving for more. My body ached with desire. Even had wet dreams and my erection ached all through the night.Stepping outside, the morning air filled my lungs, I ran towards the forest in the pack. I put off my shirt and pants, not wanting to rip them apart when I shift. The last thing I needed was to walk home naked, especially when everyone would be awake.The shift was quick due to Magnus' eagerness to hunt. As I transformed, I felt a rush of adrenaline in me, heightening my senses. No matter how far I ran, the thoughts of
Darius's POV I leaned back in the chair, resting my head on the sofa, my fingers tapping against the armrest gently as I thought of the best answer to give Ezra. He sat in silence, looking at me with a look of quiet concentration, expecting what my response will be. Everything happened so suddenly, I haven't been able to process it all without the bond kicking in and making me act all unreasonable but I blame it all on my pent-up hormones. “So I spoke to our investigator about her after you asked me to find everything about her,” he said, seeing I wasn’t saying anything. “He’ll be getting back to me soon with details. Once I have them, I’ll forward everything to you.” I exhaled slowly. Aurora was still too much of a mystery, I really know nothing about her apart from the fact that she was introduced to me as Kieran's mate. I needed to know everything about her. Where she came from, what kind of life she lived before she ended up in my territory, before she became Kieran’s mat
Aurora’s Pov I wasn't expecting anyone this early, but I knew exactly who it would be when I heard the knock. Kieran. He must have already heard or seen the news about Darius and me. I sighed, bracing myself for the confrontation. I pulled the door open.The moment the door swung wide open, a sharp sting exploded across my cheek. My head snapped to the side, the impact so sudden I barely registered it at first. I blinked, my breath caught in my throat as I struggled to process the shock.The sting on my cheek gradually gave way to a dull throb, and I could feel my face burning with heat. I slowly reached up to touch my cheek, wincing at the tender spot where the slap had landed.I turned to look at her, Avery, Kieran’s mother standing before me, looking pissed and filled with rage.How dare she?My left hand still on my burning cheek as I stood in shock. Without waiting for my invitation, she pushed me aside and entered the room. I closed the door behind her, taking some minutes to g
Aurora's POV “Don't” I held up a hand.He sighed. “Look, I know my mother can…” “She hates me. I know,” I cut him off. “I’m used to it.” It wasn't a secret to everyone that she had always hated me. Avery jumps at every opportunity she sees to make me miserable, calling me names, correcting my mistakes and when she heard that Kieran and I were mated, all hell broke loose that day, especially when Kieran told her that he had no plan to reject me. “She had no right to hit you,” he frowned. “And yet, you stood there and did nothing until your father stepped in,” I scoffed. Kieran exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “That’s not fair. What could I have done?” “Something or anything?” I crossed my arms. “You didn’t exactly defend me, Kieran.” He clenched his jaw but didn’t argue. Instead, he changed the subject. “I’m going into town for some business,” he said. “Would you like to come?” “With all the news about me right now? Do you really think that’s a good idea
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 “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
Darius's POV The drive to Millvale was silent and peaceful just like the solace I'd been craving. Ezra was busy with getting more infos about the informant's kidnapping. I'd refused the offer of letting a chauffeur and opted to drive myself. I needed peace and space from everyone. As I drove my mind began to wander, drifting back to the events of today. I didn't even notice the distance I had covered until Millvale came into view. I checked my Google maps, the screen displayed the estimated arrival time. The Albert Verde Gallery was still 10 mins away, giving me time to push pack’s business aside.Getting to the gallery, I parked my car directly in front, handing over my keys to the valet waiting as I stepped out of the car. A man approached me instantly. “Mr Darius?" He asked with a polite tone.I nodded, and a corner his mouth pulled into a slight small."This way, please, Mr. Darius," he said, gesturing with a sweep of his hand. "Mr. Albert has been expecting you." I followed
Darius's POVAs I sat across from Alpha Logan in the conference room, my mind was somewhere else. It wandered back to the message on the informant's body."Gotcha, Alpha Darius.”The words echoed in my head, and I knew without a doubt that it was Alpha Watson's doing, I could imagine the look on his face with that stupid smirk he always has. That arrogant, self-righteous Alpha thought he was above the law, that he could just waltz in here and challenge me.I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my cool as Logan read the content in the alliance proposal he had in his hands. My mind was racing with thoughts of Alpha Watson's sudden confidence. He'd been acting like he owned the place, like he had some kind of upper hand that was why he came here to see me, so he can confirm if I was dead or injured by the attack that happened at his supposed dropsite. That was a bold move, even for someone like him against me.I had knew there was something more to his coming, something that didn't add up. W
Aurora’s POV As I turned to leave, my gaze drifted towards the window, and my heart skipped a beat, quickly I turned my face and got into the car. Standing by the window, was Alpha Darius. I knew he'd been watching me, it will be a surprise if he wasn't. I felt a pang of guilt and regret, knowing that I couldn't give him what he wanted. In another life, perhaps, one I wasn't bound by my mission of revenge and my heart didn't belong to Kieran, I might have considered staying with him. But as what? His mistress? His sex slave? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.I pushed the thoughts away, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. The car ride back to Emberfang was silent for a while until Kiera started talking. “I hope you don’t blame yourself for the alliance falling through,” he said, glancing at me as he drove.I turned my gaze out the window, watching the endless stretch of road ahead. “I don’t.” I answered sharply.“Good,” Kieran s
Darius's POV I woke up before dawn, my body feeling heavy. I hadn't slept well. I was restless and my sleep was being haunted by dreams I thought I had overcome in the past. I tossed off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, putting his feet on the ground. I needed to clear his head and shake off this lingering fatigue. Something I knew coffee can't cure. I made my way to the forest, the crisp morning air pulling me in, the dew settled on me, it's coolness seeping into my pores. The trees loomed above him, their branches creaking softly in the gentle breeze. I took a deep breath, the scent of damp forest filling my lungs. As he walked, my mind became clearer, I realized it had been weeks since I had last visited the training grounds to train or foresee what's going on. I trusted Ezra and Brian to do a good job, but I can't shake the feeling that I'd been neglecting his duties. Since meeting Aurora and finding out she's my mate, I have found it difficult to focus
Aurora's POV Lying on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling, my mind was currently going through war as the thoughts of the past gnawed at me. No matter how hard I tried to push the thoughts away, they clung to me like my shadows, refusing to be ignored. Why did I even end up back here, at this time and especially in this moment? When it would have been easier if it was few months or a year to when Kieran approached me that I was his mate. Waking up in the past had been a shock at first, however, I had adapted quickly because I had seen it as a second chance. An opportunity to change things, to right the wrongs that had once crushed me and to take revenge on those who had betrayed me.But nothing was playing out exactly as it had before in the past. There were now lots of plot twists and events that ain't familiar with subtle shifts in the timeline.And these small changes in the sequence of events are throwing me off balance. The rogue attack that had nearly claimed my life happene