Aree’s POV
Time passed quickly. I have been detained here for five days. They still haven't decided what to do with me.
Staying here for five days was ten times harder than I expected. However, I'm used to this kind of situation. It's really different when someone makes you suffer every day.
Stella always comes here to torture me. She said nasty things, hurting me physically and mentally.
I rested my head on my knees and let out a deep breath. I remember my life before everything went wrong. But my happy life was filled with sadness now.
I smiled sadly; I never thought that I would suffer like this.
"Aria, honey? Where are you?"
I giggled softly as I continued to hide behind the tree in our vast garden. My mother and were playing hide and seek.
I peeked a little to find out where she was, but I was very surprised when I found her right in front of me.
"There you are, you little missy!" she said happily and tickled me. I screamed and laughed out loud.
"Mom! Stop tickling me!" I said while laughing hard. I tried to run away from her, but she captured me and caged me into her arms.
"I won't, honey, haha."
Before she could tickle me again, someone spoke up. "Hey, little missy, did you miss me?" My eyes widened as I looked for where that voice was coming from.
"Daddy!" My mom let me go, so I ran toward my dad. Dad immediately greeted me with a warm hug and kiss.
I miss him so much.
"How are you, sweetie? Are you doing well while daddy is away, hmm?" He asked me softly. I giggled and nodded my head. "Of course, Dad. I'm just behaving, right, mommy?" I said and looked at my mother.
Mother smiled and nodded as she walked towards us. She pinched my cheeks and chuckled, "She's behaving but naughty in other things. Especially with food. She can't stop eating," she said and laughed softly.
I just giggled. What can I do? It's good to eat. My dad looked at me, amused. "Very good, sweetie. Just keep on eating. I don't mind if you gain weight," he said and kissed my forehead.
I giggled again, "Sure, Dad. Let's go. I want to eat!" I energetically shouted. My mother and father laughed at my response.
"Sure, honey. Let's go."
I buried my face in my thigh even more. It's been a long time since that day happened. I just cried silently. I feel lonely and tired. “Celine, did I tell you about what my parents would do when...” I was talking to my wolf in my mind when I caught some noise.
I looked ahead when I heard the opening of the iron bars of my prison. Two men entered with Alpha Cornell and his two children, James and Stella.
Stella grinned as if she was happy with what she saw.
I just shook. The two warriors made me stand and face
“The king will come tonight to take you as the king’s breeder. As your punishment, you will face him, and will be the one who will go with him," I know it will happen. I just can't accept the fact that my mate--- err, ex-mate isn't doing anything. I wish I could see at least regret on his face, but there is none.
I just nodded. I can't do anything anymore; they have been decided. And just like the way they treat me, I'm just a slave, and I have no right to complain.
They were slightly surprised by my answer. Who wouldn't think like that? Five days ago, I ran away so I wouldn't be the one they sent to the palace as the king's breeder.
"Then get her out here and dress her," Alpha Cornell said. Before he could turn around, his daughter stopped her.
"Hold on, Father. Can I just dress her? She will be like us tonight. I don't want to embarrass our pack because of her appearance. Look at her, if she takes care of herself. I'm sure she will embarrass all of us," is she serious about what she is saying?
She thinks highly of herself. I wish my parents didn't die. I'm sure she wouldn't treat me like this. Actually, she's just a piece of shit.
I frowned. I'm sure she's just talking too much. "Sure, my daughter. You'll take care of her. Son, come on," He called his son.
James turned to me. His face was so serious that I couldn't read it. I'm still hoping that he still cares about me. But from what I see now, it seems like he really doesn't care.
I smiled sadly. Maybe this is my fate, to be rejected and alone in this world. They finally left the prison. At the same time, Stella stayed in front of me. There was a big grin on her lips.
"Come on, I don't like tardiness," I just nodded and followed her.
Some time passed, and she finished fixing me. For the first time, she didn't make me look ridiculous.
"I'm perfect. Even an ugly person like you turned out like this," I frowned. All the words that come out of her lips are just insults.
"Stand there. Wait for me," I just nodded again. I have no strength to speak. Maybe, she is pleased now because this is the last time she will see me.
"Come on. My dad told me that the king is on their way," she said while smirking.
"I can't wait to see her humiliated. I'm sure the king doesn't even want her," I read her mind.
I know that. I don't expect everyone to like me. Because in this place, no one likes me.
I was just quietly walking behind her. In the middle of the hallway, a man called her name.
"Stella!" I don't know this man. Her new toy?
Stella looked at me, "Stay here." I just nodded and stopped walking.
They both kissed in front of me. I winced, that's gross. It seems like I'm right. He might be her new toy.
"You look so gorgeous as always, mate," I was slightly surprised. Mate? So, she really found her mate. I thought she was just reasoning because she didn't want to be a king's breeder.
"Aw, you're so sweet. Thank you, babe. Did you see Dad?" The man nodded.
"Yes, they are outside. Waiting for the arrival of the king," He replied.
"Oh, I see. Let's go then," They both looked at me. Stella signed me to come closer. I quietly approached them.
"Don't embarrass us, Aria," What will happen if I embarrass them? Will they kill me? A smile appeared on my lips. Since I'm not part of this Pack, I don't care if they'll be embarrassed because of me.
Before I could say something, she raised her hand. "I don't need any words from you. Just start moving," After she said that. She and her mate started walking. I sighed and followed them.
Third Person’s POVAfter a few days of traveling, the king has found his way to the last pack of the southern territory. He’s a little grumpy and pissed because until now, he still hasn’t found his second chance mate.He also started to think that the vision of the royal witch might be wrong. That he doesn’t really have one, that he is destined to be mate less for the rest of his life.He let out a sigh and looked at his two betas who were sleeping peacefully now. He immediately frowned, this two only knew sleeping, eating and drinking. He just shook his head and looked out the car’s window.“We’re near the last pack, your majesty,” his chauffeur informed him. He nodded and leaned back. If he can’t find his second chance mate now, maybe he’ll just continue looking for a breeder. He needs someone who will carry an heir, the next Lycan king of the kingdom.A few minutes later, the car stopped completely. Signaling that they had arrived, he let out a sigh. He looked at his two betas agai
Third Person’s POV James walked closer to his sister, he was shocked and confused to see her alone here. Where’s Aree? Did she do something bad to Aree? And why she smelled like her? This is weird. He grabbed her hand and pulled her a little, “Why are you smelling like her?” He whispered.Stella raised an eyebrow, “What? I don’t know what you are talking about. I smell like this always,” She reason out even if she knew what he meant. Her dear brother smelling Aree’s scent on her. So, her scent can make guys go crazy over her.Her jaw clenched. She didn’t expect them to act like this over her. What’s so special about her? She saw none. She smiled at her brother and removed his hand on her arm, “Don’t act like this in front of the king. I just decided that I will be the one who will go instead of Aree. That’s what you want, right? Even if you rejected her, you still don’t want to let her go,” James shut his lips tight.She was right, even if he rejected Aree a few weeks ago, he still c
“Did you hear that?” Claude asked his twin brother. Callister’s brow furrowed and focused, yes, he heard it. They’ve been roaming around for half an hour now, but this is the first time they heard something unusual.They looked at each other, they were thinking the same. They need to know where that room is, after a few seconds of searching, they manage to pinpoint a certain place. From outside where they were standing, they heard a faint voice.Callister knocked on the door, three times but no one responded. “Is someone’s inside? Would you mind to open the door?” They called the attention for whoever’s staying inside the room. James looked at Aree in panick. Someone’s looking for her. Stella’s right. Aree is the king’s second chance mate.He took a deep breath and pulled Aree’s arm. He brought her inside the bathroom, and started to tie both of her hand. Aree’s eyes widened, what is he doing? “Hey, stop. Let me go, James. I warn you, don’t do this to me. Let me out!” She screamed and
Aree’s POVHe was about to kiss me, but I did everything to push him away. If only he had been my mate until now, I might have butterflies in my stomach. But what I can feel now is pure hatred and disgust.He broke the connection, the bond between the two of us. Then now he expects us to be okay? He’s delusional. I glared at him as I tried to push him away from me.He’s holding my arms tightly as he pushes himself on me. I feel disgusted and don’t want to be this close to him. I can’t let him claim me.“Get off me, James!” I screamed. He covered my mouth and pinned me even more on the wall. My eyes widened in shock. What is he doing? Is he this desperate?“Silence! Don’t you dare to scream? I know you want this too. You wanted my attention, right? Then, here it is,” After he said that. He tried to kiss me again, but I avoided his lips.He can’t be serious. I don’t want his attention now. I never wanted it. He’s my mate. I should never beg for his love and attention. But he’s not my ma
Aree's POVI slowly woke up because of a faint voice coming from somewhere. I rubbed my eyes and yawned. I still feel tired and weak. I looked around and slowly got up. I sat on the edge of the bed."Later, she will wake up. Her body was fatigued by her sudden use of power," I slightly frowned at what I heard."Right now, when she wakes up. She will feel dizzy and weak. So what we should do is get her treated by a senior healer. I know that will help her. And she will recover faster," the male voice continued. This time I know that he is the healer of the pack.I stood up and approached the door to hear more about their discussion. But I hadn't gone far when the door opened. I immediately went back to bed and lay down.My jaw dropped when I realized who was in front of me now.He's my savior, my second-chance mate. And before I fainted, I heard someone addressing him with ‘majesty’. Was it dream? I blinked twice, not knowing what to do.When I recovered from the shock, I was about to
Aree's POVI frowned at what I saw. Alpha Cornell and her little children, Stella and James, are now on their knees. Stella is still wearing the dress she took from me. Her hair and make-up are messy. She obviously didn't sleep and cried last night.I turned my gaze to her brother kneeling next to her. He has bruises on his face and body. Werewolf has the ability of fast healing. So I wonder why his wounds aren't healing if they hit him last night? Or maybe they did something I can't even imagine.I pursed my lips. I looked at the king, who was also looking at me. Behind him, I see Claude's twin. This is weird and unusual; the king has two Betas."Come and sit next to me," I heard him say. I saw how Stella glared at me. I can see the rage in her eyes. If her two hands were not tied, she would probably attack me.I grinned at what I saw. For the first time, I felt satisfaction. She's mad at me.The table has turned. They can't enslave me now. I proudly walked towards my mate. He adjust
Aree’s POV“The decision has been made. No one can change it,” Callister marked.“No! Please, your majesty. Please spare us. Don’t do this, have mercy. I can’t lose my title,” I looked at Alpha Cornell and then at the King. Zavier just looked at him emotionlessly. No one can change his decision, even if they kneel to beg.“Aria, do you want to say something before we leave?” I bit my inner lips. He’s asking me if I have something to tell. I have much to say but I won’t lower my standard again.I shook my head, “Nothing.” I replied. Stella shoots me a glare, “Liar! I know you’re laughing now. Do you think you won because we were punished? You’re wrong! We’re not done yet, bitch!” My brow furrowed. Why she’s so mad at me? I didn’t do anything wrong to her.“What’s wrong with you, Stella? You are the reason why you’re in that situation. So, you have no right to blame anything on me,” I glared at her. She smirked and laughed sarcastically.“Really? It’s all your fault!” I shook my head. S
Aree’s POV They continue to talk. They did not mind me at all. I let out a deep sigh. My body went rigid when I felt him touch my hair. He took a curl of my hair and brought it close to his nose. My brow furrowed in confusion. What is he doing? “Do you feel anything?” Claude asked him vaguely. Zavier casually nodded and let my hair down. He reached for my shoulder and pulled me even closer. I looked at him in shock. He smirked when he saw my reaction. He released me and sighed. “Did they hurt you? Do you have any wounds or scars?” I blinked twice. Why is he asking me this now? Oh, he just wanted to check my shoulder earlier. “I have, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine,” I replied shyly and looked down. I heard him sigh, “Look for a senior healer. She needs to be treated immediately.” “Actually, I know a senior healer. She will arrive tomorrow after living abroad for a long time,” Claude smiled widely. “Are you talking about the girl from the same neighbourhood, Lyndsey?” Callister
ARIAFor months I stayed inside fearing to come outside. Not because of my bulging belly I couldn't hide anymore but because of the accusations. The rumour of Aaliya’s child loss and the king's first heir had spread like wildfire.Aaliya had spiralled into madness after losing her baby. She became angry, blaming both Zavier and I for her loss and deep down, I bore the guilt. The first and last time I visited her, she had lost control.Her once-beautiful features were twisted with grief and rage. “You took everything from me!” She had screamed, snatching a pair of scissors from her drawer.I ran back, dodging her and pleading with her. “Please don't Aaliya, I'm sorry.”“If you hadn't run off he wouldn't have come after you and my child would have still been alive. That's all you wanted isn't it? You get pregnant and I lose mine.”She had thrown the scissors but Artemis had come just in time to get me out of there. Aaliya had been taken to the clinic and it was suggested that it was be
ARIAAt the first light of dawn, I moved quickly through the palace, my heart pounding in her chest as I kept looking behind my shoulders.The air was cold, the kind that clung to your skin and made you feel alive. I had secured a few of my belongings under my cloak and the pressure made it difficult to walk but I didn't stop. Not this time.“My lady,” One of the guards called, causing me to halt in my footsteps. How did they camouflage in the dark cause I could swear I saw no one.“Flynn,” I say, turning around with a fake smile plastered on my face.He stepped out of the dark, his Armour glistening in the moonlight as he took a bow.“You dropped this,” he said and gestured to the pink scarf in his hands. Oh shit! He must've seen it fall from under my clothes.“Thank you,” I said nervously as I gingerly took it from him. “I barely even realised.“Where are you headed so early my Lady? The palace is still asleep,” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.“I want to take sparkles for a race an
ARIA Panic surged through my veins, my body going cold despite the warmth of the atmosphere and the heat of his gaze on me.“Why didn't you tell me about the child, ARIA?” He demanded, his voice low but dangerous.My eyes widened and my breath hitched in my throat. How did he know? Who had told him, could it be Artemis? No– I was in the damn clinic. The doctor must have had me tested. My mind screamed for me to run, to get away from him and everyone but rather I couldn't move. Couldn't speak.“Answer me! “ He growled, his voice growing impatient by the minute.“I… I don't—” I stammered, taking a shaky step backward but my legs felt heavy and slow like I was trying to walk through quick sand.Before I could move again, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist firmly and pinning me against the wall. His hold wasn't painful, but it was enough to stop me and make me feel trapped. “Don't lie to me Aria,” he warned, an edge of pain to his voice. “Don't you dare lie to me.You're carrying my c
ZAVIERFor weeks, I tried to adjust to the changes around me. Aria barely had dinner or breakfast with me. She was always reserved, and I barely caught a glimpse of her. Aaliya had made me bring most of her things to my room because she needed my attention and believed it formed a bond with the baby. I was exhausted by her constant presence, but all I wanted was for her to have the baby, nurse him for three months, and then I’d pay her off to leave.I missed Aria terribly. She never came out of her room, and when she did, it was only for brief moments. I saw her from afar sometimes, but often, she seemed to disappear entirely. The palace felt empty without her presence. The betas, who used to be lively and engaging, had become more quiet and reserved since Irish left. They barely told me things or joked with me anymore. I considered bringing Irish back, knowing she always made Aria happy and that would please the betas.One morning, while having breakfast with Aaliya and my betas, Ari
ARIAWhen I woke up, a shadow loomed over me. Startled, I jerked up to see Artemis towering above my bed. "Get off!" I yelled, and she jumped back, her eyes wide with fear."Sorry! I was just—" she stammered."What were you doing?" I demanded, sitting up fully."I was checking your temperature," she explained, trying to compose herself."Why?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you gay or something? Look, I’m not homophobic, but I’m not interested in women.”Artemis burst out laughing. "No, no. I was genuinely checking your temperature. You seemed unwell.”I frowned. "I caught you staring at my lips."She took a deep breath and stared at me. "Why were you drinking last night, Aria?”I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Why is everyone trying to be my parent? And did you forget the rules? Stay out of my business.”"Drinking is unhealthy for you," she replied calmly. "You need to be careful, especially now that you’re early.”"Early?" I repeated, confusion clouding my mind. "What do you mean by
THIRD PERSON POVAria woke up to an empty room. Artemis was gone for now, and for that, she felt a wave of relief. It wasn’t that she hated her, but she couldn’t get used to someone new. She relished the solitude for a moment before deciding to start her day.After a quick shower, she realized most of her clothes were still in Zavier’s room. With a sigh, she wrapped herself in a robe, letting her dripping wet hair rest on her shoulders, creating a messy trail down her back. She called for her maid, Beatrix.Beatrix entered the room with a smile. "Good morning, my lady. What do you need?”"I need you to get my things from Zavier’s room. Most of my dresses are at his and my undergarments too," Aria said, trying to sound casual.Beatrix paused, her smile faltering. "Okay my lady. Are you coming for the event today, my lady?”Aria raised an eyebrow. "What event?”Beatrix looked at her, a little confused. "The celebration for the king’s expected child.”Aria felt a chill run down her spine
ARIAAs soon as I made myself invisible, I slipped out of the palace, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find Onyx. He was the only friend I had left. The only one who hadn't been driven away by Zavier. My mind raced with thoughts of Irish's departure and the unbearable loneliness that seemed to grow every day.Onyx agreed to meet me in our secret space, a hidden alcove in the forest where we used to train together. When he arrived, his face lit up at the sight of me, but I noticed he was keeping a ridiculous amount of distance."Onyx," I called softly as I made myself visible. He looked relieved to see me but still stayed a few steps back."Aria," he said, his voice warm but cautious. "It's good to see you. What's wrong?”I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "Irish left. The king made her go.”He nodded, as if he had expected it. "I figured it would happen. The king is removing everyone you're close to, Aria. That's why... that's why I've made up my mind too.”"What do you
ZAVIERHer fiery gaze burned deep holes into my skin, causing my stare at her to waver. She was hurt but there wasn't a thing I was willing to do about it. I detested the way everything was.She needed to learn and with Irish around, she wouldn't. Irish needed to leave for her to live in understanding. Irish didn't teach Aria bad values but if she offended, she knew the healer would always take her in and then she would see no reason to apologise for her wrongdoing or learn from her mistakes.She approached me, picking her steps carefully. “I hate you Zavier.”“I know, and that's okay,” I said and gripped her wrist in my fist. “I've asked the guards to move most of your things to her bedroom so that way, you'll feel more connected.”“You are a sadistic fucker,” she cursed but I could hear the pain in her voice.My eyes followed the long queue and came in contact with Irish. She flashed me a bright smile and waved at me. My heart clenched but I nodded at her.After Irish left, I watche
ARIAIrish stormed into the room with tears rolling down her cheeks. I jumped from my seat in a shock and rushed to her, wondering what had caused her to elict tears.“Irish,” I said, rushing to her side. “What's going on?”Before she had the chance to say a word, her door was forced open with a force that made my heart skip a beat. Three guards walked in with an ugly look on their face. They didn't spare me a glance. Instead they walked up to Irish and began to yell at her to pack up.“What is wrong with you?” I screamed at them at the top of my lungs.Still, they pushed her hard against the wall and began to scatter the room. I couldn't wrap my arms around what was going on. I rushed to the guard who was constantly hitting her and threw myself at him. I was fueled by anger and frustration.“Leave her the fuck alone,” I screamed, punching him hard in the face even though I knew one sing of his arm was all I needed to end up in bed.“Stay out of this, Aree,” Irish whispered, blood tri