Xander’s pov I always felt a whirlwind of emotions when I thought about her. I desperately needed a break from the stack of files demanding my attention. The place felt suffocating.I'd been confined here for over two long days. I yearned for the soothing embrace of the woods—a sanctuary from loneliness.The border, a place I cherished, where something intriguing often occurred. As I ventured deeper into the woods, the robust scent of the oak trees intermingled with the unique aroma of Lucas's mysterious plants, creating a tranquil atmosphere.The towering oak trees had always fascinated me, but today, for some unknown reason, I felt an irresistible urge to climb one of these ancient giants.So I did.***"Patience is a virtue, young Xander," my father's words echoed in my mind as I perched on a sturdy branch. It was a quote he frequently used, yet I had never truly embraced the concept of patience. I was anything but patient, especially when it came to the things I desired.But seven
Aria’s pov I was on old creaking stairs when I woke up.My eyes fluttered open, and I was immediately assaulted by a searing pain in my head. It felt as if a hundred jackhammers were pounding in unison behind my eyes. I winced and tried to shield myself from the harsh morning light that streamed through a gap in the heavy curtains. The room around me was unfamiliar, a dark-themed, masculine chamber with soft brown silk sheets.I tried remembering how I got here, but my memory was blank.The pain in my head was maybe messing with my memories.I tried again,The only thing I could remember were pieces of what happened. Simon, the patrol wolves, me fainting.And the alpha! I need to get out of here. Possibilities of Simon ratting me out made me panic.I jumped out of the silk sheets I was in. I need to find Simon and get the hell out of here.I cursed myself for acting on instinct. I should’ve strategized.I can’t stay here.I was met with a strange hallway when I opened the door. There
Aria's POV"Hello," the healer, now known as Lucas, says as he takes a seat on the couch opposite me and my mate’s."Hi," I respond."You look better than the last time I saw you," he says observing me."Or maybe worse," I say more to myself.My mate takes charge of the conversation, cutting through the small talk. "Lucas, Aria mentioned that she's been experiencing headaches, and she suspects it might be related to something you’ve given her, like a drug?"Lucas leans back, his gaze shifting between us. "Experiencing headaches after waking up from a mini-coma is normal; it happens in most cases." I frown, "I'm not one of those wolves who fall ill easily. In fact, I can't recall ever being sick, from my pup days to now. So, perhaps something you game me triggered it. I've read few healing scriptures, so I know a bit about how things work you know." "We didn't give you anything unusual. You had no physical injuries or bruises, and our initial tests suggested that your unconsciousnes
Aria’s POVThis must be some sick joke, is the goddess playing with me or something? The test was positive again. “It's been confirmed that I am going to die” I thought to myself as I squeezed the papers in my hands."This isn't as bad as we thought, you know," Lucas said, seated behind his desk across from me and my mate. "To be on the safer side, I would like us to start the treatments as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse," he added.I, on the other hand, was speechless. I didn't even know what to say or how to act; my whole body was frozen in my seat. I felt like a deer caught in headlights.Lucas kept on talking about a cleansing schedule, but my mind wasn't there. His conversation with my mate felt like muffled sounds as I zoned out into my train of thoughts.I need to think. Time is ticking, and I have to plan everything out, and I need to be fast. But my brain had gone blank. I stood up, making my way to the door. I needed to get out of here. I couldn't think
Aria's POVI couldn't persuade my mate to put me down, but I managed to convince him to take me to his house with a few tears."I told you we don't have to go back to the healer's quarters," I said."We have to go; we need to get your wounds cleaned," he responded.Instead of nagging him as I had earlier, I burst into tears, making him stop in his tracks. "Are you sure you're my mate?" I sobbed."What do you mean by that?" he asked."I told you I don't want to go back to the healers, and you keep insisting on going? It's hard enough for me as it is already. What kind of mate are you?" I cried."I told you it's going to heal with or without going to the healers. Why can't you just listen to me?" I said.I could have sworn I saw a smile cross his face for a very quick second, but he only bit his lip. "Can you please stop crying?" he said.But I didn't. I kept on sobbing, each sob louder than the last. He released a breath. "Fine, fine, we won't go to the healers. We'll go home instead."
Aria's POV"Aria? Is that you?" Jackson says as he stood by the front door. I never thought, in my wildest dreams, that he would recognize me, at least not so quickly."Jackson, right?" I say, amused."Why are you back here again?" Xander asks. "How many times do I have to tell you to knock before coming in?" My mate tells Jackson through gritted teeth, standing in front of me with my legs still wrapped around his waist."I did knock this time; you were just too busy to hear it," Jackson says with a little smirk.My cheeks heat up with embarrassment. I tried unwrapping my legs from Xander's waist but he uses his hands to keep me in place."Let me go," I whisper into his ear. But he doesn't. "Please?" I try again.Almost instantly, he lets me go."Why are you here?" Xander asks him. He was clearly irritated."Oh, come on, Xander. I didn't know you guys were getting steamy out here on the kitchen counter, man, but I have really important things to share with you. I'll wait for you in th
Aria’s POVXander hadn't said a word to me since we entered the room. I had expected an explanation after the little jealousy stunt he pulled earlier."You should get some rest. Lucas wants to start your withdrawal treatment tomorrow," he told me."Is that a question or an order?" I asked him placing a hand on my hip. He stared at me for a brief moment, then raked his hand through his curls, appearing frustrated. I wondered what it would feel like to touch those soft locks. But I quickly pushed the thought away."Your health is my top priority, and I won't sit around watching you slowly get ill when there's a cure," he said.I rolled my eyes at his apparent concern, crossing my arms and leaning against the wall. I could sense my wolf's disapproval with my attitude."You need to get some sleep. I have some work to finish up in my office," he said before making his way out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I took a deep breath, acknowledging that he was right. I needed as
Aria's POVThe withdrawal process was nothing as I imagined. Healer Lucas, along with another named Rose, prepared a detoxifying tonic. From the smell, I knew it wouldn't taste like candies or fruits.Xander had left for something urgent, I told him to go. Despite wishing he stayed, being an alpha, he had pack duties.I hesitated before taking a sip; it tasted worse than any herbal tonic I’ve ever had.“It doesn’t have the best taste, but if you take three big gulps, it’s quite manageable,” Healer Rose advised.I nodded and downed the remnants of the tonic with my eyes closed, following her suggestion.When I finished, I passed Lucas's empty cup to him. Our eyes met; concern etched on his face. "Aria, you need to take a walk, let the detoxification tonic work its magic. Move around a bit," he urged.Appreciating the advice, I began pacing the hallway, feeling the coolness of the stone floor beneath my feet. Uncomfortable with the curious glances, I decided to explore elsewhere.Rose's