All Chapters of Werewolf Origins: Aria The Beginning: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

A warmth in front of her and laughter somewhere near woke her from a sound sleep.  If she’d had been dreaming, she couldn’t remember.  As her eyes blinked open a bright light infiltrated her sore pupils, so she pushed herself to try and stand to move away from the burning sensation.  As she did, pain seared through her shoulder bringing back into memory the fight with the bear to save the life of a stupid human.  But then… the man, he’d taken her, hadn’t he?  So, why was she alive?  She lowered herself back onto something soft.  And where was she?  She shook her large furry head and blinked, trying to clear her vision.  When that failed, she pawed at her face and eyes and shook again.  Finally, her vision cleared, and she saw that the warmth in front of her was a fire made in a brick fireplace.  The soft ground she was laying on was a sheepskin rug.  She pushed off the floor, this time succeed

CHAPTER 4:A rustling somewhere nearby jarred the white wolf from her sleep.  She yawned with a wide-open mouth and let out a little whine at the same time.  Rich laughter caught her attention and pulled her from her lingering yawn and she blinked to focus her eyes.  It was Morgan, standing shirtless in front of his armoire tying his trousers.  She let her eyes drift over his beltline at the toned chiseling that teased her.  His laughter stopped, pulling her eyes up to his face.“I’d better get you some food.  That intense stare tells me you must be hungry.”  If he only knew what she was hungry for, just now.  She let her icy blue eyes drift down, again, enjoying the chisled curves that led to somewhere she'd only explore in her dreams.As he pulled his tunic over his head, a cluster of voices chorused in the hallway and traveled away from the door, pulling her from her imagination

Morgan froze after passing through the doorway and Aria watched from behind as his shoulders heaved up and down.  Then, to her surprise, he calmly and quietly announced, “The engagement is off.”  With a quick turn on his heel, he brushed past Aria out the door and started down the hall. I’ve angered him.  Aria thought as she stared after the stony figure of Morgan as he marched down the hallway.  Shouting from the bedroom followed after him, but Aria was too engrossed in thought to comprehend what words were being said.  I’ve hurt my friend.  I’ve failed him.  I need to leave.  I shouldn’t even be here.  I belong in the forest.Morgan stopped his march and turned toward her.  A quick surprised look crossed his face before a somber and thoughtful expression replaced it.  His mouth opened and he started to say something, but his words were drowned out by the

Aria spent the better part of the day wondering the catacombs of hallways above and below the castle.  She’d found many fascinating rooms including dance halls, torture chambers, prison cells, the armory, and trap doors in the guest rooms.  The only place she didn’t seem to find was the library.  Back on the gallery upon exiting yet another maze of hallways, she sat thoroughly frustrated and heaved a sigh.  Perhaps this castle didn’t believe in keeping records on its various rulers and their accomplishments.  It would be nonsensical, but they could be entering a change in times where such things didn’t matter.  Come to think of it, she hadn’t ever seen a scribe in the king’s study or recording any of his meetings.  If this was the case, her plan had just flown out the window. She decided to wonder outside the castle.  It was a cool day but not too chilly, so the front doors of the fortress were

The next morning a shiny black carriage trimmed in gold was pulled through the gates by six black horses in golden trimmed harnesses.  The carriage was escorted by eight mounted knights wearing engraved armor and behind them entered three more carts drawn by four horses each, piled high with various shiny treasures, foods, and gifts for the king.  Whoever this was, desperately wanted to show off their wealth and impress the royal family. Watching from the portico, Aria was passed by King Aaron as he breezed by her to welcome the guest.  From the front carriage emerged a tall woman decorated in the finest blue silk and black lace, with a full head of plumes and dark, shiny braids.  “Good morning, King Aaron.” She said through bright red painted lips and offered a curtsey as he took one of her hands and kissed the top of it.  She offered a crooked smile and began explaining briefly the contents of their finest that occupied the three carts that had fol