All Chapters of TORN BETWEEN MATES: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Weakest of Them Theme: Insecurity and IsolationAria's POV The fresh breeze swirls around me as I stand at the edge of the training grounds, watching the others. They’re aggressive, fast, and full of force, everything I’m not. The sounds of growls, grunts, and thuds fill the air as they practice their combat methods, their bodies moving with an ease I can only dream of. My chest tightens. I want to be strong, but deep down, I know I don’t belong here. “Come on, Aria, you should train with us,” Luna shouts out, her voice bursting through my thoughts. She stands boldly in the center of the group, her golden hair shimmering under the midday sun. She’s everything I’m not brave, skilled, and full of energy. I shake my head, taking a step back. “I’m not like you, Luna,” I mutter. “I’ll just make a fool of myself.” Luna’s stare softens as she walks over to me. “You won’t get stronger if you keep hiding,” she adds, resting a hand on my shoulder. “You’re part of this pack, Ari

DisapprovalTheme: Public HumiliationAria's POVAs the pack assembles around the meeting grounds, tension is in the air. I try to blend in by standing at the perimeter of the circle in the hopes that nobody will notice me. The pain of Damian's words is still raw in my memory, and my heart is pounding in my chest. In private, he rejected me, but that hurt was nothing in comparison to what was coming.I turn to look at him, proudly standing in the middle of the crowd. He looks around the throng with his icy blue eyes, but he doesn't turn to face me. I'm not even acknowledged by him.I'm aware of what's coming. In the pit of my stomach, I sense it. I try to steady my breathing as my hands shake. Don't let it be what I believe it to be, please.However, my darkest nightmares come true.With a voice that commands everyone's attention, Damian takes a step ahead. He says in a harsh, impersonal tone, "I have an announcement to make."The entire pack is watching and waiting for him. I can fee

Between Two Theme: Divided LoyaltiesAria's POVMy skull whirl-turned. Everything feels surreal. One minute, Damian, the only mate I had ever considered, rejected and embarrassed me in front of the whole pack. And Xander has claimed me now. A second mate link? It feels impossible, like some twisted dream I can’t wake up from. My knee pulled to my chest; I sat at the edge of the woodland. The sky is grey, clouds full of rain, and the breeze feels cool on my skin. Still, the cold is little compared to the uncertainty whirl-around inside me.“How can this be real?” I whisper to myself. My voice cracks, my heart aching. “How can I have two mates?” It’s a question I can’t answer, one that feels like it will split me apart if I think too hard about it. I don’t know Xander. He’s a stranger. He’s frightening and powerful, and yet… there’s a pull between us, just like there was with Damian. The bond. I can feel it, but I’m too terrified to embrace it. Luna appears alongside me, sit

Theme: Betrayal by a FriendAria's POV Even though I'm just here for a short time, it feels weird to be back in the territory of my former pack. The training grounds, the trees, and the familiar faces all appear the same, yet nothing feels the same. I feel as though I no longer belong here. Since Xander Claimed me.In an attempt to get some solace from my best friend, I make my way to Luna's tiny cabin. No matter what, she is the one person I can rely on. But something doesn't feel right, Luna is standing outside with her back to me, gazing into the woods... "Luna?" I growl, taking a step forward.When she turns around and sees me, her face brightens. Her expression, however, shifts almost as fast, as if she were concealing something. Though it's subtle, I can see it. I'm too familiar with Luna not to notice. "Aria," she says as she approaches me. She gives me a momentary embrace, but it seems aloof as if she isn't there. "Why are you here? I assumed you and Xander would be togethe

Theme: Impossible ChoicesAria's POV The tension in the air is high, almost stifling. I’m standing just outside the council chamber, concealed in the darkness, yet I can hear everything. Xander’s voice is calm and commanding as he makes plans with his pack's council. “We need to move quickly,” Xander says, his tone leaving no room for debate. “If we don’t, they’ll strike first, and we’ll be at a disadvantage.” My heart races. What is he talking about? Who’s going to strike first? I lean closer, my thoughts swirling as I attempt to make sense of the discourse. Then, I hear something that makes my blood run cold. “Aria’s old pack is weak,” one of the council members says... “They won’t be able to resist an attack. We can conquer their territory and safeguard the northern borders.” I freeze. My pack? Are they going to assault my former pack? No… this can’t be happening. My chest tightens as I listen, hoping for Xander to stop them and say something that suggests he won’t go throug