All Chapters of TORN BETWEEN MATES: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Pack Tensions RiseAria's POVAlmost immediately as Marcus presented the prophecy, the murmuring began. As I walk across the pack grounds, I can feel the weight of their gaze. Some curious, while some glared at me with mistrust and suspicion. The air is tense.As I walk by, I can hear one of them whispering to another "She's only loyal to Xander now."I tried to ignore the stinging pain in my chest, gritting my teeth. This is not what I wanted. The whispers become more hostile, more louder, as though they're waiting for me to make a mistake so they would attack."Like they said, she will betray us all."I don't want to dwell on how badly the insults wound me. Betray them? They assumed that I had betrayed them after I had spent my entire life in my prior pack. I sense that my people, with whom I grew up, are now perceiving me as an adversary. I feel as though I have no place here, in Xander's territory. I seem to be caught between two realities, neither of which wants me.I'm headed ba

Theme: Regret and ForgivenessAria's POVThe dark clouds spinning menacingly above represent the weight I've carried in my heart for a long time, and the sky is dismal. It's quieter than usual in the pack home, and I'm buried in thoughts as I walk the corridors, then I see her—Luna. Her head is lowered and her shoulders are slumped as if the whole world is weighing down on her as she sits alone on the porch. I stand there transfixed for a minute. In the past, Luna meant everything to me. I trusted her with my most sensitive secrets, but she disappointed me when I needed her most. As I watch her, my chest clenched, trapped between the memories of our relationship and the anguish of her treachery. Her eyes abruptly meet mine as she glances up. Her face is loaded with misery and anguish, and I can't help but notice it. She appears worn and pale, like she was carrying a heavy weight. The calm between us is so dense that it feels like it may break at any minute, and for a time none of us

Theme: Self-DiscoveryAria’s POVAs I walk to the training area, the mood is tense. Every step feels like a memory of what transpired…Luna's deception, Damian's attack. Even if the sadness is still present, I can't let it destroy me. I've depended on Damian and Luna for far too long. I will no longer be weak.Marcus stands in the clearing, watching me, his arms folded. For weeks, he has been teaching me and pushing me more than I have ever experienced, but I'm up for the task. I must be. "You're late," Marcus says, with a gleam of worry in his eyes. I set my jaw and replied, "I needed time to think." But now I'm here. I'm prepared. His eyes go up. " what are you worried about?" I clench my hands and breathe deeply. "I must stop depending on other people. For myself, I must get stronger. I don't want to be under anyone's control ever again.” Marcus's face lowers, but his eyes still show pride. “Aria, you underestimate your strength.” I give a headshake. "It's not enough”He take

Theme: Betrayal and RetributionGrowls and screams abound throughout the evening. Heart pounding, I dash from the packhouse. Before me, the scene is completely disorganizing. Everywhere are wolves engaged in fierce fighting. My pulse speeds when I understand what is happening. Damian is here. At the center of the fight, Damian commands a group of renegade wolves with blazing angry eyes. His eyes contact mine, and a distorted smile develops on his face. He snarls, his voice echoing throughout the skies,"This is what you get for picking him over me, Aria." His words strike me like a punch, and I stand frozen for a second. He was never my choice. It was he who attempted to control me and betray me. He feels this is about choice. To Damian, It is power, it's always been about power. I clench my hands and take a step forward, my heart settling. "I never picked you, Damian!" I shout back, raising my voice. "That decision was yours." He snarls, displaying his teeth as his eyes darken.

Theme: Redemption and ReconciliationAria's POVLuna is standing in front of me, her eyes full of sadness. I can see how much this moment means to her since she is shaking and her speech is shaky. But, it's tough to view her in the same way after everything she's done. Luna clasps her hands together, "Please, Aria." "Give me another chance. I'll stop at nothing to put things right. I promise I had no idea how Damian would take things. He tricked me.” I try to keep my hardness by crossing my arms, but my heart melts somewhat. Damian's attack almost lost us everything, and Luna's deception still hurts. Even though it seems like she says too little, too late, her earnestness is obvious. With a cool yet icy tone, I reply, "I want to believe you." But now, Luna, it's not that simple. You failed the group as a whole, not just myself. How can I be sure you won't betray us once more?” Luna recoils, her eyes falling to the floor. "I am aware that I am unworthy of your trust. But, Damian to