All Chapters of TORN BETWEEN MATES: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Theme: Heartbreak and Survival Aria’s POV I look at the fleeting light of morning from the window, feeling the dull agony at my side where Luna’s claws tore through me. The physiological ache is nothing compared to the hollowness gnawing at my chest. Luna...she lied to me even though she was my friend and pack sister. “I don’t know who I can trust anymore,” I say, my voice hardly louder than a breath. He stands next to me and is silent for a minute. Even though his presence is strong and comforting, his warmth seems far away right now. Trust is like a glass that has been cracked and put back together too many times after all that has occurred. Xander adds in a gentle voice, "You can trust me, Aria." He turns around and stares at me with a deep, probing glance. “I’m neither of them “ I want to believe him. I do. But the weight of everything that’s transpired rests heavily on my heart, and it’s hard to shake off the sensation of betrayal. Every time I’ve trusted someone

Theme: Healing and Vulnerability Aria’s POV The fight's mayhem is a fading memory, and the woodland is serene. But I still feel a lot of strain in my body. I still feel as though I'm waiting for another assault or betrayal. It's over. Damian has left. Xander follows me, taking slow, cautious steps as if he were frightened that I would break at any second. Perhaps I will. My body hurts from the fight, my emotions are raw, and I feel like I'm barely hanging on. "We ought to get some rest," Xander murmurs. "You've encountered enough." Too fatigued to object, I nod. Silently, we make our way to a clearing. It feels far and separated from the outer world due to the natural barrier provided by the trees surrounding us. Xander pauses and asks me to take a seat. I was too tired to continue, but I gave in. As I allow myself to rest, even for a few minutes, my muscles gradually relax as I collapse to the soft grass. Xander, sitting next to me; not too close, but I can feel him.

Theme: Unfinished Business Aria’s POV I hardly have time to comprehend Xander's words before I smell them—rogues. I stiffen as a sudden, icy surge of dread sweeps over me. An overwhelming sense of urgency takes the place of our argument. My blood chills as the howl reverberates through the atmosphere. With their eyes blazing with rage, a pack of rogue wolves charges in the direction of the packhouse. They aren't your typical rogues. Their goal is retribution. The group leader growls, his voice full of hate, "Damian may be gone, but we'll finish what he started.” We look at each other, the animosity between us temporarily forgotten. Personal matters are now out of the question. We must protect the pack from the attack. When Xander transforms into a wolf, his enormous body charges toward the outlaws with unbridled strength. I follow suit, allowing my wolf to take control, and my heart beats. Hesitancy is not an option. The leader's words echo in my ears as I charge into th

Theme: Hidden Agendas Aria’s POV I attempt to get my mind straight as I stroll around the packhouse in the cold night air. The relationship between Xander and I has been strained, emotionally charged, and full of tension and unsaid feelings lately. I'm overwhelmed by everything going on around us, I can't stop thinking about the kiss and how hard I'm falling for him. I hear voices as I walk by the council chamber. The voice continues, "Xander’s losing focus," in a low, harsh voice. As I approach the door and remain hidden in the shadows, I come to a halt, my heart racing. It is a member of the council. His voice is that of Ethan, one of Xander's closest aides, and I recognize him. Another voice speaks up. “He has been distracted ever since that girl appeared.” I struggle to hear more, holding my breath. I can't help but listen even though I shouldn't. Ethan reiterates, in a chilly tone, "She's a distraction." "Xander must put the pack first before her." It breaks my he

Theme: Testing Boundaries Aria’s POV The air is oppressively tense. As Selene moves forward,fixing her eyes on me, I stand in the center of the pack's training grounds, my heart racing. The members of the pack have gathered around us, silently observing and anticipating what will happen next. I try to control my breathing and my sweaty fingers, but the sense of dread that is gripping me won't go away. Selene smirks as she examines me, her look icy and piercing. She says, "You don't belong here, Aria," in a confident tone. "You will need to prove yourself if you wish to remain with Xander. Show your value or get out of the way.” My nails dig into my palms as I clench my fists. Everyone is watching me intently, anticipating my next move. Xander does not intervene despite his agitated expression as he stands at the edge of the gathering. "I won't let you take what's mine." Fear and excitement are rushing through me, and my pulse is pounding. But, I am aware that I cannot give