All Chapters of TORN BETWEEN MATES: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Theme: Emotional Turmoil (Aria's POV) I am confused between two possibilities, and my heart feels heavy. My spouse and real love, Xander, supports me, but Marcus... I am also a part of Marcus. The connection between us tugs at my soul no matter how hard I want to deny it, leaving me feeling miserable and puzzled. To obtain clarity, I sit by the window and stare up at the moonlit sky. As the wind rustles my skin, my mind is racing with thoughts of the moments I've spent with them both. "Why does my heart feel like it’s being pulled in two different directions?" I mumble something to myself. I shut my eyes in the hopes that the silence would soothe my inner tempest. But it doesn't. I feel bad about holding Marcus close when I should be with Xander. I can tell without looking that it's Xander when the door behind me creaks open. Every time I wander, his presence brings me back to him like gravity. My heart skips a beat as I hear Xander utter, "Aria," in a sweet but firm

Theme: Manipulation and Revenge (Aria's POV) As I stood on the balcony and looked up at the dark sky, the atmosphere was heavy with anxiety. It didn't feel quite right. Selene's presence had been the cause of the nagging discomfort in the pit of my stomach. I had the unshakeable feeling that she was still up to her tricks. I needed to know what she was doing. I could see Xander instructing some of the soldiers down below. His powerful body moved precisely; his concentration unflinching. He thought that the previous battle had put a stop to Selene's machinations and that the worst was behind them. But I wasn't certain. A figure suddenly materialized at the wood's edge. When I recognized her, my heart skipped a beat. Selene. She wasn't alone, though. I had never seen the man she was with before. Their eyes darted about suspiciously as they chatted in low voices. The way they stood and the way Selene's eyes sparkled with malice sent a shiver down my spine, even though I couldn't

Theme: Strength and Survival Aria’s POV The area is drenched in the cold light of dusk, and the air crackles with energy. Selene and I circled each other, our eyes locked in a heated stare. Every muscle in my body aches with tiredness, but I feel a fire burning within me that I haven’t felt in years. The conflict had hit its peak, and for a minute, it appeared that Selene had the upper hand. Her strikes are fierce and continuous, and I’m driven into the defensive. But even as she gives blow after blow, a stubborn voice within me refuses to let me succumb. I dodge her next attack and roll to my feet. My breath comes in sharp spurts, but my thoughts are clear: I’ve gone too far to lose now. “Is that all you’ve got?” Selene teased, her words booming over the noises of clashing bodies. I clench my teeth and thrust back, my claws sparkling as I block her deadly attack. “Not today,” I say, the determination in my tone a vow to myself. Every hit reminds me of every fight I’ve

Theme: Lurking in Danger Aria's POV A fragile serenity had begun to return to the group in the days after our hard-won victory. One chilly morning, when the mist lifted, I started to hear murmurs that made my spine tingle. Reports of a new rogue pack were circulating swiftly. Not just any rogue pack, but one that was far more deadly and well-organized than any we had ever encountered. Marcus walked over to me, his face etched with worry, as I sat near the central fire pit, attempting to concentrate on the restoration efforts. He got right to the matter without wasting any time. Marcus replied in a calm, low voice, "Aria, these rogues aren't like the others." "They have greater organization. More risky. They are supposedly organizing a massive catastrophe that has the potential to destroy our pack.” My pulse was racing as I took in what he was saying, I felt a flood of alarm and instinct. "More dangerous?" My voice was little more than a whisper as I echoed. "How organized

Theme: Emotional Connection Aria’s POV I can still hear the commotion of fighting, Xander and I have managed to grab a little serenity tonight. We sneak out of the camp and walk deep into the forest, where the trees form a natural shelter from the constant threat. For a few valuable hours, it appears as though the world has stopped for us alone as the moon sheds silver light across the ground. Xander sits next to me as I take a seat on a big, mossy log close to a brook that is whispering. We are surrounded by the chilly night air that smells of dirt and pine. I can almost forget about all the losses we've endured, the oncoming threat, and the burden of leadership. I interrupt by whispering, "Do you ever consider how far we've come?" When we look into each other's eyes, Xander's warm glow makes my heart skip a beat. With a calm yet forceful tone, he says, "Every day." "And I am aware that we are not yet finished." I grin when I realize how true what he stated is. Togethe