Aria's POVWe excused ourselves from all the crowd of people that wanted to greet me, and Knox led me towards the center of the dance. I could feel the eyes of the pack members on us as we walked.The couples that had been dancing stopped, and they patiently waited for Knox and I to start.A slow melodic tune began to play. My heart pounded in my chest as I thought of dancing and embarrassing myself terribly.As we reached the middle of the floor, Knox turned to face me.“It’s simple,” he said lowly, “Just follow my lead.”I nodded nervously as I placed one hand on his shoulder while he held my other hand in his, then he placed his hand on my waist, “Relax,” he murmured, his gray eyes softened as they stared into mine. “You’ll be fine.”Then we started dancing. Knox began to move, and he led me as he moved with the music. At first, I kept stumbling over and over again, but Knox caught me each time, making it look smooth and hiding the fact that I was actually stumbling.Gradually, I f
Aria's POVI glanced around subtly to see if there was anyone close by who would notice the man approaching and would probably intervene.Unfortunately, there was no one watching. I didn't want to look like I was panicking even though I really was.Instead, I braced myself for what I knew was going to be an awful encounter.As he reached me, he gave me a condescending look.“I am Cornelius Langley, a loyal member of this pack.” He introduced himself with arrogance in his voice, and his nose in the air.I decided to be polite, hoping that maybe he was just overconfident. “I'm—”He cut me off with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I know who you are—everybody knows who you are. The omega without a name who was picked up by the Alpha King to be his mate.”His words stung, but I forced myself not to react. I had been hearing things worse than this. I wasn’t going to let him get to me.However, he wasn't done.“You may have caught the Alpha King’s eye, but don’t think for a second that you’r
Aria's POV“What's wrong?” Knox asked, looking concerned.“I'm fine,” I replied with a soft smile.He shook his head, stepping closer to me with a small frown. “Something has been bothering you, Aria. You can tell me, and I'll take care of it.” He urged.I hesitated. Cornelius’ words replayed in my mind.‘Do me a favor and keep this between us. Or you could go running to him like the little girl you are.’I knew what Cornelius was trying to do. He was trying to keep me silent, so that I wouldn't tell Knox.“Aria?” Knox called, furrowing his eyebrows in worry when I didn't reply.I released a sigh. “I'm just worried that some of your pack members might not be pleased that an omega like me is coming to be their Luna Queen.” I said vaguely, without mentioning names.He furrowed his eyebrows even further. “What are you talking about? First of all, they are your pack members also—our pack members. Secondly, didn't you see the kind of welcome they gave you? They love you!” he exclaimed.I b
Aria’s POVIn the early hours of the morning, I was awake. I couldn't sleep as so many thoughts raced through my mind at the same time.First, Cornelius’ words and his association with Astrid were worrisome, because I knew it wasn't going to do anything good for me. Telling Knox was out of the question. Cornelius' words echoed in my head, reminding me that I would just seem like a helpless little girl relying on Knox for everything. I needed to gain my respect as the Luna, instead of being feared because of Knox.I wanted to be a respected Luna. So I wasn't reporting it to Knox. I would handle it myself. Even though I didn't know how to handle it myself, I would find a way.However, what was troubling me the most was Knox. Last night was amazing and truly magical, but something had been missing.I thought that because I had finally been introduced as his Luna, that he would mark me last night. It made sense, as there was nothing standing between us, we were already recognized as mates
Aria's POV“Knox,” I mumbled softly, tears welling up in my eyes at his pain.He shook his head, “Please hold on, let me finish.” He pleaded softly.I nodded as I silently waited for him to continue speaking.“But yesterday was so different. You made the effort to get them to approach me, and they were so free with me like never before. It was amazing.” He exclaimed with a slightly brighter look in his eyes.My heart broke for him, and I couldn't help but throw myself at him in a hug.“You don't need to thank me for anything,” I mumbled against his chest, breathing in his familiar intoxicating scent of peppermint and cedar.“I owe you so much already, you have done a lot of things for me, Knox.” I murmured softly.He wrapped his arms around me with a contented sigh.~Knox left an hour later, promising to be soon to take me on a tour as promised. I was not looking forward to that tour. As Knox left, a question that had been nagging me flashed through my mind. Why were we staying in se
Aria's POV~Back to Aria~After Shawn and Lisa left, I plopped down on the bed as I processed everything I now knew about Cornelius.My mind flashed back to the discussion I just had with Shawn and Lisa.~Flashback~We had been talking about the previous night, and we were chatting and joking, when a thought occurred to me.“Hey, Shawn. Who is Cornelius Langley?” I blurted out, furrowing my eyebrows curiously at them.Instantly, the smiles on their faces faded. It was so abrupt that I immediately knew that something was wrong.“Woah, what's going on?” I asked when neither of them said anything. They just keep exchanging glances between themselves.“Shawn? Lisa?” I called again when they didn't say anything.Shawn released a sigh. “Cornelius is an ass.” He started.“But he's also one of the most respected people in this pack. Apparently, he supported Alpha Blackwood when he was taking over the throne.” Shawn added with a small sneer.He obviously did not like Cornelius. Lisa nodded as
Aria’s POVAs Knox and I walked out of my room, I noticed that some of the pack members we passed, murmured greetings, quickly bowed and walked past us with their heads down, while some gave small nervous smiles as they greeted and walked past us.“This is progress, Aria.” Knox murmured discreetly as we walked by another group of people that had given us nervous smiles as they walked off.I turned to him, confused. “Huh?”He grinned. “The pack members,” he replied. “They never smile at me. They mostly avoid my eyes, keep their heads down as they greet and walk past me so fast, as though I would pounce on them if they delay for even a bit.” He admitted with a self-deprecating smile.I placed my hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Always remember that, no matter what, your pack loves you. They might fear you, but they love you and with time, they'll come around.” I reassured him with a soft smile.He shrugged. “I know, and it's all thanks to you.”~~“So, this tour will give
Aria’s POVThe man was tall and looked so fierce. He had a scar running across his face from his left eye to the side of his nose.He glared down at me with disdain in his eyes.“So, you're the Alpha King’s new Luna,” he drawled, crossing his arms. “I must fucking admit, I expected... more.” He growled with a scowl on his face.I released a deep breath of frustration as I wondered who he was and where he came from.It was getting exhausting. Every corner I turned, there was always someone questioning my place, my worth, or why Knox had chosen me.“I’m sorry, who are you? And what's your point?” I asked.His scowl deepened. “I am Connor, and my point is that you should go back to whatever fucking shithole you crawled out of, because you are not wanted here, and you never will be.”I pursed my lips as I kept myself from replying. Maybe if I kept silent, he would get tired and leave.“I expected better from the Alpha King. If he wanted to keep his fated mate, that's fine, but to keep her
Knox's POVTrigger Warning! Blood And Gore because Knox is Pissed!The vampire chuckled mockingly, his fangs were stained red. “You were betrayed by a member of your beloved pack. I guess you’re not as loved as you think.”I growled and landed a punch into his midsection, hard enough to make the chains shake violently. He bent over, gasping for air.“Who is it?!” I roared.“I don’t know,” he groaned through the pain. “I wasn’t told. The higher ranks didn’t tell us. All we know is that a mutt gave us everything we needed—information, access, weaknesses.”I clenched my jaw so hard, and my claws dug into my palms. “You’re saying someone from my pack helped you take my mate?”He looked up at me, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. He had a very smug look on his face. “Not just helped,” he said slowly, deliberately. “Delivered her.”My breath caught.But the bastard wasn’t done. There was a wicked glint in his eyes that caused me to pause.“Oh, Alpha King,” he hissed, his voice dri
Knox's POVI lunged for Cornelius, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the wall. His eyes snapped open, and widened with fear.“Where is she?” I roared, my voice blending with Fenrir’s “Where’s Aria?!”He coughed, shaking in fear. “I—I don’t know,” he wheezed.My grip tightened. “What do you mean by that?” I growled. “I saw you take her. You took her away from the fight.”Cornelius blinked, shaking his head frantically. “I was—I was taking her to safety. She was hurt, and—and… losing too much blood. But then—then a vampire came out of nowhere. I tried to stop it, but it knocked me out.”My heart dropped to my stomach, and my breath caught.“No…” I breathed out in horror, shaking my head frantically. I tightened my grip on his collar. “No! I don’t believe you! Tell me what the hell happened!” I roared.Cornelius flinched, trembling in fear. “Y-You…have…to… to believe me, Alpha. I-I tried to save…her. But the vampire was too strong.”Fenrir snarled inside me, unconvinced
Knox's POVIt was the worst feeling ever.That feeling of losing control, while you watch yourself doing pure evil.I could still feel it, the feeling of her flesh against my claws, and the warmth of her blood. I could still feel the horror in my bones when I realized it was her. Aria. My mate. My everything.And I hurt her.Fenrir roared inside me in pain, just as shattered and broken as I was. We were both drowning in guilt and rage. Rage at ourselves for what we had done to our mate. So we turned that rage outward.We tore through the vampires like savages, allowing our rage to take over as we decimated them. It was easier to rip them apart than face what we had done. It was easier to destroy them than think about the way Aria had cried out in pain because of us.No matter how much I tried to think, I didn’t know how it happened. One moment, we were all over each other, lost in passion. I was about to mark her. My fangs were hovering just above her skin…And then something snapped.
Aria's POVThe stranger was pale, tall, with red eyes. My heart dropped into my stomach.A vampire.Cornelius struggled against his grip, “I…I did…what you t…told me to…”My heart pounded in my chest as I realized that Cornelius and the vampire were working together. How?I clutched my belly tightly, as I struggled to breathe. My throat burned as I took in air.‘Please,’ I prayed silently to the moon goddess, ‘Please let my baby be okay. Please.’The vampire tilted his head, looking almost thoughtful as he glanced between Cornelius and I, then he nodded and released Cornelius.“Yes,” the vampire said smoothly, with a deep, cool voice, “Yes, you did everything.”My vision was turning dark. I was losing consciousness, no matter how much I fought to stay awake.Cornelius sighed in relief, holding his throat. He opened his mouth to speak, but the vampire raised a hand fluidly, cutting him off.“But you also did what you weren't told to.” The vampire added.Cornelius gaped. “Wha—”“Lord Vi
Aria's POVTrigger Warning!!! A Lot Of Violence Ahead!!!The vampire lunged. I screamed, throwing my arms up to shield myself. My mind kept screaming one thing over and over again.My baby. My baby. My baby.I braced for the pain, wishing I could tell Knox that I loved him no matter what.But the pain never came.Instead, a loud crash echoed through the hall as something massive slammed into the vampire with brutal force, throwing him against the wall so hard it cracked.I blinked in shock as the vampire released a cry of pain, with fear in his eyes.A creature with black fur and dancing shadows around its fur stood between me and the vampire with crimson eyes that were so familiar that my eyes welled up with tears.Fenrir.He released a deep growl. I could feel the vibration from the ground beneath me. The shadows danced around his large frame like a storm. He stood tall over everything, looking more like a demon than a wolf.The vampire staggered to his feet, snarling at him. But Fe
Aria's POVPain surged through my body with every movement, and my blood left a trail behind me as I stumbled through the hallways. My vision blurred as I walked, and every breath I took burned my throat.I just needed to get to the clinic. Everything would be fine.Suddenly, a loud boom echoed through the halls, followed by screaming. The floor trembled under me.What the hell?My heartbeat increased in panic. I limped faster.Then I heard the sounds of growls, snarls, and more screams. They were getting closer now.My breath hitched as I perceived a scent that I had never smelled before, but I knew what it was. Blood. Death. Vampires.A door nearby slammed open, and a young pack member burst out, her eyes wide with terror. She came to a stop the moment she saw me.“L-Luna!” she gasped, rushing toward me.I tried to wave her off, but she reached for me anyway to steady me. “You’re bleeding so much, we need to—”“There’s no time,” I rasped, holding her arm. “You need to run. Get out o
Aria’s POV“No, I’m not running away,” I muttered, turning back.‘You’re a fool!’ Jade roared in my head, her voice was filled with frustration and panic. ‘You’re bleeding out, and you're choosing this?!’“Maybe,” I whispered, my voice shook, and my throat felt raw. “But I’m not leaving him.”Jade snapped, ‘And how do you think you’re going to help him?! Huh?! With what, exactly?! Love and prayers?’I opened my mouth to answer… but nothing came out.I didn’t know what I could do, that was the truth, but all I knew was that he needed me.But it was Rhea who answered.Her voice was soft but firm. ‘Mate needs us.’That was her only response. Jade groaned. “Please kill me.”I took another step towards Knox, then another. My body felt weak from the blood loss, but I didn't stop.Knox was still on his knees, groaning, and shaking violently. His eyes were still changing colours as he fought for control. The black veins were stretched throughout this body now.“Knox,” I whispered.No response
Aria’s POV“K…K..nox?” I stammered, trying to inch away, but that was impossible as he had me pinned to the bed.He snarled at me, his eyes were changing colour. They were not the shade of red that I was familiar with. It was like an odd mixture of dark red and black.“F..Fen..Fenrir?”He released a menacing growl, and lifted his hand. I gasped in horror as I watched his hands and fingers change into claws.I quickly brought my knee up, successfully slamming it between his legs.Knox cried out in pain, and I used that split second to scramble out from beneath him, shifting to the other end of the bed.He recovered fast, snarling at me with pure hatred. I watched his canines elongate, and saliva dripped down his mouth.“K…K-Knox?” I stammered again even though I knew that it wasn’t Knox looking back at me, or even Fenrir. That thing was not my mate.‘Mate,’ Rhea's voice whimpered in my head, but I ignored it. I needed to focus, to get out of here alive.I kept my eyes on him. He was st
Aria’s POV“I have to be honest with you, Aria. I was very reluctant. Even when I remembered, I pretended not to.” Knox said softly, staring into my eyes.My heart clenched in my chest as his words. “Why?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from breaking. I had also remembered, but there had been so many things coming up that had stopped me from asking him about it.“Because I was scared. I felt like I would be tying you down, when you didn’t really know the kind of person I really was. I…” he trailed off with a sigh.I waited patiently for him to talk, ignoring the burning ache in my lower regions.“I…I thought you might want to leave me if you found out the horrible things I have done.” he said, averting his eyes from mine.I raised my hand and held his face, feeling his stubble against my palm, making him look back at me. “And now?” I asked softly.He smiled, his eyes glinted with love. “Now? Now I know that I was very stupid to think that.”My lips twitched, “And what are you going