Chapter 4

Aria's POV

I woke up very early the next morning, in the arms of the gorgeous stranger, Knox.

I had mixed emotions. Knox had made me feel wanted and desired, but now in the morning, I felt so much regret. What had I done? I had given my virginity to a stranger, the virginity I stopped myself from giving my mate, before I knew he was a lying bastard.

I laughed bitterly as I thought about it.

I slipped out of the bed quietly, not wanting to wake him. Knox stirred slightly, but he didn't wake. I glanced back at him one last time with his dark hair and chiseled features. It was then I noticed the greyish hair at his temples, and he looked somehow older than me.

I shrugged, quickly dressed and left the hotel before he woke up.

As I returned to the pack, the atmosphere in the pack was excited that morning, but I didn't care to know why.

I just kept my head down and hoped that no one would notice me, because I was sure that the news of Liam's rejection must have spread to the whole pack, courtesy of Veronica Hall. She loved spreading rumors about people she disliked.

I was able to get to the Omega quarters and to my room without anyone noticing me.

"Aria!" Claire called just as I was entering my small and cramped room and I turned to see her rushing toward me. "Where have you been? Felicia and I have been worried sick!"

"I... I just needed some time alone," I said, "What's going on, why is everywhere rowdy?" I quickly asked to divert her attention from my whereabouts last night.

Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Haven’t you heard? Liam's uncle, the Alpha King, Alpha Blackwood is coming! He couldn't make it for Liam's birthday/engagement party yesterday, but as he is coming today, Alpha Maxwell is throwing another party.”

My heart clenched, but I nodded, pretending to be excited. “That's great news.”

Claire rolled her eyes at my lack of enthusiasm. “Alright get cleaned up and come join in the preparations.”

The entire pack was buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the Alpha King’s visit. Decorations were being hung, and food was being prepared. Everywhere was tense as they waited for the Alpha King. I did my best to ignore the whispers behind my back as I joined in the preparations. I caught several glimpses of Liam and Veronica together, and I felt bitter.

~

Finally, the moment arrived.

It was in the evening, and I was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. All I wanted was to crawl into bed and forget the past twenty-four hours. But as an omega, I had to serve during the dinner.

I felt so frustrated when I found out that I would be serving the head table. That was where the Alpha King, and the Alpha's family was. That meant that Liam and Veronica would be at that table also. It felt like fate really hated me. I sighed and braced myself for the painful night ahead.

The grand hall was designed with beautiful decorations, and the pack members were dressed in their finest attire. I moved through the crowd, carrying a tray of drinks.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement, but I was lost in my own thoughts.

As I approached the head table, I kept my head down to avoid looking at Liam or Veronica.

Rhea, my wolf, was excited, and I became confused because she wasn't active yesterday after Liam's betrayal.

However, I ignored her and focused on my task, trying to stay invisible to everyone on that table. Just as I was setting down a drink, I caught a glimpse of the Alpha King.

My heart stopped, and the tray I was holding slipped from my grasp. The glasses shattered on the floor, and I stood frozen, staring at him in shock.

Knox looked so different from the man I had spent the night with. His personality was colder, more authoritative, and his expression was emotionless. He was dressed in a tailored suit that fit his powerful frame.

His familiar piercing gray eyes landed on me and it felt like time had stopped. 

My wolf, Rhea howled in excitement, then she whispered one word that made me tremble, ‘Mate’.

I was shocked. How was it possible? I was rejected yesterday by my mate who was an alpha-to-be, now the moon goddess decided to give me another mate, the Alpha King himself. Is the moon goddess forgetting that I am just an omega?

For a moment, Knox's eyes widened in recognition, but he quickly composed himself and smoothed out all forms of emotions from his face, but I knew he was aware that we were mates.

“You worthless omega!” Veronica shrieked, “How dare you embarrass us in front of the Alpha King? Can’t you do anything right?”

Liam’s eyes narrowed in disgust as he added. “Aria, you’re nothing but a disgrace. How many times do we have to tell you to stay out of sight and not ruin everything?”

My heart clenched painfully at their harsh words, especially Liam's. The rejection still felt like a dream to me.

I could feel the disgusted gazes of Liam's parents, Alpha Maxwell and Luna Flora.

Tears were welling up in my eyes and I kept my head down, staring at the floor in humiliation. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.

Before any of them could continue, Knox raised his hand to silence all of them. His cold and authoritative voice said calmly. “That’s enough.”

They were all taken aback by the Alpha King's intervention.  

“She made a mistake,” he said, his tone was firm and cold. “There’s no need for all those harsh words. Let's continue with the dinner. Clean this up.” The last part he said to me.

I nodded quickly and obeyed immediately. As I bent down to gather the broken pieces, I could feel Knox's eyes on me.

My mind raced with several thoughts. I hadn’t just slept with a stranger last night, but with the Alpha King, and my ex mate's uncle, my second chance mate.

This was twisted and fucked up. How didn't I notice it yesterday? Was it because of that drug?

For the rest of the dinner, Knox continued to watch me with a dark gaze filled with desire. He kept asking for refills, and each time he made sure our hands brushed, making a shiver run down my spine. It made me remember last night, and I had to clench my thighs slightly as my core tingled.

I was aroused, and this time it wasn't caused by a drug. I couldn't wait for the dinner to finish so that I could relieve myself in my room.

When dinner was finished, everyone left. As Knox was leaving the grand hall, we made eye contact, and his eyes were dark with desire and he gave me a small sexy smirk that made me clench my thighs tighter. His smirk widened.

We finished clearing up the grand hall, and I hurried off to my room.

However, immediately I entered my room and closed the door, I sensed another person's presence. My heart pounded at the familiar scent of peppermint and cedar.

I turned around slowly and saw Knox standing there, his intimidating figure filled my small room. My heart raced as I stared at him. Was he here to reject me privately?

“What are you doing here?” I whispered, my voice was trembling with fear, confusion and something else.

Knox’s gaze was intense, “I can't stop thinking about you, Aria.”

My breath hitched as he reached out and gently cupped my face.

“You shouldn’t be here, you're the Alpha King and Liam's uncle.” I managed to say, trying to resist his touch.

He chuckled deeply, “You forgot one more thing” he said simply, brushing his thumb over my lower lips.

“What is that?” I whispered almost inaudibly.

“I'm also your mate.” He murmured, leaning towards me.

“What do you want from me?” I asked, feeling so confused.

“Isn't it obvious?” He asked with a devilish smirk, “I want you.”