Chapter 5

Aria's POV

My mouth gaped open in a way that I knew wasn't really cute, but I was too shocked to care. I was speechless. What would an Alpha King want with an omega?

Unless he was trying to play me, just like Liam did.

It was getting really hard to think straight as his hand left my face and began to move down slowly.

I gasped as his hand began to trail down my neck, moving so close to my breast.

“Please stop,” I pleaded, my voice was breathy, and I was panting.

Knox's hand froze instantly, but he didn't remove it. His gray eyes darkened with concern.

“What is it, Aria?” He asked softly.

I almost moaned at the way my name rolled out of his tongue. I was so wet that I knew that he could probably smell my arousal.

I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him slightly. I could feel the hard muscles on his chest. I felt like running my hands over his chest, but I didn't let myself give in, no matter how hard the mate bond and Rhea wanted me to.

He stepped back and removed his hand that was still near my breast.

I released a deep breath as I tried to control myself.

“Aria?” His voice was low, and his eyes searched my face for answers.

I couldn't meet his eyes, so I kept my eyes on my feet instead.

“I am an omega, your majesty. An omega with nothing, not even a last name.” I said, my eyes still on my feet.

Knox growled in displeasure and stepped forward, but I held my hand out to stop him from getting too close, and he paused.

“Please, your majesty, let me finish.” I pleaded again, staring at his chest.

He clenched his jaw, but he nodded reluctantly.

“I was just rejected yesterday by my mate, Liam Reed, your nephew.” I revealed.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I remembered the pain from yesterday.

Knox stepped forward again, and I lifted my head to look at him. His eyes were soft and warm as he came closer to me slowly.

"Aria..." He said softly.

The tone of his voice broke down my walls, and everything I had been holding inside since Liam’s rejection poured out.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stop the tears from pouring out, but it was useless. A sob escaped my throat, and I covered my face with my hands.

“Oh Aria…” Knox murmured softly.

He moved even closer, and this time, I didn’t stop him. He held me gently in his arms. 

At that point, I couldn't hold it. It was as if the dam broke, and I began to sob into his chest. I released all the pain and betrayal I had been trying to ignore since yesterday. Liam’s betrayal, rejection and humiliation, and now, the confusion about this new mate bond with Knox. It was all so overwhelming.

Knox's arms tightened around me as I cried. My tears were soaking his shirt, but he didn’t seem to care. He just kept holding me, stroking my hair gently and murmuring soft words that I couldn’t hear because of my sobbing.

“I’m sorry,” I said, pulling back from his chest, “I’m sorry for breaking down like this… I just—” My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat, trying to compose myself. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Shh,” he interrupted me softly. He brushed a tear from my cheek with his thumb. “You don’t have to apologize, Aria. You must have been through a lot. Let it out.”

I sniffled. I felt so embarrassed for breaking down like that in front of him. But he didn't seem to mind as he stepped back again to give me space.

“Liam... he was my mate, and I loved him”  I whispered. My voice was hoarse, “He was supposed to love me, he said he loved me. And then, he just—”

My voice broke again, and I shook my head, breathing deeply to stop the sob from coming out.

Knox clenched his jaw, and I saw his eyes flash with something.

“Liam is a fool,” he said. His voice was low, but it was firm. “He is a foolish boy who has no idea of the value of the treasure he has in front of him.”

I blinked in surprise. He sounded so angry and sincere.

“He rejected you, his true mate,” Knox continued. His gray eyes were intense as he spoke. “For what? For that fake bimbo? He doesn't know the value of what he gave up. I thank the moon goddess for what he did. Because now…” He stepped forward with a soft look in his eyes and he cupped my face gently. “Now, you’re here. With me.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my heart melt at the sincerity in his eyes. He wasn’t just saying this to make me feel better. He meant every word.

“I thought I was cursed,” Knox admitted, gazing at my eyes with an intense look that made my core ache. “I never thought I would ever have a mate. I had given up hope, I had prepared myself for a life alone. And then, you came along, my little miracle.” He brushed his thumb lightly against my cheek, and my breath caught.

I didn’t know what to say, but I could just feel how sincere Knox was. Hearing him call me his miracle made warmth fill my chest.

Knox smiled softly, running his thumb over my bottom lip.

“I don’t care that you’re an omega, Aria. I don’t care about what happened with Liam. All I care about is that you’re mine. And I’m not letting you go.” He said firmly.

His eyes were so intense, his words were so intense, everything about him was so intense. I swallowed hard.

Knox leaned in so close that his lips were just inches from mine. “Liam’s loss,” he murmured. I could feel his warm breath against my skin, “is my greatest gain.”

I felt a shiver of desire run through me at his words, and without hesitating, I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer for a kiss.

Knox responded immediately. His arms wrapped around me as he kissed me back passionately. The kiss was unlike anything I had ever had before, even with Liam. Knox groaned against my lips in satisfaction, and it made my knees weak. His hands pulled me even closer as the kiss deepened.

I broke the kiss and gasped for breath as I leaned my forehead against his chest. 

“Thank you,” I whispered softly, against his chest.

He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “You don’t have to thank me, little angel. You’re mine now. And I take care of what’s mine.”

I smiled at the nickname. It was strange, but it made me feel so special. Like I wasn’t just a rejected omega. Like I really mattered.