chapter Two

Chapter two

~~Aria’s POV~~

The Silvercrest Corporation building towered in the center of Westwood City, sixty floors of cold glass and steel. Humans walked in and out every day, clueless about the supernatural hierarchy hidden behind the business suits and polished shoes. To them, it was one of the biggest corporations in the country, involved in everything from real estate to shipping and investments.

To us, it was the heart of pack politics.

I worked in the records department on the fourteenth floor. The title sounded important, but all it meant was organizing files, updating databases, and running errands no one else wanted to do.

I entered through the side door to avoid the main lobby and anyone who might sneer at me before nine in the morning. The elevator was empty, thank the goddess. I pressed the button for my floor and watched the numbers rise, taking in the short moments of silence before the day truly began.

When the doors opened, I stepped out into rows of cubicles and glass-walled offices. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead. The air smelled like coffee, paper, and the recycled coldness of office AC.

My desk was tucked into a corner behind a filing cabinet, hidden from sight just like everyone preferred.

I barely sat down before Brenna from accounting walked past with two other women.

“Did you see her come in? She looks more pathetic every day.”

“I heard she only has this job because her father felt guilty.”

“Imagine getting paid for being useless.”

Their laughter followed them down the hall. I turned on my computer and opened the day’s files, pretending the words didn’t sting.

By mid-morning, the office buzzed with energy. Not about work. About gossip.

“Everyone is talking about it.”

“After twenty years.”

“The Alpha King.”

“He is really searching for a mate.”

I picked up my empty mug and went to the break room. Wolves crowded around the coffee machine like it was distributing gold.

“It is confirmed,” Mark said triumphantly. “Lyrian Blackthorn is officially searching for a mate.”

Gasps filled the room.

“Alpha King Lyrian Blackthorn.”

“The strongest Alpha in centuries.”

“They say his wolf burned down an entire forest once.”

“I heard he can make a wolf submit with only his voice.”

They spoke about him like he was a myth, a legend carved out of power and fear.

“Every unmated she wolf will be throwing herself at him,” Tessa said, preening. “Imagine being Luna Queen.”

“Someone like you does not stand a chance,” a girl replied. “He will choose a powerful bloodline. Someone important.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “It does not hurt to try.”

Before anyone else could respond, the door opened and Clara swept inside like she owned the building. Honestly, her family practically did. She looked radiant, glowing with excitement.

“I can see that you all know about the latest news, well if you don't know Alpha King is hosting a gathering,” she announced. “Every pack is sending their eligible females. Naturally, I will attend.”

Someone smirked. “And you think he will choose you.”

Clara’s smile sharpened. “I know I am qualified.”

Then her gaze landed on me.

“Of course, some of us should not even dream.”

Laughter erupted again. I turned away, coffee in hand.

“Running off already, little sister?” Clara called. “Not interested in hearing about my future as Queen? Oh wait, I forgot. No wolf would ever choose someone defective.”

More laughter.

I kept walking. I returned to my desk and set my mug down, staring blankly at the screen.

That kind of world is not for me. I will never be Luna. I will never be chosen. I am invisible.

And maybe that is easier.

But still, something inside me ached. A tiny longing for something more.

Later that day, I was reorganizing the supply closet when I heard my name shouted down the hall.

“You are completely useless, Aria.” Clara’s angry voice echoed. “How hard is it to deliver one file to accounting? Even a human could do it.”

I stepped out with my arms full of printer paper just as she rounded the corner. Her face was flushed with anger.

“I did not even—” I started.

“I do not want excuses,” she snapped. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to have you as a sister? To share blood with you?”

People peeked over their cubicle walls to watch. I kept my eyes down and held the stack of paper tightly.

“That is enough, Clara.”

Kaelen appeared suddenly, blocking her path. Tall, polished, and composed as always. His presence alone silenced the hallway.

“Kaelen,” Clara said quickly, her tone softening. “I was only—”

“You were being cruel,” he cut in. “Again.”

Clara’s jaw worked, her pride wounded.

“If I hear about this again,” Kaelen continued, “I will speak to your father. Do you understand?”

Clara swallowed and nodded before walking away, her heels clicking angrily.

The others returned to work, whispering among themselves. When Kaelen and I were finally alone, he gently took the papers from my arms and set them aside. Then he placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Are you alright?” he asked, searching my face.

“I am fine,” I said automatically, stepping back. His hands dropped.

“You do not have to pretend with me,” he said softly. “I know how they treat you. It is not fair.”

He meant well, but something about the way he spoke always made my chest tighten.

“Thank you for stepping in,” I said. “I should go back to work.”

“Wait.” He reached for my wrist. “Have you eaten today?”

“I am fine.”

“Have dinner with me tonight,” he said. It was not a suggestion.

“I appreciate it, but I cannot. I have work.”

“You work too hard, Aria.” He moved closer, lowering his voice. “You keep trying to earn compassion from people who will never give it to you. You need someone strong to protect you. Someone like me. Why will you not accept that?”

Because your eyes feel like a cage, not comfort.

I forced a small smile. “Maybe another time. I really do need to finish this.”

His expressi

on tightened for a moment, but he stepped back.

I picked up the printer paper and walked away, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.