LOGINAria's POVChloe stood and wandered over. The moment she opened it, I caught an unfamiliar scent drifting into the room. It was a male wolf with a very powerful aura.His silver-flecked hair was neatly combed back. His tailored suit fit perfectly. Everything about him screamed authority.He smiled politely. "You must be Chloe." He lifted a gift box. "I'm here to visit Ms. Aria Darvin."Chloe's eyebrows furrowed. I could practically hear her suspicion. She knew almost everyone in my circle. This man wasn't one of them.Still, she stepped aside. "Aria." She glanced back. "You've got a visitor."The man entered calmly, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor. Then his gaze landed on me.I studied him carefully. I had never met him before. "And you are?"Even Chloe didn't know him. Yet he knew her name, which meant he'd done research. The realization immediately put me on guard.Then it clicked. The similarities
Aria's POVGrandma immediately snorted once, then again. A mischievous smile appeared on her face."Patrick?" She practically sneered his name. "I never approved of your mother mating with him."My eyes widened. Grandma folded her arms, her displeasure practically rolling off her scent. "I knew from the beginning he wasn't a good wolf."The declaration was blunt and absolute, without hesitation.I blinked. Grandma rolled her eyes dramatically. Despite her age, she somehow managed to look like a mischievous young woman gossiping about someone she disliked.The sight immediately lifted my mood. My lips twitched."So when you visited the Darvin family..."Grandma sighed, the amusement fading. "Because your mother chose him." Her voice softened. "I had to maintain appearances."A trace of sadness entered her scent."If I hadn't, your mother's life would've been even harder."My chest tightened. Grandma rarely s
Aria's POV"I do!" Rowland practically launched himself forward. "I've taken care of her more often."At the same time, Jonathan extended a hand. "I'd be happy to help."One was eager, the other was composed. I couldn't help smiling. Both men looked entirely too serious about feeding a baby.Several hands reached toward me. But instead of choosing either of them, I turned toward the quietest person in the room, Francis."Would you help?"His eyes widened, the surprise rolling off him obvious. For a moment, he simply stared.Then gratitude softened his scent. "Of course." He accepted the packet carefully.Among everyone present, Francis had spent the least time with Lana. The poor man looked more nervous preparing cereal than facing an angry Alpha.A little powder spilled onto the table. Then some water splashed.I watched silently, hiding my amusement. Eventually, he finished just in time. A tiny whimper sounded f
Aria's POVJonathan's warm amber eyes settled on me. His scent remained calm and steady, carrying the confidence of a mature Alpha."I tracked Rose's movements and discovered she'd returned to Asterfell." His voice was as gentle as a spring breeze."I was worried she might try something once she learned you'd survived."His gaze flickered briefly toward Rose."So I came to warn you." A small smile touched his lips. "Looks like I worried for nothing."Williams immediately shivered beside him. The moment Jonathan mentioned Rose, Williams's face turned strange.His gaze unconsciously drifted toward the door Chloe had exited through.Jonathan followed his brother's gaze before looking down at Rose. Even someone as composed as him raised an eyebrow.Rose's face was swollen beyond recognition. One eye had nearly disappeared beneath the swelling. Jonathan smiled. He looked genuinely impressed."If I'm not mistaken..." I
Aria's POVRose laughed bitterly, the sound almost hysterical. "Why?" She stared at me as if I were the absurd one. "You really don't know?"Her eyes reddened. "Or are you pretending?"I remained silent."I like Francis." The confession burst out of her. "And you keep getting close to him right in front of me!" Her voice grew sharper. "Now you have the nerve to ask why?"The room fell silent. I blinked. Honestly, I was confused.Before I could respond, Francis suddenly spoke."Rose." His voice was firm.The room froze.He continued. "I don't like you. Your feelings are your responsibility." His scent carried frustration. "Neither my friends nor I should have to pay for them."Rose's body trembled only slightly. But my wolf caught it immediately.Then her expression changed. A twisted smile appeared. "Friends?" She laughed, the word sounding mocking.Her gaze locked onto Francis, sharp and unforgiving
Aria's POVChloe blinked. For once, she looked innocent. Realizing she had started the conversation, she wisely kept quiet.Ignoring her, Rowland strode toward me. He placed the thermos beside the bed and sat down, then stared directly into my eyes."What did you mean?" His voice was low and serious.Under that intense gaze, I found it unexpectedly difficult to repeat myself. The longer I stayed silent, the more uncertainty filled his scent.Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist. His head lowered. "Why don't you want me here anymore?"The question sounded painfully vulnerable, his scent twisting with anxiety. "Are you trying to push me away again?"My chest tightened. I could feel the loneliness radiating from him. My wolf shifted uneasily. He clung to my arm stubbornly, almost desperately, as if he was afraid to hear the answer."Say something." His voice cracked."I didn't mean that." I sighed. "You don't have to work so hard
Aria's POVI pressed a hand to my forehead, trying to piece together the haze before I blacked out. I remembered the waiter bumping me… the sudden dizziness… then the heat rushing through my veins like fire. My wolf had whimpered inside me, claws scraping for control."You helped me?" I asked quiet
Aria's POVMy breath came out in shaky puffs, turning to fog in the cold night air. I could feel how pale I was. My wolf paced anxiously beneath my skin.The medicine.The damn medicine was gone.I must have dropped it in the chaos of the crowd when I fled earlier. I hadn't realized until I got Lan
Nathan's POV"There's still the dispute over her grandmother, Kate's inheritance," I said, pushing the words out before my thoughts pulled me under again."It was meant for Aria. If she won't take my money, then put pressure on the Darvin family. Make sure she gets something from them."Collins bli
Aria's POVI glanced at my cellphone and recognized the caller. It was a call from the hospital. I had gotten the front desk number to keep in touch and get updates about Peter."Ms. Darvin, Mr. Clarke is awake."My heart lurched.Peter was awake.I forced my legs to move faster.By the time I reac







