LOGINAria's POVNathan stood there.His broad shoulders nearly filled the entrance, his presence immediately drawing every eye in the room as the scent of a powerful Alpha rolled in with him, subtle but impossible to ignore.One dark brow furrowed as he took in the scene before him. For a second, his gaze lingered on me, and something dark flashed across his eyes.Nathan didn't say another word. He didn't need to.Nathan Hemsworth was the kind of Alpha whose presence demanded space. The reporters stepped aside one after another, creating a corridor through the crowd as he walked forward.Silence followed him, heavy and oppressive, like the pressure before a storm.My wolf and I watched him approach. What are you doing here, Nathan?Without a word, he reached me. A microphone was being shoved toward my face, and before it could get any closer, Nathan casually raised one arm and redirected it elsewhere.The movement was effortl
Aria's POVRose immediately pointed. "That's her!"She grabbed Cynthia's arm dramatically. "Mom, that's the lady who attacked me!"She pointed at the fading bruises on her face. Cynthia's gaze shifted coldly toward Chloe before settling back on me."Ms. Darvin, keep your minion under control."The warning in her voice was unmistakable."The offer I've presented isn't an apology. It's an opportunity you should be grateful for."Chloe's muscles tightened instantly. She was at the edge of losing control. Thankfully, Amelia grabbed her arm and held her back."So? Think it over," Cynthia added.Rose crossed her arms and watched Chloe struggle, satisfaction practically radiating from her scent.I smiled. Then pointed toward the door. "You're all welcome to leave."The room froze. Cynthia blinked, and for the first time since entering, she looked genuinely confused. "What?"I smiled pleasantly. "You heard m
Aria's POVChloe lowered her phone after making a call to Rowland, confusion rolling off her scent."According to Rowland, Sophia met them outside and said you instructed her to take them away to get breakfast."I paused, my fingertip stilling against the desk. Why did Sophia do that? What was she up to?At that exact moment, Anita stepped back into the office. She had been downstairs trying to manage the chaos in the lobby, and her heartbeat was still elevated."Ms. Darvin, Ms. Wayne has arrived.""Show her in."Anita hesitated. "There are two others with her. Do you want them all in?"I glanced toward the half-open door. "All of them."Before Anita could move, a familiar voice drifted through the hallway."Mom, why did you have to come to this dump yourself? Calling this a company is generous. I've seen better-organized storage closets." Rose's irritating laugh followed.My expression didn't change.
Aria's POV"No." I shook my head. "The Osborne Pack is leaving soon." I reached into the drawer beside my bed and pulled out a key, the metal cool against my fingers."Spend time with them instead."I held it out. Rowland accepted it with a puzzled expression."I'll send you an address," I said.His brow furrowed. "What's there?"I looked down at the key. "My grandmother's belongings."A shadow crossed my face."Most of what she left me is stored there."For a moment, memories surfaced. Memories of how strong she was. She was the one who had taught me how to survive. I pushed the emotions back down."Take them to see it."Rowland looked at the key resting in his palm. Slowly, understanding appeared in his eyes. This wasn't just an errand. It was me trusting him with something that was special to me."All right," he said in a steady voice.I nodded, then added quietly, "Keep your phone close."
Aria's POVRowland crossed the room and opened the door. Standing outside was a woman in a sharp business suit, looking to be in her forties. Everything about her screamed professionalism.The moment the door opened, she lowered her head respectfully."Good morning, Ms. Darvin. We don't have your contact information, and we heard you were recovering here at Asterfell Medical Center. We apologize for arriving without notice."The woman launched into a series of formal apologies. Then she looked up and froze. Her eyes landed on Rowland.I almost laughed. Unfortunately for her, Rowland's appearance had that effect on people. He was tall, handsome, and confident. An alpha blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."Looking for Aria?" Rowland asked casually, stepping aside."Aria?" The woman blinked. Then realization dawned. I watched her expression change instantly. Her eyes lit up, and a noticeable flush crept into her cheeks."Yes!" sh
Aria's POVSophia wore the same pleasant mask she'd been using lately. She smiled like a predator baring its teeth and pretending it wasn't preparing to bite.Chloe immediately stepped between us, positioning herself protectively."There is no need to be nervous, Ms. Collins," Sophia said with an exaggerated smile. Neither of us believed her."Move," Chloe replied flatly. She gripped my wheelchair and started guiding me around Sophia. The dismissal made Sophia's smile twitch."We're family, Aria," she said. "You've returned to the Darvin family. Why do you keep pushing me away?"I didn't even look at her. Chloe took my silence as her answer and continued moving. The fake smile vanished from Sophia's face, and she quickly stepped in front of us again.I finally raised my eyes. The coldness in them made her hesitate."Move, Sophia.""Are you really that afraid of talking to me for two minutes?" She lifted her chin, the cha
Aria's POVThe moment I stepped back into the house, my wolf went rigid. The light in Nathan’s study was still on.It was too bright against the darkened hallway and then I heard it.A muffled cry. It was Jonathan's voice.It wasn’t loud, but to me, it might as well have been a howl. My hearing sha
Aria's POVHer expression hardened instantly. “Divorced or not, you were once part of the Hemsworth family. Lana is our granddaughter. These belong to her.”She cut off my protest before it could form. “This is my affection. Don’t upset me by refusing.”She turned away, clearly displeased.Nathan’s
Nathan’s POV“Alright. I’ll let you know when Grandma lands,” I said quickly, unable to hide the urgency in my voice.“Okay,” Aria replied.Then the line went dead.I stared at the phone for a moment, my heart still pounding like I’d just finished a hunt.She agreed. She was coming to Crescent Mano
Nathan’s POVThe question hit harder than any blow. My mind went blank.Then she began listing it. “You are wrongfully imprisoned.”“Your partner believes rumors instead of you.”“You spend a year in prison. Your career is destroyed.”“Outside, your partner is rumored to be close to your adopted si







