ANMELDENAria'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 POVJonathan's expression darkened briefly. Then he explained, "Out of everyone we know you've had conflicts with, only Francis and Rose were heading to the airport that day."As he spoke, he pulled out his phone. "This was sent by Francis before his flight."He showed me a photo. The image displayed Rose. Her cheeks were flushed. She looked nervous and excited, far too excited."I see." My voice was barely above a whisper. The room fell silent. I recalled Rose's threat the last time I saw her. If she had truly been the one who tried to kill me, then it was not an empty threat after all.After a moment, I lay back on the bed. "I need more rest."Even those few words drained what little energy I had left.Jonathan and Williams looked disappointed. Neither wanted to leave, but after seeing my condition, they reluctantly nodded and headed out.Soon, silence returned once more.I closed my eyes. Thoughts tangled toget
Aria's POVI didn’t circle the truth.“What did you mean by what you said at the gala?” I asked.Nathan paused, brushed his hair back and looked away.“In front of outsiders and the media,” he said coolly, “you’re still the wife of the president of Hemsworth Group’s wife. You should maintain appear
Nathan's POVI paced around outside the hall, a little bit impatient.It is getting late already, why is she not here yet to clear her name?“What a waste of Alpha Nathan’s goodwill.”The muttered words drifted through the crowd like rot.My wolf lifted his head instantly, his ears sharp, his teeth
Aria's POVRelief washed over me so fast my wolf nearly purred.I turned and walked toward him without hesitation, my steps quick, my posture softening.Alpha Jonathan stood beneath the light, dressed simply yet impeccably. There was an effortless beauty about him.Rowland’s gaze followed me. I cau
Aria's POVMy fingers hovered above the screen. Uncertainty flickered through me. What could I do? I’d already clarified things, yet the mockery only grew sharper. Some people were even claiming Nathan had bought me a fake identity from Selina’s studio.My wolf bristled at the mention of his name.







