Chapter 3

Rejection 

My pulse was pounding with excitement as I stood in front of the pack. It had only been a few days since the ritual, yet Cassian and I had been wedded for what seemed like an eternity.

However, I saw something in Cassian's eyes that broke my heart. I had never seen such a distance, such a coldness.

"Aria," Cassian whispered in a hoarse, low voice. "I could tell you were unique the instant I met you. However, as I've learnt more about you, I've come to the realisation that I was wrong.

It seemed as if someone had hit me in the stomach. What was Cassian discussing?

Cassian's remarks, "I don't love you, Aria," were piercing. "I didn't. Furthermore, I doubt that I ever will.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as the group gasped in surprise. How could Cassian harm me like this? In front of the whole group?

My voice was stuck in my throat as I attempted to speak. I thought I would throw up.

I briefly believed I saw a glimpse of sorrow in Cassian's eyes when they met mine. However, it was swiftly superseded by a ruthless resolve.

Cassian responded, "I'm sorry, Aria," in a tone that was brimming with dishonesty. "But I think it's best if we just go our separate ways."

With some yelling in anger and others murmuring in surprise, the group descended into anarchy. Cassian turned and left me, leaving me stuck in place.

I felt as if I had been broken into a million fragments. How could Cassian harm me like this? I believed that there was an unbreakable relationship between us.

However, I became aware that I had been blind as I watched Cassian go. I had never been loved by Cassian. All he had done was take advantage of me.

With a surge of rage, I stepped forward and fixed my gaze on Cassian's fleeing back.

But before I could speak, I was restrained by a hand that curled around my arm.

"Aria, don't," a high-pitched voice said in my ear. "You'll only make things worse."

Ronan, the Alpha of the opposing pack, was standing next to me as I turned around. I saw a flicker of understanding in his eyes as they were fixed on mine.

"What do you want, Ronan?" In an attempt to get free of his hold, I spit.

Ronan grinned slowly and menacingly. "I'd want to assist you, Aria. You deserve so much more than Cassian Blackwood, and I want to prove it to you."

Despite my lack of interest, I arched an eyebrow. What was Ronan planning?

However, Ronan's face froze as his eyes encountered something behind me before I could offer any enquiries.

"It seems we have company," he said, his aggressive tone evident in his voice.

My heart fell as I turned to see what had Ronan's attention.

Cassian's father, Alpha Blackwood, stood in the darkness, staring at me with a calculating, icy stare.

His snarl sent chills down my spine. "Aria, you're coming with me," he said.

Fear swept through me, but Ronan's hand tightened on my arm, preventing me from moving.

Ronan growled, "I don't think so, Blackwood," his eyes glimmering with difficulty.

The two Alphas were now battling each other as the situation descended into mayhem.

While everything around me spiralled into insanity, I remained still.

However, there was something in Ronan's eyes that made me feel hopeful.

A spark of devotion and protection.

I was also aware that I wasn't alone.

However, as the altercation intensified, I became aware that I was seriously endangered.

And before it was too late, I needed to go.

It was too late when I turned to flee.

I was restrained when Alpha Blackwood's hand tightened around my arm.

He growled, "You're not going anywhere, Aria," his eyes gleaming with victory.

Everything went dark after that.

I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I fought to escape Alpha Blackwood's hold. But before I could try to go again, Ronan suddenly showed there, his eyes flashing with rage.

"Let her go, Blackwood," Ronan said in a low, threatening voice.

Alpha Blackwood tightened his hold on my arm and hissed at Ronan. "You think you can take her from me?" he yelled. "I own her, Ronan. And I'll stop at nothing to retain her."

Anger flared in Ronan's eyes as he moved towards Alpha Blackwood. He screamed, "You're not taking her anywhere," "She's under my protection now."

Alpha Blackwood let out a chilly, sardonic chuckle. He hissed, "You think you can protect her from me?" "Ronan, I'll smash you. Aria will accompany me as well.

Ronan's quick surge of power sent them both flying to the ground as he hurled himself at Alpha Blackwood. As the two Alphas collided in a whirl of snapping teeth and snarls, I staggered backwards, struggling for air.

I realised I needed to go quickly. My heart thumping in my chest, I turned and bolted. Behind me, I could hear snarling and growling, but I dared not turn around.

My boots thumping on the ground, I raced as quickly as I could. I had to leave Alpha Blackwood and his evil schemes, but I had no idea where I was heading.

The trees seemed to blend as I ran. My knee was skinned on the uneven ground when I slipped and fell. But with my pulse thumping in my chest, I clambered to my feet and continued to run.

After running for an unknown amount of time, I finally saw a light in the distance. With my legs hurting and my breath coming in sharp gasps, I staggered over to it.

I saw a little cottage tucked away in a clearing as I came out of the woods. Warm light spilt from the windows, and smoke floated languidly from the chimney.

My pulse thumping with fatigue, I staggered over to the cabin. When I got to the door, I banged on it in the hopes that someone would respond.

A familiar face emerged as the door cracked open. The renegade wolf that had been observing me from the shadows was Luca.

He whispered, "Aria," his eyes narrowing in worry. "What's wrong?"

I staggered forward and fell into his embrace. "Alpha Blackwood," I said, breathing in sharp bursts. He's attempting to pull me along. I had to leave, but Ronan is battling him."

With a flash of rage in his eyes, Luca drew me in and held me tightly. A whisper, "You're safe now," he said. "I've got you."

I had a wave of security as I stood there, encircled by Luca's arms. I knew it was just temporary, however. Alpha Blackwood would do whatever it took to achieve his goals.

What he wanted was me.