The Alpha's Instincts

The sun dipped low in the sky as Aria and Samantha stood outside Kelly’s Grill. The last of the lunch crowd trickled out as a warm breeze swept through the lot.

“Text me later, okay?” Samantha said, brushing her hair off her shoulder.

“I will,” Aria promised. They exchanged one more long hug before parting. She never realized how much she missed Samantha's hugs til now.

As Aria slid into her car, the familiar comfort of the leather seat did little to ease her nerves. She exhaled, started the engine—and paused.

A scent curled into her nose, faint but sharp. Her wolf tensed, the fur on her back standing on end.

It was James’ scent. Not strong, not recent, but unmistakable.

Her eyes darted around the parking lot. No sign of him. No suspicious cars. Just shadows and strangers.

“Probably a cousin,” she muttered to herself, locking the doors.

Still, she couldn't relax. She raced home, continuously scanning her surroundings, checking each passing car for a familiar face. She pulled into the driveway, shutting off the car and placing her keys in a defensive position.

As she reached the front door, it opened before she grabbed the handle. Her father stood in the frame.

“Come inside,” Roy said. His expression was serious.

She entered, stopping short when she saw Alpha Wyatt standing in the living room. Broad-shouldered, arms crossed, sharp gaze trained on her.

“Alpha,” she greeted politely with a nod. Her tone was respectful but cool.

Wyatt gave a nod in return, his dark eyes lingering on her a second too long. Something about her unsettled his wolf—nothing dangerous, just... compelling.

She smelled of lavender and coconut, but there was something underneath that stirred him—something unplaceable.

Roy closed the door and moved to the center of the room. “We need to talk about James.”

Aria tensed. “Did something happen?”

“Not exactly,” Roy said. “We’ve gone over the evidence you gave me. Wyatt has seen it.”

Wyatt stepped forward. “You did the right thing bringing it to your father.”

She nodded once, arms crossed. “It was overdue.”

Wyatt watched her closely. She held herself with control, confidence—but there was pain there too, tucked beneath the surface.

He cleared his throat. “We believe James may still pose a threat. Your father and I agree you should be guarded, discreetly.”

“I don’t want a babysitter, I can handle myself." Aria said, voice tight.

“It’s not about watching you,” Roy said. “It’s about staying ahead of him. We won’t force it, but we’d feel better knowing someone was keeping an eye on things.”

Aria hesitated, jaw clenched. Then she nodded. “Fine. But I don’t want anyone hovering.” Sher murmured as she folded her arms across her chest.

Wyatt gave a faint smile. “Understood.”

They stood in silence for a moment. Wyatt’s wolf shifted beneath his skin—not urgent, not loud, just aware. Curious.

He didn’t understand why he felt drawn to her—not just protective, but... interested. It wasn’t like him to notice someone this way. And yet, here he was.

Aria, however, felt none of it. Her wolf stayed quiet. Cautious. Focused on safety, not feelings.

Roy broke the silence. “We’ll set the rotation for patrols tonight and the rest of the week. Aria, take it easy for the rest of the day. You can join patrols tomorrow."

She nodded, offering a polite glance toward Wyatt. “Thank you, Alpha.”

Wyatt inclined his head. “Anytime. Please, stay safe and inform us of anything new."

As she left the room, Wyatt’s gaze lingered a second longer.

His wolf stirred again.

But neither of them understood why.