Chapter 5

I sighed and realized I was defeated. This whole day was crazy. From the rogue attack, Holden's visit, and running into him coincidently in an unlikely place. I felt like crying, but I didn't want to get too upset over this situation that was blown out of proportion.

I started walking in the opposite direction of Adam and made a left turn around the corner on a deserted street. I decided to take the long way home. Maybe the fresh air and silence will allow me to think about what just happened and sober up. I was so confused about everything. Why was Adam so confrontational to Alpha Holden? He didn't seem like a terrible suitor for me? Why doesn't he want me to be happy?

As I continued walking I couldn't help but feel that I was being watched. Like eyes were peering from the dark ally way as I passed by. I didn't hear anything or see anyone but I still felt uneasy. Maybe I was just being paranoid? As I walked for another 10 minutes I came to a dead end. No buildings, just a chain link fence at the end of a deserted street.

Shit. I must of taken a wrong turn? I rarely walked this way home, and I think those drinks from the bar have really gone to my head. I decided to turn back and just go back the regular way home. I didn't even care if I ran into Adam again, at least I knew I would be safe with him.

I continued looking over my shoulder and my anxiety was slowly rising as I heard distant footsteps trialing behind me. I didn't look back to see who it was, I just picked up the pace. The footsteps were getting louder and louder has they trialed closer to me. Who the hell-?

"Diana, we need to talk." Aaron's voice came from behind me. I sighed in relief knowing it was just him. I turned around to see him standing only a few feet away. I was glad to see his arm was already healed.

"Aaron? Are you ok? I didn't see you when I left, I assumed you already went home after Alpha Holden hurt you" I said.

Aaron looked more serious then his usual self and it was creepy as hell. It was really strange to see him so serious. His eyebrows furrowed down as he placed his hand on my shoulder and started talking.

"Diana, you really need to stay away from that guy. You don't know-"

I instantly pulled away from his grasp in disgust.

"You know what Aaron!? I'm so sick of men telling me who is right for me and who isn't. Why don't you all be happy when I finally meet someone?!" I was practically yelling in my frustration. It felt good to let it out. Aaron walked back up to me as I pulled away and put his two hands on my shoulders.

"Diana, can you just listen to me! I – I – Love you. I always have." Finally the truth escaped his lips. Adam told me he had a crush on me, but I thought he got the hint I wasn't interested. I still stood there in shock with his words. I didn't know how to respond.

"Aaron, I know..." I placed my hand on one of his hands to show him comfort and prepare him for what I was about to say.

"You and I, are not going to work. I've never felt a connection with you. I love you as family but not like that... I'm sorry Aaron... It's the truth." I said.

As soon as I finished speaking I instantly felt a hard slap on my face that connected right onto my cheek. I lost my balance and fell over. I was in shock that he slapped me, this was not the Aaron I grew up with. Who was this person? I did not recognize him. Tears were streaming down my face as I held my hand over the red mark he left. My eyes were wide open looking at him in disbelief.

"Diana, I'm-I'm so sorry!" He knelt down to try to help me back up but I instantly pushed him away. I could see the frustration fill his face after rejecting him for a second time.

For the first time in my life, I was really scared he would hurt me. We were life-long friends and the man standing in front of me felt like a stranger.

"If you're scared that you're father will disapprove of our relationship we can run away. We can live together somewhere far away. You and I, Diana. Forever." He was practically pleading and begging me to accept him. I was so scared to reject him for a third time, but what was I supposed to do? I felt trapped in a corner. I sat there and just started crying, I wanted my dad. I wanted someone to save me.

"Diana, don't cry baby." Aaron reached for my face wiping the tears off my cheek with his hand. He cupped my face with his other hand while he stared directly in my eyes. I had a bad feeling of what was about to happen. He slowly started kneeling forward closer and closer to my face. Uh-Oh.

I tried to back my face up as much as a could to avoid the kiss but his lips were getting close to mine. I had to act fast.

While he moved in closer I noticed his eyes were closed so I took the opportunity and punched his face with my fist knocking him right on his ass.

I defiantly caught him off guard. He stood up quickly and angrily held his face. Darkness filled his eyes and I knew his wolf was clawing to get out. I was so scared because I was no match to him.

He began muttering something under his breath, and I could barely make out the words.

"You teasing bitch. You will submit to me. You are mine Diana!" As he raised his extended claw to hit me again something unexpected happened.

Aaron was wiped clean off of his feet and his body flew hard into the ground. He laid there motionless, like he was dead. I sat still looking all around me in a panic. I didn't see who took him down as it happened so fast.

"Who-who's there?" I spoke into the empty street and was unable to see anyone. My body was still trembling from the shock.

"Diana." A familiar voice spoke.

I knew this voice. The one from the bar.

"Alpha Holden?"