LOGINAria POVAfter the scene at the gym earlier, my mind was already heavy, but coming here… I was hoping at least the salon would give me peace. A little calm. A little breath away from Damon and his shadow, Selene.Maybe a new hair, light makeup… pretend all is well even when the world keeps trying to break me.Mira ran to me the moment I walked in.“Aria baby girl, finally!” she smiled warmly. “Where have you been hiding?”I gave a tired smile. “Life happened.”“Sit. Let me finish up this hair quickly. You look like you need pampering.”I sat and accepted the coffee she handed me. Even the smell alone felt comforting. I opened a hair magazine and tried to relax, allowing myself to breathe. Six long months since I sat here. Six months of carrying a broken heart in silence. Six months of pretending like everything was fine simply because the title Luna demanded it.Maybe looking good again would remind me I am more than pain.The bell above the salon door jingled. I didn’t bother turning
Aria’s POVWaking up this early morning, I felt like stretching myself. The sun wasn’t even up properly, but I couldn’t sleep anymore. These past two weeks had been hell for me, emotionally and mentally. Everything seemed to turn against me, especially Damon.He now left all pack duties to me while he spent every minute with Selene. At first, I tried to ignore it, but the more I tried, the heavier it sat on my chest. The pain of having my mate wrapped around another woman’s arms was enough to make me question my worth.I sat on the bed for a while, looking at nothing in particular. The room felt colder than usual, or maybe it was just my heart.My mother’s words echoed in my head again: “Mate bond is too strong, my Tom. But don’t allow it to break you.”That name, Tom, always made me smile. I missed her voice, her warmth, everything about her. If she were still alive, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out like this. Maybe I wouldn’t be here, forcing myself to act strong every day.And
Damon’s POVThe bite Aria gave me still stung. Every time my tongue brushed the torn skin on my lip, I could taste the faint copper of blood mixed with her defiance.That woman had grown wings, sharp, proud, and untamed. She was no longer the quiet omega I once brought into this house. She looked at me differently now, not as her mate or her Alpha, but like someone she was ready to fight.Why does she act like I forced her into this? She should be grateful. Any omega would be. But Aria isn’t any omega. She’s bold. She challenges me with her silence, with her eyes, with that stubborn pride that makes me question everything.If not for my father, I would have rejected her a long time ago.But my father believed in her. He said she carried something rare, strength wrapped in humility. He said she was chosen for the pack, not for me. And maybe he was right.Over these past two years, I’ve learned something. Aria might not be the mate I wanted, but she is the Luna this pack needs. Strong,
Aria’s POV“What was that display outside there?” Damon’s voice echoed through the room the moment we entered. His tone was sharp, his jaw tight.I sat on the bed, folded my arms, and tried to hold myself together. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t act dumb, Aria,” he snapped. “You were rude to my guest, and you know it.”My heart twisted. “Damon, how exactly was I rude?” I asked softly, trying hard to stop the tremble in my voice.He scoffed and turned to face me fully. “Look, I never forced you into this marriage. If you’re tired of it, just say it. Of course, you won’t, unless you want to end up sleeping on the street where you belong.”That cut deep. The words hit harder than a slap.“Is that all that matters to you?” I whispered. “What about my heart?”He gave a cold laugh, lit a cigarette, and blew the first puff in my face. “Your heart? What business do I have with that? The only thing that matters is how your body responds to my touch.”His hand slid to my breast.I flinche
Aria’s POVWhoever this message is from must be someone who knows me well, too well. The words keep ringing in my head, circling over and over like a curse I can’t escape.I tried to think, to trace the voice behind the words, but there was nothing to hold on to. Just emptiness and confusion.I know the hate toward me is much. Being an omega in this pack automatically makes you an outcast. But this… this feels deeper. Personal.The morning workout helped a little. The burning in my muscles replaced the fire in my chest. Every punch against the bag was a silent scream, every drop of sweat a release of something heavy. By the time I stopped, my body was trembling, not from weakness, but from holding back too much for too long.I stood in the middle of my small gym house, the air heavy with the scent of iron and sweat. My sanctuary. My little world where nobody could remind me of my rank or my past.But today, even this space couldn’t silence the chaos in my head.I locked the door behin
Aria’s POVThe morning sunlight felt harsh against my skin, but not harsher than the ache between my thighs. Damon had taken me last night, rough and demanding, the way he always does when he needs to remind himself that I’m still his. He’d called it make-up sex, as if that made it gentler. But deep down, I knew better, it was never about love. It was control.I told myself to stop thinking about it, but the soreness was a cruel reminder.Ever since I found out Alpha Damon Black was my mate, my life had been one endless storm. Three years of cold nights and distant eyes. Three years of silence that screamed louder than words.I still remember the first day I met him, at my gym house. The air had gone still the moment he walked in. His scent rolled through the room, thick and powerful. My wolf went wild instantly, whispering, Mate.He was the most striking man I’d ever seen, tall, broad shoulders, veins tracing down his muscled arms, his dark hair neatly shaved. He looked like power ca







