I downed another sip, hoping the alcohol would knock me out. Sleep hadn’t come easy since Aria and I were forced out of the Crimson Claw Pack.
We’ve both been restless and haunted. She’s been through hell, and I’ve watched her carry it in silence until Chairman Mason came along. There’s a different kind of light in her now. I just pray it doesn’t burn her.
As for me… I don’t even know what the hell to do with Jacob.
My mate.
Too perfect. Too patient. Too damn good to be true.
He interrupted my drinking, and now the sleep I was chasing has vanished completely. I won’t lie, I’m glad he showed up. But part of me still holds back. Hesitates.
 
Cecil’s POV“Why not both?” I dared, my voice filled with challenge. Jacob’s smirk deepened, amused and intrigued.Little did he know, I had a high tolerance for alcohol. It would take more than a few bottles to break me. If he planned to test my limits tonight… let’s see who’d end up surprising who.I watched as he knelt in front of the old fridge, pulling out a couple of frosted vodka bottles. “Damn, you’re prepared,” I said, one brow lifting.He let out a low chuckle. “I was planning to renovate this place and stay here. That’s why I had the maids clean it up and load the fridge with booze. I hate being in the main villa—too much noise
I downed another sip, hoping the alcohol would knock me out. Sleep hadn’t come easy since Aria and I were forced out of the Crimson Claw Pack.We’ve both been restless and haunted. She’s been through hell, and I’ve watched her carry it in silence until Chairman Mason came along. There’s a different kind of light in her now. I just pray it doesn’t burn her.As for me… I don’t even know what the hell to do with Jacob.My mate.Too perfect. Too patient. Too damn good to be true.He interrupted my drinking, and now the sleep I was chasing has vanished completely. I won’t lie, I’m glad he showed up. But part of me still holds back. Hesitates. 
After the party ended, Sam and Cecil’s parents retired to their rooms, worn from the long day. But Cecil stayed behind by the bonfire, barefoot in the sand, and a little too quiet.Waves whispered behind her, but none of it calmed the storm inside. She cracked open another can of beer and took a long pull, swallowing until it was half gone. The alcohol burned, but not enough to drown her thoughts.Her family was finally whole again… and yet she couldn't stop thinking of Aria. Of Aria's parents, still imprisoned, still suffering.“Wow,” came a voice from behind, smooth and teasing. “My mate can drink a lot like me, we will surely get along.”Cecil didn’t turn around. “Leave me alone, Jacob. I want to be alone tonight
Aria’s POVJust when I thought I was about to come undone, Mason stopped.His hands clamped down on my hips, grounding me. He leaned over, his bare chest pressing against my back, and kissed the nape of my neck. The heat of his breath and the slow drag of his lips sent shivers racing down my spine.“Listen,” he whispered with a husky voice. “I’m going to fuck you so hard you won’t be able to stand. And even after they’re gone… I won’t stop. So you better keep your voice down. Understood?”Gods.The threat in his voice, the promise—it made my thighs quiver. I could barely breathe. My ar
Aria’s POV Finding out Mason was my true mate awakened something wild in me. It wasn’t like what I felt with Elliot—that fake bond, the spell-driven haze. No… this was different and much more intense.I couldn’t stop looking at him. Couldn’t stop wanting him. The thought of him moving even a few feet away made my chest ache. I needed him close. I wanted him to mark me so I could feel him.The craving was too strong, clawing at me from the inside. I couldn’t hide it anymore. That’s why I tempted him earlier… by skinny dipping. And thank the Moon Goddess I did.So when he pulled out of me, frustration burned hot through me. But that irritation quickly gave way to curiosity.Now here we were—both naked, breathless, hiding in a dusty old tool shed. Pressed against the wall, peeking through a grime-covered window like a pair of misbehaving wolves.Outside, I spotted Cecil and Jacob stumbling near the cottage. Drunk. Loud. I had slipped away from the party to tuck Nina into bed, while Maso
Aria pushed off from Mason and glided through the water, laughter trailing behind her like a siren’s song. But he was faster. Stronger. Deadlier. And hers.With a low growl, Mason surged forward and caught her effortlessly, his hands locking around her waist. “Why run, little wolf,” he murmured, his lips brushing her jaw, “when you know I’ll catch you?”His mouth began its slow, possessive trail across her face—her cheek, her brow, the edge of her lips.Aria laughed, breathless, and looped her arms around his neck. “Because the chase excites me,” she whispered against his skin, before claiming his mouth in a kiss that was both wicked and sweet.“You’re still full of fire, I see…” Mason muttered, his voice thick with desire. With one fluid motion, he hoisted her, guiding her legs around his waist. The heat between them collided, sparking a storm beneath the surface.“I am,” she purred, eyes gleaming with mischief. “And do you know what I’ve been thinking about?”He arched a brow, pret