Chapter One

Aria’s POV

"Aria!"

I brushed past my friend and sister Jenny and dashed into the bathroom, barely lifting the toilet seat before emptying my stomach with my eyes clenched shut.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" Jenny’s voice came right behind me as she stepped in.

I slowly pushed myself off the cold floor, pressed the flush, closed the lid, and turned to face her.

"I was planning to tell him," I said, staring blankly into space.

"Tell who? What are you talking about?" she asked, confused.

"I was going to tell your brother Killian..." My voice trailed, a lump forming in my throat. "That we're having a baby."

Jenny’s eyes widened in shock.

A few days ago, under the blazing summer sun at Nightrun Pack, I returned home to the pack mansion overflowing with excitement.

It had been years since I’d come back not just as some ordinary student, but as a lead security analyst. A woman with pride. With purpose.

The car door shut, and Killian stepped out, grabbing our bags as we both walked into the house.

The front door opened and my father jumped to his feet, his face lighting up with joy. I rushed into his arms, a wide smile stretching across my face.

"We're so proud of you, darling," he said, breaking the embrace. "I'm sorry I couldn’t make it to your graduation. When the Alpha is away, I have to stay and protect the pack."

"I understand, Father. Killian was there with me, that's what mattered," I replied, glancing over at Killian with a soft smile.

But he didn’t smile back.

His brows were knit together, like he had something weighing on him.

"Now that you're back," Killian said, "it’s time you start immediately as the top lead security analyst."

"But... I don’t know about that," I muttered, sinking into the couch. "I’m still new to the field. I’m nervous."

"You’ll do just fine," he replied flatly.

That’s when I noticed the shift in his eyes. Something cold. Distant.

"There’s something else I need to say."

My heart fluttered.

This was it.

He was going to propose.

"I found my mate."

Yes! He’s choosing me.

"My mate is Seraphina Nightshade."

"What?" I choked, my eyes following his gaze up the staircase.

A stunning woman in a flowing white silk gown descended slowly, her long brown hair cascading down her back.

She walked straight to Killian and they kissed. Deeply.

"Alpha, what’s the meaning of this?" My father’s voice broke the silence.

I blinked hard. This had to be a dream. A nightmare.

He wouldn’t just throw me away... would he?

"I apologize for my manners," the woman spoke, voice smooth like poison. "I’m Seraphina Nightshade and Killian is my mate."

"You’re a witch!" my father barked. "Alpha, she’s a witch!"

I froze as Killian laid his head on her shoulder, eyes shut, completely at ease.

"What is this, Killian?" I asked, voice cracking. "Tell me this isn’t real."

He raised his head, finally looking at me. “I’m sorry, Aria. She’s right. I can feel the bond.”

"That’s because she’s manipulating you!" I cried. "She’s a witch!"

"You don’t get it, Aria," he replied. "It’s more than emotions and sex. The Moon Goddess never destined us to be together."

"How can you say that?" I turned to my father, pleading.

But the shock on his face was fading… into resignation.

"It’s rare... but the Alpha is right."

His words hit like a dagger. My chest tightened as the betrayal seeped deep.

"Jenny?" I looked at her, desperate.

She sighed, unable to meet my gaze. "Sweetheart... Alpha Killian has made his decision. There’s nothing we can do."

How could he do this?

After everything we went through...

My heart couldn’t take it. I watched helplessly as he wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her like I meant nothing.

No.

I couldn’t bear to stay there a second longer.

My father reached to comfort me, but I shook off his hand and walked away.

When I got to my room, the pain ripped me apart. I threw myself on the bed, tears streaming endlessly, soaking the sheets.

I didn’t care.

He promised me forever. I sacrificed school, time and everything for him.

And now...

A knock shattered my thoughts.

"Go away!" I screamed into the pillow. The knock came again, harder.

I was furious at my father, at Killian, at everything. I shot out of bed, stormed to the door, flung it open and froze.

Killian.

"What do you want?" I asked, swallowing my rage.

"I came to say goodbye," he said quietly, then turned to leave.

"That’s it?"

He paused, turning to face me. "You’re making this harder than it needs to be. The Moon Goddess made her choice. We were never meant to be."

"You’re bonding with a witch! What if she’s controlling you?"

"No," he said. "She’s not. I love her. And she loves me."

He turned and walked away like I was just a phase.

Like we didn’t matter.

He didn’t even suspect there was more to this something bigger than a bond.

I clutched my stomach, the tears falling faster.

We’re having a child. And Killian… will never be a father to our baby.