The Lycan's Contract Bride

**Aria's POV**

Today was supposed to be my twenty-fifth birthday celebration at the pack house. Instead, I'm watching my fated mate, Marcus, announce his engagement to another woman in front of everyone I know.

"Luna Celeste Blackthorne has graciously accepted my proposal," Marcus declared, his arm wrapped around the waist of the most powerful Alpha's daughter in North America. "Our union will bring unprecedented strength to the Silvermoon pack."

My wolf howled in agony as the mate bond stretched and tore. Two months ago, our Alpha was killed by rogues, leaving the position open. Marcus, my mate of three years, had sworn we'd rule together. But power called louder than our bond.

The Blackthorne family controlled half the werewolf territories. One word from Alpha Blackthorne could make Marcus the next Alpha instantly. So Marcus made his choice - her, not me.

I stumbled toward the bar, my vision blurring with unshed tears. The bartender, a young omega, gave me a sympathetic look as I ordered the strongest whiskey they had.

"Rough night?" A deep voice rumbled beside me.

I didn't look up. "You could say that."

"The announcement caught you off guard?" the stranger continued, sliding onto the barstool next to mine.

"Something like that," I muttered, downing my whiskey in one burning gulp.

The man signaled the bartender. "Another for the lady, and scotch for me."

When the bartender placed my drink down, I finally glanced sideways at my companion. My breath caught. Even in the dim lighting, his presence was overwhelming - broad shoulders, dark hair that looked like midnight silk, and when he turned to meet my gaze, eyes the color of molten silver.

"You're too beautiful to be drinking alone," he said, his voice carrying an accent I couldn't place.

I laughed bitterly. "Apparently not beautiful enough."

His eyes flickered toward the stage where Marcus was still parading Celeste around. "His loss."

"You don't even know me," I said, taking another sip.

"I know enough." His fingers drummed against the bar. "I know you're hurting. I know you deserve better than someone who'd choose political gain over..." he paused, his nostrils flaring slightly, "...a mate bond."

I froze. How did he know?

Before I could ask, someone bumped into me hard from behind, sending my drink flying. I pitched forward, but strong arms caught me, pulling me against a solid chest. The scent of pine and winter storms enveloped me, making my wolf purr despite her pain.

"Careful," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

"Sorry, I—" I looked up and found myself drowning in those silver eyes. Up close, I could see flecks of gold in them, like stars in a night sky.

"No apologies necessary." He steadied me but didn't let go. "Would you like to get some air? You look pale."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. He guided me through the crowd, his hand at the small of my back sending sparks through my spine. We stepped onto a balcony overlooking the pack grounds.

"Better?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you, Mr...?"

"Dimitri," he said simply. "And you are?"

"Aria."

"Aria," he repeated, my name sounding like a prayer on his lips. "Tell me, Aria, why are you really here tonight? Surely not to watch your mate pledge himself to another."

My cheeks burned. "My parents insisted. Said I needed to show the pack I'm not weak."

"Weak?" He stepped closer, and I backed up until I hit the balcony railing. "There's nothing weak about you."

"You don't know me," I whispered again.

"Then let me." His hand came up to brush a strand of hair from my face. "Dance with me."

"What? Here?"

Music drifted from inside, a slow melody. Without waiting for an answer, he pulled me into his arms. One hand at my waist, the other holding mine, he began to sway.

"This is crazy," I breathed.

"Perhaps." He spun me slowly. "But isn't the best kind of crazy better than safe misery?"

I looked into his eyes and saw something dangerous there, something that should have scared me but instead made my heart race.

"Who are you really?" I asked.

Before he could answer, the balcony door burst open. Marcus stood there, his face twisted in rage.

"Get your hands off her," he snarled.

Dimitri didn't even look at him. "I believe the lady can decide for herself who touches her."

"She's mine," Marcus growled, his eyes flashing amber.

Now Dimitri did turn, slowly, deliberately. The temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. "Yours? How interesting, considering you just publicly claimed another."

Marcus took a step forward. "You don't know what you're dealing with, stranger."

Dimitri smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, but I do. You're Marcus Thorne, current Beta, aspiring Alpha. Twenty-eight years old, youngest of three brothers, all deceased. You need this alliance because without it, you'll never be strong enough to hold the Alpha position."

Marcus paled. "How do you—"

"I make it my business to know everything about those who interest me," Dimitri said coolly. Then he turned back to me. "The choice is yours, Aria. Stay here with the man who discarded you, or come with me."

"You can't just take her," Marcus protested.

"I'm not taking anyone." Dimitri extended his hand to me. "I'm offering a choice."

I looked between them - Marcus, who'd held my heart for three years and shattered it in three seconds, and this mysterious stranger who made my pulse race with just a look.

"Aria, don't be stupid," Marcus warned. "You don't even know him."

That decided it. I placed my hand in Dimitri's.

"Neither did I know you, apparently," I said to Marcus.

Dimitri's fingers intertwined with mine, and he led me toward the door. Marcus grabbed my other arm.

"We're not done," he hissed.

"Yes," I said quietly, "we are."

I pulled free and followed Dimitri inside. We walked through the party, heads turning as we passed. At the entrance, a sleek black car waited.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he opened the door for me.

"Somewhere you can breathe," he said.

I hesitated. "I shouldn't. I don't know you, and—"

"Aria." He said my name like it was the answer to everything. "I'm not going to hurt you. But if you stay here, you'll suffocate. Trust me, just for tonight."

Something in his eyes made me believe him. I got in the car.

As we drove away, I caught sight of Marcus on the mansion steps, Celeste nowhere to be seen. His expression was murderous.

"He won't let this go," I said.

Dimitri glanced at me, and for the first time, I saw his true smile. "I'm counting on it."

We drove in silence until we reached a hotel I recognized - the Midnight Crown, the most exclusive hotel in the territory.

"Penthouse," Dimitri told the driver, who nodded.

"Wait, I can't—"

"You're not obligated to anything," he said softly. "But you looked like you needed to escape, and I have space. There's a guest room if you prefer."

The elevator was all glass and gold, rising smoothly to the top floor. When the doors opened, I gasped. The penthouse was magnificent - floor-to-ceiling windows showing the city lights, modern furniture that probably cost more than my entire house.

"Drink?" he offered, moving to a bar.

"I think I've had enough," I said, wandering to the windows.

"Smart choice." He poured himself something amber. "So, three years with him?"

I nodded, not wanting to discuss it.

"His loss," Dimitri repeated his earlier sentiment.

"Why do you care?" I turned to face him. "Why help a stranger?"

He set down his glass and moved toward me with predatory grace. "Because I know what it's like to be betrayed by someone you trust."

"Who betrayed you?"

His jaw tightened. "My brother."

Before I could ask more, my phone buzzed. My adoptive mother's name flashed on the screen, but it was a mindlink that reached me first, her mental voice screaming in panic.

"Aria! Come home now! Your father's been arrested by the Council!"