CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As I said before, we weren't new to the pack's abuse. However, they had never gone as far as to vandalize, no, destroy our stuff.

I leaned forward on Misa, my abundant tears soaking her mane. How could they do this? And why? Did they somehow learn of my mating with Bastion? I could see them reacting poorly to that news, considering he was so loved and cherished for his strength and attractiveness.

All of our memories, all of our cherished memories, were now piles of ashes before me. Sella's rage was trying to take over, but the sorrow of loss was too heavy on my heart. I whimpered, my body convulsing with sobs against Misa's chocolate coat until I felt large and soothing hands grip my waist, lifting me off with ease.

"Baby, shh. It's okay. It's going to be okay. I'm here."

Bastion rocked me in his arms, the comforting smell of mint and Hugo permeating my nose and drowning out the smell of char. I didn't speak, instead releasing a loud and sorrowful howl into the black and orange sky. Bastion joined in, harmonizing with his own deep and melodious cry.

Once I had calmed a bit more, I looked over to the side where my mother was on her knees, crying helplessly into her palms.

"Let me down," I commanded, joining her on the concrete once my mate lowered me to my feet. "Mom, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."

Her bloodshot eyes met mine with panic, her hands darting to capture mine. "No, Aria. This is exactly why you must bring unity. You have to put an end to this hatred."

"But Dad chose this ranch for us. And it's all gone." Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, but my mom was quick to whisk them away.

"Sweetheart, it's just a house. The most valuable thing your father gave me was you."

"Mom." I broke down again, collapsing into her arms and soaking her jeans with my pain. I wasn't sure how long we sat out there together, but by the time I lifted my head, it was pitch black and the embers had died.

"Let me drive you," Bastion requested, but I shook my head. "I'll ride Misa. I can't leave her here."

He furrowed his brows but consented.

"There's a stable just outside of city limits. I'll call and ask Anthony to book us a stall," my mom added.

The trek to Armano Stalls was long and tedious, but I didn't mind. It gave me plenty of time to think. I didn't believe that the attack flew under the nose of the Alpha since the Alpha was capable of sensing his pack's stronger emotions, which meant that he could not be trusted in the creation of our new kingdom. That made things even more complicated. That a man of extreme power and resources was an enemy of mine was no small thing.

Then again, James did say that both Alpha and Sire would fall. Did that mean that the Sire would also be an enemy? I just turned twenty-one; how was I supposed to defeat two powerful rulers and an awakened Dark King?

I rubbed my eyes when a humanoid figure appeared beside me.

"Luna?" Riding a black steed and donned in a cowboy hat was the Moon Goddess herself.

"Ah, Aria. Hello, dear."

"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder at my mother and Bastion.

"They can't see me. Also, I told you we would see you soon, didn't I?"

"Wait, does that mean-" Trotting up to my other side on a white mane was Lysander, smirking seductively like he did in the woods.

"Hello, my sweet. How do you like the royal I've selected for you?"

My cheeks turned crimson as I suddenly remembered all of the affectionate affairs we had participated in. Luna laughed, amused.

"Seems like she is enjoying him quite intimately," she teased.

"Damn it, stop doing that!" I shouted, making her laugh louder.

"No need to be embarrassed, love. I picked a King that I knew would be able to satisfy you in all regards," Lysander arrogantly added.

"Hey, Bastion is just as good! Hell, he basically ravaged the girl. She was crying his name!"

"Yeah, he's great and all, for a brute. Rory has class and romance. You should see how many times he can make her-"

"That's enough!" I interrupted their highly inappropriate dispute. "Just tell me why you're here already."

"Hear that, sis? That's the voice of a Queen."

"It sure is, brother. We heard your doubts, dear, and wanted to bring you some reassurance."

Okay, great. I needed some of that.

"You're right, you cannot defeat them."

I stopped Misa. "What?!"

"Baby, are you okay?" I heard Bastion say into my head.

I turned and nodded to him, starting back on my steady pace.

"What my brother meant is that you cannot defeat them alone. You will be sent many helpers to assist you in your rule. You've met two besides your Kings, but there are still spots to be filled."

"I will warn you, though. Not everyone who approaches you will have pure intentions. Be cautious with who you allow on your staff."

I thought about what they were saying with furrowed brows. "Won't the seals help with that? Hey, also, why the hell haven't I gotten one?"

My eyes flickered between the two gods who were giving each other the same mischievous glances they did in the woods.

"Looks like you've reached your destination," Luna sang.

"Until next time, Queen Aria," Lysander added before they both vanished.

"Damn gods!" I shouted in frustration as I trotted Misa into the light of the stables.

After guiding the only remnant left of the ranch into her own private suite, I was helped into the cab of Bastion's truck.

"Are you feeling any better? I may not be able to heal you like Rory, but I'm here to talk if you want to." He looked unsure, gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles. He really was trying to be a good mate, but he didn't realize that he had already surpassed my expectations.

"You know, it's weird. I was always under the impression that you didn't like me," I prompted, hoping for some positive influence.

"I didn't."

Well, shit.

"I mean, it wasn't personal, though. I was trained to hate vamps through the military. Plus, all my dad ever wanted to talk about was you. I was convinced that he loved you more than me. Now I get it. He knew the whole time how important you were."

I pitied him. To feel like your own father valued some stranger more than you had to be painful.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. It was never my intention to steal your father. How about your mother?"

He laughed halfheartedly. "Yeah, she wasn't much better. All she did was complain about my dad's obsession. I'm convinced the whole prophecy thing was the reason they only had one child. They've loved each other, but never really liked each other. I think it was just the bond that made them stick around. To be completely honest, I didn't want a mate. I was worried that I would be paired with someone I couldn't stand, like Mom and Dad."

Tears pricked my eyes at his confession. I couldn't help but feel like I was the reason for Bastion's distorted view on love and mates.

"Shit, don't cry, Aria. I don't believe that bullshit anymore. I was given the best mate possible. You are amazing. Strong, kind, sexy as hell. I don't deserve you as is."

"But, you have to share me," I finally let my insecurity pour from my lips.

He shrugged. "Rory isn't so bad for a vampire. He makes you happy enough. Plus, he satisfies needs that I can't."

Did he satisfy you?Rory's words came rushing into my head, making me flush.

"I can smell your come, Aria. You're getting wet," Bastion whispered, his eyes suddenly darkened with lust.

"I was just thinking about something crazy Rory suggested..." I admitted. I would have to tell him eventually since I did promise.

"Oh? And what is it that's getting you so hot?"

I squeezed my thighs together. This was Rory's fetish, not mine. Why would I be getting turned on?

"Well, he... um, he asked if he could watch us... you know..."

His brows lifted in surprise. "He wants to watch us fuck?"

I coughed at his bluntness. "I believe those were his words, yes," I muttered into my hand.

"Well, son of a bitch. That kinky vamp. I mean, I'm down for it if you are."

"I, um, may have already promised him that he could."

His eyes flashed black at my words and he shifted in his seat. "Okay, that's hot as fuck. At least that means I don't have to keep my hands to myself when he's around." He shot me a wink along with his dimply grin, making me swallow hard. Sella growled in arousal and I closed my eyes to keep them neutral. If I didn't control her, we wouldn't make it back to ARIA until even later. I was sure that Rory was worried enough as it was.

My suspicions were confirmed when he rushed out to the truck, pulling me into his warm and soothing embrace.

"My dad told me what happened. I was so worried about you, love! Come, let's get you bathed and bedded. You must be exhausted."

But after my talk with Bastion, getting sleep was the furthest thing from my mind.