Nathan’s POV
I would know If he was here. Did he perhaps co into town discreetly? The thought alone made the fur along my spine rise.
I schooled my face into calm neutrality, sothing I’d mastered over years of being an Alpha and casually adjusted the cufflinks on my shirt.
“There’s an upcoming auction,” I said in the most bored tone I could muster. “I need a date.”
Aria’s gaze was drawn to where Lana played on the bed. My mate, my wife, didn’t even spare a glance.
“Then you’d better call Ms. Sophia Darvin, Alpha Nathan.”
Her words hit harder than a punch to the ribs. For a mont, I couldn’t breathe.
There was a ti she hated hearing any woman’s na near mine. A ti when the re ntion of Sophia would’ve made her wolf bristle with jealousy.
Now... it seed she didn’t care at all.
A tightness gripped my chest. My wolf let out a low internal growl, pacing restlessly.
She used to care. What changed?
Why is acting as if I’m nothing?
“Aria, don’t lose sight of who you are,” I snapped before I could stop myself. The words ca out rougher than intended. “You’re my wife, my luna. Sophia is just an employee.”
She looked at .
That cold, scornful gaze froze the next words I was about to utter right in my throat. For a second, I felt like prey under a predator’s stare.
She laughed, a short, cold sound that made my stomach twist.
“Our divorce papers are ready,” she said lightly. “I won’t be your wife much longer.”
My wolf snarled at that.
No... No... NO...
But I forced him down, forced myself to breathe.
“And let’s be honest,” she added casually, “being your date is a premium spot I’m not fighting for, take Sophia. You already took her ho, didn’t you? Let her enjoy the privilege.”
She didn’t even look at when she said it.
I felt sothing crack inside , sothing I didn’t want to na.
“Aria,” I blurted out before I could stop myself, “are you... sulking with ?”
The mont the word left my mouth, she stiffened. When she turned to look at , her expression was so strange it made my skin prickle.
“Mind your words, Alpha Nathan,” she said coolly. “Or I’ll sue you for defamation.”
Her tone was sharper than claws.
My face heated with a mix of anger and embarrassnt. I clenched my jaw. There was no point insisting she accompany . Not when she looked at like that.
“Get so sleep,” I snapped, more harshly than intended then banged the door behind and left.
Aria’s POV
The loud bang of the slamd door echoed through Hemsworth Villa, and only then did it hit that I’d left my call with Rowland on.
Great.
He must have heard everything Nathan said... and everything I said back.
I lifted the phone to my ear and said calmly, “Sorry about that.”
In truth, I didn’t care. Nathan and I were over. Whatever tension or awkwardness we had left between us wasn’t worth hiding anymore.
“It is not a big deal,” Rowland said, but I could hear the frown in his voice.
Rowland cleared his throat. “Actually, I was about to say the sa thing to you just now.”
I froze.
“The sa thing?”
Lana who was now in my arms squird, and I adjusted her weight against my hip. “You an the auction? Or the date part?”
“Both,” he said lightly. “I think it’s the sa event your husband ntioned. I’ve been invited too, and... I need a date. I don’t know many people in Asterfell, so you were my first thought.”
An easy, apologetic laugh followed.
My wolf huffed. We had rejected Nathan without blinking...
So why was I hesitating now?
Maybe because Rowland had helped . No, saved .
And wolves like don’t forget debts.
“I can’t,” I murmured, nibbling my lip. “I can’t leave Lana alone at—” My words faltered before I called it ho. “At the villa.”
“Bring the little one,” Rowland said imdiately. “I’ll help with her.”
Lana reached for my hair, babbling happily. I stroked her cheek.
He sensed my hesitation and added, “If you want, I’ll have soone prepare your gowns. No stress.”
I let out a breath. I wasn’t sure what answer to give, so I turned to the small wolf pup in my arms, my daughter.
“Sweetie,” I asked softly, nudging her nose with mine, “do you want to go?”
Her eyes lit up instantly, a bubbly giggle escaping her. She didn’t understand the question, but she definitely understood adventure.
Rowland must have heard her little laugh, because he chuckled lightly. “I think the little one agrees,” he said.
My heart tugged painfully.
Lana deserved the world. One day, when I reclaid everything that was taken from , I’d make sure she never had to hide again.
“Rowland,” I said at last, “send the ti and place.”
He paused for a mont, I guess he was montarily shocked considering I had just rejected my soon to be ex-mate.
“Of course,” he finally sputtered, though his voice trembled like his throat was tight.
User Comments
0 comments from readers