Chapter 17
More pups gathered around, so se singing along, others dancing with simple steps, I noticed adults pausing to listen, their expressions ranging from curiosky to appreciation. The feeling of belonging washed over me–something I’d rarely felt even in Black
Forest Pack.
As the song ended, Aurora looked up at me with those eyes so like her father’s. “Aria? Will you sing at my birthday?”
I smiled, brushing a curl from her forehead. “Your birthday’s coming p?”
“Mhm, this many days.” She held up ten fingers solemnly,
“Of course, sweetie, if your daddy agrees.”
“DADDY!” Aurora suddenly squealed, wriggling from my lap.
I looked up to see Alpha Jace standing at the edge of the plaza, watching us. My heart skipped as our eyes met. Gabriel stood beside him, pride evident in his expression.
As Aurora ran to her father, I felt a strange pull toward them–toward this powerful Alpha who couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off me. When our gazes locked, I felt that same electric current that had been haunting me since our blood mingled in the ceremony.
That evening, I pushed food around my plate, unable to focus on dinner. My skin felt too tight, my thoughts scattered.
“Something wrong with my cooking?” Gabriel asked, watching me with concern.
“It’s great,” I assured him. “I just… I need some air. Think I’ll go for a run.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Want company?”
“No. I need to clear my head.” I needed solitude to sort through these confusing feelings.
The night air felt cool against my skin as I jogged along the forest path. Moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating the way despite my human eyes. Gabriel’s training had taught me to compensate for my limitations–to hear what others missed, to notice subtle changes in scent and atmosphere.
I found myself drawn to a clearing with a small lake, its surface reflecting the moon like polished silver. Standing at the shore, I took deep breaths, letting the night sounds wash over me.
Then the forest went quiet. My skin prickled with awareness. I wasn’t alone.
From the trees emerged the largest wolf I’d ever seen–a silver–backed black beast. Its ice–blue eyes locked with mine, intelligent and somehow familiar.
I held perfectly still, heart hammering but oddly unafraid. The massive wolf regarded me for a long moment before retreating behind some rocks. Minutes later, ace stepped into the clearing, bare–chested and wearing only jeans.“.
“Trouble sleeping?” he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.
“Just needed some space to think,” I replied. “There’s a lot to adjust to.”
He moved closer, his scent washing over me. “You were impressive today, with Dominic.”
You’re not angry I hurt one of your warriors?”
1/2
Chapter 17
He shook his head, his dark hair gleaming softly. “He disrespected you. Your response was appropriate. His eyes swept over me. “Gabriel’s been a good mentor to you.”
“He had to. A human in a werewolf world needs every advantage.”
We sat on rocks by the lake, talking easily. He asked about my childhood with Gabriel, while I learned about his responsibilities as Alpha. The conversation flowed naturally, as if we’d known each other for years instead of days.
When the moon climbed higher, he offered to walk me back.
“I can find my way,” I assured him. “But… when is Aurora’s birthday exactly? I promised to sing.”
“Ten days from now,” he said, a smile softening his strong features. And Aria? When it’s just us, you can call me face.”
“Most people just call me Ria anyway,” I replied, returning his smile.
“Alright, Ria, sleep well,” he said with a smile before he left.
