Jace’s gaze met mine over Auro’s head. Something in his expression made my pulse quicken.
I’d be happy to look after her,” I offered, standing up. “If that would help.”
Relief crossed his face. “I’d appreciate that. I have pack business all day.”
‘We can watch Beauty and the Beast! Aurora clapped excitedly.
18
“Oh, and Aria?” Jace added. “I could show you some training Techniques later. After Aurora’s bedtime.”
Training with an Alpha was a rare honor, especially for a human. “I’d like that,” I said.
“Good. This room is yours whenever you need it.”
The way he said “yours lingered between us. Then he left with Aurora, leaving me alone with a racing heart and confused thoughts.
After washing up, I headed downstairs. The pack house buzzed with morning activity, werewolves moving purposefully through
common areas.
Gabriel met me at the main staircase, carrying a small duffel bag.
“Morning, little hunter,” he said, using my old nickname. “Brought you clean clothes and training gear.”
“Thanks,” I said. “Sorry I didn’t come home last night. I fell asleep watching Aurora-”
“Jace explained everything,” Gabriel cut in. “It’s good to build connections here.”
He lowered his voice. “Just be careful around some females. Not everyone likes a human having special access to the Alpha’s quarters.”
With that warning, he squeezed my shoulder and left.
I got my answer about an hour later.
After changing and having breakfast with Aurora, I headed back up to the Alpha’s floor. Halfway up, a tall figure blocked my path.
Scarlett Ravencroft stood on the step above me, arms crossed, her hair falling over one shoulder. Her eyes narrowed.
“Where do you think you’re going, human?” she demanded.
I kept my face neutral. “Alpha Jace asked me to look after Aurora today.”
“On his private floor?” She raised an eyebrow. “That level is for important pack members. Not charity cases.”
“I was invited by the Alpha himself.”
Her sneered. “Listen, stray. Just because Gabriel picked you up doesnt make you special. You’re just a weak human playing house with wolves.”
Her hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with bruising force, nails digging into my skin.
“Know your place,” she hissed, yanking me down a step. “You’ll never belong here.*
1/2
Chapter 21
“Let. Her. Go.”
The command vibrated through the air with Alpha power. Scarlett instantly released my wrist as Jace appeared at the top of the
stairs.
There he stood, all six–foot–something of intimidation. Dark hair, sharp jawline, those intense eyes that seemed to see right through you, I couldn’t help but stare. Caught between admiring how gorgeous he was and rolling my eyes at Scarlett’s behavior. Still, watching Scarlett? Totally worth it
His face was thunderous, eyes flashing with rage. When he spoke again, his voice was deceptively soft.
“Scarlett, you’re needed at the training grounds. Now.”
She plastered on a smile. “Alpha, I was just explaining pack protocol to Aria. She was heading to your private floor-”
“I’m the one who invited her,” he cut her off.
“Of course. I just thought Aurora might prefer someone more like family. I’d be happy to watch her.”
“Aurora has made her preference clear,” Jace replied flatly. “She’s chosen Aria.”
A small thrill ran through me at his words.
Scarlett’s eyes flashed before she composed herself. “As you wish, Alpha.” She brushed past me, shoulder deliberately knocking into
mine.
Jace descended to stand above me. “I apologize for that,” he said, noticing the red marks on my wrist. “May I?”
He took my hand before I could answer, examining the marks. His touch sent tingles up my arm.
“It’s fine,” I managed. “I’ve handled worse.”
His mouth tightened. “That doesn’t make it acceptable.” He released my wrist. “Scarlett has… expectations. She believes she might be my second chance mate.”
“Oh.”
“She’s wrong,” he stated simply, holding my gaze for a beat too long. Aurora’s waiting for you upstairs.”
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