My fingers tighten around the phone 37

Aria’s POV
The late afternoon sun slanted through the restaurant’s windows as I tried to focus on my coffee cup, trying to ignore the
inexplicable blush this dinner brought to me.
I watched Ethan accept his coffee from the server, attempting to maintain my carefully constructed walls of professional
distance. But when our fingers accidentally brushed during the exchange, electricity shot through my body, dragging me
back to memories of the hospital, of hands and lips and desperate need. A shiver ran down my spine as I fought against
the urge to lean into his warmth, to chase that spark of connection.
The familiar buzz of his phone shattered the moment. Emma’s name lit up the screen like an accusation, reminding me
exactly why I needed to strengthen those walls, not let them crumble. My chest tightened as I listened to his side of the
conversation, his deep voice softening as he promised her dinner at Shadow Fang territory after training. Each gentle word felt like another brick being cemented between us, exactly where they belonged. After all, hadn’t I been the one to
insist that night at the hospital meant nothing? That we needed to forget it ever happened?
“You should go,” I said, forcing steadiness into my voice. “Your girlfriend’s waiting.”
Lucas looked up from his dessert, his forest-green eyes bright with innocent curiosity. “But Uncle Ethan told me he
doesn’t have a girlfriend!”
“Actually, I wanted to discuss something with you,” he said, each word measured and deliberate. His forest-green eyes
held mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. “I’ve arranged for one of Shadow Fang’s executive residences to
be prepared for you and Lucas. It’s close to both the training facility and his school, with private gardens and security—”
“No.” I cut him off more sharply than intended, the memory of Emma’s perfectly manicured hands wrapped around his
arm at the ball flashing through my mind. Softening my tone when I saw Lucas’s startled expression, I added, “Thank you,
but our current apartment suits us fine.”
“Aria,” Ethan leaned forward, close enough that his scent – pine needles and mountain air – made my head spin. “This
isn’t about charity. The house has stood empty for years, and with the recent wild wolf attacks increasing, I want…” He
paused, something flickering in those forest-green eyes. “Your mother saved my life. The least I can do is ensure her
daughter and grandson are properly protected.”
The mention of my mother sent a fresh wave of pain through my chest. I stood abruptly, gathering our things with
practiced efficiency, grateful for the familiar routine to steady my trembling hands. The thought of accepting such a
grand gesture from him – while he shared his bed with Emma, while his gifts to her sparkled on magazine covers – made
bile rise in my throat.
“That’s exactly why I can’t accept,” I managed, proud of how steady my voice remained. “I won’t have Lucas’s future built
on obligation or guilt. We’re not some debt you need to repay.” The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but I forced them
out anyway. “Come on, baby. Time to go home.”
I could feel Ethan’s gaze burning into my back as we walked away, but I didn’t turn around. I couldn’t bear to see pity in
those eyes that haunted my dreams.
The drive home passed quietly, punctuated only by Lucas’s soft humming from the backseat. Just as we reached our
apartment, my phone rang. Leo’s name on the screen brought a genuine smile to my face for the first time that evening.
“Tell me you’re still stuck dealing with territorial disputes,” I answered, feeling some of the tension ease from my
shoulders at his warm laugh.
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“Finally free,” Leo’s familiar voice carried through the speaker. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Think I could steal my favorite duo
for lunch? I’ve missed that little rascal’s commentary on my food choices.”
Lucas’s eyes lit up at the sound of Leo’s voice. “Uncle Leo!” he called out. “Are you bringing me something from the North?”
“Don’t I always?” The affection in Leo’s voice was clear even through the phone. “Just try to keep your mom from working
too hard until I get there, okay, buddy?”
After ending the call, I helped Lucas with his bedtime routine, my mind drifting to Leo’s upcoming return. He had been
my rock through everything – my pregnancy, Lucas’s birth, those endless nights when I’d questioned every decision. His
friendship remained the one uncomplicated thing in my life.
“When will Uncle Leo get here?” Lucas asked as I tucked him into bed, his dinosaur pajamas glowing faintly in the
nightlight.
“His flight lands early tomorrow morning,” I smiled, smoothing his wild dark hair. “We’ll pick him up before your school
start