My fingers tighten around the phone 50

Aria’s POV
I curl deeper into my favorite armchair, watching the sunset paint streaks of amber and rose across my apartment walls.
The coffee in my mug has long since gone cold, but I barely notice, lost in memories of that day six years before on the
mountain road where my path first crossed with Leo’s.
Even now, six years later, I can still smell the acrid smoke, feel the scorching heat against my skin. The image is crystal
clear: Leo’s luxury car erupting in flames, black smoke billowing against the stormy sky. I remember the split second of
hesitation – my hand instinctively moving to my stomach, where I’d just learned a new life was growing. But there hadn’t
been time for fear.
Without my wolf powers, I’d felt terrifyingly human as I sprinted toward the burning vehicle. The door handle had burned
my palm, but I’d barely registered the pain. Through the thick smoke, I’d seen Leo slumped over the steering wheel, his
usually perfect suit stained with blood from a gash on his forehead. The flames were spreading fast, eating up the
expensive leather interior.
I’d somehow managed to drag him out – I still don’t know where I found the strength. We’d barely cleared the car when it
exploded, the force throwing us forward. I’d curled around my midsection, protecting my unborn child even as the blast
knocked the breath from my lungs. The heat had been intense, singeing my hair and clothes.
Leo doesn’t remember much from that day, but he’s spent the past six years trying to repay what he calls a life debt.
What he doesn’t understand is that he’s already repaid it a thousand times over. When my world collapsed Leo had been
there. Not with grand gestures or empty promises, but with quiet strength and unwavering support.
During those sleepless nights before Lucas was born, he would bring me ginger tea and simply sit with me in silence,
never pushing for answers I couldn’t give.
Even after Lucas arrived, Leo remained a steady presence in our lives. When I started competing in underground fight
clubs to make ends meet, he would watch Lucas without judgment, never questioning why an alpha’s daughter had fallen
so far. The night I came home with three broken ribs from a particularly brutal match, he was there with first aid supplies
and that same quiet understanding.
But lately, I’ve noticed the way his gaze lingers when he thinks I’m not looking, how his casual touches seem to carry more weight. The moonflowers he keeps bringing to the training facility speak of intentions beyond mere friendship. The
whispers and knowing looks from other she-wolves haven’t escaped my notice either.
My fingers trace the rim of my coffee mug as I consider the delicate balance we’ve maintained all these years. Leo has
been my rock, my safe harbor in the storm that my life became. The thought of complicating that with romantic feelings
makes my chest tight with anxiety. Romance, especially with someone like Leo – my best friend, I have never thought
about falling in love with him– would only bring complications we can’t afford.
Bella’s POV
I stand at my bedroom window in the Silver Moon pack house, watching the drama unfold in the courtyard below.
Aurora’s shrill voice pierces through the afternoon air, making me wince.
“Marcus! You promised to take me shopping today! I need a new dress for next week’s gathering!” Aurora stamps her
foot like a petulant child, her designer heels clicking against the marble. “That boutique only holds items for twenty-four
hours, and I simply must have that imported silk gown!”
I watch Father’s shoulders tense as he tries to reason with her. “Aurora, I told you Lucas needs me today. He’s still shaken
up from—”
“Lucas this, Lucas that!” Aurora cuts him off with a dramatic wave of her hand. “Ever since that child appeared, you’ve
forgotten your duties as my mate! What about my needs? Do you know how embarrassing it is when other Lunas ask
why my alpha never accompanies me to social events anymore?”
“He’s my grandson,” Father’s voice holds a rare edge of steel. “After everything that’s happened—”
“Oh, spare me the guilt!” Aurora’s face contorts with rage. “That boy is nothing but trouble, just like his mother! If you ask me, Aria should have stayed in the human world where she belongs!”
I see Father’s jaw clench, his alpha energy flickering dangerously. Before he can respond, I glide down the grand staircase,
arranging my features into the perfect mask of filial concern.
“I’ll watch Lucas,” I offer softly, injecting just the right amount of warmth into my voice. “You and Mother should go
shopping. After all, the Luna of Silver Moon pack must maintain certain appearances.” I turn to Aurora with a practiced
smile. “That boutique you mentioned – isn’t it the one that just received the new collection from Paris?”
Aurora’s anger instantly transforms into preening satisfaction. “Yes! You understand, dear. Unlike some people.” She
shoots Father a pointed look.
“It’s settled then,” I say smoothly. “I’d love to spend some quality time with my nephew. Perhaps we could even bake
cookies together – children love that sort of thing, don’t they?”
The tension in Father’s shoulders eases slightly, though concern still lingers in his eyes. “Are you sure, Bella? Lucas can be
quite a handful…”
Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you’re on 𝗻𝚘𝑣𝘦𝕃5s.com for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a
click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading!
“Of course,” I smile, the picture of sisterly devotion. “What are families for?”
The gratitude that floods Father’s face makes something twist inside my chest. Six years ago, he would never have looked
at me that way. Back then, I was just the replacement daughter, the constant reminder that I wasn’t his precious Aria. But
I’ve worked hard to change that, to become the daughter he always wanted.
As soon as they leave the room, I let my mask slip. My fingers fly over my phone’s keyboard, messaging Emma:
“Everything’s set. I’ll have direct access to the brat.”
Standing before my mirror, I study my reflection. I’ve perfected this image – the devoted sister, the caring aunt. No one would guess at the hatred that burns beneath the surface. No one except Emma, who shares my desire to see Aria
destroyed.
I think of how Father looked at me just now, with that proud, paternal smile. The same smile he used to reserve for Aria
alone. My fingers curl into fists as I remember all those years living in her shadow. The perfect daughter, the natural
warrior, the true alpha heir. Even after she was cast out, her ghost haunted these halls.
Well, soon enough that will change. Emma’s spy is already close to Aria, gaining her trust day by day. And now I’ll have
Lucas right where I want him. The pieces are falling into place perfectly.
My phone buzzes with Emma’s reply: “Sarah is our person. She is in position. Keep building trust. We move soon.”