My fingers tighten around the phone 52

Ethan’s POV
The possessive need to know everything about Aria was driving me to the edge of sanity. Felix prowled beneath my skin
as rumors about her past in the human world plagued my thoughts. Some said she’d been a mistress to wealthy men,
others whispered about her working in seedy bars. The stories seemed absurd, yet they tormented me – because despite my growing feelings for her, I knew nothing about those six years.
“Leo,” I called out before he could leave my office. “There is also something about Aria… I need to ask.”
He turned, one eyebrow raised. “What about her?”
“During those years in the human world…” I hesitated, hating how the words tasted in my mouth. “Was she someone’s mistress?”
Leo’s expression shifted from surprise to anger. “What? Of course not! Where would you even get that idea?”
“There are rumors,” I pressed on, Felix’s agitation making my voice rough. “About her working in bars, selling herself—”
“Stop.” Leo’s voice cut like ice. “Where are you hearing these lies? Aria worked as a professional fighter. She trained
during the day and competed at night, all while raising Lucas alone.” His eyes narrowed. “Is this what the pack has been
saying about her?”
The fury in his defense of her made Felix snarl with jealousy, but I forced myself to listen as Leo continued.
“You want to know what Aria was really doing in the human world?” Leo’s voice softened with admiration. “She was
proving herself stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. Do you have any idea how hard it is to compete in professional
fighting circuits as a single mother? She’d train until her knuckles bled, then go home and read bedtime stories to Lucas.
She never complained, never asked for help, never gave up.”
His words painted a picture that made my chest ache. I could see her – exhausted but determined, bandaging her own wounds before tending to her son’s scraped knees.
“She has this way of smiling,” Leo continued, lost in memories, “even when everything’s falling apart. And her laugh – it’s
rare, but when she really laughs, it’s like…” He shook his head. “She’s extraordinary. The most resilient person I’ve ever met.”
“That’s enough,” I growled, Felix’s jealousy becoming unbearable. “Just to clarify some rumors about the instructor of the
pack. You can go now.”
After Leo left, I stood at my office window, his words burning in my mind. The way he’d described Aria – her fierce
independence, her quiet strength – painted a picture that made my chest ache with a mixture of jealousy and longing.
Felix prowled restlessly beneath my skin, every mention of her from Leo’s lips making my wolf more agitated.
I loosened my tie, feeling suddenly confined in my own office. The setting sun cast long shadows across the room as I
paced, unable to shake the image Leo had created – Aria training until exhaustion, then going home to care for her son. Her hands wrapped for fighting, yet gentle enough to wipe away a child’s tears. The dichotomy was maddening.
“Enough,” I muttered, but Felix’s restlessness had already infected me. Before I realized what I was doing, my feet were
carrying me toward the training facility, drawn by an instinct I couldn’t – or wouldn’t – resist.
The corridor was dark, but I could hear their voices clearly. I pressed against the wall, concealing myself in the shadows as
I listened Leo’s words.
“Why can’t you accept my knid present?” Leo was saying softly. “It’s close to Lucas’s school, with a garden where he could
play safely. There’s even a training room in the basement – you could practice without leaving home.”
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“Leo…” Aria’s voice held a warning note that made Felix stir with interest.
“Just think about it,” he pressed. “You wouldn’t have to work so many extra hours. You could spend more time with Lucas —”
“Stop.” Aria’s tone was firm but gentle. “I like money,” she said with that slight smile that always made my pulse race, “but
only money I’ve earned myself. My independence isn’t for sale – not even to a friend.”
The pride in her voice, the straight line of her spine as she handed back the key – it stirred something primal in me. Felix
rumbled with approval even as jealousy clawed at my chest. The way she looked at Leo with such trust and affection
made me want to storm over and stake my claim.
When Leo’s phone buzzed with news from the Northern Pack, I remained hidden, watching Aria gather her things. The
grace in her movements, the quiet confidence in her bearing – everything about her drew me like a moth to flame. Leo’s
earlier words echoed in my head: “She never complained, never asked for help, never gave up.”
I leaned against the wall, letting out a shaky breath as they both departed. The ache in my chest had grown stronger, a
hunger that went beyond mere attraction. The training facility fell silent, but I stayed rooted to the spot, lost in dangerous
thoughts. Every new piece of information about Aria only deepened this obsession. Her strength, her pride, her
unwavering devotion to her son – it all painted a picture of a woman who would never be possessed or controlled. And
perhaps that was exactly why I couldn’t stay away.
Emma’s POV
The crystal decanter clinked against my glass as I poured another measure of expensive bourbon. Sarah’s voice crackled
through my phone’s speaker, eager to report her progress.
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“I’ve mapped out her entire routine,” Sarah said. “She always showers after the afternoon training session. Leaves her
phone in her locker every time.”
“Perfect.” I swirled the amber liquid, watching it catch the light. “And you’re sure she trusts you?”
“More every day. I’ve been playing the role of the admiring and reliable colleague perfectly. Today she even helped me
with some advanced combat moves.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the irony. “The great Aria, teaching her own downfall. Tell me more about her schedule.”
“She picks Lucas up from school at three, unless she has late training sessions. Then either Leo or Marcus watches him.”
Sarah paused. “There’s something else – I’ve noticed Ethan watching her during training. The way he looks at her…”
“That’s enough,” I snapped, my grip tightening on the glass. “Focus on the plan. When we move against Lucas, Aria needs
to be completely isolated. No phone, no allies, no help.”
“Of course.” Sarah’s voice dripped with false sweetness.
“Good girl.” I smiled into my drink.
After ending the call, I walked to my floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city lights. Six years ago, we’d taught Aria
her place. Now she needed another lesson in staying there. The thought of her face when she realized her precious son
was missing – and she couldn’t reach anyone for help – filled me with vindictive pleasure.
“Enjoy playing happy families while you can, Aria,” I whispered to my reflection. “Your perfect little world is about to
shatter. Again.”