Chapter Five
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Aria’s POV
How long had it been since he worried about me like this? Three years? Five? Or perhaps even longer. In my memories, Nicho was always at my side–my Alpha, my mate–to–be. We understood each other better than anyone else in the pack. Sometimes, we didn’t need words; one glance was enough for him to read my emotions.
Perhaps that certainty–that I would always choose him, always forgive him–made him careless. It gave him the freedom to hurt me, to entertain another she–wolf while assuming I’d stay by his side. But even a wolf has limits, and my loyalty has reached its end.
I stared at the countless missed calls flashing on my phone screen and blocked his number. My fingers hovered over his profile on the pack’s messaging platform.
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Eight years ago, his profile picture had been a sketch I’d drawn of us. Now it was replaced by a polished photo of him
standing proudly beside a sleek black wolf -Selena‘ s wolf.
A familiar ache tightened my chest, but I swallowed it down. They looked like a bonded pair, even though the Moon Goddess hadn’t blessed them as mates. With a deep breath, I pressed delete. A decade of memories erased with a single swipe.
A message from my aunt popped up as I powered down my phone:
“Safe travels, Aria. The packhouse isn’t the same without you. We’ll miss you.”
I reassured her with a quick reply and boarded the flight. The three–hour journey. felt like an eternity, my thoughts filled with regret, anger, and the dull ache of betrayal.
When the plane landed, I adjusted my scarf, ensuring it covered my markless
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neck. My parents waited for me at the terminal, arms full of gifts. They had
insisted I come back to the Blue Crescent
pack, leaving the chaos of Silver Fang–and
Nicho–behind.
My father took my suitcase while my mother placed a delicate silver crown on my head, a tradition among our kind when welcoming a returning family member. Her tears streamed down like the stars in the night sky.
“Our daughter has grown into a stunning she–wolf,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “Promise us you won’t leave again.”
Dad smiled, his weathered face full of pride and concern. “We‘ ve already found a strong wolf to take care of you. His pack borders ours, so you’ll never feel far from
home.”
I forced a smile, leaning into my mother‘ s embrace. I had spent a decade believing Nicho was my forever, my Alpha. I‘ d
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sacrificed pack gatherings, holidays, and my parents‘ love, all for a wolf who chose someone else. Guilt gnawed at me as I nodded.
“I won‘ t run, Dad,” I assured him. “If this union strengthens the pack and makes you proud, I’ll honor it.”
My parents visibly relaxed, though traces of worry lingered.
“You‘ ve matured so much,” Mom said, brushing a lock of hair from my face. “Have you finished everything with…him?”
My stomach tightened at the mention of Nicho, but I nodded. “It’s over. I’ll never go back.”
They exchanged a relieved glance before leading me to the car. As we drove, my phone buzzed. I ignored the unfamiliar number until it rang for the third time. Against my better judgment, I answered.
Nicho’s furious voice exploded through the speaker.
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“Ariaa, what the hell are you doing? Blocking me? Running off without a word? Where are you?!”
He didn’t wait for an answer, continuing in the same breath. “Selena’s injured because of you, and you can’t even apologize? Do you realize how
embarrassing you made me look in front of the pack?”
A bitter laugh escaped me. Of course, it wasn’t about Selena‘ s “injury” or my absence. It was about his pride. Before I could respond, I heard her soft, syrupy voice in the background.
“Don’t be mad at her, Nicho. It’s my fault for not understanding her preferences. Please, don’t let this ruin your bond.”
My grip tightened on the phone as nausea churned in my stomach. I ended the call and blocked the number, cutting off his
voice mid–sentence.
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“Sweetheart, is something wrong?” Mom asked, sensing my distress.
I shook my head, forcing a smile. “Just a scam call.”
“Good riddance,” Dad muttered. “Let‘ s focus on happier things. How about stopping by the tailor to check on your wedding dress? It should be ready by now.”
“That’s a good idea,” I said, grateful for the distraction.
The dress fitting took longer than expected, the staff meticulously ensuring every detail was perfect. When I finally stepped into the gown, my reflection caught me off guard. The intricate lace hugged my frame, the silver embroidery glinting like moonlight. I looked every bit the Luna I was meant to be.
Mom’s eyes filled with tears as she snapped photos, her excitement bubbling over. “You‘ re breathtaking, Ariaa. Everyone in the pack will envy us when
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they see you at the ceremony.”
I bit back the lump in my throat, wishing I could share her joy. This wasn’t the wedding I had dreamed of. My mate wouldn’t be waiting at the altar.
“I’m proud of you,” Dad said, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. “This marriage will bring peace and prosperity to both packs. You‘ re doing the right thing.”
I nodded with a fake smile plastered on my face.
As we drove back to the packhouse, I gazed out the window, the forests blurring into a sea of green. My wolf stirred restlessly, sensing my unease. She had always been attuned to my emotions, often mirroring my moods.
“We’ll be okay,” I whispered to her internally. “This is our fresh start.”
But even as I tried to convince myself, doubt lingered.
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When we arrived, my mother immediately began planning the ceremony details. I retreated to my room, needing a moment to collect myself. The familiar scents of home–pine, cedar, and the faint musk of wolves comforted me.
As I sat by the window, staring at the crescent moon, a feeling of calmness washed over me. For the first time in years, I wasn‘ t waiting for a call or an apology. I wasn‘ t begging for scraps of affection. I was free.
The freedom tasted bittersweet, but it was mine.
The next morning, I rose with the sun, ready to embrace my new life. My wolf growled softly, urging me forward. Whatever lay ahead–alliances,
ceremonies, or challenges–I would face it with my head held high.
I wasn‘ t just a she–wolf scorned. I was Aria, daughter of the Blue Crescent pack, and my story was far from over.
