Chapter 31
Aria
52%
It’s morning, and I’m fresh out of the medical center after my latest episode of “Let’s Beat Up the Weak Omega. Shocker, I survived. Barely. Gail’s still recovering, but at least I managed to shower and snag one of Lily’s dresses that doesn’t make me look like a librarian at a PTA meeting.
“I’m so hungry,” I whine dramatically as we head down the hall. My stomach growls like I haven’t eaten in a decade.
“Yeah, no kidding. You’ve been running on vibes and misery since last night,” Mia says, slinging an arm around me. “Let’s get you fed before you turn into a hangry gremlin.”
“Ugh, but I’m still freezing. I need my jacket,” I grumble.
We make a quick pit stop at Lucas‘ suite, and I immediately feel my anxiety spike. Like, is he inside? I haven’t seen him since last night, and honestly? I’m not sure if I want to.
“You punching in the code, or are we just standing here freezing our asses off?” Lily raises a perfectly arched brow at me.
“I don’t know if I’m ready to see him,” I mumble.
“Alpha Lucas?” Mia smirks. “Relax, he’s at the hockey rink.
“Perfect chance to snoop around his bachelor pad,” I scoff.
Before I can stop them, they punch in the code and barge inside like they own the place.
“Oh. My. God,” Lily squeals, spinning around like she’s in a ballroom. “This place is STUNNING.”
“It even has a balcony view! Aria, why didn’t you tell us about this?” Mia pouts, crossing her arms.
“Who cares?” I roll my eyes and flop onto the nearest couch, dramatically throwing an arm over my face. I’m not in the mood for their HGTV commentary.
“Okay, drama queen, what’s eating you?” Mia plops down next to me, her concern finally breaking through her nosiness.
“I’m pissed,” I snap.
“Vanessa?” Lily guesses, leaning against the armrest.
“Not just her,” I say, shaking my head.
“Who, then?”
“Ethan.” The name comes out like venom. I can’t even say it without my blood boiling.
Lily’s jaw drops. “What the hell did that asshole say now?”
I take a deep breath. “He told me I’m nobody. That I’m useless. And if I don’t leave Alpha Lucas, he’s gonna banish me from the pack.”
“WHAT?” Mia shoots up like she’s ready to throw hands. “That fucking bastard! Who does he think he is?”
“And what was your reply?” Lily asks.
I shrug. “I didn’t say anything back. He gave me until after Christmas to figure it out.”
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“Aria, you’ve got to end this fake relationship, Lily says firmly. “You know what banishment means, right? No pack, no support, and you’ll basically be a walking target for rogues. You can’t let this happen?
They’re right. I know they are. Being a rogue is like playing life on nightmare mode, and I’m not exactly the baden werden type. But I’m so tired of everyone telling me what to do.
“Maybe you’re both right,” I say, slumping further into the couch. “I need to end it. Thisis all Alpha Lucas‘ fault. Everyone keeps saying he’s too good for me. Like I asked to be his mate! I didn’t choose this shit! And where the hell is he, anyway? Probably chasing after some other girl while I’m here falling apart.
“Calm down,” Lily says gently.
“No, I’m serious!” I snap. “Alpha Lucas is a jerk. He doesn’t care about me at all.”
“Okay, pause,” Lily says, holding up a hand. “You clearly don’t know what happened last night”
I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“Alpha Lucas was pissed about what Vanessa and her minions did to you, Lily says, leaning in like she’s sharing state secrets. “He injected her with wolfsbane and locked her in the freezer. The freezer, Aria!”
“Holy shit,” I whisper, my jaw hitting the floor.
“Yeah, but Beta John let them out after a few minutes,” Mia adds, rolling her eyes. “Because of that douchebag Ethan. He complained to his dad, who complained to Lucas‘ dad, and you know how that goes.”
“Lucas was furious,” Lily continues. “I think that’s why he didn’t come see you. He was too busy trying not to murder everyone.”
My brain short–circuits. Lucas did all that… for me?
“See?” Mia says. “He does care.”
My mind blanks out. I’m not listening to whatever Mia and Lily are saying anymore. All I can think about is Lucas. He was furious because of what happened to me, and he actually took revenge.
“And now… what happens when we go back to the pack? Vanessa will never forgive you,” Mia’s voice cuts through my thoughts, snapping me back to the present.
“She’s right, Aria,” Lily adds. “You need to stop hanging around Alpha Lucas. We can’t afford to lose you.”
.I shake my head, frustration bubbling up. “I’m tired of doing everything they want, guys. I’m not a puppet.”
“Aria-” Lily starts, but I cut her off.
“No, Lily! What happens if I go back? They’ll just pick up where they left off and make my life a living hell!”
“So what are you saying?” Mia frowns. “You want to be a rogue?”
“No… no.” I shake my head, exasperated. “I just need time to think this through. I’m tired. I need to rest.”
“Alright, relax,” Mia says, her voice softening. “We’ll go get you some breakfast.”
I nod. “Thank you. Where did you say Alpha Lucas was?”
“He’s practicing,” Mia answers. “You know the hockey games start today.”
I nod again, uncertain. I’d love to go, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.
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Chapter 31
“Full Moon pack is playing today,” Lily adds. “The cheerleading team will be in action. But you shouldn’t come not after what happened.”
“It’s fine,” I say softly.
They both nod and leave. When they return with my breakfast, I manage to eat, even though my appetite feels buried beneath the weight of everything. Once I finish, they leave me alone to rest.
When I wake, it’s already noon. Stretching my arms above my head, I let out a small sigh. Just as I begin to feel a bit more at ease, the door opens, and Lucas walks in. He’s shirtless, sweat glistening on his skin, every inch of him radiating raw masculinity.
My breath catches in my throat as my eyes trail from his piercing gray gaze to the sharp lines of his toned muscles and broad chest. Heat blooms in my core, and I clench my thighs, trying to keep myself steady.
Fuck
I want him–so badly it hurts.
