CHAPTER TEN
WHAT?!
Aria's POV
"You're awake," a soft voice said, startling me out of my trance. I slept off immediately after I finished my meal, I guess I was too exhausted to leave the chamber. Gently, I rose from the bed where I was laid.
"Adrain," I said softly. There was something about him that made me comfortable. He had a soothing voice and his presence was as peaceful as anything one could think of. How about his scent? Oh, moon goddess, it was worth dying for. I could smell him for a lifetime.
"How long have you been sitting there?" I queried, realizing that he was sitting adjacent to me, fully engrossed and focused on me.
"For a while…" he replied, smiling weakly.
I noticed the weak smile then my curiosity piqued. "What is wrong?" I questioned.
"Wrong? Does it seem like something is wrong?" He asked.
I shrugged. "Well, I know that smile you just gave off," I said, gesturing at his full and attractive lips.
"It's nothing," he replied.
I hesitated.
Something was off, even my breathing became a little rapid that I had just witnessed a sad scene. I just knew something was offered but I didn't know how to place or figure it out.
He rose from the chair where he sat, joining me in the bed. He reached out for my hand, placing his palm on it. He held it instead, tightening his grip on it. "I'm fine. You're fine and everything is fine. You worry too much," he teased, making me giggle.
He bored his eyes into mine, "Aria, I want you to always remember that I am here for you and I would never forsake you, no matter what," he said
I was taken aback by his words. Why such words? Why did he act the way he did? Did anything happen?
I winced a bit, realizing I had just bitten my tongue lightly while being lost in thoughts. I shook my head, discarding the ugly thoughts in my head.
I nodded my head in agreement then chuckled softly, tightening my grip on his hand as well. "Thank you for everything, Alpha Adrain. May the moon goddess continue to keep you safe for your followers," I said, smiling. It was time for a closure. I have been looking forward to it. I wasn't going to stay with him and his pack members, I would need to go and meet my father to warn him about Lucas as well as find the whereabouts of my right-hand lady, Scarlett.
He released his grip on mine, pulling me in and embracing me in a tight hug. I felt my heart thump wildly in my chest. The heat of his body against mine left me breathless, and my mind went blank, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and I found myself unable to speak or move, lost in the moment. It was as though time had slowed down, and the world around us had disappeared. All I could focus on was the feel of his arms around me, and the way he made me feel safe and protected. It was a feeling I'd never experienced before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. I was afraid of what it meant, of what would happen next. Did something happen? Or was it just a sign of fondness? I asked myself but as Adrain held me close, I felt myself relax, surrendering to the moment.
I pulled away from the hug, feeling a bit awkward. Immediately, I stood up from the bed, adjusting my garment. "I should be on my way now," I whispered.
Without waiting to hear him, I turned to leave but suddenly, I felt a hand on my wrist, yanking me back into his arms. "Don't go, Aria. Don't," he pleaded
I felt the sadness in his tone and it made me sigh so loudly. "But what about my father?" I sobbed
He ruffled his hair, "About that…" he stammered
My eyes widened out of curiosity. What about my father? I thought.
"Yes?"
"About Alpha Jonathan Wolfe…" he repeated.
"What about him?!" I yelled. I couldn't hold it back anymore. I had already started to feel some type of way and he wasn't helping matters either. What about my father? Could it be that the eerie feeling I had earlier meant something? Could it be that those words he said to me meant something? Could it be that the hug meant something?
"For the last time, Adrian, what about my father?" I asked, my voice almost breaking.
He turned his face away, putting his head down in a bow. "He's dead and your pack, annihilated,"
"What?!" I screamed, my eyes growing misty in a rush.
"No! No! Oh, moon goddess!"
I fell on the floor, sobbing profusely. "Tell me it's all lies, Adrian. Tell me!" I begged
Adrian squatted down, holding my hands. "I'm so sorry, Aria. It's all my fault. I take all the blame," I sobbed
"What happened to him?" I managed to ask amidst tears.
"Lucas happened to him," he replied
I stood frozen in place, my eyes wide with shock. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Lucas killed my father?" I whispered with my voice trembling. My heart began to race, and my breathing became shallow. Suddenly, I felt a surge of anger well up inside me. With a howl of rage, I began to shift, my human form melting away as I transformed into my wolf self. I bared my fangs at Adrian, my eyes glowing with fury. Adrain took a step back, his own eyes wide with fear. He had never seen me like this, and he wasn't sure what to do.
My wolf form was massive although she was still not strong yet, my claws were long and sharp. I stalked toward Adrian, my tail lashing from side to side. My growl reverberated through the air, and Adrain could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. At that moment, he knew he was in danger and I was furious. My anger was palpable, and he didn't know if he could reason with me. But he had to try. "Aria, please," he said, his voice shaking. "I'm sorry but you need to calm down,"
Calm down? I thought. My father had just been killed coldly and he wants me to calm down?!
I howled and growled at him harshly, making him more scared. Immediately, I made my way out of the chamber and headed towards the woods.
Adrian's men brought out their swords, intending to go after me but Adrian cautioned them.
"Stop! Stay away from her," he warned. Instantly, they all retreated, returning to their duty posts.
I ran as fast as I could into the woods, settling into a corner. Gradually, my shape-shifted into my human form, stark naked and all curled up in a corner, dying of sadness and rage.
Suddenly, I felt weak, so weak that I fell into a deep slumber without realizing it.
Adrian went in search of me, trudging through the woods. He spotted a familiar figure lying on the ground which turned out to be me. His heart leaped as he realized it was indeed me— Aria Wolfe. He rushed over to me, his heart pounding in his chest. I was completely naked, and my eyes were closed, deep in slumber. I removed my cloak and draped it over me, gently shaking me to rouse me from my slumber but I was too deep in sleep to awaken.
Suddenly, I felt a little bit alive.
I felt myself being lifted off the ground, cradled in strong arms. I felt a rush of relief as I realized it was Adrian. He carried me through the woods, his footsteps sure and steady. My mind was still fuzzy, and I could barely make out my surroundings. But I knew I was safe with Adrian. The fresh air cleared my head, and I began to feel more like myself. As we reached the edge of the woods, I saw the carriage waiting for us. It was covered in red velvet, and it looked so inviting. I couldn't wait to get out of the cold and into the warmth of the carriage.
On reaching there, Adrain laid me gently on the soft velvet of the carriage, covering me with a thick blanket. I sank into the plush cushions, my body aching with relief. I could hear the horses' hooves as they pulled us along the dirt road, the wheels creaking as we went. The rocking motion of the carriage lulled me to sleep once again, and I soon found myself in a deep slumber.
*******
I awoke with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. I had caught a whiff of a scent that was all too familiar, but it was gone before I could place it. It was something sweet and musky, like cedarwood or sandalwood. But there was something else, something that made my heart race and my pulse quicken. It was a scent I couldn't quite identify, but it was one I knew I would never forget.