The scent of pine and ash still clung to Aria's skin by morning.
She didn't sleep that night. How could she, when every time she closed her eyes, she saw him — the silver-eyed Alpha who shifted into a beast right before her? The heat of his voice still echoed in her chest, and her pulse betrayed her every time she thought about the way he looked at her — like she was a mistake the universe had forced on him.
But the worst part?
She liked it.
She wanted to see him again.
Even though her mind screamed no, her heart whispered yes in a voice that didn't belong to her.
Aria tried to go about her normal day. She delivered herbs to the townsfolk. Smiled when needed. Nodded politely when they gossiped about the wolves in the forest and the "curse of the new moon." But inside, she was a storm barely held together.
By midday, the storm broke.
A knock slammed against the cottage door. Not a polite one. An order.
She opened it slowly, expecting maybe a customer. Instead, she was met with two men — tall, serious, armed.
And behind them, the last person she expected to see.
Kael.
He stood there like a shadow given flesh — tall, broad-shouldered, dressed now in a black shirt that clung to him like it was scared to let go. But his eyes were the same — silver, guarded, dangerous.
"Aria Rivers," one of the guards said. "You're to come with us. The Alpha has summoned you."
Her heart dropped.
Kael didn't speak. He didn't meet her eyes. He just turned and walked away, as if she wasn't worth a second glance.
The guards waited.
Aria swallowed hard and stepped out, her feet moving before her brain could protest.
---
The Blackfang Pack's territory was deeper into the woods than she'd ever dared go. Ancient trees towered above them like giants, and thick fog hugged the ground like a secret. When they finally reached the pack's settlement, Aria could feel the stares.
Wolves.
Everywhere.
Shifting eyes. Judging glances. A few low growls.
She was a human in a den of beasts. And they hated her for it.
Kael stood at the center of it all, surrounded by his betas. When she was brought before him, he finally looked at her — but there was no warmth in his stare.
"You crossed into our land," he said coldly. "You violated the treaty."
Aria blinked. "I didn't mean— I didn't even know—"
"You smelled like you knew," one of the female wolves hissed from the side.
Kael raised a hand. Silence.
"I should cast you out," he continued. "But the bond complicates things."
A whisper ran through the crowd.
Bond?
"What bond?" Aria asked, though part of her already knew.
Kael stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "You're my mate. The Moon Goddess chose you. I don't know why… but I don't want it."
The words felt like a slap.
Aria flinched.
"Reject me, then," she said, swallowing the burn in her throat. "End it."
Kael's jaw clenched. "It's not that simple. If I reject you… I weaken. So does the pack."
"So what now?"
"You stay. Under my watch."
Aria stared at him, shocked. "You're forcing me to live with you?"
"No," he said, voice sharp. "I'm forcing myself to survive you."
Then he turned and walked away — again.
This time, Aria didn't just feel hurt.
She felt fire.
If he wanted to play cold, she'd play colder.
And if he thought she was weak… he'd learn just how wrong he was.