Chapter 7 – Just a Mistake and a Nightmare
Aria trudged out of the school gate, her backpack heavy on her shoulders. The sun's heat pressed against her back, but it was nothing compared to the weight in her chest. Each step made it harder to breathe. Her stomach churned at the thought of him—Damon, the Lycan Alpha. She'd have to face him every day. Forever. The idea squeezed her heart tight.
She stopped on the sidewalk, staring at the ground. "My life is a nightmare," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to vanish. Why does it have to be me?."
Quick footsteps approached, followed by a familiar voice. "Hey, don't say that," Mona said, her tone soft but firm. "You don't mean it, Aria."
Aria stayed quiet, too drained to argue. Her eyes stayed fixed on the pavement.
Mona stepped beside her, nudging her arm gently. "I get it. This is hard. But you're stronger than this. Don't let that Alpha mess with your head. You're more than his mate."
Aria glanced at Mona, forcing a weak smile. "I'll try," she murmured, though it felt like a lie.
"Just breathe," Mona said, her voice warm. "We'll handle this. One day at a time."
Aria took a slow breath, trying to believe it. Maybe this was just a bad dream. Maybe if she kept moving, she'd wake up, and Damon would be gone. She took a step forward, then another, her feet heavy but determined.
A sleek black car roared up, cutting them off. Its engine growled like a beast ready to strike. Aria froze, her breath catching. Her heart raced as the window slid down.
Damon.
Of course it was him.
Aria stared at the car, her body tense. Why was he here again? What did he want now? She turned, trying to walk around the car, her fists clenched.
The car edged forward, blocking her path. She stopped, glaring at the shiny hood. "Why can't you leave me alone?" she said, her voice tight with frustration.
The door opened with a soft click. Damon stepped out, his school uniform crisp, his face calm but his silver-gray eyes locked on her. He moved toward her, slow and steady, stopping just a foot away. "Why would I leave my mate?" he asked, his voice low but heavy with meaning.
Aria laughed, sharp and bitter. "You're an Alpha. Everyone worships your title like it's a crown." Her jaw tightened as she met his gaze. "But without it, you're just a guy. Nothing special."
Damon's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger flashing through them. His hand reached out, grabbing her wrist. He caught himself and let go quickly, stepping back. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice rushed. "I didn't mean to—" He searched her eyes. "I just want to take you somewhere."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Your mansion again?"
"No," he said, stepping closer. "Somewhere else. Somewhere different."
She studied him, unsure if he was serious or playing her. "You think I'll just follow you after everything?"
"I'm not tricking you, Aria," he said, his voice softer, almost pleading. "I just want to talk. Somewhere not here. Please."
Aria took a deep breath and glanced at Mona, who watched with a mix of worry and readiness, like she'd jump in if needed. "I'll go," Aria said, surprising herself. "Let's see what this Alpha's really up to."
"You sure?" Mona asked, her brows knitting together.
Aria nodded. "Yeah. If he tries anything, I'll call you to pick me up."
Mona frowned but stepped back. "Okay. Be careful."
Aria gave her a small nod and turned to Damon, who was already at the car, holding the passenger door open. She climbed in without a word, her heart pounding.
The drive was quiet at first. The car's cool air felt heavy with tension. Aria stared out the window, watching trees blur past, waiting for Damon to speak. The silence stretched, thick and uncomfortable.
Finally, she spoke, her voice sharp. "You have a beta. Why aren't they driving?"
Damon kept his eyes on the road. "Because when it's about you, I want to be the one driving."
She rolled her eyes. "Typical."
He smirked, almost to himself. "You don't trust me, do you?"
Aria stayed silent, then asked, colder now, "Who was that woman in your house?"
He glanced at her. "Her name's Vera."
"And?" she pressed.
"She's nobody important," he said simply. "Don't worry about her."
Aria didn't reply, her jaw tight. She turned back to the window, the world outside fading as the road grew quieter. Tall buildings gave way to scattered trees and winding turns.
The car stopped. Aria blinked, looking around. It was a restaurant, small and tucked away from the main road. Not a place she'd expect an Alpha to choose. She turned to Damon, confused.
"What's this?"
He shut off the engine and met her eyes. "An apology. For earlier."
"You're kidding me," she said flatly.
He nodded. "I know. I'm sorry."
Aria got out, crossing her arms. "You think dinner fixes that?"
"No," he said, his voice calm. "But it's a start."
He led her inside. The restaurant was warm, with wooden beams, soft lighting, and quiet music humming in the background. But it was empty. Completely empty. No customers, just a few staff standing far back, silent.
Aria slowed her steps. "Why's no one here?"
Damon glanced back, a small smile on his lips. "Because the Luna is here."
She stared at him. "What?"
"When the Luna's present, no one comes near," he said, like it was obvious. "It's respect."
"I'm not the Luna," she snapped, her voice firm.
"You're mine," he said softly, his eyes intense. "That's enough."
Aria's chest tightened. She looked around at the empty tables, the staff waiting quietly by the wall. The whole place felt like it had been cleared just for her. "I didn't ask for this," she muttered.
Before she could say more, a smooth voice came from behind. "I'd love to meet this Luna, too."
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