- Aria

Luca stood frozen in the middle of the room like he couldn't believe I'd actually said it. Then his expression shifted.

"Of course," he muttered. "Now that you've secured your place with the twins, you want out."

I blinked at him. "Secured my place?"

He scoffed. "You're the mother of the future Alpha. The pack won't dare push you aside anymore. You're finally safe, so now you're brave enough to play the victim?"

My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "That's what all the nasty women do. They get what they want, then they threaten to leave like it's going to scare their mate straight."

I let out a loud, furious laugh that probably sounded a little crazy. "You really think this is a bluff?"

Luca paced the room like he couldn't stand still. "Aria, you signed up for this. You knew this marriage was about duty, commitment, and sacrifice."

"No," I shot back, "I knew what the Council demanded. I knew what the bond forced. But don't you dare stand here and talk about sacrifice like you've bled even a drop for this family."

His eyes snapped up, instantly sharp and intense. "I've sacrificed more than you'll ever understand."

"No. I've sacrificed sleep, sanity, dignity, and two years of pretending to be happy next to a man who won't even look at me."

He stepped closer. "You think I never looked at you?"

My voice came out low and shaking as I spoke. "Not the way a husband looks at his wife. Definitely not the way you look at Ivy."

Something dark rippled through him. "Don't bring her into this."

"Why? Feeling guilty?" I challenged. "Every wolf in this pack knows the only reason you married me was that I got pregnant and forced your hand. They all whispered that Ivy was always your real choice. You never wanted me. And I'm done waiting for you to change your mind!"

Luca's wolf was pushing at the surface now, his scent roaring with fury. "That is not true!"

"Then what is?" I yelled back. "Seriously, what's the truth? All I've seen for two years is a man who wants nothing to do with me!"

His jaw was clenched, and he looked desperate, like he was dying to say something but couldn't let it out.

I shook my head. "That's what I thought."

I turned away, refusing to let him see me cry. "Just. go back to her. Go back to whatever life you've been living that makes you happier than this one. I'll handle the Council tomorrow."

A muscle in his jaw tightened. "I am not discussing this with you right now."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Fine with me. There's nothing left to discuss."

His fists clenched at his sides. "You're not ending our bond, Aria. I won't let you."

"Watch me."

He slammed his palm against the doorframe and moved fast to grab my wrist.

My wolf instantly went on high alert. I hated him for knowing exactly where my weak spots were.

"Luca. let go of me."

His other hand shot out and gripped my chin. "You really think you can leave me? You think you can just walk away from us?"

I tried to pull away, but he was way too strong. "Go ahead and watch me."

His inner wolf just took over. It was pure, uncontrolled instinct, fueled by something primal and clearly broken inside him.

He took two steps, backed me into the wall, and his mouth crashed onto mine in a frustrated kiss.

"Stop-" I gasped against his mouth.

He kissed me more fiercely, acting like losing me was the last breath he had. Even though every part of me was yelling to push him off, my body totally betrayed me and remembered that night we had sex.

"You can't walk away from this," he murmured against my neck. "Not from me."

He stepped closer, and I could feel the heat radiating off him.

And before I even realized it, his hands were on my waist, and my fingers were tangled in his hair. The room spun into something reckless and wrong but painfully familiar.

The bond snapped shut around us like a jaw. For a split second, it was like we were real mates, and the past two years had just been a bad dream.

Silver whined in my mind, confused. "Aria, he's our mate."

"He's not," I thought back, shoving him away. "He's not our mate. He never was."

"You really want to sever the bond with him?"

"We have to."

But Luca was so insistent that my determination just faded away.

"Stop fighting me," he growled, pinning my hands to the wall.

"Or what?" I shot back. "You'll force me again?"

Saying that out loud was a mistake. Because the very next thing I knew, he shoved me right onto the bed. My head bounced off the mattress as he climbed on top of me.

I glared up at him. "You don't get to touch me anymore. You lost that right a long, long time ago."

He didn't back down. Instead, he lowered his face to mine, and I could see the war waging inside him.

"Why pretend you're scared? You've already done this. It's not the first time."

"I'm not pretending anything!"

He was a breath away from my lips. "Then prove it."

"What?"

"Tell me you don't want this."

And I couldn't. Because a small, stupid, pathetic part of me did want it. I wanted to feel wanted for once in my life.

I tried to shove him off, but he was a rock. "Luca, get off me."

He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Make me."

Before I could make a move, he lowered his head and gently bit my neck. Not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to make me gasp.

The wolf inside me was a total mess, whining like crazy. She missed him. She wanted her mate.

"I hate you," I repeated, my voice cracking.

"I know," he said again, his hands tracing the curves of my waist.

He kissed me again, and this time, I didn't fight him.

The kiss was desperate and messy, all rough biting and licking. It wasn't about love but about something darker, more primal. It was about ownership and territory, a desperate attempt to reclaim what had been lost.

His hands roamed my body like he was trying to memorize me again. His touch was both familiar and foreign, a ghost of what we once were. My body responded against my will, arching into him, while my fingers gripped his shoulders.

It was wrong. So, so wrong. But it felt so right.

He kissed me like he was starving, and I was the only thing that could satisfy his hunger. His hands were under my shirt, tracing the skin of my stomach, and I shivered.

"Luca," I breathed.

He growled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated through my entire body.

He kissed me harder, and I knew I was lost.

I was drowning in him, totally overwhelmed by the feel and the taste of him. Nothing outside this room mattered. It was just him, me, and this intense heat between us. I started feeling that familiar, deep ache in my core, remembering the heat that got me stuck. I didn't want to feel that fire again.

He unbuttoned my pants, and I lifted my hips to help him. As his wet lips kissed my stomach, I grabbed his hair. I was completely at his mercy, and I absolutely hated myself for it.

But this wasn't a forced heat. It was my own body that betrayed me, responding to the one man I should hate.

I pulled away, gasping for breath. "Luca, we can't."

He didn't stop. "We already are."

His fury spiked, and so did his lust. He grabbed my wrist way too hard, feeling like he was about to completely destroy me. Pain was hammering through me, so I used pressure points to make him release his grip, but it wasn't enough.

He spun her around using his hold and immediately pinned me to the bed. I yelled and tried to kick out, but he got his hand around my throat.

"I said, that's enough."

He completely ignored me. My shirt came off, and he began kissing my collarbone, his hands exploring my body. I couldn't help but moan, letting my head rest on the pillows.

"Let go of me."

"I won't." He pressed against me, letting my smooth skin against his calm him down. "Time for a little payback."

"What are you doing?"

"What goes around comes around."

"Huh?"

Releasing my wrist, he shoved his hand between my legs to cup my pussy. He badly wanted to slide two fingers into her wet heat, but he held back just enough. He moved his middle finger up my slit, rubbing it against my clit. "Tell me you want this, Aria."

The only reply was her loud breathing and the small movement of her thighs. "That won't work."

He made himself freeze his hand, fighting a battle he was quickly losing as his fingers got wet with my desire. "Say yes," he demanded. "Tell me you want this. Tell me to make you come."

Luca was back on top of me, and I could feel his cock was hard and ready against me.

Then there was no time to talk because I was too busy coming. I yelled out, and he cursed. He didn't pause, keeping the orgasms coming so intensely that I had to push my forehead against the headboard to stay up. I barely noticed him moving a hand from my pussy until his knuckles brushed my ass.

He spanked me, and I yelped.

I couldn't believe this was the same cold, distant man who'd ignored me for a year. This was a side of him I'd never seen-possessive, demanding, and completely in control.

He spanked me again, harder this time. "Tell me you want me."

"Luca, stop," I gasped.

I shook my head, refusing to give him the satisfaction. But my body was betraying me again. I could feel myself getting wetter with each impact.

He spanked me again, harder than before. I could feel the sting on my skin, but it was mixed with a strange pleasure.

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. "Tell me you want me."

I hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "I want you."

He rewarded me by slipping a finger inside me, and I gasped.

"More," I begged.

He obliged, adding another finger, and I moaned. He moved them in and out, hitting a spot inside me that made me see stars.

"Luca," I breathed.

"Tell me you want me to fuck you," he demanded.

"I want you to fuck me," I said, my voice barely audible.

He didn't need to be told twice. He pulled away for a second to shuck off his pants, and then he was back, positioning himself at my entrance.

He pushed into me in one smooth thrust, and I cried out. He was big, stretching me in a way that was both painful and incredibly pleasurable.

He started moving, setting a punishing pace. Each thrust was harder than the last, and I could feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge.

"Luca," I cried out.

"Cum for me, Aria," he commanded.

And I did. I came hard, my body convulsing around him. He followed me over the edge, spilling himself inside me. Then he collapsed on top of me, both of us breathing heavily.

For a moment, we just lay there, with our bodies all tangled up once it was over. I can feel his breath fanning my neck, his hand resting on my stomach as if he'd never let go.

I quietly slid out of his arms, putting some distance between us.

Last night was a mistake. It wouldn't happen again. And the next time we touched would be in the Council chamber. when I ended us for good.

*****

- Aria

I woke up to a throbbing ache between my thighs, the kind of pain I hadn't experienced in years, and it felt shamefully real.

What have I done?

My head throbbed, and my chest felt heavy. His side of the bed was messed up and still warm, so it wasn't cold anymore. I sat up slowly, wrapping the sheet around myself.

"Great," I muttered into the pillow, wincing as I moved. "Exactly what I needed today."

The sunlight was barely creeping through the curtains when I dragged myself upright. The first thing I noticed was the silence. The twins never slept this late.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I headed for the nursery and found it empty. The cribs were made, and all the toys were gone.

"Oh, hell no-"

Panic surged. "Adrian? Aurora?" I called out, pushing myself over the cribs and holding onto the cabinet because every step hurt like hell.

A nanny stepped out from the hallway. "Oh, good morning, Luna. The Alpha asked us to take the twins early so you could rest. They're having breakfast."

I froze.

"The Alpha asked."

Luca. After a year of silence, he finally decides to act like a father now?

"Thank you," I murmured, forcing a nod.

The nanny left.

I gripped the crib railing so hard that my hands shook. The memory of last night hit me like a punch. I couldn't forget how Luca kissed me as my body leaned into him, and the bond screaming at me to love him and give up the fight.

I whispered to the empty room. "I asked for a divorce. so why did I let him touch me?"

When I returned to the bedroom, my phone buzzed on the dresser. A single message from Nova: "So. did you tell him?"

I typed slowly: "Not yet."

Nova: "Why?"

I stared at the screen, throat tight. Why? Because last night made everything harder. I didn't know which was worse. I wasn't sure if the divorce would kill me. or staying would.

And then I heard footsteps behind me, followed by Luca's voice, "The nanny gets them already."

I flinched before I turned. He was leaning on the doorframe like nothing had happened last night. Fully dressed, hair brushed, back to the emotionless Alpha facade.

"Yeah, the nanny told me."

"They needed feeding," he said flatly. "You were sleeping like the dead."

Feeling suddenly embarrassed, I quickly wrapped my arms around myself. "Right. Because that's all I'm good for, sleeping through my own children's cries."

Luca raked a hand through his hair. "I don't have time for this kind of chit chat. Magnus collapsed."

My breath caught. "Old Alpha Magnus? When?"

"Late last night." He walked past me, already heading out. "He's in the hospital."

I didn't know what to say. Magnus was the only Stormbourne who had ever treated me with warmth and kindness. He was the reason the Council mandate had even been approved. Otherwise, who would want a lowly orphan like me, whose wolf had been dormant for years, even though I reached an age when my wolf should be awakened?

It was because Old Alpha Magnus could see through me, and he knew that I was not just a lowly wolf but was born of an ancient lineage with hidden power. He never told me about it, but he commented once, "There's more to you than you know, child. Your lineage . your wolf. It's a legacy thought lost. The Moon Goddess has plans for you."

He was the one who told me the twins' births were destiny, not accidents. He called them "miracles."

I was confused, but honestly, I was thankful for him.

Wrecking the family structure made me feel bad-I knew he cared about it. But staying married to Luca? That was still unbearable.

I cleared my throat. "I'm coming with you."

Luca turned, eyebrow raised. "You're not invited."

I stared him down. "I'm their Luna and the mother of your children. He's my grandfather-in-law. Try and stop me."

For a second, I thought he might argue. Instead, he just scoffed with a small, bitter smile playing on his lips. "Fine. Get dressed. We leave in five minutes."

After I showered, I went to the closet. My hands lingered on a simple, dark blue dress. I pulled it out, feeling the soft fabric in my hands. I stared at my reflection. My eyes were wide, dark, and held a hint of sleepless nights I couldn't hide. I forced myself to meet my own gaze.

Today, I would tell the world I was done. I couldn't help but feel a small, treacherous part of me whispering, "What if you're wrong?"

Luca appeared at the door. "Come on. He's been asking for you."

I swallowed hard. "Why?"

He shot me a hard look over his shoulder. "He didn't tell you? He always says you're the heart of this pack." Then he turned his back without another word.

I stood there, confused. Luca's words were the last thing I expected to hear.

I grabbed my jacket and hurried after him. The pain was stabbing with every step, but I swallowed it down.

In the car, Luca started the engine in silence. We'd barely been on the road five minutes when his phone rang, and the display flashed Ivy Castemont.

I stiffened instantly.

"Hey," Luca answered, his voice suddenly softening. "Yeah, I'm on the way. Don't worry, I'm fine."

The sting was instant and ugly. He had a comforting tone in his voice for Ivy. For me? I got orders and cold words.

He ended the call with a low, "Thanks, Ivy," like she was some freaking angel saving his life.

I couldn't hide my snort. "Still pretending you don't have feelings for her?"

He didn't look at me. "This isn't the time."

"No," I said quietly, staring out the window, "it never is."

It seemed that no matter what happened between Luca and me, he would never forget Ivy, his long-time love, the pride of the Castemont family, the perfect princess everyone thought was destined to be Luna of StormRidge Pack.

Of course, he wouldn't forget a woman like that.

Ivy, with her flawless beauty, had always been by Luca's side since childhood. She never had to try hard to get anyone's attention. especially Luca.

And me? His legal wife, the woman he chose only because circumstances forced him to. The woman who raised his children. but who remained second in his heart.

Every time Ivy's name crossed my mind, it felt like something cold and heavy was pressing down on my chest as if I were just a shadow interfering with their love story.

The hospital parking lot was overflowing with Stormbourne warriors. Pack members bowed when they saw Luca and slid their eyes right past me like I was nothing but his shadow.

We walked toward the critical ward together, but not really together. There was a full yard of tension between us.

The moment we rounded the corner, his mother, Helena, shot to her feet.

The entire family has gathered outside the ward. All eyes are on us, especially accusing eyes on me as we walk closer.

"Luca, finally!" she rushed toward him. "It has been too long since we tried to reach you."

She then turned her eyes on me like knives. Her face was pinched with disapproval when she saw me.

"What a surprise," she said dryly. "The Luna finally graces us with her presence. If you hadn't delayed Alpha Luca, he would have been here earlier."

I ignored the jab. "How is Old Magnus?"

Helena's lips curled into a sneer. "Dying. And you're here because you think he's going to leave you something in his will?"

My stomach dropped. "I didn't-"

"Enough," Helena hissed. "Your selfishness knows no limits."

"She said it's my fault," I whispered to Luca, hoping he'd just defend me for once.

He didn't look at me. "This isn't the time for arguments."

So that was his answer.

The entire Stormbourne family filled the corridor: Brooke, Oliver, Helena, cousins, and the Elders. I could feel their judgment before any of them spoke. I stood at Luca's side like an outsider wearing a Luna's title I didn't deserve.

And then the doctor approached.

"Only Alpha Luca and his Luna can enter," he said.

Luca moved immediately.

Helena grabbed his arm. "Surely I go in first-"

"No," the doctor repeated. "He asked for his grandson and his granddaughter-in-law. No one else."

The hallway froze. Every head turned.

Luca and I exchanged a stunned look. Of all the people Magnus could have asked for, but me?

Silver stirred inside me, her voice low and wary.

"Be prepared, Aria. Something is coming."

I swallowed. "Yeah," I whispered back in my mind, "I can feel it too."

Because if Old Alpha Magnus wanted me right before he might die, then whatever he had to say could change everything.

And that terrified me more than anything that everyone ever could.

*****

- Aria

Walking side by side, Luca and I moved through the glossy hospital corridor that smelled strongly of antiseptic and lemon floor cleaner.

He walked confidently like he owned the place. I walked like I'd slept three hours, cried in my bathroom, and had two toddlers drooling on my shoulder before dawn.

Basically, that was exactly how my sleepless nights went.

"He should be awake by now," Luca murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. "Doctors said he had a stable night."

I nodded, biting my lip. "Good. I. I need to talk to him."

Luca frowned a little. "About what?"

"About nothing you need to worry about," I muttered.

He shot me a look. "Aria."

I shrugged and stared straight ahead. "Let's just go inside."

But just as Luca reached for the door handle, I heard a sudden, sharp clicking sound of heels behind us.

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! Traffic was awful," Ivy Castemont announced dramatically.

Everyone in the hallway seemed to lift their heads a little, as if the queen of the pack had finally arrived. Ivy wore a cream dress of obvious high quality and cost, her dark hair bouncing in perfect curls, one hand holding a designer clutch that probably cost more than my monthly budget.

Luca stiffened. "Ivy."

She gave him a sweet smile that was startlingly bright for a hospital environment. "Luca. I came as soon as I heard. How is he? Is he awake? Can I go in?"

Before Luca could answer, his mother stepped out from around the corner. Her eyes lit up when she saw Ivy.

"Ivy, darling! Thank the Moon you came," Helena said warmly, pulling Ivy into a soft embrace.

Of course. That greeting was practically velvet-wrapped compared to the cold nod I usually got.

"Of course, Helena," Ivy said sweetly, bowing her head politely. "I came as soon as I heard. Magnus means so much to me."

Helena cupped Ivy's cheek like she was her long-lost daughter. "Magnus would be so happy to know you're here."

I stood there awkwardly, invisible in plain sight, holding my hands together like some underpaid assistant instead of the actual Luna.

Helena gave Ivy a warm peck on the cheek. Then she turned her eyes on me and gave a tight nod that lasted. maybe half a second.

"Aria."

Right. That was my welcome.

"Hello, Ivy," I said, forcing a smile.

But she'd already turned back to Helena.

A fast glance. Barely a second. Almost like shaking hands with someone she didn't want to touch.

"Go ahead, sweetheart. Magnus would love to see you," Helena said dismissively.

I blinked, trying not to grit my teeth. "We were about to go in."

Helena looked at me like she was trying to figure out why I had a speaking role. "Yes, yes, of course. But Ivy should go first."

Ivy stepped forward with a soft, pitying smile. "It's fine, Aria. I'm sure you'll get your turn."

Luca's jaw tightened. "Everyone goes in together, Mother."

Helena frowned. "Luca, there's no need for that. Let Ivy say hello first. She's practically family."

I opened my mouth, then shut it. No point. It was the same old reminder that I was the Luna on paper, but Ivy was the Luna of their dreams.

Her perfume hit my nose as she passed, a scent that felt like an insult.

Her husband, Rowan Crestfall, appeared behind her, a tall figure with a calm, cold expression. He nodded politely at Luca, then gave me a brief, stoic look before following Ivy inside.

Luca hesitated, then looked at me. "Let's go too."

We stepped inside the dim hospital room. Machines beeped quietly. Old Alpha Magnus lay on the bed, pale but breathing steadily. Ivy was already at his side, holding the old man's hand like the cameras were rolling.

"Old Alpha Magnus," she whispered dramatically. "I'm here."

His eyelids fluttered. "Ivy. child."

He looked tired. But when he turned his head slightly, his eyes drifted to me just for a moment and they softened, only for me.

"You. came," he murmured.

I stepped closer. "Of course I did."

Ivy's lips tightened.

Luca stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed, clearly feeling anxious. "Grandfather, how are you feeling?"

Magnus coughed weakly. "Old and annoyed. Everyone keeps telling me to rest. It's boring."

Luca huffed a small laugh. "You scared all of us."

"Hah. The Stormbourne line is hard to kill."

Magnus's eyes drifted past Luca. "Rowan."

Rowan bowed his head respectfully. "Old Alpha."

"And Ivy." Magnus gave another cough. "You two. should consider having a child soon."

Ivy gasped slightly, then smiled like she'd just won a prize. "We've been thinking about it."

My stomach twisted. Luca stiffened.

Wow. So the family wanted Ivy to have the child everyone expected me to give them two years ago? The hypocrisy was insane.

Magnus then turned to Luca, his voice was a slightly louder as he spoke. "You. Take care of your family."

Luca blinked. "I am."

"Not well enough," Magnus rasped. "Your mate. your children. don't make the same mistakes I did. Don't take them for granted."

Luca's eyes flicked to me briefly with a blank expression.

But the moment lasted only seconds before Ivy leaned closer to Magnus with a soft, innocent smile. "He tries his best, Old Alpha. You know Luca. he's always been responsible."

Magnus gave her a look that was half amusement, half disbelief. "Girl, your flattery is too sweet. Makes my teeth hurt."

I snorted before I could stop myself.

Ivy glared at me.

After a few more minutes, the nurse came in and told us Magnus needed to rest.

Everyone filed out.

Luca walked beside me silently, Rowan following Ivy, who practically floated down the hall as she owned it.

And just when we reached the waiting lounge, she turned to me.

"Aria," Ivy called, tilting her head with faux concern.

I stopped. "Yes?"

She eyed me up and down slowly. "You look. tired."

I smiled back. "Oh, thanks for your concern. Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Her jaw twitched.

"I'm serious," she said. "You're pale, your eyes are puffy, and your dress looks like you pulled it from the back of a laundry basket. You should really take better care of yourself. Especially since you're supposed to be Luna."

"I'm here because my mate's grandfather collapsed," I said coolly. "Not auditioning for a beauty pageant."

Ivy smiled sweetly. "Well, maybe you should. Because if you want to keep Luca interested, you might actually have to try. Men like him get bored easily."

Luca stiffened. "Ivy-"

But I cut him off.

"No, let her talk," I said, stepping closer to Ivy with a smile that wasn't even trying to be nice. "It's funny hearing advice from someone who couldn't even keep her own husband entertained."

Rowan's brow twitched just slightly.

Ivy flushed. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," I said. "But don't worry. Not everyone is built for loyalty."

"Aria," Luca muttered, like he was scolding her but secretly admiring her.

Ivy glared at me so hard it could've cracked the floor.

"You really should learn how to please Luca," she hissed quietly. "You know he has needs you apparently can't meet."

I took a step closer, our faces inches apart. "Funny. Because it seems like you've been trying to please him for years, and he still didn't choose you."

Her breath hitched.

Rowan looked between us, deadpan as ever, but I didn't miss the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth. He was amused.

I leaned back slightly. "Maybe your problem isn't me, Ivy. Maybe it's that Luca never wanted you as much as he wanted the idea of you."

Her face went red.

Luca cleared his throat. "That's enough."

But the smirk on his lips said he didn't mind the show.

I turned away, ready to walk off because this conversation was beneath me and frankly, I had better things to worry about, like my twins adapting to the nanny or my emotional whiplash from the night before.

But Ivy wasn't done.

"You think you've won?" she called out sharply.

I turned back. "I don't care about winning. I care about surviving."

Ivy rolled her eyes. "You're such a-"

Rowan suddenly stepped forward and spoke calmly but firmly. "Ivy. Enough."

Ivy whipped her head toward him. "She started it!"

"Let's go," Rowan said, his voice making it clear there was no discussion.

Ivy snarled under her breath but stomped toward the exit, her heels clicking like tiny thunderclaps.

When they disappeared around the corner, the hallway finally felt breathable again.

I exhaled slowly.

Luca stared at me with a blank expression. "You didn't have to say all of that."

"Someone needed to," I muttered.

"Aria-"

"Not now," I said, walking past him. "I'm going home. The twins need me."

He reached out, catching my wrist gently. "Aria. thank you. For being there today."

I looked down at his hand holding mine.

For two years, he rarely reached for me. And now suddenly he was touching me like we were something real.

"We'll talk later," I said, pulling my hand free.

Because if I stood there any longer, I might break in ways I wouldn't recover from.

And I was done breaking.

*****