Arya's POV

Sunlight slipped through the curtains and landed across my face.

My eyes flutter open. My head is pounding.

I groaned, sitting up only to find a man towering over me.

I jumped back, holding the duvet over my chest.

“Finally, you're up.” He said, tearing his gaze from me. And backed up.

“Levi?” I whispered.

He turned his head to me, I hitched.

He was more grown than in the last seven years I saw him.

He was fully jacked, all muscles, with a chiseled jaw and honey brown hair.

I can't believe he returned after all these years.

I thought he died or something because no one ever spoke about him, not that I could ask about it.

Although I still had dreams of what he did the night before he went away to the alpha's academy.

“How are you feeling?” His voice softened, and his gaze lingered on me.

“A little lightheaded," I barely said.

“I'll go get you something to….” Before he could finish, Alpha Roman barged into the room. Levi’s room.

“Where is she?” He thundered; troops of men followed behind him.

“Take her away; she's done more harm than good.” Alpha Roman ordered.

“What do you mean by that, Father?" Levi demanded.

“Stay out of this, son; it's time we take her away. The vampire clan will be willing to have a non-wolf as a blood host. Or whatever they planned to do with her.”

Levi stepped in front of his father, slow and deliberate, hands in his pocket.

“She isn't going anywhere, Father. I'll handle this.”

“Don't interfere with what you don't know. Arya is a shame and disgrace.” He roared, “She's a curse brought upon our land, and if we don't take her out, the gods will punish us.”

I am a…curse?

“Why else doesn't she have a wolf?” Roman asked, "And don't say she's a late bloomer.”

“You're right, she has no wolf because she doesn't smell like one.” Levi agreed, “However, I don't permit you to take her away to the vampires.”

“And who the hell do you think you are to go against my order?” Roman's veins bulge in his head. “This is my pack; whatever I say goes.”

Levi was oddly calm in such an intense situation; I could barely breathe in such a tense atmosphere.

My heart beat was accelerating.

“I will take care of this, Father; you have my word."

“Your words mean nothing," Roman bellowed. "Seize her!”

As the guard walked past Levi, just as he was about to reach me, Levi grabbed his head, ramming it against the wall.

I shrieked, closing my eyes. Warm liquid sprayed on my face

A thud made me open my eyes, and a smear of his blood was on the wall and some of it on my face.

“Are you willing to listen to me now, Father?" Levi said, his voice cold.

The alpha told the remaining of them to leave. “You don't know what you're doing.” He began, “The vampires would stop their carnage on our pack once we give them a ‘wolf’ to feed on.”

“Give them someone else, not Arya.” He said.

Roman turned to me; I averted my gaze in submission.

“Do whatever; she is doomed to die either way.”

“That won't happen," Levi countered.

“Oh yes, it would. You know what is coming; a weak being like her would never survive such an apocalypse.”

He turned and left.

The room fell quiet for a minute, then Levi turned to me.

My hair stood erect, and my heart slammed in my chest.“I should get going….”

“Sit where you are.” He ordered, and I plunged back to the bed.

His gaze traveled to the dead guard. “I'll have someone take care of him later.”

I nodded.

Levi was different, not just in appearance but in his aura.

He was intense, and it got me in a chokehold.I wanted nothing but to leave here and return to my small room—where I found comfort.

The air became thin, and my heart pounded.

Heat beamed my face, and the tingling sensation from the mark made it worse.

Suddenly i felt like sixteen again, the night he left to the academy.

“Should I say something? Conversation, maybe? This is too awkward.” Thought spiraled through my head.

Levi and I didn't speak much before.

And now that he'd returned years later, it felt so discomforting.

"How many years has it been?” I asked nervously; my voice cracked.

His eyes stayed on me for a moment.

“What happened to you?” He ignored my question and stared at my arms where Laura had inflicted.

“It's… a burn from a hot iron.”

“Who did that to you?” He asked.

I froze

If I told him the truth, he would kill Laura for sure.

He was possessive that much, even when we were kids.

“It was an accident; I burned myself.” I chuckled.

He looked displeased but didn't say anything.“We leave at dawn.”

He said and turned, but I stopped him.

“Where to?” I blurted.

He turned to me, his eyes commanding even with no words.

This felt all too familiar.

Like when we were teens, Levi always told me what to do, to which I couldn't object.

He never allowed anyone to bully me or talk to me whenever I thanked him. He'll disregard it and say, "You'll thank me later.”

I never got to thank him before he vanished.

Lilith brought me a good meal after Levi left. She cleaned up the blood.

I offered to help her, as it has been my job for years, but she refused.

I didn't leave the room for the rest of the day.

And in return, I slept in peacefully.

No one yelled at me or told me what to do.

No Laura.

No, Madam Grace.

For the first time in my twenty-third year of living, I felt peace and serenity.

I could get used to this if Levi doesn't vanish again.

Like he did seven years ago.

A tapping sound woke me.

I peered around; darkness swallowed the room.

I sat up on the bed, holding onto my duvet like my life depended on it.

The moonlight illuminated the large dark room.

The air was chilly, too.

The knock came again, louder. Aggressive.

"Who… who's there?” I was forced out in fear.

If a wolf attacks me, I have no defense.

Oh God, who could it be?

The door flung open, and Alpha Roman stepped forward.

“Come with me.”

Levi's POV

I wished I hadn't returned back to the RedRiver pack.

However, I knew undoubtedly that I would be back to claim what was mine, the pack and her.

My need for Arya was getting out of hand; seven fucking years, and she still consumed every thought I had.

I dreamed of her. I fucked her in my dreams. made her scream until her voice croaked.

Those dreams will come true now that she's within my reach.

I wanted nothing but to claim her as my mate.

Of course she doesn't know that; only I do.

And no other person deserves her, and that is why…

Brad winced under my feet, his face disfigured, bloated, and unrecognizable.

That's what he gets for hurting Arya.

“Stay away from Arya, got it?” I growled.

He mumbled something.

I lifted my legs from him and told Ray to take care of him.

I washed the blood off my hands and marched back into the mansion, spotting Laura immediately.

She smiled and skipped to me.

“Where have you been all day? "You missed breakfast?” She smiled.

Laura was the sunshine to everyone, cheerful and always happy, and I love her for that. And father's favourite.

“I had to take care of business.” I replied shortly, in a haste, too.

“Speaking of business, Father told me you would take over the pack soon, but you don't have your Luna yet.” She wriggled her brows.

"Got anyone in mind?"

“Not yet. I was hoping to find one at the festival.” I answered, slipping my hands in my pocket.

"There are tons of beautiful girls at RedRiver Pack. I'm sure you'll find her.” I nodded.

“I'll send Lillith to get your food," she said.

“Has Arya gotten anything to eat?” I said too quickly.

Her facial expression changed.

I couldn't place a finger on it.

“She um…”

I stormed out before she could say anything else.

I knew I shouldn't have let her sleep alone.

My guts churned the moment realization caught me.I

burst through the door where Arya had slept, only to find an empty bed.I marched in, calling out her name, but got no reply.

“Where is she?” I barked at Laura.She flinched.“I don't know. Father…”

I bumped her shoulder as I hurried to my father's room.

Arya was consuming my sanity

“Where is she?” I barely hid the anger that bubbled in me; my fist tightened, and my gaze burned red.

Alpha Roman moved his glass to the bridge of his nose as he stared at me from his mini study.

Annoyance crossed his face. He doesn't like being disturbed in the morning when he is having his coffee, but I don't care.

“Who could that be?” He spoke calmly against my raging storm.

“Don't play dumb with me, old man. Where's Arya?” I growled.

He feigned remembrance. “I took care of her.” He said coolly, “Meanwhile, since you're here, Evelyn is coming over today.”

Evenly?

“Why should I care about that?” I asked.

"Oh, you do, because she will be your next luna.” He said sternly.“I told you I'd find my mate soon; I have it under control…"

“I have but a few days left. I don't want to leave my pack with no alpha." He raised his voice.

I was only quiet because he was my father.

“Tell me where Arya is." I emphasized, my jaw tightened.

Father slammed his hands on his mahogany desk. "What is with you and that evil child?” His forceful impact made him cough. “She's a curse, Levi. Sent to kill us.”

“By whom?” I said coldly.

He paused. “She's evil. That's all that matters.”

“I won't repeat myself again, Father. Where is Arya?”

“On one condition," he started, walking up to me with his cup of coffee. I could smell the strong stench of tobacco and other herbs.

I raised my brows at him, prompting him to continue.

“Make Evenly your Luna at the festival.” His tone was cold and demeaning.

A tense silence stretched between us; I nodded to him.

“Arya is halfway to the vampire clan. If you take the East Coast, you'll catch them.” He plopped onto his bed.

“I doubt she would be alive by now.”

I left his room, grabbing my keys and taking Ray with me.

Once I entered the car, I zoomed off.Eyes focused on the streets. The car engine roared loudly in my ear, numbing the guilt that had formed in me.

“We should be close by now,” Ray said beside me.

“Take your left.”I hit the gas pedal, slowing the car.

The road ahead of us was forest, not too thick, and had bumps ahead.I alighted from the car, and so did Ray.

“Is this the right way?” I asked him, still staring out into the woods.“It says the car was parked somewhere…"

He stopped and I turned to his direction.

Then we saw it; the car that had carried Arya was totally destroyed, smashed into a tree.

Three men lay lifeless on the ground. I walked up to them, crouched, checking for any visible bite marks.

But nothing.

No sign of blood.

No bite marks.

Strange.

“What happened?” Ray said.

“Is this an ambush?”

More importantly, where is Arya?

I rounded the car.

Then I saw her.

She nestled beside the car, her chest rising and falling steadily.

“She's alive… but how?” I muttered, confused.

“Levi,” Ray called out.

I turned to him.

“They weren't attacked at all. It was like they… just died.”

Perplexed, I turned to Arya.

“Let's get her to a witch doctor to check for internal damage.”

I carried Arya back to our vehicle.

A few minutes later we got a small house located on the outskirts of town.

Inside was decorated with dolls, creepily.Some had their heads off while some had no eyes.

Typical of a witch.

“Lay her there.” The old hag said, and I carefully laid Arya on a mat.

The hag chanted something, eyes closed, while her mouth moved rapidly in an unknown tongue.

It went on for about five minutes before she snapped her eyes open.

“So? Is there anything wrong with her?” I asked.“She's no wolf.” The hag turned to me, her expression solid.

“But something dangerous lies within her.”

Arya turned her body and lay by her side; she looked fine.

Breathing fine and fast asleep.The mark became visible.

The very mark I gave her seven years ago.It never healed.

“Destruction is all I see in her, Future Alpha. “The hag spoke in monotone.

“She must be killed.”

Levi's POV

Roman gave me an earful the next day, cursing me out for bringing back Arya.

I told him I would find the “cure” to whatever was wrong with her, but he was adamant.

“Don't you get it?” He began, “Arya doesn't belong here. She was never your sister either.”

I knew that Arya was found by the forest, just by the lake, and was taking it in.

Of course Roman, being a dick, sent her away.

“She is a sister; it's all she wants. And she stays," I said firmly.

Roman’s shoulder slumped, defeated.“I knew you were always overprotective of her, but you're going overboard with this.”

“There's no such thing as going overboard. Arya is clearly in immense pain and needs someone to rely on. She sees you people as hers, but what? You treated her like a maid.”

“That is what she is.”

”Not when I am around.”I snapped, "If I ever see anyone lay hands, even if it's a finger on her, I'll chop it off and feed it to them,"

I stormed out of Roman’s office and straight to my wing.

I went to her room, turned the knob, and then a small figure bumped into me.Arya.Her hazel eyes widened, and she lowered her gaze.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“I am late for duty, sir.” She said, her voice in a whisper.

I watched her. she wore my top. It outlined every curve of her, stopping at her thighs, exposing her porcelain skin.

Her nipples hardened against the fabric.My dick twitched, screaming to be let out.

“Follow me." I said briefly and then headed to the living room.

Arya followed.

I got to the kitchen, whipping out some oatmeal meals and making scrambled eggs.

“Is it true?” She spoke quietly.I turned to her. "Is what true?”She licked her lips, my bulge hardening again.

She's going to be the death of me— I thought.

“Was I picked up?” She muttered.

I nodded. Her questions came out of nowhere.

I thought she already knew by now. “You are also family. That's all that matters.” I poured a coffee for myself, then served her food.

“Eat.” A simple command, and she grabbed the spoon.

She already looked malnourished and thin. If I were going to claim her fully, I should get her prepared for my wrath.

“Why are you helping me?” She said, “I have no place to ask, but I need to know.”

I walked up to her, cupping her chin. Her pupils widened. "You belong to me.” I paused, her breath hitched. "You should know that by now.”

She stayed quiet.

“The mark…" my thumbs rubbing the blue-black mark on her neck. “Says it all." I retreated my hands.

“Now tell me what happened in the woods.” I sipped my coffee.

“Um… I don't remember.”

“Not even when the accident happened?” I added.

“Accident?” She shook her head. "When we got to the vampire territory. I got dizzy, and I had stomach cramps…. I can't remember what happened next.”

Strange.

She doesn't remember getting into an accident, yet she survived.

“I'll clean this up." She got up with the plate in her hands.

“No need for that. I'll have Lilith wash it.”

“No, it's my duty.” She stopped, taking a breath. “I don't want to get into trouble.”

My brows furrowed. “Did Laura do that to you? Has she been doing something she shouldn't?” I arched.

“No, no. She… didn't do anything to me.” She defended, fidgeting with the spoon.

She did the same thing when we were young. Whenever she's unsure or lies about something.

“Brad?” Her eyes lit up. “I heard he was your…boyfriend?" I emphasized the last part in disgust.

“We broke up.”

“I see.” I put down my cup and stalked towards her. “I guess you forgot why I gave you that, Mark.”

She shifted herself.

“I never forgot. I thought…". She stared at the spoon like it was more interesting. “I thought you wouldn't return.”

“Ah. And so you decided to have fun with men. Other than me?” I grabbed her neck possessively, her scent filled my nostrils.

I have never been this hard in my life.

Back in New Jersey, I would fuck any girl I find interesting, with no remorse. Yet, I held back for Arya.

“She isn't ready," I kept telling myself.

“It is wrong…" she whispered. “We made a mistake in the past….”

I let out a humorless chuckle.“I never make mistakes. Let this be a warning to you; I don't want to ever see you with no man.” My gaze fixed on hers.

Her heart pounded rapidly.

Good—she got the message.

I pressed her temple against mine, soaking in her fears, tremors, and feelings.

All at once.

It wasn't enough.

I needed more.

More of what she has to give.

“Am I interrupting something?” We both turned to the lady standing at the

door.Evenly.

Fuck!

“What are you doing here?” I pushed myself off Arya.

“You tell me."

She crossed her arms.

Her gaze traveled to Arya, then back to me.

“Did my father send you?” I tilted my head.

“The festival is in a few days; we need to get ready for your coronation.”

She waved her hands.

She didn't want this as much as I didn't want it. But it's a family thing. our families have arranged this marriage even before we were born.

“What are you doing here if the festival is in a few days?” I arched my brows.

“Everyone needs to know the new Luna, isn't that right?” She turned to Arya and gave her a smile.

Arya nodded and said nothing.

“You're Arya, right. The girl said to have some kind of evil spirit?” Evelyn asked.

News travels fast.

“Aren't you supposed to be on the other side of the mansion, working as a maid? Since you're no wolf?” her smile didn't reach her eyes.

“Mind your words if you don't want to swallow them," I was warned.

She walked in.

“Come on, lighten up. I was joking.” She chuckled. “The plague would soon come and sweep everything already. The weak ones would never stand a chance.”

“A plague?” Arya asked behind me.

“That's right, honey. The plague is coming, hallowed fever; they say it sweeps in at night, makes everyone shift into their wolf form, and they feed on each other.”Arya gasps.

“And it has no cure whatsoever. Everyone would eventually die, except the strongest.” She smacked her lips.

“You're safe, of course, because you'd be the first to die.”