Aria’s POV

" You know exactly why I did that,'' I say, standing to my feet as I move past him, to the dining room, but Lucien follows suit.

" You can't blame me for what happened, my package was delayed. Okay," he says, but I ignore him, twisting off the cap of a bottle of water.

" Why don't we just put all this behind us? " My finger twitches, I let out a soft huff. Put all this behind us, like seriously.

" You humiliate me, Lucien, in front of the sales attendant and everyone else in the boutique. Are you kidding me?"

He comes closer, trying to explain further. " I was angry, okay. I didn't mean to.... Now please let's just drop it already. I still need your help for today.'' He blurts out.

Well, I don't blame him for that, he'll move mountains for Mara, but my feelings....none existence. And to think that I missed my lectures to be on this with him, says a lot about my feelings for him. Or else I would never lend a helping hand to him, to go about impressing his brat of a girlfriend.

I inhale, then exhale to release tension before uttering. "Help you say. I’m so done for today."

I try to walk away from our conversation, but he stops me right in time, grabbing me by my wrist, halting me from taking further steps.

I whirl around and can finally see his face. Our eyes lock in and no matter how many times this happens, it always gets me every time. My gaze drifts away from him, not wanting to stare longer than necessary... it falls on a frame in the background of the house.

"Aria.... Remember, our sibling’s code of conduct."

Just when he mentions the words code of conduct, a laugh catches in my throat. Sibling’s code of conduct, some lame concept we came up with in our much younger days. It never gets old… maybe it won’t. A good manipulative strategy that always gets us every time.

I flash him a stare before muttering, my tone low, uneven and unsure. "No matter what happens, we always have each other’s back." Lucien’s lips curl into a wide smile, while I suck in my lips in defeat. We can’t deny the other help, that’s what the conduct implies. And now, I have to follow through with helping Mr. lover boy win over his girlfriend. I feel so sick even thinking about it.

"Okay, just this time. Any case of Mara, I don’t want to get involved anymore." He nods in agreement, but I know all to well it wasn't possible. Lucien is smart, and he will always find a way to squeeze me into his love affair with Mara. Crazy.

He excitedly pulls me into a hug and we pull out. "Good Aria. We are making progress and all you have to do is write the speech I get to say during Mara’s party."

A speech? Are you kidding me? As if humiliating me isn’t enough, now I get to write a love letter for Mara in my own words.

He finds a sheet of paper and hands it over to me. I grab the paper from his hand and take a seat by the dinning table. I begin to scribble down the speech, raining praise on Mara, while knowing how much of a bitch she can be on a daily basis. It's either Lucien doesn’t know about this, or he just pretends not to. As I keep writing, Lucien walks over to the bar to help himself to a shot.

"Care for some?" He says, raising his glass to his lips as he sips from it.

"No, thanks. Not like I enjoy drinking anyway."

"Come on now. It’s just a drink, what can possibly go wrong?"

He closes in on me with two glasses of whiskey in hand.

"Here you go. Alcohol helps you think better," he teases, while he hands over a glass to me. I hesitate, but he doesn’t budge and presses it into my palm. I take a sip and place the glass on the table.

"You know you’re wrong about that. Alcohol doesn’t make you think better."

He drops into a seat beside me and snatches the paper I have the speech scribbled on. ‘‘You tell me. All I know is, when I have a rough day, a drink or two fixes me right up. " His eyes skim through the paper and a light smile tugs on his lips, showing his satisfaction.

"You know, you’re very good at this, Aria."

I let out a soft huff while he places the paper by my side.

"And at the next party, you get to write your speech yourself. Mr Alpha," I say while he chuckles at my words. My hands fold the paper into a smaller size, extending it towards him.

He takes in his whiskey in one swift gulp, collecting the paper. His index finger and middle finger intersecting the paper, sliding it away from my grip.

"Thanks," he says, leaning forward, tilting my head upward to plant a peck on it, as his lips pressed against my forehead. I close my eyes trying to ignore how good it feels when he does that.

He stands to his feet, sliding the paper into the right pocket of his trousers.

"See you at the party." He turns towards the door and begins making his way out of the pack house.

"And about the party." I say, causing him to halt at his step and whirl in my direction,

"What about it?''

"I'm sorry, Lucien… I don't think I'll be able to come," I blurt out before even thinking. If I am going to lie, I guess my mouth doesn’t get the memo.

Lucien lets out a very sarcastic laugh while he returns, closing in on the exit.

“No excuse, Aria. You’re coming. Mara needs to thank you for helping me out. No ifs or buts. ”

My fingers clench into a fist, his words cut razor sharp through the air, and they don’t leave any room for debate. As much as I don’t want to go, I just can’t help it either. Mara is still like a family to us and, of course, it would sound absurd that I'd miss out on the birthday celebration of the Beta’s daughter of the Silver Moon Pack.

I hate that my family will always have a tie to hers. This also makes it almost impossible to sit out this one.

Lucien halts midway and turns to glare at me, noticing my silence. “You should be happy for me, Aria. Who knows, maybe the moon goddess will make her my mate tonight.”

I sip from my glass of whiskey but cough immediately at his words, because… what the actual hell?

Aria's POV

"Are you okay?" Lucien spins in my direction, asking with concern rimmed in his tone.

I nod, reassuring him there’s nothing to worry about.

"Get ready, Aria, I’m expecting you at the party. Okay." He turns in my direction to confirm my answer, but I stare at him with pursed lips before retorting.

"Why must I be there, Lucien?" Mara doesn't even like me to begin with. "

"No more excuses, Aria. You are coming and that's final," he says, flashing me a stare. Jeez, he is such a control freak, always making sure things go his way.

"Whatever." I roll my eyes, seeing it was a losing game, and I wasn't winning at any time, while Lucien takes his leave.

I feel a shiver run up my spine. I can't comprehend how I'll do all this, only for Mara to end up as Lucien’s mate. This thought settles in my head, but I wave it off immediately. That isn’t going to happen. Lucien always makes up crazy scenarios in his head and this isn’t anything far from it.

There is so much I can take, like their public display of affection, watching him play doting boyfriend to her, while I hope on the side he becomes mine. But finding out she is his mate is not one of them. I would rather die than watch Lucien become Mara’s mate.

I snap my eyes shut, while I whisper a silent prayer to the moon goddess. If anything, just don’t make her his mate. I wouldn't bear to see that happen.

It flickers right open, and I head upstairs towards my room. My door shut at my back while I collapse into my bed. I need to clear my head. I give my last conversation with Lucien a quick run through....but slowly drift into sleep before I know it.

In the evening,

I wake up to a knock on my door, my hand clumsily searching my dressing table for my phone to look up what the time says. It’s 6:30 pm and the party starts at 7:30 pm. I still have like an hour to prepare, I think in my head. The knocking continues, with the person at the other end pushing so hard, but somehow the door won’t budge. Then it dawned on me, I had locked the door from inside before going in for a nap.

"Aria…..dear. Are you in?" I hear Mum’s voice against the steel door. I immediately get myself out of bed, my legs sliding into my flip-flops beside my bed frame. I dash towards the door, turning the knob and cracking the door open.

Mum’s worried look is what greets me at first glance.

"Hey Mum, sorry I didn’t hear a thing the whole time. I was fast asleep," I say, stretching out, while my fingers encircle the knob.

"I can see my love. Just wanted to check up on you. Now get dressed, you don’t want to be late to Mara’s party, okay."

"Okay Mum. I'll." She smiles and pecks me on my cheek before heading out. I close the door behind me and head to the bathroom to freshen up.

Once out, I go into my wardrobe, my eyes fall on the sheer red dress that I set aside for today’s party. I slip into it, throw on light makeup, while accessoring the look with some gold jewelry.

Satisfied with my look, I run a fit check, and I’m in love with my look already. I head downstairs, making my way into the car. As I sink into the seat, I can finally inhale and exhale freely.

These past few days have been nothing but… Mara, Mara, Mara. After tonight, her damn party will finally be over. Lucien is so obsessed with her, it’s sickening; I honestly don’t know what kind of spell she has on him.

Speaking of Lucien, I don’t see his car around. How great, he gets to arrive early for his girlfriend’s party. Punctual Alpha boyfriend, I guess, not him making it in time for an occasion when it has to do with Mara.

I pull my seatbelt across and click it in place. On the other hand, the driver fires the engine before I know it, we’re hitting the open road with Mum and Dad’s car in front of mine.

We pull up at the venue where the party is taking place. Music, people’s chatters and the clinking sound of glass welcome us as we make our way in.

Everything is beautiful, just like I envision it to be. Lots of people, a big tower cake, champagne glass tower, music playing in the background. Very typical of Mara, I don’t call her queen of highlights for nothing.

"Nice to have you here, Alpha Gales, Luna Kate and Aria." Beta Maverick’s voice catches our attention. Just at the same time, Mum and Dad step forward to greet him.

"Beta Maverick, what a lovely party you have going on. It’s indeed beautiful," Mum compliments. The parents chuckle, while I can only force a smile.

"Please, over here, if you don’t mind." Mum and Dad follow suit, but I just stand there just surveying the entire building. If not for anything, maybe for a familiar face I might know.

"Aria," Mum calls out to me. She gestures for me to follow suit, but I decline.

"You guys go on without me. I’m okay right here." They return their gaze to where Beta Maverick is taking them, while I slip into the crowd, and then I see some familiar faces from college. Chloe had told me earlier that she was going to be at the party. While Raymond bails out on the party, it sucks. I just wish Chloe doesn’t bail out on me at the last minute.

Chloe and Raymond are my very close friends. Chloe is my best friend. We have been friends since elementary school and have been inseparable since then. Raymond, on the other hand, is part of our little circle, the only guy in our clique, that just makes everyone pop. He is friendly and has a great love for basketball.

While my eyes are on the lookout for Chloe, I help myself to a drink. Funny enough, I don’t see Lucien anywhere either. Strange, I think to myself, if he wasn’t at the party where could he possibly be? My thoughts run wide while I calmly sip from my drink.

At the moment, I can’t help but notice a figure hovering over me. I try to brush it off, but then I hear a familiar voice from behind that catches me off guard.

"Just look who we have here, if it’s not Aria."

Aria's POV

Even in my sleep, I never fail to recognize that voice on a first guess. I turn around and there she is; Mara Frovaste, the devil herself. She’s rocking the pink mini gown I helped Lucien pick out earlier today. Her wavy hair elegantly flows down her face, complimenting her oval facial appearance with a front bang perfectly sitting on her temple.

The silver accessories do a good job on her bronze-tanned skin, elevating her overall look. I have to admit, she never turns out looking this good if not for me.

Mara takes her seat beside me and I immediately know it can only mean one thing. Trouble. She never misses a chance to stir it up, and I also never miss a chance to get back at her for it.

“Aria, you did show up after all. Didn’t think you were going to come,” she says, helping herself to a drink. But I ignore her, seeing she isn’t worth the energy.

She places the wine glass on the table, her fingers resting at the bottom of the glass as she gently twirls the wine inside. It sparkles, catching the light from the surrounding area.

"For a low-ranking wolf of your status, I think my party should be the last place you'll come to." She continues, her voice rimmed with disdain. "But you do have guts Aria, always showing up to places you are not wanted."

I scoff at how crazy she sounds right now. I wish someone would give her the memo. She sounds completely stupid for a high-ranking wolf.

I lean in closer," Low-ranking wolf....hmm how unbelievable. You look like you're suffering from an identity crisis, way bigger than anyone else. I let a soft huff before continuing, "I know who I'm, Mara, and you or your rank got nothing on me."

Her smile wavers and she looks like cat got her tongue at this point. Just then, my phone buzzes, catching my attention. A voice message from Chloe; she must be around here somewhere.

Mara peels herself out of her seat ready to leave, but I don't let her get away so easily.

"And a little advice for you, Mara," I say, while she halts her step at my words. I peel myself out of my seat and head in her direction, stopping right in front of her.

"Don't mistake your rank for power over me." She doesn't speak, just smirks at me dangerous.

My eyes drift towards her dress and I gesture at it. "And when you see Lucien, tell him I didn't get any thanks for picking out such a lovely dress for you today."

She looks at me with disdain, her brows knitted together in anger. But I don't give a care about what she's going through her mind, as I take my leave to a less noisy corner of the hall. There, I play Chloe’s voice message. Her tone is laced with worry. She thinks I didn't show up for the party, when I’m right there.

I stroll out of the corner, my eyes scanning in all directions for Chloe. My phone pressed to my ear, I wait for the line to connect. It rings once, then she picks up.

“Aria, where the hell have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” she snaps immediately the lines connect.

“I’m at Mara’s party. Where are you?” My eyes scatter around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, and I do. I see her pacing up and down in a champagne-colored dress.

“Don’t worry, I have seen you.” I cut the line just when she’s about to reply. As I walk in her direction, my peripheral vision catches a glimpse of Lucien and Mara together. Their hands snaked around each other, while Lucien looks breathtaking in his maroon velvet suit over plain black trousers. He looks even more handsome than he does on other random days. Both him and Mara are chit-chatting, she says something and the next minute they’re both laughing like hopeless romantics.

My breath hitches, fingers slightly twitching as I study their closeness. Mara almost catches me, but Chloe calls out to me, shifting my attention towards her. She waves and then begins heading in my direction. We close in on each other, and she immediately goes in for a hug. She pulls away, and now I can finally see her face.

“Aria, thank the moon goddess you made it.”

Her hands slide down my arms, cupping my elbow midway. She leans in close to whisper something into my ears.

“Guess whom I just met.” My eyes zero in on her, while her lips curl up in excitement.

“Who?” I ask, curiosity rimmed in my tone.

She slightly nudge my head in a playful manner. “You’re supposed to guess, silly.”

When I don’t seem to think of anyone, she blurts out, saving me the stress.

“It’s Drake.”

My jaw flexes just when she mentions the name. “Drake… You mean Drake, Raymond’s teammate?” She nods in approval, lips curled into a wide smile. We can’t help it anymore, when we let out a squeal together in excitement.

Chloe has had a crush on Drake for the longest time, and to crown it up, they never talk. She always hinted at his excellent skills during basketball practice and even cheered him on. Crazy, right? But let’s just say that’s Chloe for you; a die-hard fan and a sucker for love.

Chloe is about to dive into more details when the party host interrupts us. He tries to get everyone’s attention by kick-starting the party. The atmosphere in the room suddenly feels warm, everyone’s expressions lighting up as he follows through with every activity on the party menu.

Before I realize it, we’re halfway into the party. Then Lucien draws the host’s attention, whispers something into his ear, and gets called on stage for his speech.

He gets on stage and proceeds with his speech. Everyone cheers in excitement as he rains praises on Mara. I try to act unbothered, playing with my fingers, watching out for when all this will finally be over.

Just when I think it’s over; just his speech and nothing more; Lucien pulls another string. Someone steps onto the stage with a small box in hand, leaving me guessing at what his surprise is. Lucien takes the box and turns back to address the curious crowd.

“Alright guys, I just want to take this moment to surprise my amazing girlfriend with the keys to a brand-new car in this box. Parked outside for her.”

Wait… what? A car? Lucien has got to be kidding. My chest tightens as the crowd erupts in cheers around me.