on'

ngue brushed the torn skin on my lip, I could taste

e quiet omega I once brought into this house. She looked at me differently

would be. But Aria isn't any omega. She's bold. She challenges me with her sil

I would have rejecte

hing rare, strength wrapped in humility. He said she was

she is the Luna this pack needs. Strong, calm, and painfully loyal. She runs things smooth

reject her. She completes

nderstand that word any

ene

h of bitterness to my throa

ven after that, Selene stayed here. We were inseparable. I thought I'd f

t I caught her

on him.

at me with those same beautiful ey

he rogue that nig

ng her. And weeks later, she di

thinking maybe she'd been taken

w she'

mile. The

ut her feels dark

ce door pulled me

in," I

sed the door behind him. His clot

ked without lookin

. "But I think not all the rogues died. Some escaped into the woods. There's somethi

then. "Fam

fought like trained wolves, not wild ones. Th

order. They attacked like savages. But what L

e low. "Who trained them. Where they c

d. "Aria fought well. Really well. If sh

ze at

r

happened between us today

ught for

d at me, but I pushed it down. "That's

nce and tur

d the door, it burst

ene said, stepping in l

"I told you to knoc

you being mean to me? You were s

ing the air, a sweet scent that used t

muttered quickly, slipping

ve me," she whispered, cupping my jaw. Her touch was soft, calculated. "I'm sorry f

tongue. I could hear the fa

believe that?" I a

u don't have to believe

hould have pushed her away. I wanted to. But somet

ked quietly, half-hoping she'

to a smirk. "You a

her touch. "Then give me

me, Damon. Just dinner." She moved closer again, voice dropping to a whisper

hit me l

ew my weakness.

"Go ahead. I'll be

t move. My ankle hurts," she said, her voice dripping wit

She was playing games again. The same game

..." I

"You wouldn't want your guest limp

before crouching slightly

arms around my neck. I could feel her breath on my ski

urned their heads in surprise. Their Luna's mate car

Or at least, that's

Selene into her seat. She smiled up at me, that sa

Alpha," she

y seat beside her, forcing my e

e door opened, an

. No jewels, no attempt to impress. Yet she drew every

ead slightly. "

a," she said, dragging out the title like it was a joke.

e far end of the table and began to serve herself

stung worse than

rds for me? Or are you afraid your Alpha might n

a faint, icy smile. "The Alpha has always known what

and I felt my chest tighten, pride, gu

ow sip, and whispered, "Still the same

utlery neatly, and rose. "If you'll excuse me, Alpha," she s

ia.

ou don't owe me an explanation," she said, her to

he was

t behind was heavie

her fingers. "She's cold," she murmured. "Are

gh, S

hen you're ready for warmth..." She stood, letting her

hall, and her last words echoed thr

e in m

pty doorway, Aria's calm voice still echoing in

s, I didn't know which wom