Aria’s POV
Denderick’s eyes flickered with recognition and something else I couldn’t quite place. He hesitated, and the tension in the room thickened. All the Alphas were watching him, waiting for his response. The seconds dragged on, feeling like an eternity.
Finally, Denderick cleared his throat, his gaze still fixed on me. “No, I don’t know her,” he said. His voice was steady but lacked conviction. “She just… reminds me of someone I once knew.”
Logan’s eyes narrowed, clearly not satisfied with the answer. He studied Denderick’s face, looking for any sign of deception. I held my breath, hoping against hope that Denderick’s words would be enough.
After a moment, Logan seemed to let it go, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely convinced. “Very well,” he murmured. “Let’s move on.”
The rest of the meeting passed in a blur, and soon, it was over. As the Alphas began to disperse, Logan turned to me, his expression stern. “Stay here,” he ordered. “I have a few things to discuss with you.”
I nodded, my heart pounding. I watched as the other Alphas filed out of the room, Denderick among them. He glanced back at me one last time before leaving, and I wondered what thoughts were running through his mind. Was he planning something? Was he going to expose me?
When the room was finally empty, Logan walked over to me. His eyes were cold and calculating as they regarded me.
“What’s going on, Aria?” he demanded, his voice dangerously low. “Why did Alpha Denderick react like that when he saw you?”
I tried to steady my breathing, but my heart seemed to be running a marathon in my chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, attempting to sound calm. “He said I reminded him of someone he once knew. That’s all.”
Logan’s eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer. His towering presence made me feel small and vulnerable. “Don’t lie to me, Aria. I can see it in your eyes. There’s something you’re not telling me.”
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. “There’s nothing to tell, Alpha Logan. I swear.”
His hand shot out, grabbing my arm with a bruising grip. “Do you take me for a fool?” he snarled, shaking me slightly. “I know there’s something between you two. What is it? Did you know him before you came here? Did he help you escape from somewhere?”
I winced at the pain radiating from his grip but forced myself to meet his gaze. “Alpha Logan, please, you’re hurting me,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.
He ignored my plea, his grip tightening. “Answer me, Aria. What is your connection to Alpha Denderick?”
Desperation clawed at my throat. “There is no connection!” I cried out, the tears now streaming down my face. “He’s lying! I don’t know why he reacted that way, but it has nothing to do with me!”
Logan’s expression twisted with rage, and he shoved me backward. I stumbled, my back hitting the edge of the table. The impact sent a jolt of pain through my body, and I gasped, clutching my side.
“You expect me to believe that?” Logan spat. “You’re hiding something, and I will find out what it is. And if I discover you’ve been lying to me, there will be consequences.”
I struggled to catch my breath, the pain in my side making it difficult to stand. “Alpha Logan, please,” I begged, my voice trembling. “I’m not lying. I’m loyal to you, to our pack. I would never betray you.”
He sneered, his eyes cold and merciless. “Loyal? You’re nothing but a breeder to me, Aria. Don’t forget your place.”
His words cut deep, and I felt a surge of anger mixed with despair. “I am more than that,” I retorted. “I am the mother of your son, and I am your Luna.”
Logan laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. “Luna? Do you think that title means anything to me? You are here to serve a purpose, and once that purpose is fulfilled, you are expendable.”
My heart ached at his callousness, but I forced myself to stay strong. Slowly, I stood to my feet, even though my entire body ached with pain.
“I have done everything you asked of me,” I replied, my voice firmer now. “I have given you an heir. Isn’t that enough?”
Logan’s expression darkened, and he took another step toward me. “You will do as you’re told, Aria. You will stand by my side and present yourself as my Luna but don’t think for a moment that you hold any real power. You are here because I allow it.”
He reached out and roughly grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “If I find out that you’re lying, Goddess help you!”
“I’m not-” I started to speak, but he let go of my chin so violently that I hit the table again.
Logan turned and stormed out of the throne room angrily. As soon as the door closed behind him, I finally allowed myself to take a deep, shuddering breath. The pain from the rough handling and the ache in my heart from his cruel words lingered, making it hard to collect my thoughts.
I stood to my shaky feet and grabbed the edge of the table for dear life, trying to control my emotions. But it was hard; so, terribly hard. I felt as though I was coming apart at the very seams, as though one more day of this physical and mental abuse would finally be my undoing.
The door opened again, and I jerked up, fear seizing me at the thought that Alpha Logan had returned. But it was only Erinne, carrying baby Edward. Relief washed over me, and I tried to compose myself.
“Erinne!” I called out in what I hoped was a cheerful voice.
“You have a letter, Lady Aria.” She announced.
She approached with concern in her eyes, but she asked no questions. Instead, she placed the piece of parchment beside me and turned to leave.
With trembling hands, I picked up the parchment. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the name boldly written on it.
“Alpha Denderick,” I whispered.