Aria’s POV
I woke up feeling more refreshed than I had in years. The bed was soft, the room was quiet, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel the weight of fear pressing down on me.
As I stretched and smiled to myself, I realized just how different things were now. Back in Alpha Logan’s pack, mornings like this were impossible. I could never truly relax, always waiting for the next demand, the next punishment.
But here, in Alpha Denderick’s pack house, everything felt… safer. Peaceful.
Then I remembered Edward. My smile faded as I recalled how easily I’d let go of him last night. How tired had I been to just allow Denderick to take him?
Panic pricked at the edges of my mind, but I forced myself to stay calm. Denderick wouldn’t harm him. He’d kept us safe this far. Still, I needed to find my son.
I slipped out of the bed and stepped outside. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow in the hallway. This place was so familiar, yet it felt strange to walk through these halls again. The last time I was here, it was as a breeder. Now… I wasn’t sure what I was. A guest? A prisoner? Something in between?
I decided to head to Denderick’s study. If anyone knew where Edward was, it would be him. As I neared the door, though, I heard voices coming from inside. Heated voices.
I paused, my hand halfway to the doorknob, and instead pressed my ear against the door.
“…can’t stay here, Denderick. It’s madness!” A woman’s voice, sharp and filled with venom, reached my ears. “You’re risking everything for a breeder!”
“She’s not just a breeder, Giselle,” Denderick’s voice was firm but calm. “She’s under my protection now. And she’s more than proven her worth.”
“Her worth?” the woman, Giselle, spat. “You think she’s worth the trouble she’ll bring? Alpha Logan will never stop hunting her, and when he finds out you’re harboring her, he’ll come for all of us! Are you willing to risk your entire pack for her?”
I leaned in closer, my heart pounding. I didn’t remember there being a Giselle before I left Alpha Denderick’s pack. This Giselle woman sounded like real trouble for me.
“She has nowhere else to go,” Denderick replied, his voice softening slightly. “You know what Alpha Logan’s done to her. She deserves a chance to be free, to live without fear.”
“Free?” Giselle’s voice was filled with scorn. “She’s a breeder, Denderick. She’s been used, tainted. She’s only good for producing heirs. It’s what she is. It’s what you bought her for in the first place. And now you want to bring that here? Into our home? What do you think the pack will say? What will they think of you?”
“I don’t care what they think,” Denderick snapped. “I’m the Alpha, and I’ll make the decisions for this pack.”
There was a pause, and I could almost feel the tension seeping through the door.
“You’re defending her like she’s more than just some woman you bought,” Giselle said, her voice lower now, more dangerous. “Why, Denderick? Why are you so invested in her? Is it because you feel guilty for buying her? Or…. or is there something else?”
My breath caught in my throat. I pressed myself harder against the door, desperate to hear Denderick’s response.
“It’s not guilt,” he replied, his voice firm. “It’s duty. It’s doing what’s right. You wouldn’t understand, Giselle. You’ve never been in her position.”
“Maybe not,” Giselle shot back, her tone icy. “But I know what it’s like to watch the man I care about waste his time on someone who doesn’t deserve it. You’re too soft on her, Denderick. Too blind. She’s nothing but trouble, and she’ll bring nothing but ruin to this pack.”
I could hear Denderick’s sigh, a long, weary sound. “You’re wrong. She’s stronger than you think. And she’s been through more than anyone should ever have to. If you can’t see that, then maybe you’re the one who doesn’t belong here.”
There was a long silence after that, and I didn’t dare breathe. My heart was racing, my mind spinning with what I’d just heard. The fact that Denderick was standing up for me, filled me with warmth. But doubt still pricked at my mind.
Was Giselle right? Was I nothing but a burden, a risk?
“You’re devaluing what we have, because of a breeder!” She scoffed. “Is this what you brought me to your pack for? Wait till your father hears of this.”
I heard footsteps, the rustle of fabric as Giselle moved towards the door. I quickly backed away, my heart still pounding in my chest, and turned to leave before they discovered me eavesdropping.
But before I could move away from the door, it swung open, and Giselle walked out. She was even more striking in person than I thought.
Long, light brown, and wavy hair cascaded down her back, and cold gray eyes that seemed to pierce right through me were framed by high cheekbones. Her curvy frame was accentuated by the beautiful dress she wore, making her look every bit the queen of this pack.
The moment her eyes landed on me, they swept over me in a quick once-over. I could tell immediately what she thought. My simple dress, wrinkled from sleep, must have made me look like one of the slaves.
“Who are you?” Giselle snapped. “And what are you doing here?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but she didn’t give me the chance.
“And why aren’t you working like the others? Don’t you have chores to attend to?” she added, her tone sharp and unforgiving.
Before I could think of how to respond, Denderick appeared behind her. His brow furrowed when he saw me, then eased out.
“Giselle,” he began, “this is Aria.”
Giselle’s eyes narrowed as she looked at me again, this time with more scrutiny. The realization of who I was didn’t soften her expression-it hardened it. She didn’t say a word, just gave me a cold, dismissive look that made me feel small and insignificant.
And without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away.