Aria’s POV
The cottage was a modest but charming structure nestled in the middle of town. The exterior was painted a soft cream color, with cheerful blue shutters framing the windows. A small front porch with a few steps led up to the entrance, where a quaint wooden door awaited. The surrounding homes were similar, and I could hear children laughing and playing in the distance.
This was the perfect place for little Ed to grow. Despite my anger at Denderick, I knew he had made the right choice of accomodation.
Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the layout. The living room was cozy, filled with comfortable furniture that looked well-used yet inviting. The walls were painted in a warm shade of yellow, and the sunlight streamed in through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
The maids guided me through each room, pointing out the kitchen that had a small dining table and a window that overlooked the street. There was a small fireplace that looked like it could warm the place during colder months.
The bedroom was simple, with a large bed covered in soft linens and a window that opened to the garden. The atmosphere felt homely, and I couldn’t help but feel some hope despite my situation.
As I finished looking around, I noticed that the guards and the maids were still lingering nearby, chatting quietly among themselves.
I turned to them, curious. “Why aren’t you returning to the pack house?”
One of the maids stepped forward with a gentle smile. “Alpha Denderick ordered us to stay with you, to protect you and your son, and to help ease your domestic burdens.”
Great. So, I wasn’t just sent away from Denderick; I was kept under some form of house arrest. My heart sank further as I thought about it. Was this really for my protection? I could only assume that Alpha Logan was still a threat. Maybe Denderick genuinely wanted to keep me safe, but the thought of being trapped like this felt suffocating.
I moved to the window and looked outside, trying to clear my mind. My gaze landed on a woman in the garden next to my cottage. She had shoulder-length, red hair that shone brightly in the sunlight, and her complexion was a warm reddish hue that reminded me of autumn leaves. She was bending down, carefully picking some vegetables from the ground, and I felt a tug of sympathy for her. I decided to reach out.
“Excuse me!” I called out through the window. “Can I help you with that?”
The woman straightened up, her face lighting up with a smile. “Oh, that would be lovely! Thank you!”
I quickly turned to the maid. “Please watch Edward for me.”
She nodded, giving me a reassuring smile as I stepped outside. I walked over to the woman, and as I got closer, I noticed the way she cradled her belly. She must be pregnant, just like I was not too long ago.
“I’m Aria,” I introduced myself, trying to sound cheerful despite the heaviness in my heart. “I just moved in next door.”
“I’m Mia,” she replied. “It’s nice to meet you, Aria.”
I offered to help her carry the basket filled with freshly picked vegetables. It was heavier than it looked, but I managed to take it from her. “Where do you need to take this?” I asked, glancing at her with a smile.
“Just to my front door,” she said, pointing to a house that was right beside mine.
We walked in silence for a moment, and I took the opportunity to look around. The neighborhood was bustling, with people chatting and children playing. There was a sense of normalcy here that I craved, a life that felt so far removed from the chaos of the pack house.
I never thought about this, but being here was calming.
As we reached her front door, Mia turned to me, her eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you so much for your help, Aria. It means a lot to me.”
I smiled back at her. “Of course. I’m happy to help. I know what it feels like to be pregnant and alone. If you ever need anything, I’m next door.”
Mia stepped inside, but before she closed the door, she glanced back at me. “You’re welcome to come by anytime. It can get lonely sometimes, especially with the baby coming.”
I nodded, appreciating her kindness. “I might just take you up on that. Can I come in?”
Mia glanced around warily, as though searching for eavesdroppers, before nodding.
“Thank you,” she said as she opened the door wider. “My home is not much, but I’d like to offer you some tea.”
I hesitated, thinking about Edward, but the idea of sitting down and talking with someone felt like a welcome distraction. “Sure,” I agreed, following her inside.
Mia’s home was as cozy as mine, with personal touches that made it feel lived-in. If anything, it felt even more homely and brighter than mine. I took a slow look around in awe. This sure was a place I could spend a good deal of time.
We settled into the small kitchen, and she busied herself with preparing tea. I watched her move around, my thoughts drifting to the strange and painful events of the past few days.
Once the tea was ready, we sat across from each other at her table. Mia sipped her tea thoughtfully before she spoke. “You’re new here, aren’t you? I haven’t seen you around before.”
“Yes,” I replied, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I was staying at the pack house, but… things have changed.”
Mia’s brow shot up. “Are you…. are you that breeder everyone is talking about?”
I gave her a tight smile. “I can see that word travels fast around this pack.”
Mia chuckled. “Don’t worry, Aria. I don’t blame you for what happened. If I was in your shoes, I doubt I’d have had the bravery to run away like that. You did it to protect your child, and I understand that.”
I sighed, staring into the brown, swirling liquid that was my tea. “Well, despite all my running, I’m back to where I started, am I not?”
Mia nodded, her expression kind but curious. “It can be hard, coming back after running for so many months. Especially with everything going on. I know my sister has made things difficult for you.”
Her words made me pause, and my head shot up. “Your sister?”
Mia looked at me with a mixture of apology and resignation. “Yes, Giselle is my sister.”