Zander’s POV.
The morning was quiet, but my mind was anything but. My conversation with Aria the night before still lingered in my thoughts-the way she had walked into my study with the Gucci box, oblivious to the storm she had unknowingly stirred. Asher’s audacity to give her a gift, to even look at her, burned in my chest like a fire I couldn’t extinguish.
I couldn’t let him believe, even for a second, that he could toy with me or what was mine. As much as Aria frustrated me-her sharp words, her stubborn defiance, her refusal to meet me halfway-she was still my Luna. That title wasn’t just a ceremonial one; it carried power, authority, and the need for unwavering respect.
And I wasn’t about to let Asher, or anyone else for that matter, undermine her or the position she held at my side. If I let this slide, if I let anyone think they could challenge her, it wouldn’t just make her look weak-it would make *me* look weak. And weakness was something I couldn’t afford.
I forced those thoughts to the back of my mind, pushing aside the anger that simmered just beneath the surface. There was something more pressing, something I couldn’t avoid any longer. The events of the last few days had left too many things unsaid, too many cracks in the fragile foundation Aria and I were trying to build. I needed to address it before it grew into something I couldn’t fix. As much as I hated emotional conversations, this one couldn’t wait.
I found Aria in the sitting room, tucked away in one of the oversized armchairs by the window. The evening sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a soft glow on her face. She was curled up, her legs drawn under her, with a thick textbook resting on her lap. I couldn’t quite make out the title, but it didn’t matter. She looked up as soon as I entered, her calm expression betraying just the faintest hint of tension. Her shoulders were stiff, her fingers gripping the edges of the book a little too tightly. I could tell she was still carrying the weight of yesterday’s chaos, even if she tried to pretend otherwise.
“We need to talk,” I said, stepping further into the room. My voice was firm, but I made an effort to keep it steady, almost gentle. I didn’t want to come across as confrontational-not yet. I needed her to listen, not argue. If this turned into a fight, we’d both leave the conversation with more scars than resolutions.
Aria’s eyes flicked up from the book, her dark gaze narrowing slightly. There was always something sharp about the way she looked at me, as if she was constantly on guard, ready to defend herself. Slowly, she closed the book and placed it on the small wooden table beside her. Her movements were deliberate, composed, but there was an edge to them, like she was preparing for a confrontation. “What is it now, Zander?” she asked, her tone sharp and tinged with irritation. Her voice was calm, but I could hear the subtle challenge underneath it, daring me to say something she wouldn’t like.
I ignored the bite in her voice, stepping closer to her. There was no time for a fight over her attitude; I had something important to discuss. “We’ve been invited to a party tomorrow night,” I began, keeping my tone as neutral as I could. “It’s being hosted by the Moonlight Pack.”
Her brow furrowed slightly, the faintest hint of curiosity flickering in her expression. “And?” she asked, tilting her head as though waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I took a deep breath and continued, making sure to choose my words carefully. “And,” I said, meeting her gaze, “this isn’t just any party. It’s a formal event-a gathering of Alphas and Lunas from the most influential packs in the region. These events are about more than just food and conversation. They’re about alliances, politics, and ensuring that our pack remains strong.” My voice grew firmer as I added, “As the Alpha and Luna of the Silverfang Pack, we’re not just invited-we’re expected to attend.”
Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. She looked like she wanted to say something biting, something to push back against me, but then she stopped herself. Instead, she sighed heavily, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned back into the chair. “So, we have to play the perfect couple again,” she said flatly, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Her words hit harder than I expected, her meaning clear. She didn’t see us as a real couple-just two people pretending, bound by duty and nothing more. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm even though her words stung. “This isn’t just for appearances, Aria,” I said, my voice sharper now, though I restrained the anger bubbling beneath the surface. “It’s about more than us. This is our duty-your duty as Luna. If we don’t show up, it won’t just reflect badly on me. It’ll be seen as a sign of weakness for the entire pack. And I won’t let anyone think for even a second that we’re weak.”
She studied me in silence, her sharp gaze locked on mine as though she were searching for cracks in the armor I so carefully wore. Her expression was unreadable, her lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she nodded, though her reluctance was clear. “Fine,” she said, her voice clipped. “I’ll go. But don’t expect me to enjoy it.”
I exhaled slowly, giving her a brisk, curt nod. Her agreement was enough for now, even if her attitude left much to be desired. “Make sure you’re ready by 7,” I said shortly, turning to leave the room. “We’ll leave then. Don’t be late.”
I walked away before she could say anything else, though I could feel her eyes boring into my back as I went. The tension between us was as thick as ever, but there was no time to deal with that now. Tomorrow’s party wasn’t just another social gathering-it was a test. For both of us. And I needed her to understand what was at stake.