Daniel’s POV.
When I first saw her, running through the streets with tears streaking her face, I felt something stir within me-something I hadn’t felt in years. It was a pull, a spark of destiny I thought had been snuffed out long ago. For a fleeting moment, I let myself believe it might be real. That the universe, in its infinite wisdom, had somehow granted me a second chance.
But as I sat across from Aria in the cafe, listening to her voice tremble as she unraveled her story, I knew the truth.
She wasn’t my mate.
She couldn’t be.
My mate had died five years ago, just days before our mating ceremony. She had been my everything-my anchor, my purpose, the one who made life worth living. Her death had shattered me completely, leaving me a hollow, broken shell of the man I once was. In the aftermath, I had walked away from it all. My pack, my title, my future as an Alpha. I convinced myself there was nothing left for me in the world of wolves. Nothing but pain. So, I chose a quieter, simpler existence among humans, trying to rebuild a life that would never feel whole again.
But now, as I looked at Aria-fragile yet unyielding, vulnerable yet strong-I realized I had been lying to myself all along.
She wasn’t my mate. But she could be something else. Something just as significant.
She could be my Luna.
There was something about Aria that drew me in. The way her strength shone through her pain, the way she carried herself despite the weight of her heartbreak. Her story of betrayal and suffering had stirred something deep inside me-not just anger at the man who had hurt her, but a sense of opportunity.
Zander.
I knew his name well. His reputation as a cold, ruthless Alpha had reached far and wide, but hearing what he had done to Aria made my blood boil. Breaking their bond, discarding her like she was nothing more than an inconvenience-it disgusted me.
But she wasn’t nothing. She was strong. Beautiful. Full of untapped potential.
And she could be my way back.
I had regretted leaving my title as Alpha for years. At first, it felt like the right decision-to live without the weight of pack politics, without the endless struggles for power and control. But as time passed, the regret crept in, growing stronger with every passing year. I missed the authority, the purpose, the respect that came with being a leader. I missed the strength that came from belonging to something greater than myself.
That regret had festered, and now, sitting across from Aria, I saw my chance to reclaim everything I had lost.
If Aria agreed to be my Luna, I could rise again-this time stronger, more determined, and with a partner who could help me unite the packs. Together, we could rebuild my legacy. With her by my side, I could claim the title of Alpha King.
But first, I would need to convince her.
The answer was simple: I would make her believe she was my mate.
—
As Aria spoke, her voice trembling with the weight of her pain, I kept my expression calm and reassuring. Every word she said only solidified my plan. She was vulnerable, searching for a way out, desperate for a fresh start. It would be easy to step into the role of her protector, her savior.
And if she fell for me in the process, all the better.
“You didn’t deserve any of that,” I said softly, my voice steady and filled with conviction. “What Zander did to you was heartless and cruel. It says far more about him than it ever will about you.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked away, her hands tightening around her coffee mug.
“You’re not broken, Aria,” I continued, leaning forward slightly to emphasize my words. “You’ve been hurt, yes, but you’re still here. You’re still fighting. That counts for something.”
She gave a small, shaky nod, her gratitude shining in her tear-filled eyes.
Good. She was starting to trust me.
When she mentioned wanting to go to London to continue her studies, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to strengthen my hold on her.
“I can help you make that happen,” I said, keeping my tone casual but confident, as if the solution was simple.
Her eyes widened slightly, her surprise evident. “Help? How?”
I smiled, leaning back in my chair. “I’m a lecturer at a university in London,” I explained, watching her reaction carefully. “I left my pack a few years ago to live among humans. Teaching has given me a sense of purpose, and I’ve built a lot of connections in the city. I can help you get enrolled, find housing, and settle in. Whatever you need.”
Her surprise quickly turned to relief, and she smiled-a small, hesitant smile, but a smile nonetheless.
“Why would you do that for me?” she asked quietly, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“Because I’ve been where you are,” I said, my voice gentle but firm. “I know what it’s like to feel lost, to want a fresh start but not know how to get it. Someone helped me once, and now it’s my turn to pay it forward.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. I had been lost once, and someone had helped me. But my motives now weren’t entirely selfless.
If I could get her to trust me, to see me as someone who truly cared for her, I could make her mine.
At the same nights, I reached out to my contacts at the university, ensuring her enrollment was expedited. I secured a comfortable apartment near campus, one that was safe and close enough for me to keep an eye on her. I walked her through every step of the process, making sure she felt supported and cared for.
She was grateful. Almost too grateful.
“Thank you, Daniel,” she said one evening as we finished sorting her travel documents. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” I said with a warm smile, masking the satisfaction I felt. “Just focus on building the life you deserve. That’s all I want for you.”
Her eyes softened, and I saw the flicker of trust I had been waiting for.
She was starting to let her guard down.
—
On the morning of our flight to London, I stood outside her apartment, waiting for her to come out. When she finally emerged, carrying a small suitcase, she looked lighter somehow-freer, as though the weight of her past had started to lift.
“Ready?” I asked, smiling at her.
She nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. “I think so.”
I took her suitcase and loaded it into the car, then opened the door for her. It was a small gesture, but I could see how much she appreciated it.
As we drove to the airport, I glanced at her every now and then. She stared out the window, her expression thoughtful, as though she were already imagining her new life.
“You’re going to love London,” I said, breaking the silence. “It’s a beautiful city. And the university is one of the best in the world. You’ll thrive there, Aria.”
She turned to me, her eyes soft. “I hope so. I really need this fresh start.”
“You’ll get it,” I assured her. “And I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.”
She smiled, and I felt a surge of pride.
Everything was going according to plan.
—
The flight to London was long, but I used the time to talk to her about the city, the university, and her dreams.
“You’ll do amazing things,” I told her as we landed. “I have no doubt about that.”
She blushed slightly, looking down at her hands. “Thank you, Daniel. For everything. I don’t think I could have done this without you.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” I said softly. “Just focus on building the life you deserve. That’s all I want for you.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. I did want her to build a life for herself. But I also wanted to be a part of it.
I wanted her to see me as more than just a friend.
As we settled into the car headed for her new apartment, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction. I had done it. I had brought her to London, away from Zander, away from her past.
Now, it was just a matter of time.
I would be by her side, supporting her, earning her trust.
And when the time was right, I would tell her what she needed to hear-that she was meant to be my Luna, my partner.
She didn’t need to know the truth about my mate.
She didn’t need to know that this was all part of a plan.
Because in the end, I would protect her. I would cherish her. I would give her the life she deserved.
Even if it meant building that life on a lie.