Aria
I’ve been pacing this damn room ever since Sarita left, and honestly? I can’t decide if I’m going to the party or not. But urge to go is so fucking strong.
Then there’s a knock on the door. Great. More distractions. I yank it open, and in stroll Mia and Lily, laughing like they’re fresh off a comedy show.
“Hey, Aria, you’re up and looking better,” Mia notes, giving me the once-over like some kind of worried mom.
“Sarita just left,” I blurt out, crossing my arms.
Lily freezes mid-step. “Wait, what? Sarita was here? What the hell did she want?”
Oh, hell no. I narrow my eyes at both of them. “Hold up…how the fuck do you guys know who Sarita is?”
Mia tries playing dumb, blinking at me like she’s never heard the name before. “Uh, I don’t know… Who’s that?”
I glare at her. Not buying it. Not for a second. “Spill.”
She sighs, flopping onto the couch like a dramatic teenager. “Fine. Earlier, Lily and I went to Damon and Theo to ask who the chick with Alpha Lucas was, and, well…”
I throw my hands up, waving them around like I’m swatting flies. “Wait a damn minute! You knew she was his sister, and you just let me spiral into a meltdown? While I was losing my fucking mind over here?”
I’m staring daggers at both of them, but they look like two kids caught stealing cookies.
“Aria, we’re sorry,” Lily murmurs, her hands fidgeting.
“It was my idea,” Mia admits.
“What the actual fuck, Mia?” I snap. “Why would you keep that from me?”
“Because I was worried about you, okay? You’ve been stressing over Alpha Lucas, and I thought maybe you had feelings for him. I didn’t want you to get hurt by another asshole mate. Again.”
Oh no, she did not just go there. “You had no right to keep that from me!” I jab a finger in her direction, practically vibrating with anger. “Since when do we keep shit from each other, huh? Unbelievable.”
“Aria, we were just trying to protect you.”
“Protect me? From what Lily?”
“From Alpha Lucas! Mia shoots, her tone dripping with that fiery attitude she always has. I just stare at her, stunned. She’s not even trying to look sorry.
“What? Did I lie?” Her hands are on her hips now, fully committed to this argument. “You claim you don’t like him, but you’ve been in here bawling your eyes out for hours. He’s not good for you, Aria. He’s just gonna hurt you like Alpha Ethan did.”
“Mia!” Lily snaps, glaring at her, but Mia doesn’t flinch.
I look away, my vision blurring with tears.
“Say something, Aria,” Mia pushes, completely ignoring Lily’s warning look.
“What more do you want, Mia?” My chest heaves as I fight the tears threatening to spill. “Yes, I’m pathetic! Yes, I have the worst taste in mates! Yes, I like Alpha Lucas, and I’m a fucking idiot! Are you happy now?”
Mia opens her mouth, but I cut her off. “You all think I’m a joke, don’t you? Laughing behind my back like I’m some fucking fool.”
Lily steps toward me. “It’s not like that, Aria…”
“Don’t.” I shake my head and take a step back. “Just go. Both of you. I need to be alone.”
“Aria, come on. Please…” Lily’s voice cracks, but I don’t even look at her.
“Leave!”
For a second, neither of them moves. Then, Lily grabs Mia’s arm and pulls her toward the door. “We’ll come back when it’s time for the party,” Lily murmurs as they leave.
“Don’t bother,” I mutter. “I’m not going.”
The door shuts, and the silence hits me hard. My legs give out, and I collapse onto the cold floor, my tears finally spilling over.
Why does everyone act like I can just turn off my feelings? Like I’m some kind of robot that can flip a switch and stop caring? I’m trying. I swear I’m trying, but this mate bond? It’s a bitch.
And Lucas? That asshole hasn’t even bothered to check on me. His sister came, and still nothing. Not even a crumb of effort.
I stay on the floor, crying until my head feels like it’s going to split open. Finally, I drag myself to the bathroom. Maybe a hot shower will wash away this mess in my head.
By the time I’m out, my body feels a little lighter, but my heart? Still heavy. I lotion up, throw on a nightie, and flop onto my bed.
The party crosses my mind again. It’s starting soon, but I can’t bring myself to care. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Then there’s Gail, my wolf. She’s the worst. Always whining about Lucas, like she can’t take the hint that he doesn’t give a fuck about us. I blame her for this restless, aching feeling in my chest. She sucks. And honestly? So do I.
I close my eyes, praying for sleep, but it doesn’t come. Of course, it doesn’t. I toss and turn, the minutes ticking by until I finally sit up, groaning in frustration.
The clock says the party’s already started. Great. Just great. I run my fingers through my hair, debating for the millionth time whether I should go.
Just as I’m about to bury my head under a pillow again and avoid the world, Lily’s voice filters through a mind-link. Great. I could block her, but she’s persistent as hell, and I don’t have the energy for that fight.
‘It’s time for the party… Are you really not coming?’ Her voice pokes at my resolve, but I bite back the urge to roll my eyes.
‘No.’
‘Okay…’ There’s a long pause. I almost think she’s done, but then her voice comes back, softer this time. ‘Aria, we’re really sorry. I know Mia can be so damn insensitive sometimes, but she was genuinely worried about you.’
I let out a little scoff, even though I know she can’t hear it. Yeah, Mia’s idea of worry feels a lot like getting sucker-punched.
‘She’s sitting here sulking and looking miserable,’ Lily adds, probably trying to guilt me. It earns a dramatic eye roll from me, even if I’m alone in the room.
‘Look, no one can dictate your life. It’s time for you to take a stand, Aria. Do what’s best for you. Follow your heart.’
My throat tightens, and my cheeks feel damp. Damn her for knowing exactly what to say.
‘We’ll be here to support you,’ she continues, ‘just like always.”
‘Thanks, Lily,’ I mutter, cutting the link before my emotions can spill over any more.
Her words stick with me, though. It’s like a little spark lights up inside me. I glance at my phone. Thirty minutes into the party. Screw it. I’m going. I’m not gonna sit here like a sad, rejected pup while the world keeps spinning. It’s Christmas, damn it.
I leap out of bed and dig through my closet like a woman on a mission. My hands land on a long, blue evening gown that clings in all the right places. Perfect. I slide into it, glancing in the mirror and smirking at my reflection. Damn, I look good.
A quick swipe of makeup here, a dab there, and I’m ready. I pause, frowning a little when I remember Lucas bought me this dress. Ugh, whatever. He doesn’t deserve a second thought tonight.
Tonight is about me. About having fun. About forgetting every asshole mate who’s ever made me feel like this.
I toss my hair over my shoulder and smirk at my reflection. Fuck Lucas. Fuck Ethan. Fuck the mate bond. And screw you, Gail, for still pining over Lucas.
This is my night. Time to have some fun.