Aria
I can’t believe this is my last night on this damn ship. Tomorrow, it’s back to land and real life, and man, I am not ready. Reality’s gonna hit harder than the Wi-Fi on this floating tin can. I stroll into the cafeteria, scanning the place, and there they are-Lily and Mia, waving at me like I’m a celebrity or something. I flash them a grin and make my way over.
“You guys got us some ice cream,” I say, plopping into a seat. But they’re just sitting there, giving me these cheeky-ass grins like they know something I don’t. I narrow my eyes. “Okay, why the hell are you two looking at me like that?”
“Nothing…” Mia singsongs, her smirk growing wider. “It’s just that we haven’t seen you since, oh, the crack of dawn when you disappeared with Alpha Lucas.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve been fucking all day.”
“Lily!” I fake pout, trying to act all innocent, but then I break into a grin. “Okay, fine. You’re not wrong. We’ve been, uh… busy. Different positions, different styles.”
They both squeal like I just told them Chris Evans proposed to me. Lily grabs my arm. “You bad fucking bitch!”
“How many times have you done it on this ship?” Mia asks, her jaw practically on the table.
I tap a finger against my lips, pretending to think. “Hmm… maybe five times? Give or take.”
“FIVE TIMES?” They both gasp so loud, half the cafeteria turns to look.
“You two are so fucking horny,” Lily says, shaking her head.
“Oh, come on! Five times in two weeks isn’t that much,” I argue, shrugging like it’s no big deal.
“I’m so fucking jealous,” Lily groans, slamming her spoon down dramatically. “I haven’t even gotten laid this whole tour!”
“That’s because you were busy eye-fucking Theo instead of shooting your shot,” Mia snaps, rolling her eyes.
Lily crosses her arms with a pout. “Okay, fair. I had a massive crush on Theo. But he’s found his mate now, and she seems cool, so whatever.”
I reach over to pat her hand like we’re in some kind of therapy circle. “Don’t worry, babe. Your mate’s out there somewhere.”
“I hope so, Aria.”
And there’s Mia, rolling her eyes so hard. “Wow, Lily’s dying to find her mate, and I’m over here praying mine would reject me already.”
“Mia, come on! Why don’t you just give Damon a chance? He’s been bending over backward to talk to you!”
“She’s right, Mia,” I chime in, pointing my spoon at her like I’m making some grand point. “After tomorrow, he’s heading back to Shadow Pang Pack, and you’re going to Full Moon. You gotta figure this shit out.”
Mia groans and throws her hands up. “I did figure it out! I rejected him, and he’s refusing to accept it. I swear, I’m so fucking tired of his persistence. He’ll get bored eventually.”
I sigh but don’t push it. Mia’s stubborn as hell, and trying to reason with her is like arguing with a brick wall. I just hope she’s not making a huge mistake.
I scoop a bite of my peppermint ice cream, savoring the sweet, minty goodness when Mia suddenly narrows her eyes at me. “Aria, what’s running through that dirty little head of yours right now?”
I pause mid-bite, blinking at her. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about,” she says, leaning forward like she’s interrogating me. “Tomorrow-are you going with Alpha Lucas to his pack or back to Full Moon with us?”
The spoon clatters from my hand as I sigh. “Full Moon, of course. I have to renounce the pack in front of Alpha Stevens since I was his stupid son’s mate.”
“And then you’re leaving,” Lily says with the saddest pout I’ve ever seen.
My chest tightens. “You know I’d never wanna leave you guys. But I can’t stay in that pack-not after all the threats and shitty treatment. I’m done.”
Mia sighs, swirling her ice cream around. “You’re right. Go out there and fight for your happiness. We’ll be rooting for you, babe.”
I laugh dryly. “Yeah, fight for my happiness. Because I’m so sure Alpha Marcus will accept me as Lucas’s mate. That man despises me.”
Lily’s eyes go wide as saucers. “So what if he doesn’t? You know Alpha Ethan and his dad will never forgive you or take you back.”
“Oh, please,” I scoff. “I’m never going back there. If Alpha Marcus won’t accept us, Lucas and I will leave.”
Mia chokes on her ice cream, while Lily’s jaw hits the floor. “You’re going rogue?” Mia gasps.
“Damn straight,” I say with a grin. “Just me and Lucas. Away from all this bullshit.”
“That’s so fucking romantic,” Lily says, clasping her hands.
“Right?” Mia adds. “No matter what, we’ve got your back, Aria.”
“Thanks, guys,” I reach for their hands and squeeze them. “Love ya.”
“We love you too, you horny bitch.” Mia says and Lily laughs.
……
The ship finally docks, and everyone starts filing out with their luggage, all smiles and cheers. The air is buzzing with excitement-probably because we’re all finally free to shift into our wolves and go for some much-needed run in the woods. Honestly, I’m just as excited. It’s been way too long since I’ve had a good run, and this time I’ll get to run with Lucas. I can already picture our wolves chasing each other, playing like pups. Yeah, I’m giddy, okay? Don’t judge me.
Lucas walks beside me, carrying both his suitcase and mine because he refuses to let me lift a finger. Such a gentleman, right? Well, until he gets all bossy.
“We’re here,” he says, snapping me out of my daydream. I glance around and spot a sleek black SUV parked nearby. Of course, Lucas has the fanciest ride waiting.
He sets the luggage down and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. His warmth is instant, and I melt into him. “Remember what we talked about,” he says softly, his eyes locking with mine.
I nod, gripping his shirt like he might disappear if I let go.
“Just wait for me, okay? And if you need anything, mind-link me immediately.”
Another nod from me.
“No, scratch that,” he says, his brows drawing together like he’s hatching a genius plan. “Let’s mind-link every thirty minutes. Just in case.”
“Lucas,” I laugh, shaking my head. “I’ll be fine. Seriously, don’t worry so much.”
“If they try anything, and I mean anything, don’t hesitate. Call me right away.”
“I won’t,” I promise, though his protectiveness is making my heart do this weird fluttery thing.
He sighs, clearly not convinced. “I don’t like this, Aria. I really don’t think you should go back to that pack.”
I smile up at him, trying to reassure him. “I’ll be fine, Lucas. I’ve got this.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to give you a ride?” he asks, his fingers brushing softly against my cheek.
I nod toward Mia and Lily, who are waiting off to the side with their bags. “We’re going together. I’ll be okay.”
He nods reluctantly, and I can see he’s still not thrilled. I stand on my tiptoes and press a soft kiss to his lips, my hands resting on his chest.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” he whispers against my lips.
“Me too. But this isn’t goodbye, right?”
“Hell no,” he says, glaring at me like I’ve just insulted him.
And then he leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s equal parts passionate and possessive. His tongue slides against mine, and I swear I’m seeing fireworks. When we finally pull apart, he presses his forehead to mine, both of us catching our breath.
“Take care.”
Before I can respond, Serena appears out of nowhere, arms crossed and glaring at me like I just stole her favorite pair of designer heels. “So you’ve made your decision, Lucas,” she sneers. “You chose this bitch?”
“Watch your mouth,” Lucas warns sharply.
“You’re going to regret this,” she snaps, her eyes narrowing at me. “I can’t wait to hear what your father has to say.” With that, she storms off, her heels clicking dramatically against the pavement.
I force a smile, but my heart is pounding like crazy. Of course Lucas notices. He always notices.
“Relax, Aria,” he says softly, his hands squeezing my waist gently. “Please.”
I nod, trying to convince both of us. “I’ll be fine.”
He kisses me one last time, slow and lingering, like he’s memorizing the feel of my lips. Then the driver grabs his luggage and loads it into the SUV. Theo follows, while Damon is still busy trying to win over Mia.
Mia isn’t having it. She doesn’t even glance at him, just brushes him off like a fly. Poor guy finally gives up and stalks off to join Lucas and Theo in the car.
I wave at Lucas as the SUV pulls away, my chest tightening. I have to blink back tears because damn it, I hate this. I don’t want to let him go.
Mia and Lily walk over, bags in hand. “Are you okay?” Lily asks.
I nod quickly, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. And you?” I glance at Mia.
“I’m fine,” she says, but her clipped tone tells a different story. Her eyes are full of regret as she stares after the SUV. She’s not fooling anyone.
“Well,” Mia says briskly, “let’s go. Our taxi’s waiting.”
“Have you seen Ethan?” I ask as we start walking.
“He already left,” Lily says. “Looked pissed. I don’t think he’s gonna make this easy for you. Him and Alpha Stevens? They’re gonna be a nightmare.”
“Maybe you should just run,” Mia suggests, deadpan.
“And have them hunt me down and label me a traitor? No thanks.” I shake my head, squaring my shoulders. “I’m going there to end things, officially. Let’s do this.”
Here’s hoping I don’t regret it.