Aria
I can’t fucking believe it’s almost New Year. I wrap my arms around Lucas’s neck, resting my forehead against his. “This trip went by way too fast,” I breathe out, the cool ocean breeze brushing against my skin.
We’re out on the ship’s deck, way past midnight. Christmas lights are strung everywhere, twinkling like tiny stars, and the full moon’s hanging low, casting this soft glow over everything. It’s… magical.
“Yeah,” Lucas says, his fingers running lazy circles on my waist. “Didn’t want it to end. Now we gotta go back to school.”
I laugh. “At least we’ll be together.”
His gray eyes soften, and then he hits me with that hopeful look. “So… have you made a decision?”
I bite my lip, dragging out the suspense just to mess with him, but then I nod. “Yeah. I wanna move in with you.”
His face lights up like I just handed him the damn moon. “Yes!” He practically shouts it before crashing his lips onto mine, lifting me slightly off the ground. His kiss is deep and heated, making my head spin, and when he finally pulls back, he’s grinning like an idiot. “I’m gonna take care of you, baby.”
I snort, raising a brow. “Oh yeah? Do you even have enough money to do that?”
He chuckles, that sexy, low sound rumbling in his chest. “Well, I do have a part-time gig at the shipping company. Pays decent enough.”
I smile, but something inside twists. The happy buzz fades just a little. He notices it immediately. “Aria? What’s wrong?”
I swallow hard. “I heard from Sarita.”
His whole face shifts-eyes hardening, jaw clenching. “Seriously?” He rolls his eyes.
“Lucas, he’s dying.” I search his face, hoping for something, but he just scoffs.
“And so fucking what? Why should I care if that asshole’s dying?” His voice sharpens, but I catch the flicker of pain behind his anger.
“Because he’s your father.” My voice cracks a little. “You don’t have to forgive him, but just…just go see him before it’s too late.”
His nostrils flare as he pulls away slightly, running a hand through his messy hair. “Aria, have you forgotten what he did? To me? To you? To my mom? Your parents?”
The memories sting like open wounds, but I still nod. “I know. I haven’t forgotten. And I still hate him too. But if you don’t see him before he dies… you might regret it. He’s been apologizing, Lucas. Over and over.”
“I don’t give a shit.”
“Lucas…”
He sighs. “And let me guess…he wants me to take over as alpha, right?”
I hesitate, then nod. “Yeah. He does.”
He glances out at the ocean, his jaw ticking. “I mean, part of me wants it. But… I’ve also seen what life’s like outside the pack. It’s not so bad, you know?”
I place my hand on his cheek, turning him to face me. “But you have a responsibility, Lucas. To the pack, to your friends. If your dad dies without an alpha, the other packs will definitely strike. You know that.”
He stays quiet for a beat, lost in thought. Finally, he sighs and looks back at me. “Fine. I’ll go see him.”
I exhale in relief, but then he adds, “But only if you come with me… and agree to be my Luna.”
My eyes widen. “Lucas-”
“That’s the deal, Aria.” His tone is soft, but there’s a hint of that alpha authority sneaking through.
I chew on my bottom lip, pretending to think it over, but honestly? My heart’s already screaming yes. “Alright. I’ll think about it. But for now, can we just focus on us?”
“That’s all I want.” He pulls me closer, his arms wrapping tightly around my waist. Our bodies fit together so perfectly, like we were made for this moment. His eyes are locked on mine, intense and full of emotion. “Thank you, Aria. Thank you for coming into my life and making it better.”
My heart races like crazy, his words sinking deep. Goddess, this man kills me.
“I love you,” he whispers, brushing his thumb against my cheek.
I smile, feeling my entire body melt into him. “I love you too, baby.”
His lips meet mine again, slow this time…gentle but intense, filled with so much emotion I feel like I’m floating.
“10… 9… 8…” People around us start counting down, just as we pull apart.
Lucas’s hands tighten around me, and we stay locked in each other’s gaze as the numbers hit zero.
“Boom!” Fireworks light up the sky, reflecting in Lucas’s gray eyes.
“Happy New Year, baby,” he murmurs, resting his forehead against mine.
“Happy New Year.” I smile, then bury my face into his chest, breathing him in.
I close my eyes, listening to the distant fireworks, the sound of the waves crashing below us, and the steady thump of his heart under my ear.
After everything…the pain, the chaos, the heartbreak.. I’m exactly where I belong. Wrapped in his arms, safe, loved… and ready for whatever comes next.