Chapter 17
Aria’s POV
“No… stop.
I finally forced the words out between my teeth.
“We barely even started.” his voice was cold as ice.
“No, I’m begging you. Please, make it stop.” I clutched his hand, shaking.
He paused. Then said, “Nova, take him out.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
His hand was still covering my eyes. I heard footsteps, the sound of someone being dragged. And then silence.
When he finally let go, the officer was gone.
Only a faint smear of blood remained on the floor.
vaf
1 flinched again, but Grayson pulled me into his arms
“Let’s go.”
My legs felt weak, but I followed him as we walked out of the station. On our way out, I noticed the looks people were giving us—every single one filled with fear and awe
We went to the door. But instead of his silver Rolls–Royce, what was waiting outside… was a helicopter.
1 stared, completely stunned, as he picked me up and helped me inside.
“Why the helicopter?” I asked.
“I was a bit far from where you were,” he said simply.
“Alpha wanted to get here ASAP” Nova added with a grin as she climbed in behind us. “By the time I managed to sneak into the dinner. it was already late. And that place is at least three or four hours from the city by car. He couldn’t wait that long. A chopper was the fastest option. The old Alpha, Luna, and a bunch of high–ranking guests were all there–but the second Alpha heard about you, he walked out. Didn’t care what anyone said.”
“Nova” Grayson cut her off warningly.
She zipped her lips with a finger and faced forward.
“Will this cause problems for you?” I asked quietly, worried. “That dinner sounded… important.”
“That’s not your concern,” he said calmly, absentmindedly twirling a strand of my hair between his fingers.
The helicopter flew through the night sky. The city below sparkled like a sea of neon, breathtaking and surreal, I’d never seen skyline from this high up, and for a moment, I just leaned against the window, completely mesmerized.
the
“You like it?” he asked behind me.
“Yeah I’ve barely flown in my life.” I was just a small–town girl. The only time I’d ever been on a plane was when I left Frostpine Pack four years ago.
“I’ll take you flying myself one day,” he said
I looked up at him, surprised.
One day.
1 liked how that sounded.
1/4
9:47 AM
Chapter 17
Like we had time.
Like this was more than just a c
a contract
“But for now, we’re landing.”
The chopper hovered for a moment, then descended onto the hilltop beside his villa.
I was exhausted. All I could think about was grabbing a sandwich and some warm milk, taking a hot bath, and crashing face–first into bed.
But the moment we stepped out of the helicopter, I heard a familiar voice screaming from inside the house:
“LET GO OF ME–get your filthy hands off I’m Delilah Hart, you omega scum!”
1 froze.
Grayson gave Nova a subtle nod, and she gently tugged my hand. “Miss Collins, this way.
She led me toward the side. I glanced back and saw Grayson striding straight through the front doors.
*What’s going on?” I whispered. “Aren’t we going inside?”
“Oh, we will. Through the side entrance so nobody can see us,” Nova replied. “Things are about to get… ugly. Alpha doesn’t want you caught in the middle of it.”
She took me through the side, up a hallway, and then into an open balcony overlooking the grand hall. She pulled aside a gauzy curtain and gestured for me to look down.
What I saw made me cover my mouth in shock
Delilah was being held down by several guards in front of Grayson. Her hair was a mess, her clothes disheveled, and her face streaked with tears.
“What the hell happened?” I whispered.
“Lady Delilah’s little ‘prank earlier today pissed Alpha off. She’s in serious trouble, Nova whispered back.
“But they’re siblings.
Nova gave me a smirk. “The Hart siblings aren’t like normal siblings.
Just then, I heard Delilah yelling, her voice shrill and furious:
*Grayson, have you lost your damn mind?! It’s the full moon banquet and you drag me out in front of everyone like a criminal–what the hell are you trying to do?!”
“You did a stupid thing. There are consequences, Grayson said coldly.
Delilah squirmed furiously. “I know why you’re doing this. It’s that damn assistant of yours. You are getting back at me for her. God, how the hell did she get to you-?”
“Delilah Hart,” he said, voice like a blade, slicing the air. “Push me any further, and it’ll getawhole lot worse.”
Delilah clamped her mouth shut and burst into sobs.
An older wolf with gray hair stepped forward to stand beside her
“Alpha Grayson,” he said politely. The old Alpha and Luna sent me with Lady Delilah to better understand the situation. Regardless, Delilah is the heiress of Redstone Pack. Punishing her over a minor offense seems… unwise.”
“This isn’t minor,” Grayson snapped. “She brought a manipulative, power–hungry idiot into our family and has been defying me over and over because of him. Let this slide, and she’ll destroy everything the Hart family stands for,”
The elder sighed. “And what punishment does Alpha intend to give Lady Delilah?”
2/4
Chapter 17
“Ten lashes. And one month of house arrest.”
Gasps echoed around the hall.
Delilah’s eyes went wide with tears. “That’s crazy. Mommy and Daddy didn’t even hit me before! Elder Russell, tell him he can’t do this -I’m supposed to travel to Europe with Jace for the summit. He can’t lock me up!
“Two months,” Grayson growled. “Time away from that man will do you good.”
Elder Russell stepped in again. “Alpha, physical punishment is unnecessary, Delilah is still your sister–please don’t humiliate her like this.
“Then maybe next time she’ll think twice before humiliating someone else,” Grayson said coldly.
“You’re doing this to avenge her!” Delilah cried, sobbing. I swear, I didn’t really hurt her–Leven like her a little! It was all just a stupid joke! I was going to tell the cops to let her go even if you hadn’t come–I swear!”
My heart was pounding so hard it hurt.
Before I even realized what I was doing. I threw the curtain open and ran out.
Aria, no- Nova tried to stop me, but I was already halfway down the stairs.
-Stop!”
I rushed between Grayson and Delilah, shielding her with my body. “Wait, please. You don’t have to do this.”
Grayson’s jaw clenched, fury blazing in his eyes.
“Who said you could come down here?” he growled at me.
“She’s telling the truth,” I said quickly. “She didn’t really hurt me. I’ve been through worse in public school. I wasn’t injured anyway. So isn’t ten lashes too bit much?”
“Yeah, listen to her Grayson,” Delilah sobbed from behind me.
Grayson suddenly grabbed my arm, his grip like iron. I winced from the pain.
That’s when Elder Russell spoke up. “So this is your assistant, Alpha Grayson? I don’t believe I’ve met her. Would you mind introducing
“There’s no need,” Grayson growled.
“But I’m sure the old Alpha and Luna would be very curious to know who she is.”
“Then I’ll tell them it’s none of their business,” he snapped. Then turned to the guards. “Ten lashes. Now, Lock her in the dark room after.
But he wasn’t listening anymore.
He pulled me with him, storming off down the hallway.
I stumbled behind him, barely able to keep up. When I tripped and nearly fell, he just scooped me up and stormed faster.
He pushed open the door to my room and threw me inside. Then slammed the door shut behind us.
“What the fuck made you think you have a say in thi
He had me pinned to the wall in seconds, his hand on my throat, his eyes blazing with fury.
“Who the hell do you think you are?!”
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