Aria’s POV
“Grayson!” I gasped.
“Come here.”
He reached out his hand, and I rushed over without hesitation, letting him pull me into his arms.
All the fear and anxiety that had been eating away at me while he was gone just disappeared in that moment.
I sniffled, blinking fast–I was honestly going to cry.
“I heard what you said just now, Isla,” Grayson said coldly. His voice was low and sharp like a blade. “What was that about Aria should be ashamed enough to leave on her own?”
Isla swallowed hard.
And I swear to god, I saw a flicker of panic flash across her face.
“It’s… It’s nothing, really,” she said after a pause. “I just thought she might be scared after what happened last night, so I suggested she find somewhere safe to stay for a while. Since I’m here, there’s no need for her to get involved.”
“That is not what you said at all!” I snapped. “You said my wolf was too weak, and I should know my place and get the hell away from Grayson!”
Grayson’s arm tightened around me. “Is that true?” he growled, voice low and deadly.
“Of course not.” Isla said quickly.
I had to hand it to her: she could lie with a straight face, even make herself look hurt while doing it.
“Aria clearly misunderstood,” she continued with an innocent expression. “I mean, I am your ex–wife. It’s not surprising she’d take my words the wrong way. I totally get it.”
“And even if Isla did want her gone, so what?” the old Luna snapped. “Look at the two of them, son. One’s a proper lady from a noble
background, and the other’s just some low–born trash with no grace and no class. Do you really need to ask which one belongs at your side?”
“If you want to marry Isla again, you have our full support,” his father added.
“Enough!” Grayson barked, his voice echoing through the room. “I’ve made it clear–Aria is the only woman I want. If either of you meddles in my life again, maybe it’s time you two went and stayed somewhere else for a while.”
They both looked pissed, but neither of them dared talk back.
Of course. They had no problem bullying me when Grayson was away. But now that he was standing right in front of them? Not a damn word.
“So what are you two even doing here?” he asked coldly.
“We’re here to check on you, son. You were hurt. Of course we were worried…”
“Well, now you’ve seen me. You can leave. You being here will only make things worse,” he said with brutal calm.
The old Alpha and Luna shared a furious glance, then both threw a nasty glare at me before storming out.
1/3
Aug
Chapter 96
1 let out a quiet breath. One thing was clear now: my relationship with his parents was now officially beyond repair.
Grayson turned to Isla. “And thank you, for what you did last night.”
She smiled. “It’s nothing. I used to help you like that all the time when we were married. Don’t you remember? I was happy to do it.”
“That’s exactly the problem,” his voice turned distant. “We’re not married anymore. And it’s not your place to help me like that. I have Aria now. The only person I want at my side is her.”
Isla’s eyes widened.
For the first time, that perfect mask of hers cracked. I saw her struggling to keep her expression under control.
After a few seconds of silence, she forced a small smile. “You don’t have to be so cruel, Grayson. Even if we’re divorced, we’re still friends. You
don’t need to push me away like that.”
“Even friends need boundaries. And I’m sure Aria wouldn’t mind helping me when I’m having a hard time. Right, Aria?” he turned to me.
I looked up at him, my heart full. God, I had never loved a man more.
“Of course I don’t mind. I’d do anything for you,” I said, squeezing his hand.
Isla’s eyes flicked down to our joined hands. And I swear, I saw a flash of something nasty in her gaze.
“Of course. It makes sense you’d want your girlfriend close,” she said with a dazzling smile. “But Aria’s wolf is not that strong, and she’s injured. So I just thought it was better for me to step in last night…”
“Which is exactly why we need to get Aria healed as soon as possible, right?” Grayson said, eyes narrowing at her. “Isn’t that why you’re so eager to help me?”
There was a beat of silence. She looked embarrassed.
“Where’s Alpha Otto? I think it’s time we had a talk,” Grayson said.
“…I’ll go get him,” Isla replied, then turned and left.
The moment the door shut behind her, I spun around and hugged Grayson tightly.
He wrapped his arms around me, gently kissing the top of my head. “I’m so sorry, babe. Did I scare you last night?”
“No, I just… They wouldn’t let me see you,” I said, choking up. “They said I couldn’t help you with anything, and that I should stay far away from you. God, I was so afraid…”
I rambled, voice cracking. He kissed my face again and again, comforting me.
“Damn it. I should’ve been there for you. You shouldn’t have had to go through that alone,” he growled. “And I’m sorry you had to see me like that. It’s been a long time since I had such a bad episode.”
“Don’t apologize. None of this is your fault. I knew what I was signing up for, and I chose to stay by your side.” I hesitated, then added softly, “And… it got me thinking. Maybe I should start taking my condition more seriously.”
I had to face the truth.
No one would take me seriously without a strong wolf.
Maybe mine wasn’t as powerful as others‘, but I wanted her to at least be there when I needed her the most.
2/3
12:42 Sun, Tu Aug
Chapter 96
“Good. Then let’s hear what Alpha Otto has to say,” he said.
A little while later, the door opened again. Isla walked in, followed by Alpha Otto.
The guy looked he hadn’t cooled off one bit. He was still bruised and bloody from the fight last night.
“Why the hell am I still looking at him?!” he shouted the moment he stepped in. “There’s nothing left to talk about! I’m going home to start a war. First blood for the humiliation ten years ago and last night!”
“A war? You?” Grayson let out a dark laugh.
Otto’s face twisted with fury. “You want to try me, Grayson? Go ahead. I’m not fucking afraid of you!”
“Well you should be. Just because my father couldn’t finish the job ten years ago, doesn’t mean I won’t.” Grayson’s voice was ice–cold. “Now sit down. We’re going to talk about Aria’s treatment. And you’re not going to argue, or negotiate.”
A tense silence fell over the room.
Otto looked like he was about to explode. But instead, he stormed over and dropped into the couch, looking furious.
“Fine,” he snapped. “You want to talk about the girl’s treatment? Let’s talk.”
“Do you already have a plan?” I asked quietly.
He glanced at me. “Like I said, your condition isn’t that hard to treat. The key is time. You need at least 5 sessions over 3 months.”
“Simple. You stay here in Red Stone Pack and treat her,” Grayson said immediately.
Otto rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding? I’m an Alpha. I’m not staying in your damn territory for your damn little girlfriend. Send her to White
River Pack.”
“No way. You can’t be trusted,” Grayson growled.
“Guys,” Isla cut in, “how about a compromise? There’s a border town between Red Stone and White River. I know Otto has a medical facility
there. Aria can receive treatment there.”
Otto shrugged. “Fine with me. Grayson?”
Grayson looked at me. “What do you think, Aria?”
I hesitated, unease curling in my stomach.
Going to a completely unfamiliar city to be treated by Otto… Something about it felt off. I had a bad feeling. And my gut was usually right.
But it also felt like my only choice. If I didn’t want to lose the right to stay by Grayson’s side, I had to take the risk.
