Aria’s POV
Pain.
That was the first thing I felt. A dull throbbing at the back of my head, spreading through my limbs like a slow burn.
I groaned, forcing my heavy eyelids open. Where am I?
The room was dimly lit, but I recognized it instantly. The massive bed, the dark wooden furniture, and the faint scent of cedar and musk. My heart stopped when I realized I was in Kian’s room. I shot up from the bed, memories flooding back with crushing intensity.
Kian.
Lucian.
The fight.
The way Kian’s fist had swung—and I had been caught in the crossfire.
Panic surged through me as I tried to stand, but dizziness had me gripping the edge of the bed for support. Why am I here?
I needed to leave. Now. I took a step toward the door when his voice reached my ears.
“You’re awake.”
I froze. Slowly, I turned to find Kian standing by the window, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes, golden and piercing, were locked onto me.
“The pack doctor just left,” he said, his expression unreadable.
I swallowed hard. He had taken care of me? Why?
I expected hatred. Indifference. After all, he had rejected me.
But standing here, in his room, with his scent surrounding me, all I felt was everything I shouldn’t. I had spent three years tending to this room. Changing the sheets. Making the bed. Pretending not to be affected by the lingering scent of him. And now, I was in his bed. I needed to go before I made a mistake.
I took another cautious step toward the door but Kian moved faster. The next minute, he was in front of me, caging me in. I stumbled back until my back hit the wall. Trapped. His lips hovered just above mine, his breath warm against my skin.
I sucked in a sharp breath. What is he doing?
For a moment, I thought and hoped he was going to kiss me. My heart hammered. But then, he pulled away.
His expression darkened. “Why did you kiss him?”
I tried to find words, but they tangled in my throat. How was I supposed to explain that I hadn’t expected it? That I had been just as shocked as he was?
I saw his jaw clenched.
“Speak.” The command was sharp, almost growled.
I shut my eyes for a moment, gathering courage. Then, I opened them and met his furious gaze.
“Just like any wolf,” I whispered, “I also need a mate, Alpha.”
His entire body went still. His expression turned cold, his walls snapping back into place.
“Stay away from Lucian,” he said, voice like ice.
A sharp pang shot through my chest. I had no idea what I had expected. But it wasn’t this. His gaze was distant now, as if I meant nothing. As if he hadn’t just fought his own brother because of me.
“Leave. Now.”
And just like that, I was dismissed.