Kian’s POV
I was pissed.
No, pissed was an understatement. I was fuming.
The moment Aria had walked out of my room, leaving me with that haunting look in her eyes, I had felt something inside me crack. A part of me wanted to call her back. But I didn’t, because I was a fool. A fool who had already made one mistake and was now making another by letting her go.
I had spent the past hour pacing my damn room, unable to shake off the image of Lucian touching and kissing her.
That bastard.
I had told her to stay away from him. I had given her an order, but Aria—being the stubborn woman she was—had ignored it. And Lucian, being the opportunistic snake that he was, had taken full advantage.
He fucking kissed her.
I had nearly lost my mind right there. I had ordered her to stay away, and instead, she had gone right into his arms. I was gripping the edge of my desk so hard my knuckles turned white when the door burst open.
“Hey, baby!”
Danielle’s shrill voice grated against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Before I could react, she threw herself into my arms, squeezing me tightly.
I didn’t return the hug, I didn’t even move. She didn’t seem to notice or maybe she just didn’t care because she pulled back and began rambling excitedly.
“So, I told my father about your ascension as Alpha, and he was thrilled. He wants you to visit soon, you know, since I’m going to be your Luna and all…”
She kept talking, but I wasn’t listening. All I could see was red. Then she said the one thing that sent my patience snapping.
“…since I am going to become your Luna soon, and—”
“Shut up.”
Danielle froze. Her mouth hung open, her eyes wide with disbelief. She blinked at me like she wasn’t sure she had heard correctly.
I had never talked to her this way before, we never talk when she’s on top of me, but there was a first time for everything. I took a slow step forward, my gaze locked onto hers.
“You are not my Luna yet,” I bit out. “And you sure as hell don’t get to order my people around like you own the damn place.”
Her face twisted in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
I scoffed. “Don’t play dumb, Danielle. You told Aria never to come near my room again.”
She swallowed hard. "I—I just thought—"
"Don’t," I snapped. "Don’t lie to me, Danielle. You thought what? That you could control everything? That you could claim a title that isn't even yours yet? How dare you?
She bristled. "What are you saying?"
"I need a Luna, not a spoiled brat who thinks she’s above everyone else!" My voice came out sharp, laced with disgust.
Her nostrils flared, and she took a step closer, glaring up at me. "You think she’s better than me, don’t you?" she hissed. "That pathetic little servant girl?"
Before I could think, I had her backed against the wall, my face inches from hers.
"Say that again," I dared, voice dangerously low.
She trembled slightly, but her pride wouldn’t let her back down. "She’s nothing compared to me," she sneered. "You’re only obsessed with her because she’s off-limits."
I smirked darkly. "You think so?"
Danielle’s eyes searched mine, looking for something—anything—that would give her an upper hand.
She found nothing.
I took a step back, straightening.
"You don’t belong here," I stated coldly. "And from now on, I don’t want to see you anywhere near my packhouse, nor do I want to hear that you’ve been giving orders to my people."
Her jaw clenched. "You can’t just—"
"Get out!"
I pointed to the door.
She didn't move.
"I said, get lost, Danielle. Before I make you."
Her lips trembled slightly, but she lifted her chin, her pride barely holding her together. With one last glare, she stormed out, slamming the door behind her.