Aria’s POV
Laughter bubbled out of me before I could stop it. Lucian was ridiculous.
“I swear,” he said between chuckles, “the guy tripped over his own feet trying to impress her! Right into a pile of horse dung!”
I clutched my stomach, gasping for air. “No way!”
“Right in front of everyone. His mate included.”
The way he told stories, the exaggerated expressions, the sheer drama of it all, it was impossible not to laugh. For the first time in forever, I felt light. But then, when I glanced out the tavern’s window and my laughter faded.
It was late. Too late.
Lucian caught my change in demeanor. “What’s wrong?”
I sighed. “I need to head back.”
His brows furrowed. “Already? We’re just getting started.”
I shook my head. “I have responsibilities, Lucian.”
His lips quirked. “What do you mean, it’s your birthday.”
I sighed, already dreading his reaction. “I have to prepare Alpha Kian’s bed.”
I shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze, my stomach twisting. “I have to be back before I get into trouble,” I added quickly, not wanting him to make a big deal out of it.
Lucian leaned back, crossing his arms. “That’s ridiculous. Why are you still playing the obedient little servant? You’re stronger than that. You should be—” He stopped, his jaw tightening.
I frowned. “Should be what?”
He leaned forward, his eyes searching mine. “Have you thought about my offer?”
My mind reeled back to the day Lucian and Kian had fought because of me. Lucian had mentioned a deal to be his fake mate.
I forced a blank expression. “I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.”
Lucian exhaled, drumming his fingers against the table before reaching across and taking my hands—gently, lovingly.
“No, it’s a brilliant idea! C’mon, it’ll be fun!”
I swallowed, not liking where this was going. Lucian is an alpha son, he can play around. He can have fun.
“And besides…” His voice softened. “Aria, I think I’m falling for you.”
The air between us changed, just like that. The playful, easy atmosphere from moments ago? Gone. I should have felt something—nervous excitement, butterflies—anything. But there was nothing.
Instead, my wolf stirred restlessly inside me. It wasn’t Lucian’s confession that made me feel this way. It was something else. A strange, restless energy crawled under my skin, making the hairs on my neck stand on end.
My wolf whined, its unease mirrored in the tightness that coiled in my chest. It was searching for something.
And then, it hit me.
It was my 18th birthday—it’s the day I was supposed to find my mate. The moment I should have felt that unshakable pull, the connection that would bind us.
I looked at Lucian and there was nothing. No bond, no pull, no overwhelming need to be near him.
I wasn’t his. And he wasn’t mine.
Lucian must have noticed the change in my expression because his face tightened in concern. “What’s wrong?”
I slowly pulled my hands away from his, the words hanging heavy in the air. “Lucian… I don’t think I can accept your deal.”
His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking as he stared at me. “Why not?”
I hesitated, uncertainty creeping in, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer right away.
He leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. “We don’t know for sure, Aria. What if we’re second-chance mates?”
I shook my head, the weight of the realization heavy in my chest. “I can feel it.”
His gaze hardened, and he stared at me for a long moment, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “Feel what?”
I held his gaze, the words hanging in the space between us. My voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the truth. “It’s not you.”
For a moment, neither of us moved. My heart clenched. A deep, aching longing settled in my chest. For something—or someone—else.
I pushed my chair back. “I really should go. I’m sorry.”