Chapter 42 

“That’s my girl, Gabriel smiled sadly. “Always putting others first.” 

Aurora had refused to leave Aria’s side, curling up next to her on the bed. She’d eventually fallen asleep, her small body tucked against Aria’s side, careful to avoid the bandaged wounds. 

‘She loves your daughter, Gabriel observed. “And Aurora clearly adores her.” 

I nodded, watching them sleep. “They bonded instantly. Aurora never took 

to 

anyone like this before.” 

“Perhaps there’s a reason for that, Gabriel suggested ca 

Before I could respond, Lucas and Eliana arrived to check on Aria. After examining the bandages, Eliana smiled reassuringly. 

“She’s healing better than expected,” she reported. “The wol 

mixture is working.” 

Gabriel stood. “We should let her rest. Lucas, Eliana–let’s give them some space.” 

I shot him a grateful look as they left, leaving me alone with Aurora and Aria. I settled into the chair beside the bed, prepared to stand guard through the night. 

“You’re going to be okay,” I whispered to Aria, though she couldn’t hear me. “I’ve got you now.” 

I must have fallen asleep in the chair because the next thing I knew, Hunter’s voice was in my head, urgent and concerned. 

Alpha, we have a situation. Alpha Samuel can’t find his daughter Laura. 

I blinked awake, immediately alert. When was she last seen? 

After the celebration. She told her father she was tired and returning to her guest quarters, but she never arrived. 

I carefully extracted myself from the chair, making sure not to wake Aurora, who was still curled against Aria’s side. Stepping into the hallway, I caught an unfamiliar scent that shouldn’t have been on my floor. 

Following it led me straight to my bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, light spilling into the darkened hallway. I pushed it op I’d find. 

eady suspecting what 

Laura lay sprawled across my bed, wearing nothing but a thin silk robe that draped open, revealing glimpses of bare skin beneath. Her body arched as she stretched, the silk sliding higher up her thighs. She met my gaze with half–lidded eyes. 

“Alpha Jace, I’ve been waiting for you.” she whispered, her voice low and breathy. 

Rage filled me instantly. Phantom surged forward, demanding retribution for this invasion of our territory, our private space. 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, my voice deadly quiet. 

She sat up, letting the robe fall open further. “The elders told me this was the best way to get your attention. They said you need a proper Luna, someone of pure bloodline.” 

‘Get out, I growled. “Now.” 

Her confidence faltered. “But… the elders said-” 

‘I don’t give a damn what they said.” My Alpha voice filled the room, causing her to flinch. “Get dressed and get out of my room. This is my private space, and you are not welcome here.” 

She scrambled from the bed, clutching the robe around her, “The elders said you needed a Luna. That human girl can never be that for you. She can’t even 

shift!” 

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Chapter 42 

My control snapped. “Her name is Aria, and she has more worth in her little finger than you’ve shown in your entire visit. Now get out before I drag you out myself. 

As she fled the room, I reached through the mind link to Hunter. Find Alpha Samuel. Tell him I found his daughter. And have someone change all the bedding in my room immediately. 

Very soon. Just a little while longer until Aria turned eighteen and I could tell her the truth–that she was my true mate, my second chance, the one person meant for me above all others. 

A crash from downstairs pulled me from my thoughts. Angry voices echoed up the stairwell, including one that made my blood run cold. 

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