Chapter 32
ARIA
I held the door open for Eliana as we entered the hustling coffee shop I breathed in the warm, rich scent of coffee beans while watching hairant chat and go about their daily lives. 1 fell strangely out of place among them after weeks in Moon Shadow territory.
“Thanks for coming with me, Eliana said, adjusting her medical textbook under her arm. My study group meets here every week.
“No problem, 1 replied, scanning the café. Several young women waved from a corner table stacked with medical hooks. There they are
Jaspar stood beside me, his tall frame drawing curious glances from the human patrons. “We’ll pick you up in two hours, he told his sister before turning to me. Want to check out the village market?”
I nodded, and we stepped back into the crisp mountain air. As we walked down the cobblestone street, Jaspar’s shoulders relaxed once we were away from the crowded café.
“Thanks for being nice to my sister,” he said suddenly. Not everyone in the pack treats her well.”
I shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I be? We’re both humans in a wolf world.”
“Exactly.” Jaspar kicked a small stone along the path. “It makes me crazy when pack members treat her differently just because she’s human. She works twice as hard as any wolf healer.”
“Gabriel taught me early that respect is earned through actions, not blood,” I said as we turned toward the market square.
Jaspar nodded. “Eliana says you have a wolf’s heart in a human body. I think she’s right.”
The village market sprawled across the town square, colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. We wandered between wooden booths until a display of handmade items caught my eye.
“Aurora’s birthday is coming,” I explained, examining
a sliver crown adorned with wolf designs. “This would be perfect for her.
Jaspar watched as I picked up the crown, testing its weight. “The Alpha’s daughter has taken a shine to you.”
I smiled, remembering Aurora’s laughter. “She’s an amazing kid.” I added a matching pink leather dress to my purchases. “Every princess needs her ball gown, right?”
At an antique jewelry booth, a gold locket caught my attention. The craftsman, an elderly man with weathered hands, showed me how it opened to hold two small photos.
“And look here,” he said, turning it over to reveal engraving in ancient wolf script.
“Blood connects, hearts bond, Jaspar translated, his eyebrows raised. “That’s old Moon Shadow craftsmanship.”
I purchased the locket immediately, picturing Aurora placing her father’s photo inside. “She can keep her family close to her heart.”
Before leaving the market, I bought myself some leather pants and shirts that matched the pack’s style, plus herbs I recognized from Gabriel’s training.
We settled at a small food stall near the village square’s fire pit. The aroma of roasted meat filled the air as we ate in comfortable silence.
“So,” Jaspar said between bites, “Gabriel found you during a hunter attack?”
I nodded, focusing on my food. “I don’t remember much. Just hiding in a cabinet while hunters…” I swallowed hard. “Gabriel saved me when I was seven.”
Jaspar studied my face. “Do you think you’ll find your place here? In Moon Shadow?”
*I’m trying,” I admitted. “It’s different from Black Forest. Bigger. More traditional.” I smiled thinking of Aurora. “But that little girl makes it feel more like home every day.”
1/3
Chapter 32
Jaspar’s expression softened. Speaking of finding your place. He hesitated I fourel my true date
I nearly choked on my drink. That’s scanderfo!! Why don’t you seem happy?
‘Scarlett was my true mate.
“Scarlett? The one always hanging around Alpha Jace?‘
He nodded. ‘She rejected our bond, Said she deserved someone stronger, with higher rank. Not just a warrior. His voice turned bitter. Then she set her
sights on Jace.”
I reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “I’m sorry. That must have been terrible.”
“It was, until I met Eliana. A small smile touched his lips. “Sometimes the universe has better plans than we realize.”
‘Does Eliana know? About Scarlett?”
“No, Jaspar shook his head quickly. “And I’d appreciate if you didn’t tell her. Some stories aren’t mine to share.
“Of course,” I promised. “I wouldn’t.”
2
The sky darkened as we drove back to the coffee shop. Eliana climbed into the car, her face brightening when she saw Jaspar. Their connection was obvious even to my human senses.
As we wound through mountain roads toward Moon Shadow territory, I hummed a wolf lullaby Gabriel had taught me years ago. The melody flowed naturally, filling the car with its haunting notes.
When I finished, Eliana turned in her seat. “That was beautiful, Aria. Your voice could wake the ancient forests.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s just an old lullaby.”
“You should sing for the pack sometime,” Jaspar suggested as we passed the territory markers. “Maybe at the next moon ceremony.”
The cabin was empty when I returned home. Gabriel had mentioned border patrol duty with Jace tonight. I unpacked my purchases, arranging Aurora’s gifts carefully on my bed.
I still needed a photo of Jace and Aurora for the locket. Maybe I could ask him tomorrow after training. The thought of approaching him made my stomach flutter. Every interaction with the Alpha left me feeling off–balance.
My phone buzzed with a message from Eliana: [Thanks for today! BTW, Scarlett was extra aggressive with Alpha I this morning. Full display of ‘future Luna‘ attitude.
I stared at the screen, an unexpected wave of irritation washing over me. Why should I care if Scarlett flirted with Jace? He was the Alpha. She was a full- blooded werewolf from a respected family. I was just…
པ་གང་བ་ལྡན་བཟོ་ཐས་་
But the thought of Scarlett’s hands on Jace’s arm, her body leaning into his space–it bothered me more than it should.
I threw myself onto my bed, burying my face in the pillow. “Get it together, Aria,” I muttered. “He’s not for you.”
Just then, my phone buzzed. I grabbed it to find a text from Eliana.
Eliana: [OMG! Check this vid. Scarlett just made a total fool of herself in front of Jace!]
