ARIA 

I woke up to the sound of hushed voices nearby. Five days. I’d been out for five whole days after that rogue wolf attack. My body still ached, but nowhere near as bad as it should have. 

Jace had just told me about his royal wolf bloodline and the prophecy. My head was spinning with all this new information. A Wolf King descendant? A special transformation on the blood moon? And the mysterious voice I’d heard while unconscious, telling me about my own transformation? It was too much to process. 

As sunlight filtered through the curtains, I noticed Gabriel, Lucas, and Eliana standing near the doorway of Jace’s bedroom, Great. Just what I needed – an – audience while I was in Jace’s bed wearing nothing but one of his t–shirts. 

“She’s awake, Gabriel said, stepping forward. His face showed relief, not the anger or disappointment I expected. How are you feeling, little deer?” 

‘Like I got mauled by a rogue wolf,” I mumbled, trying to sit up. “But better than I should.” 

Jace helped me adjust the pillows behind my back, his hand lingering on my shoulder. Aurora was still curled up beside me, sleeping peacefully. 

“You’ve been taking care of her, Gabriel said, nodding toward Aurora. It wasn’t a question. 

“She refused to leave Aria’s side,” Jace explained. 

I waited for Gabriel to say it was time for me to come home, that I’d imposed on the Alpha’s hospitality long enough. Instead, he surprised me. 

‘I’m glad to see you recovering,” he said. “And that you’ve found your place here.” 

Lucas and Eliana excused themselves, leaving with knowing smiles. Gabriel stayed behind, and Jace stood. 

I’ll give you two some privacy,” Jace said, gently lifting Aurora. “I need to check on pack business anyway.” 

When they left, Gabriel pulled a chair beside the bed. The conversation I’d been dreading was about to happen. 

Several hours earlier 

“Why are you allowing this?” I asked Gabriel. We stood in Jace’s living/room while he put Aurora to bed. “I’ve been staying in the Alpha’s private quarters. People will talk.” 

“People always talk, Gabriel replied calmly. “The question is whether their opinions matter more than what you feel.” 

I looked down at my hands. “What I feel is complicated.” 

“Is it?” Gabriel raised an eyebrow. You’ve been glowing since you started spending time with Jace and Aurora.” 

“He’s the Alpha. I’m human. It’s not that simple.” 

Gabriel sighed. “Aria, I’ve watched you grow into a remarkable young woman. You’ve always been different – stronger, more intuitive than most humans. The connection you have with Jace… it’s special.” 

“But what if it’s just temporary?” I asked, voicing my deepest fear. “What if he decides he needs a proper Luna? A werewolf who can give him wolf cubs?” 

‘Not all destined pairs are wolf and wolf,” Gabriel said quietly. “Sometimes the universe has different plans.” 

My heart skipped. “You wouldn’t oppose it? If A chose him?” 

Gabriel reached out, squeezing my hand. “All I’ve ever wanted is your happiness. If Jace makes you happy, if he treats you with respect and love, then yo have my blessing.” 

Chapter 47 

Tears welled in my eyes as Gabriel pulled me into a tight hug. For once, I didn’t feel like an outsider. I felt understood. 

“You’re not going to make me come home?” I asked Gabriel directly. 

He shook his head. “You’re almost eighteen, Aria. Old enough to make your own choices.” is expression turned serious. ‘But I need to ask – do you want to be here? With him?” 

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “When I’m with Jace and Aurora, it feels right. It feels like home.” 

Gabriel nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Then stay. Just be careful with your heart. And remember who you are – human or not, you’re strong in ways most wolves never understand.” 

After Gabriel left, I spent hours thinking about everything that had happened since we fled Black Forest territory. It felt like a lifetime ago that we’d escaped Warren’s unwanted advances. Now I was in a new pack, recovering from protecting the Alpha’s daughter, and possibly falling in love with the Alpha himself.