Zuria
Life had never been better. Every morning, I woke up and checked to make sure Arien was still beside me, that this wasn't some dream or cruel joke.
The only thing that bothered me was that he hadn't marked me yet. We had been together for almost a month, had sex multiple times, and still, he hadn't claimed me. When I brought it up, he said he was waiting for the right time, that he wanted it to be special. I tried to believe him, but something about it gnawed at me. Even Adelaide was restless. She hadn't even met Arien's wolf yet, which was unusual for mates. Still, I convinced her to be patient.
Today, I was visiting Dave and my former coworkers for the first time since finding out Arien was my mate. He had been reluctant to let me go out alone, even offering to drive me, but I insisted on walking.
When I stepped into the diner, the familiar jingle of the bell rang out. Heads turned, conversations stopped, and within seconds, the entire room stood.
"Welcome to Dave's—oh," Avery started, then cut herself off as her eyes widened.
They all bowed.
Embarrassed, I quickly bowed back.
Avery smirked as I rushed toward her, arms outstretched. She stepped back, feigning reluctance.
"Oh, am I supposed to address you formally now?" she teased.
I rolled my eyes and pulled her into a hug.
"If it isn't the future Luna herself," Dave's voice rang out as he leaned against the counter. "What could we have possibly done to deserve this honor?"
"Dave, come on," I groaned, moving to sit at the counter. "I know it's been a while, but I didn't mean to disappear on you guys."
"You didn't mean to disappear?" he echoed, mockingly. "It's been almost a month, Your Highness."
I groaned. "Stop. Don't make me sound like a bad person. I never expected any of this, you know."
"We didn't either," Dave said with a chuckle. "Especially since you used to go on and on about what a jerk Arien was. I remember you feeling sorry for whoever his mate turned out to be. Turns out, you were talking about yourself."
I snorted, remembering all the things I used to say about him.
"But seriously," Avery leaned in, grinning. "Is he as bad as you thought?"
"No," I admitted with a dreamy sigh. "He's amazing. He treats me so well, Avery. I was wrong about him."
Avery smiled. "Good. You deserve someone who treats you right."
"His parents adore me too," I added. "Especially Lorrie."
"Sounds like a dream."
I nodded. "It is. I love him."
Avery wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh, you love him, huh?"
I playfully nudged her. "Shut up."
Dave disappeared into the kitchen, and Avery scooted even closer.
"So…" she trailed off, a mischievous glint in her eye.
I narrowed my gaze. "So what?"
"You and Arien…" she wiggled her eyebrows again. "Have you guys done it?"
I let out a loud laugh and shook my head. "I'm not answering that."
Avery gasped dramatically. "Oh my God, you totally have!"
I bit my lip, trying to hide my smile.
"But he hasn't marked you yet, has he?" she asked, her expression turning serious.
My smile faded. "No. He says he's waiting for the right time."
Avery frowned. "That's… weird. I've never heard of an Alpha waiting to mark his mate, especially after sleeping together. They're possessive as hell."
I shrugged, forcing a smile. "He'll do it when he's ready."
Avery didn't look convinced, but she let it go.
I spent the rest of the day helping out at the diner—though they hardly let me do anything—and laughing with Avery and Dave.
By the time I started my walk home, the sun had almost set. I hummed a tune as I skipped along the road, feeling like a Disney princess heading back to her castle.
When I reached the house, I noticed an unfamiliar car parked in the driveway.
A visitor?
Arien hadn't mentioned anyone coming over.
I stepped inside, only to be met with chaos. Clothes were scattered across the floor—Arien's clothes. My heart pounded. Arien was obsessively clean; he never left his things lying around like this.
From upstairs, muffled sounds drifted down the hall.
A moan.
Arien's moan.
Heat flushed my face. Was he… masturbating?
He had no reason to do that when I was around, or maybe he couldn't wait.
If that was the case, then I was going to give him the best night of his life.
I set my bag down and smirked. Maybe I should surprise him.
I tiptoed toward our bedroom, anticipation buzzing through me.
As I reached the door, I hesitated for a moment, then pressed my ear against it. The sounds were clearer now—moans, heavy breathing, the rhythmic creaking of the bed.
Oh.
My heart clenched.
No. No.
I swallowed, my fingers trembling as I wrapped them around the doorknob.
With a deep breath, I turned it and stepped inside.
The sight before me shattered everything.
Arien was on his knees, gripping Cherry Adams's hips, his body moving against hers in a way that left no room for misinterpretation. A gag was stuffed into her mouth, muffling her moans.
Time stopped.
My stomach twisted violently, my breath catching in my throat.
Cherry's dazed eyes met mine.
Arien didn't even notice me at first. He was too lost in his pleasure, his fingers digging into her skin, his markless teeth sinking into her shoulder.
Then, as if sensing something was wrong, Cherry looked up.
Our eyes locked.
Her face went pale.
"Zuria," she breathed.
That caught the attention of Arien who was still pushing into her. I expected a similar reaction from him, but the moment I looked in his eyes, the only thing I saw was indifference.
A sharp, ringing silence filled the room.
I didn't move. I d
idn't scream. I didn't cry.
I just stood there.
Staring.
Waiting.
Daring him to say something that would make this make sense.