Chapter 1: The Encounter
Aria's POV
"Stop!" Cold and piercing, the strange voice tore through the darkness. My heart pounded against my ribs as my feet slipped on the ground. I didn't look around. I was unable to.
You're in Nightfang territory. You have no place here.
I took a chance and looked over my shoulder. Moving through the foliage, dark forms drew closer. In the darkness, eyes shone brightly. Wolves. large ones.
"I... I said in a scarcely audible whisper, "I didn't know." A falsehood. I was aware. I just stopped caring.
"You lie." Now the voice was nearer. "Guards, please bring her."
My arms were seized by powerful hands, which dragged me back. They were too powerful, even when I tried. The smell of pine and moist dirt filled my nose as they pulled me through the woods.
"Where are we going?" Fear constricted my throat, I asked.
Nobody responded.
As we moved into a clearing, the temperature dropped. In the middle stood a big, black edifice. I was forced into a tiny, dimly lit room. The door closed with a bang.
The smell of moist stone and something else—something wild—filled my nostrils as I stood there by myself.
The door then opened once again.
He was a shadow against the little light as he stood there. tall. wide. His bright eyes pierced me.
His voice was low as he said, "Who are you?"
"Aria," I said, my voice trembling.
He took a step toward her. Between us, the air crackled. His strong, musky aroma invaded my nostrils. My skin tingles from it.
His eyes narrowed as he continued, "You're a rogue."
"I... I looked aside and added, "I left my pack."
He walked a step farther. He was emitting heat, and I could feel it. I shuddered.
He said, "Why?" in a calmer tone.
I didn't respond. I was unable to.
His fingertips brushed my face as he extended his hand. I felt a lightning-fast shock from the contact.
He said, "Look at me, Aria."
I looked up into his eyes. I was unable to identify the substance that filled them. Something fierce and scorching.
He traced the contour of my jaw with his thumb and said, "You're beautiful."
My breath caught. I had the sensation that my body was burning.
His lips touched my ear as he moved in closer. "You have a heat-like scent."
My chest was thumping with my heart. I understood his meaning. My heart. It was just getting started.
He reached down and cupped my neck. He had a firm, possessive touch.
His voice was gruff as he continued, "You're in heat."
Unable to say, I nodded.
His body pressed against mine as he drew me in. Between us, the heat was intolerable.
He snarled and moved his lips to my neck, saying, "Mine."
He marked me with a little but firm bite. A flood of joy went through me, mingled with a peculiar sensation of belonging.
I pushed him closer by putting my hands on his chest. I desired him. I needed him.
With his powerful arms around my waist, he raised me up. He dragged me to a crudely made bed in the room's corner. His eyes never left mine as he carefully placed me down.
His fingers traced the contour of my hip as he crouched next to me.
His voice was hoarse as he replied, "Tell me to stop."
With my eyes fixed on his, I shook my head.
He leaned down, his lips touching mine. The kiss was hungry, slow, and deep.
I reached for his hair and drew him in. I want more.
He groaned, his hands moving over my body, exploring every curve. His touch caused my flesh to flame.
His eyes darkened as he looked at me as he pulled open my shirt. He grabbed his own shirt and tore it off.
He had a muscular, firm physique. Bronze skin spread across muscular limbs.
He kissed me again, harder this time. His hands advanced to my jeans, unbuttoning them. His eyes never left mine as he slipped them down.
As his hand slipped between my legs and felt my warmth, I gasped. I wanted more, so I arched my back.
He let out a grunt, clearly aroused. His eyes were full of longing as he went between my legs.
"Aria, look at me," he said.
I did, requiring shining in my eyes.
Slowly and deeply, he penetrated me. The pleasure was so great that I let out a cry. His steady pace built as he went into me.
I wrapped him with my legs and drew him in. My sobs blended with his moans as they filled the room.
Wave after wave of pleasure grew till I broke, my body trembling around him.
Soon after, he followed, his own cries resonating across the little space.
His breath pressed hot on my neck as he fell on top of me.
Our raspy breaths were the only sound to break the quiet as we lay there intertwined together.
He pulled me in close as he rolled off me. He put his arm around me.
His voice was raspy as he murmured, "You're mine now, Aria."
As I listened to the words, I closed my eyes. mine.
Then the quiet was broken by a rough, chilly voice.
"We found something, Alpha."
Darius stiffened, his body tensing. His eyes were harsh as he sat up.
"What is it?" he said in a menacing tone.
Alpha, a mark. on her shoulder. A mark of mating.