The Alpha's Exiled Mate

Chapter 13

ARIA

Ethan leads me away from the others, his hand gentle on my elbow. We stop near the edge of the road, far enough that his parents and the kids can't hear us.

"What did you want to talk about?" I ask, studying his face.

He's quiet for a moment, his jaw working like he's trying to find the right words. Then he looks at me directly, his brown eyes serious.

"I don't believe you."

I blink. "What?"

"When you say you're safe. That this is just work." He shakes his head slowly. "I know you don't lie, Aria. You never have. But that doesn't mean you've told us the whole truth."

My chest tightens. "Ethan—"

"I'm not asking you to explain," he says quickly. "I know you can't. Or won't. But I need you to know that I see it. I see that you're scared, and I see that you're going back to something—someone—who hurt you."

The words hit too close to home, and I have to look away.

We stand there in silence for a moment, the distant sound of the kids' laughter drifting over to us.

"Aria." His voice is softer now. Hesitant. "I need to tell you something. Before you leave."

I turn back to him, confused by the sudden shift in his tone.

He takes a breath, then another, like he's steeling himself. "I have feelings for you. I've had them for a long time."

The words hang in the air between us.

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

He finally said it. After all this time of silent support, of lingering looks I pretended not to notice, of gestures that spoke louder than words—he finally put it into words.

"I know the timing is terrible," he continues, the words coming faster now. "And I know this is probably the worst possible moment to say this. But I can't let you leave without telling you. I care about you, Aria. More than just as a friend. I—" He stops, running a hand through his hair. "I think I'm in love with you."

Shock crashes through me, stealing my breath.

"Ethan, I—" My voice cracks. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," he says quickly. "I just needed you to know."

But I do have to say something. Because leaving him with hope—false hope—would be cruel.

I take a breath, choosing my words carefully.

"You're an amazing person," I start. "You're kind and patient and everything anyone could want. But I can't. A relationship between a werewolf and a human—it's impossible. Even with how kind you've been to me, it just wouldn't work."

The words feel hollow even as I say them, an excuse I'm grasping at because the real reasons are too complicated to voice.

"And you're so outstanding," I continue. "So many human women admire you. You could have anyone. There's an age gap too—I'm so much older than you. Why would someone like you want someone like me?"

He steps closer, his expression earnest. "Because you're you. Because you're strong and brave and you've built an entire life for your children out of nothing."

The words make my throat tight, but I force myself to continue.

"I'm not sure of my own feelings," I say gently. "And I can't enter a new relationship right now. I'm not ready. All I want is to raise my children well, to earn enough money so they can grow up happy and safe. And then, maybe, we'll travel the world together. That's my plan. That's all I can focus on right now."

I meet his eyes, making sure he hears me. Really hears me.

For a long moment, he just looks at me. Then he nods slowly.

"I understand," he says quietly. "And I respect your decision."

Relief floods through me.

"But I'm not giving up," he adds, and there's a quiet determination in his voice now. "I think you haven't let go of your ex. I think he still has a hold on your heart, whether you want to admit it or not."

The words hit like a slap, but I can't deny them.

"I'm going to work hard to win your heart," Ethan continues. "I'll wait. However long it takes."

I don't know what to say to that. Don't know how to tell him that waiting might be pointless, that my heart is too broken to piece back together.

So I just stand there, feeling helpless, as he gives me a small, sad smile.

"Come on," he says. "Let's get back before my mom thinks we ran off together."

***

The next few days pass in a blur.

I spend every moment I can with the kids, memorizing their faces, their laughs, the way they fit against me when I hug them. I pack their favorite toys, make sure they have enough clothes, go over their routines with Sarah three times even though she already knows them by heart.

On the last morning, I sit them down and explain—as best I can—that Mama has to go help some sick people for a little while.

"But you'll come back, right?" Emma asks, her amber eyes wide and worried.

"Of course I will, baby," I say, pulling her onto my lap. "I promise. Just a few weeks, and then we'll be together again."

Noah crosses his arms, his little face serious. "And then we'll go on our adventure? Like you said?"

"Exactly like I said."

Lily bounces on her toes. "Can we go to the beach? I wanna see the ocean!"

I smile despite the ache in my chest. "We'll go wherever you want."

Before I leave, I pull out an envelope with all the money I have left—everything I've saved from my Dr. W cases, everything I've scraped together over the past six years.

I hand it to Sarah.

She stares at the envelope, then at me. "Aria, no. We can't accept this."

"Please," I say quietly. "It's for the kids. For groceries, clothes, anything they need. I can't leave them here without making sure they're taken care of."

"We're not watching them for money," Mr. Cole says, stepping forward. "We love them. We love you. This isn't about payment."

"I know," I say, my throat tight. "But I need to know they're provided for. Please. It would make me feel better."

Sarah's eyes fill with tears. She looks at her husband, who nods slowly.

"Alright," she says finally, taking the envelope. "But only because it clearly means a lot to you."

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice breaking. "Thank you so much."

They both pull me into a hug, and for a moment I let myself be held, let myself feel safe one more time.

When I finally pull away, I see a sleek black car pulling up to the curb.

My heart drops.

It's time.

I crouch down and hug each of my children in turn. Lily throws her arms around my neck and squeezes tight. Noah presses his face into my shoulder. Emma clings to me, her stuffed rabbit trapped between us.

"Be good for Aunt Sarah and Uncle Cole," I tell them. "I'll be back before you know it."

They nod, their faces brave even though I can see the worry in their eyes.

I straighten and turn to Sarah and Mr. Cole, hugging them both quickly.

Then I turn to Ethan.

He steps forward and wraps his arms around me. The hug lasts longer than usual, his hold firm but gentle.

He leans down, his mouth close to my ear.

"Don't forget me," he whispers.

Before I can respond, before I can even process the words, he presses a quick kiss to my cheek through my mask.

I freeze, my heart stuttering.

He pulls back, his expression soft and sad, and steps away.

I turn toward the car, my emotions a chaotic mess—grief and guilt and confusion all tangled together. I'm so distracted I don't even look at who's in the driver's seat. I just yank open the back door and slide inside.

The door closes behind me with a soft click.

"...Is that human your boyfriend?"

The voice comes from beside me, low and familiar and entirely unexpected.

I whip my head to the side.

Declan is sitting in the back seat next to me, his storm-gray eyes fixed on my face.

No. On the spot where Ethan just kissed me.