Aria's POV
"I'd never experienced the thrill of a mating ritual, the mating ritual was a mystery to me, a rite of passage I'd never experienced due to the turmoil that had ravaged my life. But Beatrice's vivid descriptions had piqued my interest, her infectious enthusiasm and excitement drawing me in. For a moment, I managed to push aside my worries about Willow and focus on the task at hand. Yet, as the ritual approached, my nerves began to fray, anxiety tangling in my stomach like a knot. What if I failed to impress? What if I didn't meet the pack's expectations? The weight of West's gaze came to my thoughts, and I felt the pressure to please him, to prove myself worthy. This was my chance to start anew, to find my place in this pack and make it my home. I steeled myself, determination
