Bond and Betrayal

Chapter 4. Hope

A couple of days later, I stood in front of my family, fingers crossed behind my back, promising that I would visit them in the future. My words felt hollow, but I needed to say something to ease the ache in their eyes. At least I meant it when I told them they could visit me anytime.

The decision to leave hadn’t been easy, but Drake’s declaration that he wanted nothing to do with me or our child sealed my resolve. It was time for a fresh start, away from the memories and heartbreak.

“That’s all, then,” my father said, his voice rough as he loaded the last of my three trunks into the sleek yellow Ferrari parked in the driveway.

Ironically, the car was a gift to Drake from his parents just six months ago for his 18th birthday. But Alpha Simmons and his wife had insisted on giving it to me instead. “He doesn’t deserve such luxury after what he’s done,” Luna Simmons had said firmly.

As if that wasn’t enough karma, Drake’s monthly allowance had been slashed to a third of its original amount. The rest was now being redirected to me as support for my baby. Alpha Simmons had also postponed Drake’s coronation as Alpha indefinitely, citing his immaturity and unworthiness to lead. My father, who was Drake’s trainer, was all too happy to “correct” that through rigorous—and undoubtedly grueling—training sessions.

Drake had been furious, his face flushed with indignation when the news was announced, but he’d wisely kept his mouth shut under my father’s withering glare.

Talk about poetic justice.

“You’re a white wolf, my love. Stronger than you know, and you will thrive out there,” my father said, pulling me into a crushing hug. His voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions he was trying to hide.

I clung to him tightly, fighting back tears. He had been my rock, the man who adored me unconditionally from the moment I was born. “If you ever need anything, even if it’s just someone to talk to, you call me. Promise me, Aria.”

“I promise, Dad,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

My mother hugged me next, her arms trembling as they wrapped around me. She didn’t say much—her tears spoke for her.

I didn’t bother saying goodbye to the rest of the pack. They wouldn’t care anyway. Aside from my parents and a few close friends, I was invisible to most of them.

With a deep breath, I slid into the Ferrari, the engine purring to life beneath my hands. As I pulled away from the only home I’d ever known, I glanced in the rearview mirror. My parents stood there, watching until I disappeared from view.

The drive to the Black Moon Pack was supposed to take three hours, but I’d decided to take a break halfway through. I stopped at a bustling rest area and found a small café overlooking a beach.

With a blueberry juice in hand and a donut on the table, I let the salty breeze and the rhythmic crash of waves calm my nerves. The café was packed, every table occupied except for mine.

“Is this seat taken?”

I looked up, startled, and my breath caught in my throat.

Standing before me was possibly the most attractive man I’d ever seen. His piercing blue eyes seemed to hold the warmth of a summer sky, framed by lashes that most women would envy. His high cheekbones and sharp jawline gave him a model-like quality, and his full lips were set in an easy smile.

For a moment, I forgot how to speak.

“No,” I managed to mumble, gesturing to the empty seat across from me.

“Thanks,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. He pulled out the chair with a graceful ease and sat down, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Traveling alone?” he asked casually, his tone friendly but curious.

I nodded, too flustered to say much. His presence was overwhelming, a magnetic pull that left me both intrigued and cautious.

“I’m Klaus,” he said, extending a hand toward me.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking it. The moment our hands touched, a faint, tingling sensation spread across my palm. I blinked in surprise, but he didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.

“Aria,” I replied softly, offering a small smile.

He tilted his head slightly, his brows furrowing as if trying to piece something together. “Aria,” he repeated, testing the name on his tongue.

For reasons I couldn’t explain, the way he said my name sent warmth flooding through me. I quickly averted my gaze, taking a long sip of my juice to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks.

“You’re not from around here,” he observed, his tone more serious now.

I shook my head. “No. Just passing through.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something—concern?—crossing his face. He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I can smell your wolf, Princess. White wolves shouldn’t be traveling alone. It’s dangerous.”

The use of “Princess” caught me off guard, but his words sent a jolt of unease through me.

“I can take care of myself,” I said firmly, though the tremor in my voice betrayed my uncertainty.

His gaze softened, but there was still an edge of seriousness. “I don’t doubt that. But there are creatures out there—wolves, rogues, hunters—who would see your kind as a prize. Or worse.”

I swallowed hard, suddenly hyper-aware of my vulnerability.

“Why do you care?” I asked, trying to mask my nerves with defiance.

He leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Call it an instinct,” he said cryptically.

His answer didn’t satisfy me, but before I could press him further, he stood abruptly and motioned toward the parking lot.

“I’ll escort you to the Black Moon Pack,” he announced, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My jaw dropped. “What? You don’t even know me!”

His warm blue eyes locked onto mine, the teasing smirk replaced by a grave expression. “Not yet. But I know enough to realize you shouldn’t be out here alone.”

A chill ran down my spine as I stared at him, torn between annoyance and an inexplicable sense of safety.

“Let’s go, Princess,” he added, walking toward his car without looking back.

For reasons I couldn’t explain, my feet moved before my brain could protest.