ARIELLA’S DIVINE WILL

4

Ariella’s POV

Three days had passed since the night that I was coldly rejected, again. Everything at this at this point felt like a f*****g whirlwind , and I was still trying to catch my breath. I was settling into the Silver Creek Pack more each day, but there was something I needed to talk to Zane about.

“Zane!” I called, finding him outside. He looked up from the training area, his brow furrowing in concern as he walked toward me.

“What’s wrong, Ariella?” he asked, his tone turning serious.

I took a deep breath. “I think I need to tell you something important.”

He nodded, gesturing for me to continue. “You can tell me anything.”

I hesitated but finally spoke. “I think I might be pregnant.”

His eyes widened, and a wide smile spread across his face. “Pregnant? That’s… incredible! How do you know?”

“I’ve been feeling strange, and I missed my cycle. I took a test, and it came back positive,” I said, still trying to process the news myself.

Zane stepped closer, the excitement clear on his face. “This is amazing, Ariella! You and I… we can have a family!” He paused, his expression changing slightly. “I want to protect you and our child.”

“Protect?” I said, feeling a knot in my stomach. “What does that mean for your… your betrothal?”

Zane’s smile faded, and he took my hands in his. “I will cast Emerald aside for you and the child. You are what matters now.”

I felt panic rise. “You can’t just throw her away. She’s the Lycan King’s daughter. What if… what if there are consequences?”

“I don’t care about that. I choose you,” Zane said firmly. “We can figure it all out together.”

Before I could respond, excitement bubbled inside me. “You mean that? You really want to marry me?”

“Absolutely. Will you marry me, Ariella?” Zane asked, his eyes shining with hope.

“Yes!” I exclaimed, smiling despite my fears. “Yes, I will!”

Zane wrapped his arms around me, and I felt safe in his embrace. But with all of my excitement, worry crept in. What would Emerald do?

As the days went on, rumors of my pregnancy spread through the pack, but not everyone was pleased. I could sense the tension, especially from Emerald. She had not taken the news well.

One afternoon, I found Isaac in a secluded part of the woods. “Ariella, we need to talk,” he said, his voice serious.

“What is it, Isaac?” I asked, my nerves rising.

“I heard some rumours going around,” he said, looking around to ensure no one was listening. “Emerald is not happy about your pregnancy, and she’s planning something.”

“Planning what?” I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Listen to me,” Isaac insisted, stepping closer. “You need to be careful. She might try to hurt you or your baby.”

I shook my head, feeling anger rise. “You just want to scare me! What do you care anyway?”

“This isn’t about jealousy! I’m trying to protect you!” Isaac replied, frustration clear in his voice.

“I can take care of myself, Isaac! You’re just jealous that Zane is with me now!” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

“I’m not jealous!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the woods. “I’m trying to warn you. You need to run away if it gets dangerous.”

“Run away? No, I’m staying right here with Zane. He wants to marry me,” I said, feeling resolute.

“That doesn’t matter if Emerald decides to do something reckless!” Isaac pleaded.

I turned away from him, unwilling to listen. “I’ve made my choice, Isaac. I don’t need you to save me.”

Isaac sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “I can’t just stand by and let something happen to you, Ariella. You’re important.”

Before I could reply, he walked away, frustration evident in his step. I shook my head, feeling mixed emotions. Why couldn’t he see that this was my life now?

Later that evening, as I took a walk near the edge of the woods, I saw Emerald standing there, looking angry. “What are you doing here?” I called out, trying to stay calm.

Emerald turned, her eyes blazing. “You should be afraid, Ariella.”

“What do you want?” I said, stepping back.

“I want you to know that I will not let you take what is rightfully mine,” she said harshly. “Zane is supposed to be with me. I will not let a mere maid ruin everything.”

“I’m not mere. I’m pregnant with his child,” I said defiantly.

Her expression darkened. “And if that child gets in my way, I’ll make sure you both pay.”

“Are you threatening me?” I asked, my heartbeat racing.

“Consider it a warning,” Emerald said coldly. “You’re just asking for trouble.”

“I won’t let you intimidate me,” I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt. “I’m marrying Zane, and nothing you say will change that.”

“Don’t be foolish,” she sneered, her voice low. “I will have that child at any cost.”

Just then, I heard rustling behind me. Isaac stepped into view, eyeing Emerald with a fierce look. “What’s going on here?” he demanded.

“Stay out of this, Isaac,” Emerald snapped.

“I won’t stay quiet if you’re threatening Ariella,” Isaac said firmly, stepping protectively in front of me. “Leave her alone, or you’ll have to deal with me.”

Emerald looked taken aback but quickly regained her composure. “I don’t need your help,” she replied, but the fear in her eyes was clear.

“I mean it,” Isaac warned, his voice low. “If you do anything to hurt her or the baby, you will answer to me.”

Emerald’s expression shifted. She seemed to consider her next words carefully. “Fine. Just know that I have my own plans,” she said, then turned and walked away.

As she disappeared into the trees, I felt tension leave my body, but a new fear crept in. Would she really go as far as to hurt me or the baby?

“Are you okay?” Isaac asked, turning to me, concern evident on his face.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my heart still racing. “What if she does something? What should I do?”

“Just keep your guard up. Stay close to Zane, and I will warn him,” Isaac said, looking serious.

****

Isaac’s POV

The wedding day arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and laughter. I stood there, pretending to smile as my Alpha, Zane, married Ariella. But inside, I felt a storm brewing. They looked so happy together, and it made my heart ache. I poured myself another glass of wine, hoping it would numb the pain. It was friggin crazy as I had rejected her myself.

“Isaac, are you okay?” My wife, Felicia, asked, concern written on her face.

“I’m fine,” I snapped, a bit too harshly.

Felicia frowned, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want to talk about it. I just wanted to drown my feelings in wine. The music played, and guests danced, but I felt trapped in my own thoughts. Every laughter, every joyful cheer only deepened my frustration.

“What’s wrong with you?” Felicia asked again, trying to find the right approach.

“Nothing! Just leave me alone!” I shot back, pushing her away.

She sighed, her expression turning into one of disappointment. “You’re in a really bad mood, Isaac. Please talk to me.”

“Not now, Felicia,” I grumbled, turning my back to her. I didn’t want to drag her down with me.

I watched Zane and Ariella at the front, both looking radiant. Zane was so in love; it made me sick. How could he just move on and be so happy with her? I shook my head, trying to shake off my thoughts.

As the night wore on, the wine took effect. My head felt heavy, and my heart felt heavier. I stepped outside for some fresh air, trying to clear my mind. But there she was—Ariella—standing alone away from the noise.

“Ariella,” I called out, my voice slurring slightly. “Can I talk to you?”

She turned to me, looking surprised. “Isaac? What is it?”

I stepped closer, my irritation rising. “Is this all just a game for you? Were you trying to make me jealous?”

Ariella looked confused, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about?”

“You know exactly what I mean! You move on from me so easily!” I taunted, letting my anger out. “Call it whatever you want, but it looks cheap!”

“I didn’t move on just like that. You rejected me and now I'm going to have a baby.” she replied quietly, her voice calm.

“Oh really? Then why are you with my Alpha? You didn’t think twice about leaving me behind!”

Ariella didn’t respond, her silence only deepening my anger.

“Say something!” I demanded, feeling frustration boil over.

I stepped closer, feeling the bond between us sizzle in the air. In a reckless moment, I kissed her. I just wanted to feel that spark again, to remind myself of what we had once felt.

But Ariella didn’t fight me. No, she stood there, her eyes wide with shock. I could feel her tension beneath my lips, like electricity.

However, seconds later, she pushed me away with surprising strength. “Stop!” she warned, her breath shaky. “You need to remember who I am now. I’m Zane’s wife.”

I raised an eyebrow, my smirk returning. “So what? That doesn’t change how I feel about you, Ariella.”

“Don’t say that!” she shot back, anger flaring in her eyes. “You can’t have me! I’m your Luna now!”

“Doesn’t bother me,” I said, feeling bold. “You’re still mine.”

Her face turned red, a mix of anger and frustration. “You can’t say that! You’re married to Felicia!”

“Felicia doesn’t matter to me. You’re the one I want!”

“Why are you making this harder?” she said, shaking her head. “You need to leave me alone, Isaac.”

“You think I can just walk away?” I laughed, feeling the emptiness in me. “You’re my mate, whether you like it or not.”