ALPHA’S HEART, My Haven

Episode-14

Aria’s Point of View

I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind wandering back to breakfast. Lucia’s questions had been strange, almost pointed, as though she was testing me. It wasn’t just her words that stayed with me, but the way she looked at me like I didn’t belong.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see a young maid step inside. She looked fragile, like me, with thin arms and wide, innocent eyes.

“The Alpha and his brothers have returned,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I studied her for a moment. She reminded me of someone, though I couldn’t quite place who. Perhaps it was her small frame or the nervous way she held her hands together.

As she turned to leave, I called after her. “Wait.”

She stopped, looking back at me curiously.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Amelia,” she said with a shy smile.

There was something about her smile that caught me off guard. Despite her delicate appearance, her smile was warm and bright, as if it could light up a room.

“Thank you, Amelia,” I said, nodding. “You can go now.”

Amelia bowed slightly before hurrying out of the room. I sat there for a moment longer, lost in my thoughts. Her presence had stirred something in me. A memory of when I was in Alpha Lupa’s pack. I had been just as fragile, just as small, yet I had learned to survive.

Taking a deep breath, I stood and began to get dressed. Dorian had returned, and I felt it was only right to greet him.

I stepped out of my room and started toward the entrance. The hallways were quiet, but my steps felt heavy as I walked. Just as I was nearing the main entrance, I saw Lucia approaching from the opposite direction.

Her gaze met mine, cold and unwelcoming. I wanted to look away, but I didn’t. Instead, I held her gaze for a moment before stepping aside to let her pass.

As I walked past her, she hissed under her breath, a sound filled with disdain. I paused for a moment, considering whether to say something, but decided against it. It wasn’t worth it.

When I reached the car garage, the air was filled with anticipation. The maids and warriors had gathered to welcome the Alpha and his brothers home. I joined the group, standing near the edge where I wouldn’t draw too much attention.

The black SUVs pulled into the driveway, their sleek bodies gleaming under the midday sun. My heart pounded as I waited, unsure of what to expect.

The first door opened, and Dorian stepped out. My breath caught as he looked around, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. When his gaze landed on me, his expression softened. Without hesitation, he walked straight toward me and pulled me into a hug.

“How are you?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I stiffened for a moment, surprised by the embrace, but quickly relaxed. “I’m fine,” I said softly.

“Really?” he asked, pulling back slightly to look at me. “You look pale. Have you been eating properly?”

“I have,” I assured him, though his concern made my chest tighten in a way I couldn’t explain.

As Dorian continued to check on me, I noticed Kael glancing toward Lucia, who had just arrived at the garage. The look on her face was unmistakable, disappointment, maybe even jealousy.

Kael didn’t miss it either. He quickly made his way to her, leaning in close. “Have you been waiting for us?” I heard him ask.

Lucia didn’t answer immediately, but the tension between them was clear.

Kael smiled at her, though it seemed forced. “Go get dressed,” he said lightly. “I’m taking you out.”

He didn’t give her a chance to argue, taking her by the arm and guiding her back inside.

Dorian must have noticed my expression because he turned back to me, his brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “You just got back. You should rest, take a shower, and eat something.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Aria,” he said firmly, “if something’s bothering you, I want to know.”

“I’m fine, really,” I insisted. “Let’s go inside.”

Dorian hesitated for a moment before nodding. Taking my hand, he led me toward the entrance. His grip was firm yet gentle, and I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of security.

As we entered the house, the sound of a sharp slap echoed through the hallway, stopping us in our tracks.

“Amelia!” a voice cried out, followed by a silent sob.

Dorian’s eyes darkened, and his jaw clenched. Without a word, he quickened his pace, pulling me along with him.

When we reached the scene, we found Lucia standing in the middle of the hallway, her hand still raised. Amelia was crouched on the floor, holding her cheek, tears streaming down her face.

“What is going on here?” Dorian demanded, his voice like thunder.

Lucia turned to face him, her expression defiant. “She disrespected me,” she said coldly.

Amelia shook her head quickly, her words tumbling out between sobs. “I didn’t mean to! I was just—”

“Enough,” Dorian said, his voice cutting through the commotion. He turned to Amelia, his expression softening. “Go to your room. Now.”

Amelia hesitated, her eyes darting between Dorian and Lucia, but eventually nodded and ran off.

“Lucia,” Dorian said, his tone dangerously calm. “What did she do to deserve that?”

Lucia crossed her arms, refusing to back down. “She was rude. I won’t tolerate disrespect from a servant.”

Dorian took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “This is my house, Lucia. And in my house, no one is treated that way. Do you understand?”

For a moment, I thought Lucia might argue, but she simply nodded, her jaw tight.

Dorian turned to me, his expression softening again. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, though my heart was still racing from the scene.

“Let’s go,” he said, taking my hand again.

As we walked away, I couldn’t help but glance back at Lucia. Her eyes were filled with anger, but there was something else there too—something that looked a lot like pain.

Dorian led me to the sitting room, where he finally let go of my hand. He paced back and forth for a moment, running a hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” he said finally, turning to face me.

“It’s not your fault,” I said softly.

He sighed, sitting down on the edge of the couch. “Lucia isn’t usually like this. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.”

I hesitated, unsure whether to speak. Part of me wanted to tell him about breakfast, about the way Lucia had questioned me, but I didn’t want to cause more trouble.

“Maybe she’s just stressed,” I said instead, though the words felt hollow.

Dorian didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked again, his eyes searching mine.

“I’m fine,” I said, offering him a small smile.

For a moment, we sat in silence, the weight of the day hanging heavy between us.