Aria: The Alphas Plus-size Silver Wolf Mate

Twenty-One Years Ago “Please, just a little farther,” I whispered to the baby in my arms, struggling to keep my eyes open as I ran through the forest. My clothes were torn, and blood ran down my shoulder from the wound I had received while escaping. My legs hurt, and I could barely breathe, but I couldn't stop. The people hunting me were still behind me, and if they caught me, my daughter would never survive. I tightened my hold on her as I approached the large iron gate ahead. I knew this territory belonged to a powerful Alpha, and I had to reach him before my strength ran out. “Almost there, my little girl,” I whispered, kissing her forehead as she began to cry. I stopped in front of the gate and looked down at her. My hands shook as I removed the silver necklace from around my neck and placed it around hers. “I'm sorry, sweetheart,” I murmured, brushing my fingers over her tiny cheek. “I wish I could stay with you, but you have to live.” A sudden pain shot through my side, and I stumbled forward before falling to my knees. The baby cried louder, and I tried to lift my hand toward the gate, but my arm dropped before I could reach it. The gate finally opened. A tall man dressed in black stepped outside, followed by two guards. His eyes moved from my body to the baby lying beside me. “What happened here?” he demanded, walking closer. He crouched beside us and carefully lifted the baby into his arms. His expression changed when he noticed the necklace around her neck. For several seconds, he stared at it before looking toward the dark forest. “Who are you?” he whispered. …………………………… CHAPTER ONE The Unwanted Daughter ARIA “Are you planning to sleep there all morning, or do you expect someone to carry you to the kitchen?” Nicole's voice pulled me out of my thoughts as I stood in front of the mirror, trying to fasten the back of my dress. I turned toward her and found her leaning on my bedroom door, wearing a robe and holding a cup of coffee. “Good morning to you too, Nicole,” I replied, returning my attention to the mirror. “And if you're offering to carry me, I'll gladly accept.” Her eyes narrowed, and she placed her cup on the small table beside my door. “Don't get smart with me, Aria. Father wants breakfast served before his meeting, and you're already late.” I glanced at the clock. It was barely seven, but I knew better than to argue with her when she was in one of her moods. “Then perhaps you should stop standing there and let me get dressed,” I told her, pulling the dress over my hips. She scoffed before walking away, and I let out a quiet breath. I had lived in the Saunders household for twenty-one years, yet Nicole still treated me as though I had arrived yesterday with nothing but the clothes on my back. Her father, Alpha Richard Saunders, had taken me in when I was a baby after finding me outside his territory. He had given me a home, but that didn't mean his daughter had ever accepted me. I tied my silver hair into a loose ponytail and looked at my reflection. My body was fuller than most girls my age, and my long silver hair and gray eyes made me stand out wherever I went. Nicole often said I looked strange, but I had stopped letting her comments ruin my mornings. “Are you coming?” my wolf, Luna, asked inside my head. “I'm coming,” I replied silently, picking up the tray of breakfast I had prepared. Luna had been talking to me since I turned eighteen. She was stronger than I expected, but my body still struggled to keep up with her, and I had learned to train in secret whenever I could. “Maybe you should eat something before you go,” she suggested. “I'll eat later. If Nicole complains again, Father will blame me.” Luna growled softly, and I smiled as I left the room. The dining room was already occupied when I arrived. Nicole sat beside her father, while her mother, Evelyn, examined the food on the table. “Finally,” Evelyn said, looking at me. “Put everything down and make sure the coffee is warm.” I placed the tray on the table and reached for the coffee pot, but Nicole stopped me. “Not that cup, Aria. That's Father's.” I looked at the cup in my hand, then at the identical one beside it. “Of course. I wouldn't want to cause a family crisis over coffee.” Nicole kicked my ankle under the table, and I bit back a curse. “Enough,” Alpha Richard said, lowering his newspaper. “I have something important to discuss.” I stepped back and stood beside the wall, waiting for further instructions. “Three more bodies were found near the northern border last night,” he announced, looking at his wife and daughter. “That's the fifth attack this month, and we still haven't identified the rogues responsible.” Evelyn frowned and placed her spoon down. “Are the guards certain they're rogues? Perhaps another pack is trying to start a conflict.” “We have no proof of that yet,” he replied. “But I won't allow anyone to threaten this territory.” I glanced at him, remembering the guards who had returned with injuries two nights earlier. Something was happening beyond the borders, and even the strongest wolves in the household seemed concerned. Nicole leaned forward, clearly eager to change the subject. “Father, you promised we would discuss the academy today.” He nodded, setting his newspaper aside. “That's exactly what I intend to do. Your enrollment has been confirmed, and you'll be leaving for the Blackmoon Alpha Academy in three days.” Nicole's face lit up immediately. “Really? You're finally sending me?” “You need proper training if you're going to represent this family,” he explained. “The academy will help you develop your abilities and prepare you for your future responsibilities.” Nicole smiled and reached for his hand, thanking him before turning to Evelyn with excitement. I continued standing beside the wall, expecting the conversation to end there, until Alpha Richard looked directly at me. “Aria, you'll be accompanying her.” I blinked, surprised by the sudden announcement. “Me?” “Who else?” Nicole asked, laughing softly. “You didn't think Father was sending you there as a student, did you?” I ignored her and looked at Alpha Richard. “What exactly will I be doing there?” “You'll assist Nicole with her daily needs and ensure she stays safe,” he replied. “Your training has never amounted to much, but you can still be useful as her personal maid and protector.” My fingers tightened around the edge of the tray. I had spent years training in secret, pushing my body through exercises that left me sore for days. Yet, to him, I was still the weak orphan he had taken in out of pity. “When do we leave?” I asked, keeping my voice calm. “In three days. Make sure Nicole has everything she needs before then.” Nicole smiled at me, looking pleased with the arrangement. “Don't worry, Aria. I'll make sure you don't embarrass me at the academy.” I gave her a small smile. “That's thoughtful of you.” She frowned, clearly expecting me to argue, but I turned away before she could respond. As I carried the empty tray back to the kitchen, Luna stirred inside me. “You're not weak,” she said, her voice firm. I swallowed the lump in my throat and continued walking. “I know,” I whispered.