Chapter 1: My Mate Returns
Chapter 1: My Mate Returns
(Aria's POV)
I lay contentedly in the massive master bed, silk sheets caressing my bare skin as morning sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the luxury villa in golden light.
My gaze drifted to Jake's sleeping form, admiring how the sun highlighted the ridges of his perfectly sculpted abs.
Actually I didn't know his real name. Just call him Jake now.
Three years ago, I first spotted him at the Silver Moon Club.
That night, when I was abandoned by my mate and my best friend, I'd gone hunting for a distraction and found him on stage.
He didn’t have his wolf. It seemed that he was an Omega.
But at 6'2" with broad shoulders and narrow hips, he had the kind of body that made women stop and stare. His olive skin was flawless, muscles defined but not bulky - a testament to years of disciplined workout routines and modeling.
When he'd approached me later, all confident smiles and knowing looks, I'd decided he'd do nicely as a temporary distraction.
Temporary had turned into three years of mutually beneficial arrangement - my financial support in exchange for his exceptional talents in the bedroom.
And talented he was.
Although he was an Omega, his skill and stamina could put many Alpha males to shame. Hours of passionate encounters had proven that theory many times over.
The villa, the designer clothes, the luxury car - all tokens of my appreciation for a man who knew exactly how to please a female.
He'd learned every sensitive spot, every trigger that made my wolf purr. Even now, my body tingled from the memory of last night's activities, his strength and expertise leaving me thoroughly satisfied.
But now, watching him sleep, I felt a twinge of reluctance. Today would be our last morning together.
Jake stirred beside me, his fingers finding their way to my shoulder, tracing lazy patterns on my skin. Each touch sent little sparks of pleasure through me, my wolf humming in appreciation.
His touch was always just right - firm enough to show confidence, gentle enough to tease.
"Stay a bit longer," he murmured, sliding closer. His voice held that commanding edge that would intimidate most she-wolves, even without an Alpha's power behind it.
The sheets slipped lower, revealing more of that perfectly toned torso. "We could go another round."
But I wasn't most she-wolves.
"Sorry, but I have places to be." I gave him my signature playful smile while gently extracting myself from his grasp, though my wolf whined softly at the loss of contact.
Three years of mind-blowing encounters, and this would be the last.
His expression darkened slightly as he caught the shift in my scent - the one that signaled an ending. After three years, he knew my tells well enough.
I reached for the envelope I'd prepared and held it out to him. "Your services these past years have been...exceptional. Consider this a token of my appreciation."
Jake's eyes narrowed as he examined the contents - territory deeds to this very villa and documentation for a substantial transfer of pack funds.
"What is this?" His voice held a dangerous edge. " Do you want to end our relationship? Do you really know who I am? "
"I don’t care. Our arrangement has run its course," I said calmly, though my wolf bristled at his aggressive tone. "I'm afraid this needs to end."
"Why now?" He demanded, sitting up abruptly. The sheets pooled around his waist, and despite everything, I couldn't help admiring the view one last time.
"My mate returns today."
I slid from the bed and began collecting my clothes. "The villa and funds are yours to keep. Consider it payment for services rendered. I suggest you take the generous offer and move on gracefully."
He caught my wrist as I passed. "You deserve better than this, Aria. Better than him."
For a moment, genuine concern flickered in his eyes. But I gently pulled away.
"Thank you for your concern. And for these past years. But this is goodbye."
I dressed quickly and left without looking back, though I could feel his gaze burning into me until I closed the bedroom door.
In my car, I finally let out a shaky breath. My wolf whined softly, remembering darker times.
I was the only child of Alpha and Luna of the Silverbrook pack, and grew up being spoiled.
I had a boyfriend, Alexander, the Alpha heir of Storm pack. We grew up together. At the age of 18, our wolves awakened and recognized each other as mates.
I had everything. But three years ago, when I was 18, my entire world had shattered in the span of a week.
The memories crashed over me as I drove, each one still sharp despite the years that had passed.
First came the revelation that I wasn't my parents’ real daughter. I was mistaken with Diana when we were born. My birthright and family were stripped away when Diana, the true Silverbrook heir, returned to claim her place.
My parent abandoned me in one night.
My wolf still remembered the moment Diana walked into the pack house, her silver hair and amethyst eyes a mirror of my own. Except hers were genuine Silverbrook traits, while mine were just a cruel trick of fate.
Then came Alexander's betrayal. He was my childhood sweetheart and destined mate. He'd cornered me in the garden where we'd shared our first kiss.
"I'm in love with Sarah," he'd said, not even looking me in the eyes. "I want to reject our mate bond."
Sarah. My best friend since school. The human girl I'd protected from bullies, shared secrets with, trusted with my heart. The same girl who'd been sleeping with my mate behind my back for months.
The triple betrayal from my family, mate, and best friend had been too much. In my despair, I'd attempted to end it all.
I still had the scars on my wrists, hidden beneath expensive bracelets.
But Alexander's parents - Alpha Marcus and Luna Victoria of the Storm pack - had saved me. They'd always treated me like a daughter, and they refused to let me go.
"You're worth more than this," Luna Victoria had whispered, holding me as I recovered. "We won't let him destroy you."
They forced Alexander to complete our mate ceremony, threatening to revoke his status as Alpha heir if he refused. He'd complied, his face a mask of resentment throughout the sacred ritual.
The day after our ceremony, he'd handed me a small bottle filled with shimmering purple liquid.
"This will suppress the mate bond," he'd said, still avoiding my gaze.
"It cost a fortune, but it will spare us both the pain when..." He'd trailed off, but his meaning was clear - when he was with Sarah.
I laughed bitterly at the memory as I navigated the familiar roads to the pack house. What a thoughtful mate, providing me with the means to numb myself to his betrayal.
That first year had been agony. I'd loved him too much to drink the potion, foolishly hoping he'd come back to me.
Every time he was with Sarah, the mate bond transmitted his pleasure, shredding my heart and weakening my wolf. I'd feel everything - his passion, his satisfaction, his love for her. Each moment had been like dying all over again.
After twelve months of torture, I'd finally accepted the truth. I drank the potion in one gulp, and the soul-crushing pain dulled to a manageable ache.
It was the same night, I went to the Silver Moon Club and spotted Jake.
If Alexander can betray, why can't I?
Now, three years later, I barely felt anything at all, neither could he.
The pack house came into view, and my wolf immediately registered Alexander's presence. Even with the bond suppressed, she knew her mate was near. I ignored her restless stirring.
I parked my Mercedes and took a deep breath, checking my reflection in the rearview mirror.
Perfect makeup, Chanel outfit, not a hair out of place. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing me affected.
They stood at the entrance - Alexander and Sarah. His arm was wrapped possessively around her waist, her swollen belly proudly displayed.
He looked exactly as I remembered - tall, handsome, with those steel-blue eyes that used to make my heart race. Now they just made me feel empty.
Sarah had changed - her face was fuller, glowing with pregnancy. She wore a modest sundress that emphasized her condition, one hand protectively cradling her stomach.
Playing the perfect mother-to-be.
I stepped out of my car with a bright smile, my heels clicking against the pavement. Time to put on the performance of my life.
"Sarah, darling!" I called out, my voice dripping with fake sweetness. "You're absolutely glowing. Pregnancy clearly agrees with you."