Aria's POV
The "file" Collins held was for me? I had thought it was for Sophia.
Collins gave it to me, It was an envelope. My fingers tingled before I even opened it. My wolf didn't like surprises. When I slipped the flap open and saw the check inside, the scent of fresh ink stung my nose.
A million dollars.
Collins's voice came out stiff, too controlled. "This is Alpha Nathan's compensation for you."
Compensation.
My spine locked into place. My wolf bristled, hackles rising beneath my skin. They really thought they could pay me off?
I stepped back sharply, letting the check slip from my fingers. The breeze caught it, fluttering it pathetically to the ground like it was trash—which, to me, it was.
Collins's eyes widened. He scrambled like a panicked pup, snatching it off the paveme
