Aria's POV
All I wanted was to settle down quickly with Lana and catch a breath. My claws itched for calm, just a moment to breathe without someone scheming around the corner.
The taxi rolled to a stop near the apartment Florence Portman had set me up with. As soon as I stepped out, dragging my luggage, a warm presence approached. The landlady herself, all smiles and energy.
"Are you Ms. Darvin?" she asked, taking my bags without hesitation.
I gave a small, polite bow, my nerves still coiled like a spring. "Yes… thanks for the help."
Florence laughed, slapping her chest as if it were nothing. "No worries at all. Make yourself at home. Just holler if you need anything."
Her warmth seeped into me, softening the edge of tension I'd carried all night. My wolf leaned back in my mind, rela
