r. Her eighteenth birthday was tomorrow, and on that day, she would start her adult life. But it meant far more to Aria. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The moment gro
ng great things together." The words seemed empty even to her. Aria let out a breath, her frustration rising. How could she convince the Alpha of the pack th
angry voice caught her attention, so she turned with a frown. Curiosi
t through the night air. "Aria needs to understand where
ing about her. Aria could hear her m
a young girl. Letting her drea
pack safe. Dreams won't secure our future. She will n
how rise above her rank-that she had been nurturing started to fade. But as despair washed over her, a spark of rebellion flared inside her. NO. She would
this one place, her sanctuary, she felt truly free. Aria sat on a moss-covered log and let her thoughts wander. She imagined Zander's reaction to her conf
everie. Her heart racing, she turned and
aid with a si
s as he smiled at her. Running a hand through his
e flutter in her stomach. "I
to her. Still, she couldn't help but notice how his e
concerned look on his face. "You s
I heard my parents arguing. About me. My father
en how much you care for the younger pack members and how you always know th
bt remained. "But is it ever enough?" she
" The intensity of his gaze startled her when she met his eyes.
e remembered her goal and saw Zander's face in her mind. Straightening her shoulders, she
eyes. "Of course. Happy early birthday, Aria.
her mind. She could do this. She had a strength all her o
ay. She carefully chose a flowing white dress to symbolize her step into adulthood. Her mothe
said, her eyes moist with emotion. Seein
zing her mother's hand. "Everyt
r every move. Her heart pounded as she scanned the crowd and saw Zander front and center. The Alpha stood tall and proud, his black hair flecked wit
thing she had into her cry. Her voice started soft but grew louder, carrying a melody so beautiful and haunting that the pack gasped in
e the crowd began to disperse. Preparing for what l
e steadier than she felt. "Can
ng blue eyes meeting hers. "
before she could speak, a commotion erupted at the edge of the c
ed. "Intruders! The ot
ack's defenses. Aria stood frozen as chaos erupted around her, her confession forgotten. As the sounds
to safety," he insisted, p
eryone-including Zander-that she was more than just a weak Omega. Her face set with dete
ingled in Liam's e
ehind her. As she broke through the treeline, the scene before her was one of chaos and violence. The rival pack
In that moment of danger, Aria knew her life would never be the same. The confession she had pla
at this was more than just a test of her will. She would either be shaped into something greater or