surveyed the scene, first fixing on Aria, then on Marcus and his entourage, Liam and Ethan's

ving the twins at her back gave her strength. They could sense the j

is voice a blend of authority an

outsiders. She puts the pack at risk." Marcus stopped when Zander reached out a hand. His eyes

a deep breath. She said steadily, "I've been learning about myself, Zander. About abili

cut him off. The area erupted with more pack members as soon as they spotted Aria, all of them speaking at once. Amid the tumult, Aria fel

w of the trees, she stole one more glance at him. His expression was a mix of uncertaint

o face them. She said gently, "Thanks, the two of you. Had yo

ld her hand. "Aria, we will always

ur course of action, though. Clearly not e

er hair. "I am aware. I just thought they wou

you perfect your fresh skills and workout with you. When the

's face with delight. "F

xed her. "Aria, you have our confidence. We

f the forest where Aria could hone her fresh abilities away from prying eyes. Pushing her to her boundaries and

helped her heal from that terrible night, which was far different from the nasty rejection Zander

table. As he considered their final contact, he wriggled remembering his harsh remarks. Over the course of the days, Zander couldn't get Aria's ideas out of his head. She spoke with confidence, having s

d an apology if he was to understand what had happened to her during her absence. And mayb

d the place she was spending her time, he heard the noises of exertion and encouragement. Curio

were standing close by providing directions and encouragement. Aria opened her eyes while Zander watched. A hand motion caused the ground under

his voice, Liam yelled out.

as no way to do this. There should not be any Omega with such ability. Nothing like this had he seen among Alphas. Still, Aria's demonstration of authority startled him for other reasons a

across her palms, and made flowers blossom in a matter of seconds. Throughout, Liam and Ethan were there for direction and encouragement. When

nging move requiring all four elements. The sound broke Zander's heart and sen

ged Aria. Liam threw his arms around

past deeds, respect for Aria's newly acquired skills, and a startling sense of animosity ag

e seemed to stop. Zander watched Aria's eyes flash with recognition, then swiftly followed by a mix of defiance and something else-perhaps a challenge? Before he could respond

o question the pack's structure, his Alpha status, and the very nature of their species. He had gone to the woodland intending to atone for past mistakes and pay ap

ria or discount her as a weak Omega. He had to choose his position in relation to her increasing might. Would he support the transformation she em

ld go looking for Aria once more, this time candidly. Apart from his apologies, he

s as well as fresh knowledge. But for the time being, his thoughts of Aria's myste