ZANE’S POV
I woke up the next morning with Aria on my mind, her face and her voice filling my thoughts before I even opened my eyes.
I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, wondering if she was awake yet and if she had slept well in the apartment last night.
I hoped she felt safe there, hoped she knew that I would do everything in my power to protect her.
I reached for my phone on the nightstand and typed out a quick message, asking her how she was and if she needed anything.
I hit send and waited, but the minutes passed and no reply came.
I frowned, staring at the screen.
Maybe she was still asleep, I told myself, but something felt off.
I decided to call her instead, my thumb hovering over her name, but before I could press the button, the door to my chambers swung open and my father walked in.
He looked at me with sharp eyes and spoke, his voice firm.
“Zane, are you still asleep?”
I sat up quickly, my phone slipping from my hand.
“No, Father.
I am awake now,” I said, my voice still rough with sleep.
He nodded, with a serious expression on his face and said, “Good.
Get ready.
You are going to visit the Sinclair household today.
It is time you paid your respects to your future Luna’s family.”
I felt my stomach drop, and I could not hide my shock.
“Father, why now?
Do I have to?” I asked, my voice betraying my reluctance.
He turned to look at me, his eyes narrowing.
“Yes, you have to,” he said firmly.
“Aurora and her mother came to the palace yesterday, and you were nowhere to be found.
They are expecting you.
It is customary for an Alpha to show respect to his mate’s family.
You will go, and you will be polite.
Understood?”
I wanted to argue, wanted to tell him that I had no intention of marrying Aurora, but I knew it would only make things worse.
I let out a long breath.
“Can I not go another day?
I have things to do,” I said, my voice strained.
He shook his head, and said sternly, “No.
And while we are on the subject, where were you yesterday?
Do not give me that flimsy excuse about supervising a project.
I am not a fool, Zane.”
I met his gaze, my voice steady.
“It was business, Father.
That is all I will say,” I replied, keeping my tone calm.
He studied me for a long moment, and then he sighed.
“Fine.
You are an adult, and I will not treat you like a child.
But remember this, you will be Alpha soon.
Your actions will be watched by everyone.
So be careful.
Do not do anything that will bring shame to this family,” he warned, his voice low and serious.
He turned and walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling inside me.
I hated this.
I hated being forced to pretend, hated playing this game with Aurora when all I wanted was to be with Aria.
The door opened again, and Tristan hurried in, his face full of concern. This story is hosted at g.com.
“I heard shouting from the hallway.
Is everything alright?” he asked, cautiously.
I ran a hand through my hair and laughed bitterly, “My father wants me to visit the Sinclairs today.
He says I have to pay my respects to my future Luna’s family,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
“It is a joke.
All of it.”
Tristan’s expression softened.
“I am sorry, Zane.
I know this is not what you want,” he said gently.
I looked at him, surprised.
“You are apologizing?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He nodded his head slowly.
“I have been thinking about something.
Yesterday, when Aurora and her mother came to the palace, I watched them.
The way Aurora spoke, the way she moved, it felt…
fake.
Like she was playing a role.
I sensed pretense in her words and actions, and I felt bad for pushing you toward her in the first place.
She might not be who she appears to be,” he said, his voice thoughtful.
I stared at him, shocked.
“What are you saying?” I asked, my voice low.
Tristan shrugged.
“I am saying that maybe you are right to be suspicious of her.
Maybe she is not as sweet and perfect as she pretends to be,” he replied.
I laughed suddenly, which sounded strange in the tense room.
“You know, I wish I could give a she-wolf like Aurora to you, Tristan.
She is beautiful, charming, and everyone adores her.
She would be perfect for you,” I said, teasing him.
Tristan threw a pillow at me, his face scrunched in disgust.
“No, thank you.
I would rather stay single for the rest of my life than deal with that kind of drama,” he said, his voice firm.
I caught the pillow and tossed it back, a small smile tugging at my lips.
“Fine, fine.
I will take one for the team.
But I need to prepare for this visit.
Let us get it over with,” I said, my voice resigned.
We arrived at the Sinclair house an hour later, my arms full of gifts that my father had insisted I bring.
Aurora and her mother were waiting at the door, their smiles bright and welcoming.
I forced myself to smile back and bowed politely, handing over the gifts with practiced courtesy.
“Alpha Prince, what an honor,” Elara said, her voice dripping with false warmth.
“Please, come inside.”
I stepped through the door, Tristan close behind me, and that was when I saw her.
Aria was standing in the corner of the room, her face pale and her eyes red.
It was clear that there had been an argument of some sort, and my heart clenched at the sight of her looking so hurt.
I wanted to rush to her, to ask what had happened, but I forced myself to stay in place.
“Aria,” I said calmly, “It is good to see you.”
She bowed her head formally.
“Alpha Prince,” she said softly, not meeting my eyes.
I felt a pang of longing.
She had not replied to my texts because she was here, trapped in this house with her mother and Aurora.
Elara led me to the sitting room and offered me a drink, which I politely declined.
She insisted, and I finally accepted to be polite.
I sat up straight, wanting to leave as soon as possible.
“I apologize for not being at the palace yesterday,” I said, my voice careful.
“I had business to attend to.”
Elara waved her hand dismissively.
“Do not worry, Alpha Prince.
You are a busy man.
It is perfectly understandable,” she said smoothly.
She then stepped forward and pulled Aurora toward me, her voice sweet and calculated.
“But the thing is, your fiancée really misses you.
She would love to spend some time with you and get to know you better before the ceremony,” she said, her eyes gleaming.
Aurora smiled sweetly, her voice dripping with false innocence.
“I would love to be around you, my Lord.
Even if it is for a day, just to understand you properly before we become one,” she said, batting her eyelashes.
I searched my mind for any feelings for Aurora.
The bond was there, hollow and empty, a strange echo of what it should have been.
But I did not feel anything for her.
There was no warmth, no connection, no love.
Instead, my eyes kept drifting toward the shadows where Aria stood, and I felt a pull toward her that was stronger than any bond.
I turned to Aurora and forced a smile.
“I will try to do better, my lady,” I said, my voice flat.
To my shock, Aurora stepped forward and sat on my lap, her arms wrapping around my neck like she belonged there.
I heard Tristan clear his throat from behind me, and I felt my face grow hot with embarrassment.
I reached for her arms, trying to push her away gently.
“Aurora, this is not appropriate,” I said, my voice low.
“Your mother is here.
Please, get up.”
Elara quickly chimed in, waving a dismissive hand at me.
“It does not matter, Alpha Prince.
You will be married soon enough.
There is no need for such formalities.”
Aurora nodded, with a wide smile on her face.
“Yes, we will be married soon.
But tell me, my Lord, why am I not seeing any wedding ceremony preparations?
I have been waiting, but there is nothing,” she said, her voice tinged with false sadness.
I met her gaze, my voice firm.
“Because a date has not been set yet,” I said simply.
She feigned sadness, and pouted her lower lip out.
“Then we should set one.
I cannot wait to be your wife,” she said sweetly.
Elara quickly agreed.
“Yes, I will speak to Alpha Alaric immediately.
We will arrange everything,” she said eagerly.
But I cut her off, my voice cold and final.
“The date has not been set because I have been busy, and I do not feel like partying right now.
Give me some time, my lady, to put my affairs in order.
Or are you that much in a hurry to be Luna?
Because I know that you are aware that you and I have no emotional connection.”