Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen

Jacob's death stirred up the neighborhood, but they didn't say anything hearing Aiden was the one who killed him. But I wasn't going to stay silent as always and let them think he was cruel!

So I told them everything about how Jacob tried to force himself on me, and nearly raped me on the spot in the middle of the night.

And during the whole scenario, I didn't see a shadow of my mom, which made me feel sad.

Everyone seemed to calm down after hearing my explanation, and they seemed to stop themselves from staring at my husband with eyes filled with disdain. Instead, they just ignored him like before.

Slowly, a week passed and full moon night appeared. The entire week, I had decided to stay alone. First, I wanted to sort out my thoughts and think about how to deal with Aiden's situation. Second, the full moon day was approaching, and I knew that some werewolves tended to be aggressive.

And seeing Aiden's anger issues, I had a feeling that it was better to stay alone rather than risk being near him. This way, I had faith that I could find a solution to control his problem sooner than ever.

So on the night of full moon, I shifted into my original form and walked out of my temporary home, which was two houses away from where Aiden was staying. My glance lingered at his home before I sighed.

Was he alright

I hope he still wasn't having anger issues.

I remembered how he had reacted when I had stated that I wanted to stay alone until the full moon night. He was stunned, and even tried to persuade me into staying, but I remained stubborn.

First, I wanted to forget that memory of him killing someone right before my eyes, and with him being present, I wouldn't be able to focus on treatment at all! My mind would be filled with the images of him killing Jacob, making me feel disturbed.

And when I reasoned with him like this, Aiden seemed to understand and reluctantly gave me permission to stay alone for a few days.

If you're so worried about him, why don't you just go and see A familiar cold voice spoke, making me jump in surprise.

I saw a brown colored werewolf that was bigger than every normal werewolf I had seen. But this shade of brown resembled someone's hair. Ethan

I never thought this man would approach me on his own accord.

The man shifted his gaze away as if he was embarrassed to approach me like this. Yes. He paused and opened his mouth again. I hated you before, you know

I was stunned at his bluntness. I knew this guy had misgivings with me, but I didn't think he would just admit it bluntly. I-I see.

Don't worry, that was in the past.

So you don't hate me anymore I was confused at this guy's attitude.

But he shook his head. It's not that I don't hate you, I'm just neutral.

Is it supposed to be reassuring

I pursed my lips and lowered my head, walking toward the street. I could see many werewolves in their original forms walking on the road in groups, but everyone seemed to ignore me.

At first I thought that even Ethan would ignore me, but who knew that he would rush and walk right beside me after a while. Can you leave me alone He was making me uncomfortable.

I-I came to accompany you as a repayment for what you did that day.

I suddenly remembered what this guy was talking about. It seemed that he was grateful to me because I stopped Aiden from going mad and killing the Beta Stride on the spot.

So, Ethan wanted to express his gratitude, but he still was reluctant because of his embarrassment.

I'm still not sure how that happened. I admitted it too. Since this guy was being blunt, I felt like I should be blunt too. Shouldn't I at least try to reciprocate

Ethan sighed. This is Alpha's old problem. It's been troubling him ever since I've known him.

How long have you known him

Since childhood.

I was surprised hearing that. I didn't think someone like Ethan would be so devoted to Aiden.

I wasn't a Beta Stride, just his playmate. But I gave my exams and became his Beta Stride, while he rose to the level of Alpha all after his mother died.

I pursed my lips. I still couldn't believe that Aiden had been suffering from such a problem. I wanted to help him, but I didn't know what to do. I was helpless.

Is it worse I suddenly asked. Since this guy knew my husband for a long time, he was more aware of how worse this problem was.

From what I had seen, Aiden seemed to be in a trance because of his anger. So much so that he would forget his surroundings. He would only regain his consciousness when I'd call him out repeatedly while touching him.

But this time he ended up killing Jacob because I hadn't stopped him. So someone would have to stop him for that, right

Before I could voice out my doubts, Ethansy words surprised me.

He's situation was getting worse, but you saved him.

I raised my brows at that, but gestured to him to continue.

At that time, Ethan was actually facing one such angry episode. He was angry and in a trance when you bumped into him, and he suddenly regained his consciousness. A hint of realization dawned on me, and I turned to look at him. That was when I came. I hadn't realized what had happened, so I immediately thought that you had used some means to seduce him. Since Aiden didn't say anything either, I didn't find out about it until recently when you saved me suddenly that day.

I frowned. That still didn't explain why Ethan was grateful, and why his hate towards me suddenly changed, but I still let him continue.

You must be confused. Ethan seemed even more embarrassed after blabbering like this. Let me explain. Whenever Aiden had been through such an episode, he would end up killing everyone who even tried to raise his voice to stop him. He paused and added. And he also suffers a lot every full moon day. He would shut himself inside a room to stop himself from hurting everyone. Right now, he's still locked inside his room, but he's not suffering like before, and this is all because of your influence, otherwise, everyone who would disturb him whenever he's in his angry trance would die in his hands.

I was surprised at this. Die! Then why was I alive I clearly hindered him thrice now if we still count the first meeting before the bathroom.

But this is the first time someone was able to bring him back to consciousness. Ethan suddenly stopped and gazed at me with a touch of admiration. You're truly a Luna, Bella. You saved Aiden from his anger.

My eyes widened at that. Does it mean that his solution is me This felt too absurd. It seemed like I suddenly entered a novel world, and Aiden was the protagonist with anger issues, and I was the only female lead who could be his light.

But as soon as I thought of this, a trace of delight sprouted in my heart.

Ethan, thank you for telling me this.

He shrugged. No need to thank me. I was only expressing my gratitude.

But I still felt a little uncomfortable thinking this guy used to hate me. I didn't want everyone near my husband to have that kind of feelings for me. Ethan, I say, let's start again. Let's be friends, okay

He was surprised hearing that and nodded after a long time of staring at me in a daze.