Chapter 178 178

Chapter 178 178
Arielle's POV

It was Mandy.

She stood at the doorstep, her expression neutral, her arms crossed. Without a word, she walked past me into the cottage. I closed the door and turned, already launching into an apology.

"Mandy, I'm sorry you had to find out that way. I wanted to tell you. I was going to, I just—" I paused, my hands wringing together. "I won't lie. Yes, I was developing feelings for your uncle even before I realized it. And last night... we were together." I paused, catching my breath. "We made out. It wasn't planned. It just happened. He marked me." I touched my neck, where the mark still lingered. "I know it's crazy, but we're fated mates. I only found out last night, when I finally shifted into my wolf. I wanted to tell you everything—about my wolf, about my mate, about all of it. I wanted to share that with you. I'm sorry things turned out this way."

She said nothing. Her face was unreadable, and it made my chest tighten. I continued, my voice wavering. "I know you might need time to forgive me, and I won't make it hard for you. I'll leave this place. I won't disrespect our friendship. I'll leave today. Okay?"

She looked at me for a long moment. Then, to my utter shock, her lips parted into a smile. The next moment, she pulled me into a tight hug.

"Oh, Arielle." Her voice was warm, relieved. "I'm so glad it was finally you."

I blinked, confused. "What?"

She pulled back, her hands on my shoulders, her grin wide. "My uncle's mate. The one who was meant to make him whole, to make him feel again—it turned out to be my best friend." She laughed, shaking her head. "We all thought he was always going to be cold and distant for eternity, but thinking about it now, there have been changes since you came. You did wonders."

She hugged me again, tighter this time. "I'm sorry I overreacted earlier and spoke so awfully. I reacted like that only because I thought you had given in to his cheap manipulation. I thought you just wanted a fling with him." She pulled back, remorse plastered on her face. "But he loves you. My uncle really loves you. So please don't go anywhere." She took my hands in hers. "Okay?"

I stared at her, my eyes wide. "You're not angry?"

"Heck no." She laughed. "I wouldn't have been even a bit angry if I had known earlier that you're the last and only one he's going to spend the rest of his life with." She looked at me, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So, last night, huh? Was it good? Did he finally lose that grumpy edge?"

My cheeks flushed. "Mandy!"

"What? I'm curious!" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Come on, give me details. Did he actually say romantic things? Or was he just all growly and intense?"

I groaned, covering my face. "This is so embarrassing."

"Embarrassing? Girl, you're dating the Alpha. That's the opposite of embarrassing." She nudged me. "Spill. I need to know if my uncle is actually capable of being soft."

I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips. "He was... surprisingly gentle. And he said he loved me."

Mandy gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "He said he loves you? My Uncle? The man who barely shows emotion? I need proof. Tell me everything."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I'm not giving you a play-by-play, Mandy."

"Fine, fine. I'll just let it be," She grinned. "But seriously, I'm happy for you, Arielle. You deserve this. You deserve someone who sees you for who you really are."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Thank you, Mandy. That means a lot."

She sniffed the air, then wrinkled her nose. "Girl, you still reek of him. Go take a bath first, then we'll talk."

I laughed, the tension finally breaking. "Okay. I'll be right back."

I turned toward the bathroom, but stopped at the doorway, looking back at her. "Thank you, Mandy. For understanding."

She smiled, her eyes warm. "Always, Arielle. Always.”



Aeson came later at sunset, packed my things, and brought me to the packhouse. I looked around the grand foyer, my eyes wide with confusion.

“Aeson, what is this?"

He set my bag down and turned to face me, his arms crossed. "No arguments. That's it. You'll be staying here from now on, my Luna." He bowed dramatically, a smirk playing on his lips.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Stop that."

He straightened, his eyes warm. "Let's have dinner. I'll cook."

I raised an eyebrow. "You cook?"

"Don't sound so surprised. I have many hidden talents." He took my hand and led me toward the kitchen. "Mandy is already preparing things."

I stopped walking. "What did you tell her? I wasn't expecting Mandy to be that understanding about the situation."

He shrugged. "I just told her the truth and how happy I'll be with you. She's really understanding."

"Yeah." I let out a breath. "I thought she would go berserk and come pull me out by my hair out of this pack. Honestly, I'm scared sometimes when she's angry because she might be crazy."

"I heard that, Arielle!" Mandy's voice rang out from the kitchen, and we both burst out laughing.

Later, we were all sitting around the table, the warm glow of candles casting shadows across the room. The food was delicious—Aeson had actually cooked, and Mandy had helped with the sides. I felt a warmth spreading through my chest, a sense of belonging I hadn't felt in years.

"I'm really elated," I said, smiling at both of them.

Mandy leaned over, whispering in my ear, "Is it because you can't get over last night?"

My cheeks flushed, and I shoved her shoulder. "Shut up."

I lifted my gaze and caught Aeson winking at me. I felt my face grow even hotter.

I cleared my throat, changing the subject. "My father finally woke up from his coma."

Mandy gasped. "Wow. That's good news!"

"Yeah." I nodded, looking at Aeson. "He's better than ever. You predicted it earlier."

He smiled. "I think positivity plays a big role in our lives sometimes."

Mandy leaned forward. "Are you going to see your family?"

"Yes." I paused, a smile tugging at my lips. "You won't believe it—my mother offered to make me my favorite soup."

"Wow," Mandy breathed.

"I'll need to go see them this weekend."

"That's great!" Mandy jumped up. "Let me get a special wine to celebrate the news." She dashed toward the bar.

Aeson reached across the table, his hand covering mine. "So, will you tell them about us when you see them?"

I shook my head. "No. Not soon. I can't bear my mother's anger now. I'll tell them when I visit another time. I just want to go celebrate my father's recovery with them."

He nodded, his gaze softening. "I understand."

Mandy returned, her face lit up as she looked at her phone. "OMG, you won't believe this, Arielle." She showed me the screen. "Beverly is gone. Back to her pack. Her resignation was announced today."

I read the update from the college student announcement group. "Oh." I handed back the phone, my gaze shifting to Aeson, who gave me a knowing smile.

Mandy settled back, sighing. "Good riddance. She was unbearable." She scrolled up and then paused, her eyes widening. "What?" She looked up. "He got transferred."

"Who?" I asked.