Chapter 28

Chapter 28
Jaxon

The ride back home is quiet. No doubt Roman and Ezra are thinking about what Aria’s friend Daniel was saying. We had been looking at obtaining an Alpha as something simple. Not once did we discuss what would happen once we found one. Especially when the one we might find has a whole life of their own. What were we thinking? That the Alpha we found would be waiting around in a quiet life, looking for a pack? It was stupid of us to think this would be so easy. 

When we get back to the house, we go our separate ways. Clearly, none of us is ready to express our opinions or thoughts on what to do next. I know I'm struggling with it myself. 

Aria is beautiful and strong. There is no doubt about that. She has a strength about her that would make her a great Alpha, but there is also a hesitance to her movements. Almost like she’s fighting back the urge to take off and run. Not that I could blame her. Things have been moving so fast the last couple of days; no doubt her head is spinning as well. More so, most likely. 

When I walk into my room, I walk over to a canvas I have set up in the corner. It’s blank. It’s been blank for a week now. I’ve hit a wall when it comes to my art. I’m not sure if it’s because the longer we were waiting for word from the lawyer had consumed all my thoughts, or if it felt pointless to keep painting. I have been showing my work on a website I created and marketing where I can, and I’ve gotten some interest from individual buyers who’s rather negotiate than pay full price. How long can I hope for my art to be noticed by a broker or anyone who’d be willing to pay what the art is actually worth? 

Now that I’m looking at the canvas, though, I see a clear image of a painting. Aria. Her beauty…her strength…her courage…

I step up to the canvas and start preparing my paints. This isn’t going to be a simple portrait. She is so much more than what she appears to be, and I want to paint the side of her that others might not notice. 

As an artist, you have to be a very good observer, and that means looking past the obvious. I see more of the world around me, and Aria deserves to be seen. 

Once I have the colours I want, I pick up a brush and start painting. I don’t know how long I’ve been working until the room starts to darken. 

“You’re painting again.” A voice behind me says. 

It startles me, and I nearly drop my brush. I turn to see Roman just inside the door. 

“Yeah, I was inspired,” I say, looking back at the canvas. 

The image is coming together well, but I’m not sure Roman or anyone would be able to discern what the image is of. There is a figure without any detail, and bright streaks of paint in different colours around it. It’s too early for it to mean anything.

“What is the person in it?” Roman asks. 

“Aria,” I admit truthfully. 

He looks at me with a curious expression. “You’re painting Aria? Why?” 

I shrug. “There’s something about her that I need to capture.”

He nods, but I can tell he doesn’t really understand what I mean. “Can you join me in the living room? I’d like to discuss the Aria and Noah situation.” 

“Sure.” I set my stuff down and head into the bathroom to wash off any paint that’s ended up on my hands. 

When I walk into the living room, Ezra and Roman are already there waiting. I sit a few seats over from Ezra, and Roman sits in a chair across from us. He looks between us and sighs. 

“We all had a lot to think about after talking to Daniel. I want to know how you guys feel about everything he said.” 

While I’d been painting, I’d been thinking about everything. I already know my decision. 

“I want to go forward with things. I want to ask Aria to allow me into her pack.” I say resolutely.

Roman nods. “Ezra?” 

Ezra doesn’t answer right away, so we wait. When he sits back on the couch like he’s finally released whatever pent-up feelings he’s had, it’s pretty obvious what he’s chosen. 

“I’m down. Although I'm not sure she’ll even give me a chance. I haven’t made a good impression.” He cringes slightly. 

Roman lets out a weak laugh. “I’d have to agree with you there, but something tells me Aria doesn’t hold grudges. She forgave Noah.”

“Yeah, well, no one can stay mad at Noah,” I add, and we all smile. 

Noah is too sweet for anyone to stay mad at. It would be like being mad at a kitten…impossible. 

“What about you?” I ask Roman. 

His brow furrows. “I have always wanted what was best for us, whatever that means. We’re out of options, but I think Aria is the alpha we need. She isn’t aggressive and proud. She’s strong, but you can see her softness toward Noah and her other friends. It seems to me that she cares a lot for people. We couldn’t ask for a better Alpha. But are we ready to accept the baggage she brings? It could cause a lot of trouble for us.” 

“Maybe, but they made it clear. The club cares about her so much that they will take care of us because of her. We would be her family, and I think that means a lot to them.” I say. 

Roman nods. “I agree. This might not be what we had in mind, but I don’t think it would be a mistake to be a part of Aria’s life. If anything, with everything going on, it might be the safest option. Those bikers haven’t targeted Noah yet, but that could change at any time. And if they find out about us, we could end up in danger too. With Aria, we will be protected.”

“So we agree? We’re going to ask Aria to join her pack?” Ezra asks. 

“Yes.” Roman and I say in unison. 

“Now what?” I ask. 

“We go grovel and beg at the feet of that tiny woman,” Ezra says, looking almost pained at his own words. 

“Try to be on your best behaviour, Ezra. Actually, maybe don’t speak at all.” Roman says, making Ezra scowl.