Chapter 176 176

Chapter 176 176
Arielle's POV

He looked different—happier, lighter, like he had shed a weight he'd been carrying for years.

"A lot has changed in barely twenty-four hours," he said softly. "More than the last twenty years for me. And maybe for you too, right?"

I laughed, the sound light and teasing. "Twenty years? I wasn't even born yet by then. I'm nineteen. I'll be twenty soon."

He seemed deep in thought, then smiled. "Then we should start planning our marriage. I don't think I can sleep onwards without my Luna next to me."

I smacked his arm playfully. "Stop it, you're moving too fast."

He chuckled, his eyes warm as he turned back to the road. "Fine. But I'm serious about you, Arielle. And I'm not going to let anything—or anyone—come between us."

I smiled, leaning my head against the window, watching the trees blur past. For the first time in a long time, I felt like everything might actually be okay.

The next minute, he teased me, a lazy smirk curling his lips. "You know, it's funny. Yesterday morning you woke up in my bed and threw a fit, thinking I had brought you there against your will. But last night? You kissed me back. Devoured me, really. When I kissed you, you didn't push me away. Instead, you pulled me closer. How convenient for you."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "Oh, please. You're one to talk, Mr. 'I can't control myself around you.' You practically attacked me in the woods. Twice."

"Attacked you?" He feigned offense, pressing a hand to his chest. "Don't put it that way. I was appreciating you. There's a difference."

"Appreciating me?" I snorted. "You were like a starving wolf who hadn't eaten in weeks."

He grinned. "And you were the only meal that could satisfy me."

I shook my head, but I couldn't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "You're now silly."

He leaned over and kissed my forehead. "And you're mine."

We arrived at the packhouse a few minutes later. He pulled up before the large building, and I quickly scanned the area. No one seemed to be lingering around. I got out quickly, my movements cautious, ready to bolt to my cottage.

But he got out and walked over to me, grabbing my hand. My eyes widened in disbelief.

"What? Let's go in," he said.

"No." I pulled my hand back, my voice low. "You should rush in before anyone sees us. I'll hurry up to the cottage."

He frowned. "No."

He started pulling me along, his grip firm. I tried to stop him, whispering frantically. "Mandy is definitely inside! She'll see us!"

He stopped, motioning toward the empty spot where her car usually was. "She's not here. Her car isn't there."

I looked around anxiously. "Alpha Aeson—"

He groaned, his jaw tightening. "Fuck, never call me that again." He pulled me close and kissed me, deep and demanding. I wanted to pull him back, to remind him where we were, but the feel of his lips against mine sent a shiver down my spine. His fingers slid into my hair, stroking my scalp as he deepened the kiss.

When he pulled back, he looked at me, his eyes dark. "Stop acting all petrified. We're not doing something ominous, and I'm not ashamed of kissing my mate in public."

I stared at him, amazed. "You're being shameless."

"Well, it's the naughty alpha you've awakened with whatever spell you cast on me." He smirked. "Bear it."

He took my hand and pulled me into the house. The warmth of his palm against mine was steady, grounding. I looked around, still cautious, my eyes darting to every corner, every shadow, half-expecting someone to appear from anywhere.

He rolled his eyes, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "Ugh, Arielle. No one is here. I don't like the house being occupied either. So cast away your fears." His voice dropped, softer now, wrapping around me like a blanket. "Just stay close."

His words worked like a spell. The tension in my shoulders melted, my racing heart slowing to a steady rhythm. I looked at him—really looked—and the worry that had been gnawing at me faded into the background. It was just us. Just him and me.

My gaze dropped to his lips, and something inside me shifted. The fear dissolved, replaced by a warmth that spread through my chest. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to feel his lips against mine, to forget everything else.

I got on my toes, and his lips met mine halfway. The kiss deepened, slow and passionate, a French kiss that sent a jolt of electricity through me. His hand found my waist, pulling me closer, and I melted into him. It was like nothing else existed—just him, just me, just this moment.

Then a glass shattered.

We pulled apart, my eyes darting to the broken glass and spilled juice on the floor. I caught a pair of floppy slippers, and my eyes traveled up, up, up, until I saw who it was.

I gasped.

Mandy.