Chapter 43

ARIA

I wake up buzzing with unfamiliar energy. Something new courses through me as I stir, feeling strong arms encircling my waist and solid warmth beneath me.

When my eyes flutter open, I find Jace watching me, his expression uncharacteristically tender. Memories of the Blood Moon ceremony flood back—the bonding ritual by the lake, the intensity of becoming his mate. I realize I'm wearing his shirt and nothing else, warmth flooding my cheeks.

"Morning, little hunter," he murmurs, fingers trailing gently along my arm, his touch sending warmth through my body.

"Morning, handsome," I whisper back, nestling closer against his chest. His heartbeat strong and steady beneath my ear.

"How do you feel?" His voice carries genuine concern beneath the question.

I stretch, cataloging the new sensations coursing through my body. "It's strange... I feel complete somehow. Stronger too. Hard to explain. I knew being marked would change things, but this is more intense than I expected."

Jace nods, pulling me closer. "What happened last night connects to what the elders told me. The prophecy." His thumb traces circles on my shoulder. "We'll figure this out together. I'll help you through your first transformation."

A strange voice suddenly whispers in my mind, making me jolt upright. This isn't my thought. It feels foreign yet somehow familiar.

Jace notices my reaction immediately. "You heard something, didn't you?"

"How did you know?" I ask, heart racing.

"Your expression changed. The same way werewolves look when their wolf speaks to them." He sits up, expression serious. "This might be your wolf spirit beginning to awaken."

"My what? That's impossible. I'm human, Jace. Humans don't have wolf spirits." The confusion must show on my face because he pulls me into a protective embrace.

"I'm surprised too," he admits. "But according to the elders, your wolf may fully manifest during the next blood moon."

The voice whispers again, clearer this time: Not before the next blood moon. Too dangerous.

"It... she... whatever this is says I can't shift before the next blood moon," I tell him, still struggling with this impossible reality.

Jace nods. "Phantom says the same. The blood moon's power is necessary for a first transformation, especially one as unique as yours might be."

His hands cup my face, expression turning tender. "Are you okay? I wasn't exactly gentle last night."

I blush, memories flashing through my mind. "A little sore, but worth it."

"You're extraordinary, Aria Silverbrook." His thumb brushes across my lower lip. "I never thought I'd find someone who makes me feel this way again."

Before I can respond, his mouth claims mine in a kiss that quickly deepens, making my body respond despite the lingering soreness.

Hours later, we finally make it to his massive shower. The hot water cascades over us as we wash away the evidence of our activities. Jace's hands move over my body with reverent care, learning every curve and plane.

"I want to officially announce you as my mate and Luna today," Jace says as we dry off. "The pack should know their future leader."

"Luna," I repeat, testing the word. "That's going to take some getting used to."

He pulls me against him, pressing a kiss to my temple. "You'll be amazing. Aurora already adores you."

"Speaking of Aurora..."

"She stayed with Gabriel last night," Jace confirms. "Gave us some privacy."

I nod, suddenly nervous about facing everyone after what happened between us. Jace must sense my unease because he squeezes my hand reassuringly.

"We should move your things here," he suggests, opening his closet. "This is your home now."

After dressing, I examine myself in the mirror. Jace specifically requested I wear the deep brown leather pants and beige linen top—clothing that would clearly display the mark on my neck.

I turn my head, studying the strange symbol. Unlike the typical black or dark brown marks I've seen on other mated pairs, mine glows with a silvery-blue hue. The design is elaborate—a massive silver-backed black wolf alongside a smaller wolf, with two human figures embracing beneath a blood moon.

"Why is my mark different?" I ask, tracing the pattern with my fingertip.

Jace appears behind me, his reflection meeting mine in the mirror. "It's special. That's all I can say for now."

I narrow my eyes at his evasiveness, but he merely kisses the top of my head. "The pack is waiting."

My heart hammers as we descend the stairs hand in hand. The dining hall falls silent as we enter, all eyes turning in our direction. The crowd is much larger than usual for breakfast—clearly word has spread.

I spot our table where Gabriel, Lucas, Eliana, Aurora, and Hunter are already seated. Aurora waves excitedly, and I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

Feeling the weight of everyone's stares, Jace suddenly pulls me against him and kisses me thoroughly. The hall erupts in cheers and whistles. When we finally separate, my face burns with embarrassment, but Jace looks perfectly pleased with himself.

He raises his hand for silence, which falls immediately. "First, I thank you all for last night's Blood Moon celebration. Second, as many of you have already guessed, I'm honored to announce that Aria Silverbrook is my true mate." His voice carries easily through the hall. "We've completed our bonding, and will hold the formal Luna ceremony at the next blood moon."

More cheers follow as we make our way to our table. Jace insists on filling my plate despite my protests. Gabriel rises first, pulling me into a tight hug.

"I'm proud of you, little deer," he whispers.

Lucas and Eliana follow with their congratulations. Aurora bounces in her seat, clearly bursting with questions.

As breakfast progresses, Elder Thorn approaches our table, his ancient face creased in a rare smile.

"Congratulations, Alpha. And to you, future Luna." He inclines his head respectfully toward me. "I wonder if I might have a word with you both before training begins."

Jace tenses slightly. "We had plans this morning. I promised Aurora some time together, and Aria wanted to train."

"I must insist," Elder Thorn says firmly. "This concerns matters of great importance to the pack."

Jace and I exchange glances, and I can tell he's as curious as I am. "Very well," he agrees. "After breakfast."

When we finish eating, Jace lifts Aurora into his arms and reaches for my hand. We head upstairs to Aurora's room, decorated with forest murals and stuffed wolf toys.

"Aurora," Jace begins, sitting on her bed with the little girl in his lap. "Do you understand what it means that Aria is my mate?"

Aurora nods solemnly. "It means you love each other, right?"

"That's right," I answer, sitting beside them. "Jace and I found out we're meant to be together."

Her face brightens. "So you'll stay forever and ever?"

"Yes, princess." I smile, touched by her enthusiasm. "I'll be moving in with you and your dad."

Aurora launches herself at me, small arms wrapping tightly around my neck. "Does this mean you'll be my new mommy?" she asks, her voice filled with hope.

I freeze, caught off guard by the question. Jace watches me intently, his expression unreadable as he waits for my answer.

It's this question again, but this time, I don't run from it.

"Aurora, I... I'd be honored to be your mommy," I finally whisper, holding her tight against my chest.