Chapter 23 Joe and 1 had a mountain of pack matters to address before we could return to the park house .
By the time we finally got fark , the sun had already low the horizon , casting long shadows across the grounds , Thad mind linked Burgo earlier to keep Aria , Ronan , and Eve out of Audens ught until I returned , so I wasnt surprised to find Aria in the bedroom when I arrived , What caught me off guard was her timusically subabaril demeanou er feet and bowed .
Aria was penched on the edge of the bed , her back rigid as 1 pushed upen the door .
The moment she saw me , she sprang to her -espectfully , which only deepened the frown on my face- y audible .
Youre welcome .
My L Lord , she murmured , her voice barely : My Lord Lechoed , a chuckle escaping my lips .
Its Torin Black , I corrected , heading towards the walk in closet while unbuttoning my shirt .
Not that you care much for titles .
Hows our little buddy doing ? He is fine .
the replied , her tone flat and distant ..
1 spun around , scrutinizing her with growing concern .
She was avoiding my gaze , and I couldnt decide if it was because I was now hurr chested or if this was some sort of prank .
This was the same Aria who had been throwing verbal daggers at me just hours ago .
I expected her usual eye roll at my presence , not this timid , almost frightened version of her .
Maybe she had a sudden personality switch .
Who knew ! Are you alright ? Lasked , trying to gauge her state of mind .
She nodded mechanically before answering .
Yes , My Lord For the love of moonlight , Aria .
Dont call me that .
Its either you call me Torin , or you stick with Alpha1 barked , unable to mask my frustration .
This demure act of hers didnt suit her at all I liked the feisty her better .
Aria podded again , nervously .
I I was wondering if you would need anything , I mean If I need something .
Ill call the staff .
I didnt employ them for decoration , I said , stepping out of the closet wearing only shorts .
She gasped as she saw me and turned away immediately , pretending to smooth the already wrinkle free sheets .
Her reaction brought a smirk to my face , Im sorry , are we supposed to share the same room ? she asked , still not turning to look at me .
I mean were … well , were … Her words trailed off as I approached her , placing my hands on her shoulders .
She stiffened but remained silent .
The instant my skin touched hers , tingles shot through my veins , and my beast stirred , urging me to rip off her fucking knit jacket and shower her shoulders with kisses .
My gaze locked onto her neck , where my mark should be , and I felt my fangs elongating already .
Damnit ! She smelled sumptuous .
Her cinnamon and vanilla scent was both comforting and tantalizing , it made my mouth water .
Mine .
Absolutely mine .
My mouth was hovering dangerously close to grazing her neck when I slammed on the brakes .
What the fuck am I doing right now I reined in my lust and gently spun her around to face me .
She avoided eye contact , her eyes darting everywhere but my face .
Her cheeks were a deep crimson , and it give me a perverse thrill to see her shy because of me .
Yeah , the mate bond was working .
But it felt like I was the only one feeling all the full force of it .
And I wondered why she didnt behave as if we were mates .
It was either she didnt have a wolf , or she was exceptionally good at hiding the effect of the mate bond on her .
Why not ? I rasped , surprised at how raw and lust filled my voice sounded .
I cleared my throat , trying to regain control .
We have a child together .
Weve seen each other naked before , havent we ! I saw the fire ignate in her eyes as she whipped her head toward me , but it extinguished just as quickly , leaving me worried .
Had she met Aiden by any chance ? That bastard could spoil even the sunniest day .
We were drunk , she replied through clenched teeth .
At least , I was drunk .
This again ! I drawled , feigning boredom .
Tell me , Aria .
Did you hit your head while I was gone ? Because the Aria I know would rather chew glass than call me My Lord She blinked several times and pulled away from me , but I wasnt about to let it go .
The goddess help Aiden if he has anything to do with this .
Though Aria didnt strike me as someone easily unsettled by mere words .
I grabbed her shoulders again , this time more firmly .
Are you alright ? You look I shrugged , I dont know , freaked .
Of course , Im totally freaked out right now ! she nearly shouted .
Why didnt you tell me you were the freaking Gentle Lord ? Her eyes were wide and on ine , So that was it .
I shrugged nonchalantly .
You never asked .
I said , strolling over to the plush sofa and plopped down with a dramatic sigh .
Are you freaking serious ? she sputtered , whirling around to face me .
I gave her a cool nod .
Well , I didnt expect you to be this .
Her words trailed as she gestured up and down my body 1/2 Chapter 23 Handsome ! Hot Drop dead sexy I sugersted , flashing a soung smile .
Simple .
< he blurted .
I was going to say simple , she said , rolling her eyes .
How could you deceive me like that and Hey , hey , hey , chill out I said , rising from the sofa with a smirk .
I thought my reputation precedes me It does , but a lot of people dont even know who you freaking are ! How did I … I mean , how did we … She trailed off , visibly shaken .
Sernig ber so ranted made my chest tighten .

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Whatever she had heard about me were clearly not bedtime stories .
I needed to calm her fears .
She mine ; my mate , she shouldnt be afraid of me , even if it was the entire worlds default setting around me .
I moved closer to her and placed comforting hands on her shoulders again .
Listen , Ara .
I began my voice softening .
I thought you knew who I was .
But you cant expect me to introduce myself to everyone I meet .
Thats part of my strategy , staying anonymous to gain an advantage 1 lifted her chin gently , making her look into my eyes .
You dont need to be scared .
ma terror only to those who deserve it .
Besides , I would never harm my boys mother unless she gave me a damn good reason She blinked and sighed deeply .
I felt her tense shoulders relax a bit .
A chuckle bubbled up from me , and her eyes narrowed at me .
What a so she demanded I let go of her chin , grinning : Was this why you were putting on the scaredy cat act ? My Lord , My Lording me around ? Because of the Gentle Lord thing She shot me a glare and tsked .
Its disrespectful to walk around in front of someone half naked , she said , taking a detour .
Werent you supposed to be in the shower ! A mischievous grin spread across my face .
So , what do you think ? Do you like what you see ? I asked , spreading my arms and flexing my muscles .
She rolled her eyes .
I have seen better .
Thats a lie and you know that I teased , heading toward the bathroom .
You wouldnt know , she called after me After all , youve never lived anywhere apart from here .
Whatever helps you sleep at night .
I replied , raising two fingers in a mock salute without turning back .
And just for the record , Im definitely not sharing a room with you ! she shouted after me .
I chuckled , pausing at the bathroom door to glance back at her .
Well see about that , I said with a wink before stepping inside .