Chapter 7 GARIA As I returned from Eves pack , I found Coles father already in our house , having arrived only moments before , and was still exchanging light- feined pleasantries with his son .
Welcome , Sir .
I greeted , stepping to the cozy warmth of the living room .
The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air , mingling with the fan aroma of pine from the logs smouldering in the fireplace .
Aria , he responded , his voice carrying a cheerful tune .
He offered me a gentle put on the shoulder , his smile broad and welcoming .
I managed a polite smile in return , though it strained against the weight of my thoughts .
Cole , with his hands buried in his tousled hair , tried to catch my eye .
His gaze was earnest and searching but met only my deliberate indifference .
I shifted my attention bark to his father , engaging in the customary small talk .
He inquired about my health and how I was feeling .
Im fine , thank you I replied with practised case , my voice was steady despite the churn of unease inside me .
With a brief nod .
I excused myself and ascended the stairs , leaving the two men to their quiet murmurs .
I knew the purpose of his visit all too well , and it was only a matter of time before the entire pack would he whispering about it .
As I went upstairs .
Lasked after Sierra and a servant told me she had locked herself indoors and had refused to come out .
I scoffed to myself .
Was she really going to play the victim ! I went back into the room and decided to have my bath .
The warm water was a temporary respite from the shattering reabry : As I emerged from the bathroom , wrapped in the comfort of a soft towel , Coles voice came to my head immediately .
Aria , I promise you , Ill find a way out of this .
Ill fight it .
Ill stay away from her : I rolled my eyes dismissively .
Same old promises .
You wouldnt have to keep making them if you had kept the first one , I retorted sharply .
Please , Aria , dont give up on me 1 blocked him out .
He had already given up on me first by breaking his promises .
If I hadnt caught them together , would he still feel this remorse ? I doubted it .
His pleas felt like mere formalities now .
Maybe he believed he needed me because we grew up together , but deep down , I knew there was no way his wolf would willingly stay away from her or reject her .
After freshening up , I decided to heed Coles request to join him and his father in the study , presumably to discuss this tangled mess .
I wasnt sure of his fathers stance on the marter but considering his initial scepticism when Cole and I married , he might prefer Cole to be with his true mute .
As 1 approached the study , my worst fears seemed to materialize 1 paused by the door , slightly ajar , and caught snippets of their convenution She is your mate , Cole le , his father stated firmly Aria is my wife , Cole responded , his voice thick with frustration .
Do you seriously expect me to abandon Aria ? Leave her homeless or make her a rogue ? And what about Sierra ! Will you dump her then ? his father pressed , nodding towards Sierra who was curled up on the sofa , her expression one of utter desolation .
She is carrying your child .
We dont even know that for certain yet ! Coles voice rose , strained and defensive .
Look , I admit I messed up , but theres no way Im leaving Aria .
I intend to reject her .
He pointed towards Sierra .
At that .
Sierra dissolved into sobs .
1 stood by the doorway , watching the scene unfold with a stoic calm .
It was hard to reconcile the image of the woman who had so boldly shared a bed with my husband with the one now breaking down in tears before me .
Alpha , please she whispered .
Youll do no such thing his father countered sternly , fixing Cole with a resolute gaze .
Sierra here is offering you a path to your hest life .
This is all a pack needs .
A mate to strengthen their Alpha and an heir .
This isnt some fairytale about puppy love .
You made the right choice by not rejecting your mate , son You wont regret this Cole sank into the chair behind lus desk , his features etched with defeat .
And what about Aria ? he asked , his voice barely above a murmur .
That was when Sierra , with a besicant gesture , pointed towards me .

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She is over there .
Both men turned , their expressions transforming into ones of surprise as they spotted ine .
I couldnt fault Coles father , for if Cole had honoured the promises we made to each other , this discussion wouldnt be happening .
Aria , youre here , Cole remarked , rising to his feet with urgency , and taking a step towards me .
My gaze was fixed on Sierra , who sluifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny , avoiding my eyes .
The reality that she was my husbands destined mate still gnawed at my heart .
When I finally lifted my gaze , it met the piercing eyes of Coles father You know you cant keep him all to yourself , right ? he and pointedly Father , leave my wife out of this , Cole interjected sharply , his tone laced with warning .
1/2 902PM d d Chapter 7 Hot she is right in the middle of this , Cole , his father persisted , turning back to me .
And she is the one holding you back from fully claiming your mate His eyes locked onto mine again .
Aria , Lunderstand how you must feel about all this , and its perfectly natural .
But consider this young nhance position too .
Coulil you really stand by and What Cole does is none of my business .
I stated firmly , my voice unwavering as I fought to keep it steady .
Hes an adult and is capable of making las own decisions I added , my words sharp as I fixed Cole with a steely gaze .
Why should I hear the blame for his lapses ? Aria Coles voice broke through , low and filled with emotion His father interjected , turning to face him .
Aria has proven her worth and possesses commendable skills as a Luna , and since youve chosen her , you also need part of her strength , Cole , and wouldnt reject her .
Hut I also know you wouldnt reject your fated .
Do the right thing now , quickly .
The there of you can figure it out , you have been together before now , anyway .
Ill be on my way now With a final nod , he exited the study , leaving a palpable temion in his wake .
Av I turned to follow him out , Cole caught me from behind , wrapping me in a tight embrace .
Im sorry , Aria , he murmured close to my ear .
For a moment , I wanted to stay in his arms , to pretend all of this was not happening .
I really wanted to put everything behind us and move on , and really wanted to wake up from this sad dream .
But it was all real .
The reality of it was glaring coldly at me , and I was debilitated by it .
We were both guilty of the same art , even though I didnt cheat intentionally or even know if anything happened between me and that stranger .
I had to brace myself for what would come next , and if I wanted to do that , I better be stronger for myself .
Steeling myself , I drew in a sharp breath .
Gently , I pulled away from his hold , my heart clenching because I wanted to remain in the warmth of his arms so badly .
Im sorry too , Cole , I managed to say before 1 hastened out of the study .