Free Web NovelChapter 114: Chapter 114
Nathan’s POV
I would know If he was here. Did he perhaps come into town discreetly? The thought alone made the fur along my spine rise.
I schooled my face into calm neutrality, something I’d mastered over years of being an Alpha and casually adjusted the cufflinks on my shirt.
“There’s an upcoming auction,” I said in the most bored tone I could muster. “I need a date.”
Aria’s gaze was drawn to where Lana played on the bed. My mate, my wife, didn’t even spare me a glance.
“Then you’d better call Ms. Sophia Darvin, Alpha Nathan.”
Her words hit harder than a punch to the ribs. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe.
There was a time she hated hearing any woman’s name near mine. A time when the mere mention of Sophia would’ve made her wolf bristle with jealousy.
Now... it seemed she didn’t care at all.
A tightness gripped my chest. My wolf let out a low internal growl, pacing restlessly.
She used to care. What changed?
Why is acting as if I’m nothing?
“Aria, don’t lose sight of who you are,” I snapped before I could stop myself. The words came out rougher than intended. “You’re my wife, my luna. Sophia is just an employee.”
She looked at me.
That cold, scornful gaze froze the next words I was about to utter right in my throat. For a second, I felt like prey under a predator’s stare.
She laughed, a short, cold sound that made my stomach twist.
“Our divorce papers are ready,” she said lightly. “I won’t be your wife much longer.”
My wolf snarled at that.
No... No... NO...
But I forced him down, forced myself to breathe.
“And let’s be honest,” she added casually, “being your date is a premium spot I’m not fighting for, take Sophia. You already took her home, didn’t you? Let her enjoy the privilege.”
She didn’t even look at me when she said it. freēwēbηovel.c૦m
I felt something crack inside me, something I didn’t want to name.
“Aria,” I blurted out before I could stop myself, “are you... sulking with me?”
The moment the word left my mouth, she stiffened. When she turned to look at me, her expression was so strange it made my skin prickle.
“Mind your words, Alpha Nathan,” she said coolly. “Or I’ll sue you for defamation.”
Her tone was sharper than claws.
My face heated with a mix of anger and embarrassment. I clenched my jaw. There was no point insisting she accompany me. Not when she looked at me like that.
“Get some sleep,” I snapped, more harshly than intended then banged the door behind me and left.
Aria’s POV
The loud bang of the slammed door echoed through Hemsworth Villa, and only then did it hit me that I’d left my call with Rowland on.
Great.
He must have heard everything Nathan said... and everything I said back.
I lifted the phone to my ear and said calmly, “Sorry about that.”
In truth, I didn’t care. Nathan and I were over. Whatever tension or awkwardness we had left between us wasn’t worth hiding anymore.
“It is not a big deal,” Rowland said, but I could hear the frown in his voice.
Rowland cleared his throat. “Actually, I was about to say the same thing to you just now.”
I froze.
“The same thing?”
Lana who was now in my arms squirmed, and I adjusted her weight against my hip. “You mean the auction? Or the date part?”
“Both,” he said lightly. “I think it’s the same event your husband mentioned. I’ve been invited too, and... I need a date. I don’t know many people in Asterfell, so you were my first thought.”
An easy, apologetic laugh followed.
My wolf huffed. We had rejected Nathan without blinking...
So why was I hesitating now?
Maybe because Rowland had helped me. No, saved me.
And wolves like me don’t forget debts.
“I can’t,” I murmured, nibbling my lip. “I can’t leave Lana alone at—” My words faltered before I called it home. “At the villa.”
“Bring the little one,” Rowland said immediately. “I’ll help with her.”
Lana reached for my hair, babbling happily. I stroked her cheek.
He sensed my hesitation and added, “If you want, I’ll have someone prepare your gowns. No stress.”
I let out a breath. I wasn’t sure what answer to give, so I turned to the small wolf pup in my arms, my daughter.
“Sweetie,” I asked softly, nudging her nose with mine, “do you want to go?”
Her eyes lit up instantly, a bubbly giggle escaping her. She didn’t understand the question, but she definitely understood adventure.
Rowland must have heard her little laugh, because he chuckled lightly. “I think the little one agrees,” he said.
My heart tugged painfully.
Lana deserved the world. One day, when I reclaimed everything that was taken from me, I’d make sure she never had to hide again.
“Rowland,” I said at last, “send me the time and place.”
He paused for a moment, I guess he was momentarily shocked considering I had just rejected my soon to be ex-mate.
“Of course,” he finally sputtered, though his voice trembled like his throat was tight.
