Free Web NovelChapter 181: Chapter 181
Aria’s POV
I swallowed hard, my throat dry as sand. My mind went blank as cold fear buzzed within me.
Is that tall shadow... a bear?
Moon Goddess, the thought alone almost made my knees buckle.
I had just escaped a murderer. Was I really about to become dinner for another animal?
A bitter laugh almost slipped out. What a pathetic ending that would be.
For a moment, just one moment...I even began drafting a will in my head. But then...Two soft, innocent eyes flashed across my mind.
Lana...My little wolf pup.
I clenched my fists so tightly my claws nearly broke skin.
If something happens to me... what about Lana? Who will protect her? Who will tell her I didn’t abandon her?
Courage surged through me so suddenly it made my chest burn. I was about to make a desperate choice, to choose to either run or fight, when a small, voice floated through the night:
“Momo...” free𝑤ebnovel.com
I froze.
That voice...It was Lana’s?
She always called me “Momo” when she was excited... or scared. But she was supposed to be at the villa. How...
Confusion spun in my head, but before the thought could settle, the shadow behind me moved fast, lunging.
My eyes widened. I couldn’t move. My naked body failed me. My wolf whimpered inside me.
I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for teeth, claws or something...But what hit me was warmth.
A familiar scent wrapped around me. Strong arms pulled me against a broad chest. Heat enveloped me. The world snapped into clarity.
Nathan....It was Nathan...His scent alone shattered the fear fogging my brain.
I opened my eyes, stunned. “Nathan?”
“Yes.” His voice was low, rough, almost trembling. He held me tighter, like he’d rip the world apart before letting go again.
I could barely breathe. I weakly smacked his back until he loosened his grip. Only then did he move, removing his jacket and wrapping my nakedness with it. He then slid his hold down to my wrist in a possessive and grounding manner.
His eyes were bloodshot and wild as they searched my face. I saw his wolf in them, fighting to stay calm.
I frowned and tried pulling away, but his grip didn’t budge. I opened my mouth...
“You...”
But the words got stuck. His gaze pinned me in place.
Under the moonlight, something flickered in his eyes. Something soft and warm.
It’s my imagination, I told myself quickly. Nathan doesn’t look at me like that.
I blinked away the thought and turned my face aside. “How did you find me?”
“Tracking.” His voice was hoarse, his eyes dropping to where his fingers were still wrapped around my wrist. He slid his hand down and clasped mine tightly.
His warmth spread through me in a way I wasn’t ready for. I tried to tug free, but it was useless. With a tiny sigh, I stopped fighting.
I shifted the topic. “What about the driver?”
“We didn’t alert him. Someone’s following him...he will be caught soon.”
A cold glint flashed across Nathan’s eyes as he said those words.
I nodded. “He’s too confident. He said he is mad but I do not think a mental illness certificate is enough to make someone so bold. Someone’s backing him.”
Before Nathan could reply..
“Momo!” Lana’s voice rang out again.
My heart nearly burst. I rushed forward, reaching out for her out of Collins arms. Nathan finally released my hand.
“Why did you bring Lana here? Don’t you know how dangerous this place is?”
My voice was trembling with a mix of anger and relief.
Nathan kept his head lowered, silent under my scolding.
Collins spoke. “, Luna Aria, Lana insisted on coming. And she was the one who spotted you first, allowing us to locate you.”
I froze...The call few seconds ago...That little voice I thought was a hallucination. It had been her.
My precious little wolf.
Tears blurred my vision as I held her tightly in my arms. Her familiar milky scent washed over me, calming every storm inside my chest.
I stroked her soft hair. “Lana... you did so well.”
Under the moonlight, holding her, I could almost pretend I wasn’t broken, wasn’t hunted, wasn’t afraid.
“It’s late,” Nathan murmured. “Let’s go home.”
Home.
The word hit differently. It felt like warmth. I didn’t argue. I just nodded.
I carried Lana toward the car but paused.
“Nathan, The man who kidnapped me is a serial killer” I said quietly.
The air thickened, Collins gaped.
Nathan’s eyes which were still locked on me darkened with dread.
“And?” he asked, sensing more.
“I want to investigate. Others must have died or might still be in danger. I think he’s protected by someone powerful.”
Nathan snorted coldly. “No one can touch him?”
I hesitated. “He thinks no one can.”
Nathan stepped closer. “What do you want me to do?”
I blinked. I hadn’t expected him to understand so quickly. “I want to find out who’s backing him.”
“No.” Nathan’s refusal was immediate, iron-hard.
“I have people tailing him. If we find anything, we call the police. You’re coming home with me.”
His gaze sharpened.
I just knew that if I said One wrong word from me and he’d throw me over his shoulder. I pressed my lips together feeling defeated.
Under the starlit sky, about two hours later, we finally reached the villa.
Nathan turned on the light as soon as we walked inside.
Just then, I saw someone slumped on the couch, fast asleep.
Sophia? I stared.
A blend of annoyance and amusement flickered through me.
“Sophia... at Hemsworth Villa this late?” I thought with a dry laugh.
“She’s definitely not here out of concern for me.”
I turned to Nathan and asked, “What the hell is she doing here?”.
