Free Web NovelChapter 256: Chapter 256
Aria’s POV
Ignoring Nathan, I turned my attention to the moving team and instructed them to take my things out.
Lana shifted in my arms, letting out a soft sound.
Rowland stood protectively behind me, guiding me towards the exit.
I didn’t need to turn to know Nathan was still standing there. For a split second, my wolf stirred uneasily. I turned slightly and caught the flash of panic in his eyes before he masked it.
Rowland glanced back too. His gaze skimmed over Nathan briefly before returning to me.
I slid into Rowland’s limited-edition Ferrari, the leather cool beneath my fingers, and we headed straight for Shevron Estates.
As the city unfolded around us, memories pressed in. I saw familiar streets. My nose burned slightly, not from pain but emotion. I’d been gone too long. Yet for once, there was nothing blocking my path forward.
At the entrance, Kara was already waiting.
Shevron Estates had frozen my residency when my funds were locked. The moment Nathan restored my accounts, I’d arranged my return, pending when I would actually make the move.
Now that I finally knew who had been pulling the strings against Lana and me, relief settled deep into my bones.
Rowland lingered as I stepped inside with Lana. His usual ease faltered, replaced by an awkward pause.
I turned back first.
“Care to come in for a cup of tea?”
His brows shot up. “I would very much love to do that.”
I paused, returned his smile briefly and kept going.
Rowland had helped me once at Hemsworth Villa. I couldn’t pretend he didn’t exist. Even if part of me wanted to keep every door closed.
As I reached for the handle, Kara rushed forward, visibly tense. Her scent shifted with unease.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
She fidgeted, scratching her head. “Uh... the place hasn’t been lived in or properly cleaned. Maybe it is not great for guests right now” Her gestures were exaggerated, almost theatrical.
My wolf stirred.
Rowland noticed it too. His gaze locked onto the darkened interior beyond the door, his posture tightening. He reached forward.
Suddenly, Kara gasped dramatically, clutching her back. “Ah...my back!”
I rushed to her instinctively, but she pulled me close, whispering urgently, “There’s someone inside. Don’t let him in.”
Rowland’s ears must have caught it too, because his expression hardened, his resolve flaring.
Kara sagged, sighing like a deflated balloon.
Confused but trusting her, I nodded. “Maybe Kara’s right. My home isn’t fit for a guest at this moment, Rowland, let’s have tea another time.”
“No.” Rowland cut in sharply. “You don’t know who’s in there. What if it’s dangerous?”
My heart stuttered. I hesitated.
He opened his mouth to argue further...
And the door swung open from the inside.
“It’s me.”
The man standing in my doorway was dressed in moon-white.
The color caught my eye instantly...not just because it was rare, but because my wolf associated it with the full moon, with power and exposure. Jonathan’s gold-rimmed glasses reflected my slightly raised eyebrow, and only then did I realize how long it had been since I’d last seen him.
One of his well-defined hands rested casually against the doorframe, his veins faintly visible beneath pale skin. The other pressed against the door, blocking it with deliberate ease. A second later, both hands were there, caging the entrance.
“So,” he said mildly, his lips curving, “we have a visitor.”
The temperature in the room shifted.
Rowland’s gaze locked onto Jonathan instantly, sharp and predatory. From the corner of my eye, I caught Kara shrinking closer to me, guilt rolling off her in waves.
I sighed inwardly.
“Luna Aria,” Jonathan continued calmly, turning his attention fully to me. “I was at headquarters handling some matters. I only returned to Asterfell today and heard about what you’ve been through.”
His eyes softened. “I called you twice. When I couldn’t reach you, I contacted Kara. She brought me here to wait. I apologize if my entrance was... abrupt.”
My wolf stirred within me. I smiled at him.
Jonathan was dressed in bespoke luxury.
“It was a bit abrupt,” Rowland cut in, clapping his hands together with exaggerated regret.
The sound snapped through the room like a challenge.
Jonathan lifted his head slowly to meet Rowland’s eyes, his brow creasing. Rowland didn’t flinch. He even shrugged, arrogance dripping from every relaxed line of his body.
The air between them crackled, thick and volatile. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
Kara shifted awkwardly. I stayed still.
“No worries,” I said evenly, breaking the tension before it turned feral. “Since you’re here, come on in.”
I shot Rowland a warning glance, asking him to stand down.
He obeyed, barely.
Holding Lana close, I led the way inside. I’d been bracing myself for dust and neglect, for the hollow smell of abandonment.
Instead, my nose caught something soft and clean.
Flowers. I stopped short.
A vase of fresh white lilies sat on the coffee table, petals still dewy, their scent light but unmistakable. My chest tightened unexpectedly.
“In my haste,” Jonathan said behind me, his voice gentle, “I couldn’t come empty-handed after hearing about your illness. I picked them up at a roadside flower shop.”
He smiled faintly, his eyes kind behind the glasses.
“Thank you,” I replied, nodding. “I appreciate it.”
I asked Kara to arrange the flowers, then told her to call the movers to bring the rest of my belongings back inside. Since I’d been forced out months ago, no one else had occupied the space. The house was cold, yes...but untouched.
Once Lana’s toys, formula, and my new clothes were put away, the house finally felt like it was breathing again.
“Luna Aria, we’ll be heading out,” the movers said, efficient as ever.
“Thank you,” I replied, seeing them off.
They nodded repeatedly, sneaking curious glances back inside.
When I turned back, Jonathan and Rowland stood out like opposing forces.
Jonathan sat upright on the sofa, composed and alert. Rowland lounged across the opposite seat, his arms stretched along the backrest, his legs sprawled, Alpha posture style.
The silence stretched.
Jonathan’s gaze moved subtly, cataloguing the space. Rowland didn’t bother hiding his stare.
Finally, Jonathan shifted, discomfort flickering across his face.
“And who might this gentleman be?” he asked.
