Free Web NovelChapter 89: Chapter 89
Aria’s POV
That instinct has saved my life more times than I can count.
I glanced over my shoulder, I did not see anything out of the ordinary, only people going about their evening.
I continued on my journey, determined to take Lana somewhere safe, I had chosen a hotel as far across the city as possible. Distance meant time, and time meant a better chance of keeping my daughter safe. The farther away from Sophia, Nathan, and whoever had slipped that poison into my drink... the better.
"Lana, sweetheart..." My voice softened instinctively, the way it always did around her. I rubbed her back gently, feeling her warmth against my palm, "I will always protect you."
Nathan’s POV
On my way back to the office, my phone buzzed. Sophia’s name flashed across the screen.
Great!
Exactly what I needed after the mess with Aria. I internalized sarcastically.
I answered anyway. "What?"
"Nathan..." Her voice came low, and cautious. My brow creased. Sophia never hesitated unless she’d done something she shouldn’t have.
"What’s wrong?" I asked, my voice steady and controlled.
The moment she heard my calm voice, hers softened like melted sugar.
"Oh, nothing. I just... I miss you," she purred, her voice honeyed and sweet.
My wolf recoiled.
That tone used to flatter me, now it irritated the hell out of me.
I pulled the phone slightly away, resisting the urge to snarl. "It’s work hours. Call me when it’s about business."
I hung up without any hesitation.
Collins, driving in front, flicked his eyes to the rearview mirror. One eyebrow arched. The guy had worked with me long enough to know I’d always tolerated Sophia due to her talent and her ambition. I’d given her leash, given her space. I have practically given her more than she deserved.
This coldness?
Yeah, he noticed.
I met his stare and growled, "What? You don’t want your bonus?" fгeewebnovёl.com
His spine snapped straight. "Sorry sir" he said focusing his attention back on the road.
Aria’s POV
I was now in a taxi heading to my new destination.
"Please, faster," I urged the driver.
When the taxi finally pulled up, I stepped out into a gust of wind that cut straight through my jacket. My instincts flared, and I pressed Lana against my chest, shielding her with my coat and body.
The driver set down my luggage and sped off.
I adjusted my clothes, breathed in Lana’s familiar warm scent, and checked my phone’s GPS. The hotel was just ahead. Relief loosened the tight band around my chest until it snapped right back.
Halfway there, I froze.
The same sensation.
That same predator’s gaze burning between my shoulder blades.
Someone was following me.
My heartbeat spiked, thudding painfully against my ribs.
I quickened my steps. Then faster. Then faster still, until I was practically running toward the hotel.
I burst into the lobby, the warm golden glow wrapping around me like a thin layer of safety. The front desk clerk startled at my wild-eyed expression.
"Miss, is something wrong?"
I took a breath, steadying myself. "No, I’m fine. Just here to check in." My voice was tight, but at least it didn’t tremble.
The clerk brightened and began the check-in process. When she pressed the room key into my palm, relief flooded through me so hard my knees nearly buckled.
But before heading upstairs, I couldn’t stop myself. I turned and looked outside again.
There was nothing.
Just swirling leaves skimming the pavement.
Maybe I really was losing it.
Or maybe danger was simply learning to hide better.
"Miss? Everything alright?" the clerk asked again.
"It’s nothing," I lied. Then hesitated. "This area is... remote. How’s the security around here?"
Her smile widened confidently. "Top-notch. There’s an alarm button in every room. If you ever feel uneasy, just press it."
My wolf calmed a little, and I nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
Once inside my room, the exhaustion of the day hit me like a wave. My bones ached, my mind buzzed, and fear still clung to my skin, but I focused on Lana. Feeding her, changing her into her soft pajamas... those small moments steadied me.
I was just settling in when a loud knock jolted me upright.
My heart raced again.
I went to peep at the door and see who it was.
It was just a hotel staff.
Rubbing my temples, I opened the door.
The clerk stood there holding a tray of food.
"I didn’t order anything," I said, suspicion prickling beneath my skin.
Her smile didn’t falter. "It’s a complimentary perk for first-time guests." freewebnøvel.coɱ
She nudged the tray forward. "A little late-night snack."
My instincts pricked the moment the clerk held out the tray, but I forced a polite smile and accepted it.
"This cake is a new item we’re testing," she chirped. "Our manager asked us to gather feedback while delivering."
Ah.
There it was.
"You want me to try it now?" I asked, feigning casual interest.
"Exactly." She brightened and extended the tray towards me. "Please taste it so I can report back."
Her smile didn’t move. It sat plastered on her face, perfect and unmoving.
My wolf bristled.
Ever since my life flipped from being the wife of the richest Alpha to scrubbing floors as a cleaner, I’d learned to read people down to their bones. I’d learned humility, learned restraint but I’d also learned deception the hard way.
The clerk glanced at Lana on the bed, her expression softening. "Is that your daughter? She’s adorable."
I nodded sharply and picked up a tiny piece of the cake.
But when I raised it to my lips, my wolf screamed within me, NO!.
The clerk wasn’t watching me, her eyes were glued to Lana.
A chill sliced through my spine.
I set the cake down and pressed a hand to my stomach. "I’m so sorry... my stomach’s acting up all of a sudden."
Her face stiffened with concern. "Are you okay?"
"Probably just my period coming." I faked a wince. "Could you grab me some painkillers? I’ll try the cake when you get back."
She hesitated, her gaze flicking over my doubled-over posture but finally nodded. "Alright. I’ll be quick."
"Don’t forget to try it," she called as she set the tray down and left.
I groaned dramatically, clutching my stomach. "I will. Please hurry!"
The moment the door clicked shut, my wolf snapped forward.
Move Aria.
NOW!.
