Free Web NovelChapter 97: Chapter 97
Aria’s POV
All I wanted was to settle down quickly with Lana and catch a breath. My claws itched for calm, just a moment to breathe without someone scheming around the corner.
The taxi rolled to a stop near the apartment Florence Portman had set me up with. As soon as I stepped out, dragging my luggage, a warm presence approached. The landlady herself, all smiles and energy.
"Are you Ms. Darvin?" she asked, taking my bags without hesitation.
I gave a small, polite bow, my nerves still coiled like a spring. "Yes... thanks for the help."
Florence laughed, slapping her chest as if it were nothing. "No worries at all. Make yourself at home. Just holler if you need anything."
Her warmth seeped into me, softening the edge of tension I’d carried all night. My wolf leaned back in my mind, relaxing slightly. Maybe... this could be a safe haven, even if only for a little while.
"Here’s your apartment!" Florence announced, swinging the door open with a flourish.
I froze. The place was even better than I expected. I’d leased it for a month, but it felt like I’d stumbled into a hidden treasure.
The convenience store and pharmacy just around the corner, public transport accessible... and, most importantly, top-notch security. My senses, always alert like a predator, noted the patrol guards and the subtle hum of surveillance equipment. It was safe. Finally, a place where my wolf could rest a little.
The interior was warm and homey. Collages of playful charm decorated the walls, and the plush carpet underfoot invited me to sink my claws into it without care. The apartment was enormous for the price, with two bedrooms, a neat study, a well-equipped playroom—and, next to the master bed, a cozy crib.
I froze, staring at Florence. "Ms. Portman... are you sure there’s no mistake?" I rattled off my ID and the apartment type. My wolf was on edge, instincts suspicious. Nothing came free in this world. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Florence chuckled, tugging my suitcase inside. "No mistake. There are plenty of rooms here, and I took an immediate liking to you. You remind me of my daughter."
I blinked, locking eyes with her. The caution in me, the constant tension, began to ease. Something in her gaze was soft but strong, the kind of warmth that could soothe even a wolf.
"Big, bright eyes, polite as can be," she said, smiling. Her words pricked a memory—Kate, strict but always soft with me when I needed it. I felt a pang of longing, then quickly shook it off.
"Don’t fret about staying here. With so many rooms, it’s easy to pick one for you. You’ve got a little one to take care of." She placed her hand on my shoulder. Heat spread through me, like sunlight on cold fur. "My daughter and granddaughter used to live here, so all the kids’ stuff is already ready for you."
Her fingers lingered briefly, grounding me. My wolf exhaled, relieved for once.
"Come on, stop standing there like a deer in headlights. Get in." She tickled Lana playfully, making the baby squeal.
"Mommy! This little one’s starving, and you’re spacing out!" Florence teased.
I blinked, snapping back. Thanking her, I rummaged for a bottle and formula to feed my daughter. Florence held Lana in her strong arms, swaying her gently, and I felt something twist in my chest—gratitude, relief and the oddest sense of normalcy.
Following Florence’s lead, I made my way to the kitchen. Dawn had just broken. The quiet world outside seemed to hum in harmony with my pulse. Sunlight filtered through the window, scattering over the counters, and the soft chirping of birds reminded me that life, somehow, still carried on.
My wolf noted every scent, every movement, and yet for once, there was no threat.
Florence hummed a lullaby as I mixed the formula, and I felt an unexpected serenity settle over me. I lifted the bottle to Lana’s lips, and she latched on, chewing and sucking with small, satisfied noises. My wolf relaxed, letting me savor the moment.
"This little one is a carbon copy of her mom. So beautiful," Florence gushed, and I blushed despite myself.
I barely had time to respond before she glanced at the clock. "Shoot, I’ve got folks coming to check out rooms today. Gotta go!"
After handing Lana back to me, Florence disappeared in a flash, leaving me alone with my daughter.
The door clicked shut behind her. I knelt down and began unpacking.
Nathan’s POV
Collins was on the phone again.
"Luna Aria is pretty stoked. I’ve got her settled in that apartment, just like Alpha Nathan wanted," a female voice crackled.
My wolf pricked up at the mention of her—Aria.
Collins nodded. "Got it. I’ll let Alpha Nathan know. You’ll get what you’re promised."
The woman’s laugh echoed faintly through the speaker, bright and a little too pleased. "Well, thanks to Alpha Nathan, then. And I gotta say, I really took a shine to that girl."
I didn’t like that. People who "took a shine" usually wanted something. My instincts never ignored that kind of tone.
Collins ended the call with his usual grunt.
I paused, my pen hovering above the contract. "What was that about?"
He didn’t make me wait. "Luna Aria’s all set."
The words hit harder than they should’ve. My chest tightened. It was a stupid reaction. I forced myself to look back down at the paper, letting my lashes shield the brief flicker in my eyes.
Get it together, Nathan.
"Okay," I muttered, voice low, fading into the silence. freewēbnoveℓ.com
Collins went quiet again, assisting me with the paperwork. The scratching of pen against paper should’ve grounded me, but my focus had already gone to hell.
A few minutes later, I tossed the pen down. Even though I’d finished the documents, I could feel how slow I’d been. Wolves don’t like feeling off their game.
I rubbed my temples, jaw clenching. "Put more guys around her."
Collins stiffened, surprise rolling off him. He was thinking the same thing I was—trouble had been circling Aria like a scent no one else noticed.
"Sure thing," he said quickly. "I’ll have some guys move in nearby."
I gave a short nod. My wolf settled—for now.
Just then, there came a knock at the door.
