MATED TO THE MOON ALPHAS

Chapter 28: TIGHTENED

AARON

I got to Vale a little past twelve. Honestly, I had the traffic to thank for that because I couldn’t picture myself standing in front of Father tonight. Unlike Hardin, he’d have just gallivanted straight to his quarters like nothing happened. Without any fear, or second thoughts.

I couldn’t do that. Not now. Not with everything involving Elara and the whole mess.

After taking a quick shower, I picked up my phone from the chair and scrolled through it without really seeing anything. A part of me hoped Hardin had at least called. Even though I already knew the guy wouldn’t. That’s just how Hardin is. He became that way since what happened with father and many people never understood detaching was his way of coping except for me... mostly.

I knew to him, whoever Elara ends up with doesn’t really matter. I just thought what happened between us that night would have at least made him see her differently. Even if it wasn’t love, but... something.

But who am I kidding? Hardin doesn’t work that way. Which should make things easier for me. He gets Enor. I get Elara. Still, I wanted him to come out of whatever darkness he was drowning himself in and accept this new path.

With a rough sigh, I dipped my phone back in my pockets. I was about to step further into my room when my phone rang in my pocket. For no reason, my mind stupidly went straight to Elara, even though I knew she had no reason to call me. Still, I hopefully checked.

I sighed the moment I saw the name. "Goddess... this girl." I muttered under my breath.

It was the last person I ever wanted to talk to... Enor. I declined the call immediately.

Hardin was right. I was mostly slow when it came to understanding everything women do, even when they pull visible tricks, but I understand Enor well enough. Picking that call right now, especially at this hour, would be a big mistake. Not just because it was already late, but because it’d cross the lines that shouldn’t exist between us anymore.

She’s not someone I should be entertaining anymore. She’s now Hardin’s problem now. And I wasn’t about to give her room to play whatever game this way.

Before I could even put my phone away, it rang again. That annoyed me enough to just put it on silent and tossed it on the bed. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Then the doorbell rang from the sitting room. I paused at first. Then I took a deep breath. That was when I caught it. That soft sweet vanilla scent she always wears. Like it had followed her all the way here, clinging to the night fresh air, slipping through my door and settling into my bedroom before she even stepped in... It wasn’t so strong because I was a little far from the room, but it was there, close enough to tell she was right outside my door.

I suspected she’d come here. I rubbed my jaw slowly, already feeling irritated. Does she even care what time it is? or does she just not care?

The doorbell rang again, longer this time. But I didn’t move or bother anymore. If she wanted to keep standing there all night, that was on her.

My phone buzzed again on the bed. I picked it up and saw her message.

Enor: "I know you’re inside right now, Aaron. I just want a minute to talk. I’ll be waiting out here in case you change your mind. I just hope I don’t catch a cold until then."

I stared at the screen for a second. Then I exhaled slowly. Of course. She’d bring guilt into it. It was one of the things I’ve learnt with Enor.

I dragged a hand down my face, frustrated, already feeling the headache building at the side of my head before dropping the phone back on the bed and looked toward the door, already knowing this wasn’t going to end easily. The soft part of nudged me, reminding me I’m also responsible for her. Whether I liked it or not, she was part of my pack and my responsibility regardless of my relationship with her. Eventually, I shoved the thought away.

I lay on the bed and pulled the duvet over me, ready to sleep. But Elara managed to slip back into my thoughts like a pulling force.

I stared at the ceiling for a second, replaying that moment at her place when I cupped her face in my palms... Maybe I went too far with that kiss. I don’t even know how she took it. Whether she thought I was rushing things or just being selfish.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t mean everything I said to her. And I’d be lying even more if I said I wasn’t jealous. I was out there looking for her, thinking the worst, only to walk in and see Hardin already there. Standing in her space like he belonged there.

And that other human guy... If I wasn’t me, I would’ve knocked him out without thinking twice. I turned to my side, trying to shut my head off. That was when I caught it. Enor’s scent again. Faint this time... barely there, like the cold air was carrying the last trace of it.

I frowned slightly. What if she actually stayed out all night?

With Elara, it wasn’t impossible. That girl had a way of doing things that didn’t make sense half the time.

I closed my eyes anyway. Sleep came... but not for long. My phone vibrated beside me, dragging me out of it almost instantly.

"Shit... Enor," I muttered, my voice rough as I reached for it. I never sleep deep. The slightest sound is enough to wake me. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

I was already thinking of switching it off when I noticed the unknown number. I hesitated for a second before picking up.

"Hello," I said, my voice still thick with sleep.

"Oh! Thank goodness, Alpha Aaron," a voice came through. I frowned slightly. Kimberly?

I exhaled slowly. "What’s this about? And how did you get my contact?"

"I’m so sorry to disturb you—"

"You already did, Kimberly," I cut in, unapologetic. "I just hope there’s a good reason for it."

There was a short pause, then I heard her breathe out. "I know this might not be your problem, but... Enor isn’t in her room. I’ve tried calling her, but I can’t reach her. I could only guess she stubbornly went to see you after I already warned her... Please, Alpha Aaron... my husband must not know she sneaked out this late..."

I sat up immediately. "Wait. Enor? What do you mean you can’t reach her?" The sleep left my body instantly. I dragged the phone away from my ear and checked the time.

Past two. "Shit..."

Was she actually still outside?

"Are you there?" Kimberly’s voice came again.

"I’ll handle it," I said and ended the call.

I was already moving before I could think properly. I dialed Enor’s number as I got off the bed and headed for the door.

"The number you have dialed is switched off..." I ended the call and stepped into the hallway, picking up my pace.

For a second, something didn’t sit right in my chest. I pushed it down and kept going. By the time I got to the sitting room, I was already hoping, praying deep she was still there.

I reached the door and pulled it open. And just like that... My chest tightened.