Aria’s POV
The question hung in the air between us.
"Will you move in with me?"
My heart stopped. Then started racing. Too fast. Too hard.
Move in with him?
The words echoed in my head. Over and over. Each repetition making my chest tighter.
I wanted to say yes. God, I wanted to say yes.
But my mouth wouldn’t work. My throat was tight. My hands were shaking.
Because all I could think about was Finn.
The memories crashed over me like a wave. Sudden. Overwhelming.
Moving into the Nightfang mansion. Excited. Nervous. Hopeful.
Thinking that marriage would fix everything. That giving him a home would make him love me.
Instead, I got Irene.
Finn’s mother.
That woman with her sharp eyes and sharper tongue. Looking at me like I was dirt she’d tracked in on her expensive shoes.
*"You’re Shadow Moon blood. You’ll never be good enough for my son."*
*"Omega trash. That’s all you are."*
*"Don’t touch that. It’s too valuable for someone like you."*
Every day. Every single day. Finding new ways to make me feel small. Worthless. Like I didn’t belong.
And Finn? He’d just stood there. Let it happen. Sometimes even laughed.
My hands clenched into fists at my sides.
What if Kael’s family was the same? What if his mother looked at me the way Irene had? What if—
"Aria?"
We are reaching Lina’s school unknowingly. Kael’s voice pulled me back. Gentle. Concerned.
I looked up at him. Those black-gold eyes searching my face.
"You’re not breathing." His hand found mine. Warm. Steady. "Talk to me. What’s wrong?"
I opened my mouth. Closed it. Tried again.
No words came out.
He stepped closer. Not crowding. Just close enough that I could feel his warmth.
"Is it about my family?" His voice was soft. Understanding. "Are you worried about meeting them?"
My eyes burned.
He knew. Of course he knew.
"I..." My voice came out strangled. "I just... What if—"
"Hey." He cupped my face. Made me look at him.
"My mother will love you." His thumbs brushed away tears I hadn’t realized were falling. "I promise. She’s nothing like... whoever hurt you before."
Finn’s name hung unspoken between us.
"But what if—"
"No what ifs." His voice was firm but gentle. "I won’t let anyone treat you badly. Not my family. Not anyone."
We stood there. His hands on my face. My eyes locked with his.
The fear was still there. But smaller now. Manageable.
"You don’t have to decide right now." Kael’s voice softened. "I’m not trying to rush you. I just... I want you close. Both of you. Where I can protect you. Take care of you."
My chest tightened. But in a good way this time.
Before I could respond, small footsteps echoed from the hallway.
We both turned.
Lina stood there. Arms crossed. That serious expression on her little face.
How long had she been listening?
"You know," she said, her voice very matter-of-fact, "you can’t just invite girls to live with you like that."
Kael blinked. "What?"
"It’s a serious thing!" Lina walked forward. Stopped right in front of us. "For girls. When boys ask them to move in. You have to be careful. You have to think about it."
She patted Kael’s arm. Like she was explaining something to a child.
"When me and Mommy are ready, we’ll tell you. Okay?"
The shock on Kael’s face was priceless.
Then he laughed.
A real laugh. Deep and genuine. The kind that made his whole face light up.
"You’re absolutely right." He crouched down to Lina’s level. "I apologize. That was very inconsiderate of me."
"It’s okay." Lina nodded seriously. "You’re still learning. I forgive you."
I pressed my hand to my mouth. Trying not to laugh.
"Thank you for being so understanding." Kael’s eyes twinkled. "You’re much smarter than I am."
"I know." Lina beamed. "It’s because I’m a girl. Girls are always smarter."
He stood. Looked at me over Lina’s head. That warm smile still on his face.
The tension from earlier had completely dissolved. Replaced by something lighter. Easier.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out. Glanced at the screen.
A text from Sophie: *Hi Aria! How are you? I’m so BORED! Have you hunted down any hot wolf guys yet? I miss you so much! Call me tonight?*
Despite everything, I smiled.
Sophie. Always so dramatic. Always making me laugh.
I typed back quickly: *Of course. Talk tonight!*
Another text from Sophie: *Can’t wait! I want ALL the details! Don’t leave anything out!*