Alpha, Let's End This Bond!

- Aria

Nova called me the moment Luca and I left the hospital parking lot.

My phone buzzed nonstop in my pocket until I finally fished it out, still feeling the sting of everything that happened inside the hospital. Ivy's fake sweetness. Helena's side-eye. Magnus's shaky voice telling Luca to "take responsibility for your family."

Yeah. Fun day.

I answered. "Nova, I swear, if this is about you wanting to burn someone's car again-"

"It's not burning," she interrupted. "It's gentle warming with aggressive intentions."

I snorted. "Same thing."

"So," she dragged out the word dramatically, "are you alive? Or do I have to go to StormRidge hospital and claw someone's eyes out?"

"I'm alive. Barely."

"Want dinner? I already put on pants not meant for sleep, so you better say yes."

I exhaled, honestly relieved just hearing her voice. "Fine. Yes. Dinner. Please save me."

"Drop me your location. I'll pick you up so we can talk trash in person."

"Done."

I hung up, feeling lighter for the first time that day.

Luca glanced over from the driver's seat. "Who was that?"

"Nova," I said. "We're meeting up."

He frowned. "Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. It's dinner, not a secret rebellion."

He didn't reply, but the muscle in his jaw twitched.

When we reached the pack house, he didn't bother saying goodbye. He just stalked upstairs to his office, his shoulder tense, probably thinking hard about. well, hopefully not Ivy.

I didn't linger either. I grabbed my bag, checked on the twins, and headed out with Nova.

Nova and I ended up at a noisy restaurant downtown, one of those places where the waiters yell and the tables wobble.

Perfect chaos for venting.

"Okay," she said, leaning forward dramatically as she stuffed a fry into her mouth. "Tell me everything. Start with how Helena looked at you. Did she do the squinty face? The annoyed face? Or the 'oh no, the Luna is breathing again' face?"

"All three," I groaned.

"Ugh. She needs a new hobby. Crochet, pottery, or baking, instead of hating you."

"She also acted like Ivy was her long-lost daughter."

"Of course she did," Nova rolled her eyes. "If Ivy told her the sky was purple, Helena would paint the house to match."

I laughed weakly and dipped a fry in ketchup. "And Ivy insulted me again."

"What did she say this time? That your hair was too brown for Luca's aesthetic?"

"She said I looked tired and should learn how to please my husband."

Nova slammed both palms on the table so hard everyone turned toward us.

"Say that again," she demanded. "I dare you."

I snickered. "No."

"Oh, Aria, you're killing me. I need another drink."

As Nova ordered something suspicious and pink, I leaned back, letting the warmth of the restaurant wash over me. For once, I didn't feel like the Luna who wasn't wanted. I was just Aria, eating fries with my best friend.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy it.

I couldn't help but smile widely, maybe even from ear to ear.

Later that night, Nova dropped me off at the pack house. I hugged her and promised to text when I was inside.

The house was quiet.

I slipped inside and closed the door softly behind me.

I didn't expect it, but Luca was in the living room, looking impatient with his arms crossed, like he'd been waiting forever.

His eyes dragged over me, lingering too long.

For a moment, something in his expression softened.

"Did you eat?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Good."

An awkward silence stretched between us.

Then he spoke again, his voice rougher than usual.

"Ivy called me."

Of course she did.

"And?" I asked.

"She knew you want to sever the bond."

I met his eyes steadily. "I do."

He inhaled sharply, like the words actually hit him.

"We're not done talking about this."

I turned away. "No, Luca. We're not done. But not tonight."

I headed upstairs before he could say anything else.

My heart beat like crazy and my head swam.

And deep inside.

Silver stirred, whispering something I wasn't ready to hear.

*****

- Luca

I walked into my office still simmering from the mess at the hospital. I couldn't even decide what pissed me off more-how Ivy latched onto my arm like she had a claim, or how Aria stood there looking fragile and fierce at the same time, like she was daring anyone to break her again.

I dropped into my chair and pulled up the pack finance reports, not that I was actually reading a damn thing.

That's when I saw it.

A digital receipt.

Aria Kingsley Stormbourne. Table for two. Downtown restaurant. Total: $87.

I blinked. "What the hell?" My eyes narrowed at the screen.

With who?

It wasn't late yet. But Aria almost never went anywhere. She barely left the pack house unless she had no choice. And tonight of all nights?

Why?

I rubbed the back of my neck because I was starting to get seriously annoyed. I didn't like this feeling. I didn't even want to name it.

Before I could overthink it, my phone rang.

Ivy.

I nearly ignored it.

I answered anyway. "What is it?"

"Luca," she breathed, all soft and helpless, like she wanted me to swoop in and comfort her. "Are you home?"

"Yes."

"I just. wanted to check on you. Magnus looked so weak today. I thought you might be stressed."

"I'm fine," I said.

"And Aria?" Ivy pushed sweetly. "Is she home to take care of the babies?"

My jaw flexed. "She's out. With a friend."

"A friend?" She acted shocked, like Aria wasn't allowed to have a life outside the nursery. "But the twins need their mother."

"They're with the nanny," I said. "They're fine."

"But still-"

"Ivy," I cut in, my patience snapping, "she's allowed to go out."

There was a long pause. I could practically hear her recalculating her approach.

"You're defending her now?"

"This isn't about defending anyone," I said. "She didn't do anything wrong."

"Oh." She was still talking sweetly, but it was clearly fake and ready to bite. "Helena said Aria is asking you to sever the bond. Is that true?"

I gritted my teeth. "We're not talking about this."

"Luca-"

"Ivy," I snapped, "go be with your husband."

The room fell into silence.

"Good night," I added, and hung up without waiting for whatever nice-sounding complaint she planned to spit out next.

I tossed the phone onto my desk and leaned back, exhaling hard.

What the hell was happening to me?

*************