Chapter 36: A Misunderstanding
(Aria’s POV)
“Are you sure this isn’t too expensive?” I asked Olivia, carefully examining the sleek silver lighter in its
velvet–lined box.
The price tag nearly made me wince. It would cost almost half my monthly salary from Silver Leaf Herbalists.
“For the Alpha King of the Shadow Pack? This is practically pocket change to him,” Olivia replied, rolling her eyes. “Besides, considering what he’s done for you, it’s the least you can do.”
She was right. Thanks to Dominic, I had favorable treatment at work and actual hope for severing my mate bond with Alexander. A lighter seemed small in comparison.
“Fine,” I sighed, heading to the register. “I’ll take it.”
After completing the purchase, we left the specialty shop with the elegantly wrapped box. The afternoon sun was warm on my skin as we walked through the shopping district.
“You should give it to him right away,” Olivia suggested. “Why wait?”
I hesitated. “I don’t want to bother him. He’s probably busy!”
“Just call him,” she insisted, nudging my shoulder. “The worst he can say is no.”
Reluctantly, I pulled out my phone and dialed Dominic’s number. My heart fluttered nervously as it rang. “Aria,” his deep voice answered, sending an unexpected warmth through me. “Is everything okay?” “Everything’s fine,” I replied quickly. “I just… I have something for you. A small thank–you gift. But it’s nothing urgent-”
“I’m at the security headquarters overseeing an enforcer training,” he cut in. “You’re welcome to stop by if you’d like.”
His immediate acceptance surprised me. “Oh! Are you sure it’s not an inconvenience?”
“Not at all,” he assured me. “I’ll text you the address.”
After ending the call, I found Olivia grinning at me knowingly.
“What?” I demanded.
“Oh, nothing,” she sang, her smile widening. “Just that he dropped everything to see you the moment you
called.”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring the strange flutter in my chest. “He didn’t drop anything. He said he’s working.” “Mmm–hmm,” she hummed skeptically as we walked toward my car. “And he invited you to a high–security pack facility just like that? Face it, Aria, the man likes you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed, though my wolf stirred curiously at the suggestion. “He’s just being polite.” Olivia laughed. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself.”
Chapter 36 A Misunderst
I pulled into the massive compound that served as the Shadow Pack’s security headquarters, feeling increasingly nervous. The sprawling facility was both impressive and intimidating, with multiple training fields visible from the entrance.
A uniformed werewolf approached my car as I parked. ‘Ms. Summers? Alpha King is expecting you‘
He led me through a series of security checkpoints, each more sophisticated than the last. Through large windows, I could see werewolves training in both human and wolf form–some engaged in combat simulations while others practiced what looked like reconnaissance techniques.
“Aria.”
Dominic’s voice drew my attention. He stood in a doorway ahead, dressed in tactical gear that emphasized his broad shoulders. His silver–gray eyes lit up when they met mine, making my stomach do an unexpected
flip.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” I said, suddenly self–conscious about my casual attire and the small package in my hands.
“Not at all,” he replied, gesturing for me to join him. “I was just finishing up.”
As we walked through the facility, my eyes widened at the scale of operations. The technology on display was far beyond what I’d seen in the Storm Pack’s security division.
“This is… impressive,” I murmured, watching as a group of enforcers shifted seamlessly between human and wolf form during a complex training exercise.
“I can show you around if you’d like,” Dominic offered. “Though I understand if you’re concerned about seeing classified security information.”
I hesitated. “I’m still technically Luna of the Storm Pack. Isn’t this a security risk?”
The sincerity in his voice made me smile in return. “It’s nothing compared to what you’ve done for me.” He pocketed the lighter carefully, then gestured toward a different section of the facility. “Would you like to see where we train the enforcer wolves?”
“Alpha King!” One of the enforcers called, jogging over to us. His eyes widened when he recognized me: “Is this her? The she–wolf from Moon Valley Lodge?”
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