Chapter 77: I Am Not Your Brother
(Aria’s POV)
Blood spattered as Dominic’s fist connected with my brother’s jaw. The sound of the impact made me flinch.
“Stop! Dominic, stop!” I screamed, my voice breaking with desperation.
James stumbled backwards, his lip split and eye already swelling. Dominic stood between us, his powerful body coiled and ready to strike again. Growing up in the Shadow Pack compound with elite enforcer training had made him lethal, and it showed in every calculated movement.
“You don’t touch her,” Dominic growled, his silver–gray eyes flashing dangerously. “Ever.”
My brother spat blood onto the carpet. “She’s not your concern, Alpha. This is family business.”
Dominic stepped forward again, and James flinched. Despite his bravado, my brother was no match for an Alpha of Dominic’s caliber.
“Please,” I begged, moving toward them. “That’s enough.”
My wolf whimpered anxiously within me, concerned not just for my brother but for my unborn pup. This stress couldn’t be good for either of us.
James glared at me, wiping blood from his mouth. His eyes–so like our mother’s–were filled with a hatred I’d never seen before.
“Why are you here, Aria? Come to spy on me? Report back to your precious Alexander?”
“No,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. “I saw you today. With Claire. I need to know what’s going on.”
A bitter laugh escaped his bloodied lips. “Of course. Always so concerned with pack politics, aren’t you? Just
like dad.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, confused by the comparison.
James straightened, his wolf’s anger radiating off him in waves. “It means I’m done. With all of it. With you.” The words hit me like a physical blow. “James, please-”
“No!” he shouted, his eyes flashing with his wolf’s rage. “I am not your brother anymore. You stopped being my sister the day you chose that Reed bastard over your own family.”
Tears burned in my eyes. “That’s not fair. I never abandoned our family.”
“Didn’t you?” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Mom died because of you. Dad died because of you. Everyone who loves you ends up dead, Aria.”
I staggered back as if he’d struck me. “What are you talking about? Dad was killed in a hunter attack. It was random, tragic-”
“It was your fault!” James roared, his wolf briefly surfacing in his eyes. “He shouldn’t have sacrificed himself for you! If you hadn’t wandered off that day, if you’d stayed with the group like you were told, he’d still be alive!”
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Chapter 771 Am Not Your
The accusation left me breathless. All these years, I’d believed my father’s death was a tragic accident- hunters finding our family in the neutral territory during a herb gathering trip. I’d been sixteen, devastated by the loss. But James’s version painted a different picture entirely.
“Get out,” James said, his voice suddenly cold and final. “Both of you. And if I ever see you again, Aria, I won’t be responsible for what I do.”
Dominic moved to my side, his arm supporting me as my knees threatened to give way. “Let’s go,” he murmured, his powerful Alpha scent wrapping around me protectively.
I looked at my brother one last time, hardly recognizing the man before me. “James, please-”
“OUT!” he roared, his wolf’s fur bristling beneath his skin.
Dominic guided me toward the door, his body positioned to shield me if James attacked. But my brother simply turned his back, his shoulders rigid with anger.
In the hallway, I slumped against the wall, my mind reeling from James’s accusations. How could he blame me for our father’s death? And what connection could he possibly have with Claire Watson?
“He’s talking nonsense,” Dominic said firmly, his hand gently lifting my chin so I’d meet his gaze. “You know that, right?”
I nodded uncertainly. “But what if… what if he’s right? What if my father did die saving me? I was so young when it happened. The details are… blurry.”
Dominic’s silver–gray eyes softened. “Even if that were true, it wouldn’t be your fault. A parent protecting their child is the most natural thing in the world.”
Before I could respond, the elevator at the end of the hallway dinged. The doors slid open to reveal a familiar figure–Claire Watson.
Despite her attempts to disguise herself with a scarf and scent–neutralizing charms, I would have recognized her anywhere. Her pregnant belly was more noticeable now, straining against her expensive blouse.
Our eyes locked, and for a moment, she seemed frozen in place. Then, with a muttered curse, she jabbed repeatedly at the elevator button.
I laughed bitterly, one hand instinctively moving to my belly where my own pup grew. “And you’re carrying what you claim is his pup, while sleeping with his father. How’s Richard these days, Claire? Still meeting in secret?”
“We both know that’s not true,” I countered, my wolf bristling beneath my skin. “Just like we both know you’re
“I’ve never met anyone by that name,” Claire insisted, her emerald eyes wide with feigned confusion. “And if you continue spreading such defamatory rumors, I’ll file a complaint with the Territorial Registry Office.”
The threat reminded me of our precarious position. My mate bond severance from Alexander was still pending. Any complications could delay the process.
“What do you want with my brother?” I demanded, refusing to back down despite her threats. “Haven’t you done enough damage to my family?”
Claire scoffed. “Your paranoia is concerning, Aria. Perhaps you should see a healer about these delusions.” “Stop the act,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “I know you’re manipulating him somehow. If anything happens to James-”
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