Chapter 24
Aeson’s POV
The familiar scent of my packhouse hit me as soon as I stepped through the door, bringing a sense of relief and responsibility all at once. It had been a long day, filled with discussions, decisions, and everything else that came with work and being an Alpha. I rolled my shoulders, trying to ease the tension knotting them, but the moment I saw my mother waiting in the hallway. I knew my day wasn’t over yet.
“Aeson,” she said warmly, stepping forward to embrace me “Welcome home.”
I hugged her back, grateful for her calming presence. But the look in her eyes told me she wasn’t just here to greet me. Sure enough, as soon as we pulled apart, she cut straight to the point.
“So,” she began, her voice faced with that mix of affection and impatience only she could pull off, “what are you planning to do about Aurora?”
I frowned slightly. “What about her?”
She gave me a pointed look. “Won’t you formally make her your Luna soon? It’s taking a while.”
“Mother…” I sighed, already regretting not heading straight to my room.
“And speaking of her,” she added, her tone lightening, “she’s here.”
That stopped me cold. “What?”
Her smile widened, clearly pleased with herself. “Yes. Aurora is in your room.” She patted my cheek, her eyes glinting with encouragement. “Don’t keep her waiting any longer.”
Before I could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, a swirl of emotions I didn’t want to name rising in my chest.
Aurora. In my room. I inhaled deeply and headed upstairs, my footsteps echoing down the corridor. When I reached the door, I hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. The room was dark, the only light spilling in from the hallway. I flicked the switch, and soft, warm light bathed the space. It was
empty.
“Aurora?” I called, my voice steady but curious. “Are you here?”
There was no immediate response, and I stepped further inside, scanning the room. Just as I was about to call her name again, the sound of the bathroom door creaking open drew my attention.
I turned, and there she was. Aurora stepped out, her silk robe barely clinging to her shoulders, revealing the lingerie beneath. The fabric hugged her curves, shimmering in the light, and as she moved closer, the robe slipped completely, pooling at her feet.
“Surprise,” she murmured, her voice low and sultry. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as her eyes locked onto mine. “I thought I’d welcome you home properly.”
I swallowed hard, the air suddenly thick. Her presence was magnetic, her every movement calculated to draw me in. She closed the distance between us, her fingers brushing lightly against my chest as she tilted her head up to meet my gaze.
“Aurora…” I started, but whatever I intended to say was lost when her hands slid around my neck, pulling me closer. Her scent enveloped me, intoxicating and familiar, and before I knew it, her lips were on mine.
The kiss was slow, deliberate, her softness melting against me as she pressed herself closer. My hands found her waist, steadying her as she deepened the kiss, her fingers threading through my hair. For a moment, I let myself get lost in it, the heat of the moment consuming every thought, every hesitation.
But then, like a sharp blade cutting through the haze, Serena’s face flashed in my mind. Her eyes, her strained smile-everything about her. It hit me like a jolt, and suddenly, Aurora’s touch felt wrong.
I broke the kiss abruptly, stepping back as my chest heaved. “Aurora, stop,” I said, my voice rough.
Chapter 24
She looked up at me, confusion and hurt flickering across her face. “What’s wrong?” she asked, reaching for me again. “I thought this was what you would appreciate.”
I shook my head, running a hand through my hair. My heart twisted painfully, torn between the woman in front of me and the one who had unknowingly claimed my thoughts.
“I… I can’t do this,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Aurora’s brows furrowed, and I saw the questions forming in her eyes. But I couldn’t explain, not now. Not when my mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. I took another step back, the space between us feeling like a chasm I couldn’t cross.
“I need some air,” I muttered, turning toward the door. But as I reached for the handle, I couldn’t ignore the weight of her gaze on my back, or the ache in my chest that refused to let me go.
The moment I opened the door, her voice stopped me cold.
