hapter 21
Over the past month, Aria had contemplated escape countless times.
But Lucas seemed to have installed some supernatural GPS in her DNA–no matter where she went, he materialized within minutes. The few times she had attempted to slip away had only resulted in
even tighter restrictions.
As punishment for her last attempt, he had “temporarily suspended” her contract with the Northern Alpine Dance Company. His explanation to the artistic director had been surprisingly tactful–they needed quality time after their lengthy separation. Once they were formally mated, she could naturally return to dancing
Yes. Mated.
During that meticulously orchestrated press conference, Lucas had not only announced her miraculous resurrection but also unveiled their upcoming mating ceremony, scheduled just four weeks later.
Aria had known nothing about this until she watched it happen live on stage, resulting in a confrontation afterward that changed absolutely nothing about his plans.
Today’s excursion to the luxury district was supposedly to select mating ceremony accessories. The dress itself was already being custom–designed by three separate ateliers competing for the
privilege.
Having completed his transaction, Lucas returned to the private suite and gently took her hand. “Shall we?” he asked with that self–satisfied smile that made her skin crawl.
Aria maintained her practiced silence, allowing him to lead her from the boutique to the waiting car without resistance.
As the vehicle navigated through downtown traffic, she watched the territory blur past the tinted windows, her expression betraying the desperation she fought to contain.
She had no desire to mate with Lucas Thornwood. The very thought made her physically ill.
But despite her best efforts, escape seemed impossible. Every exit was watched, every message monitored, every potential ally carefully screened.
16:41
Billionaire Alpha’s 60 15
Chapter 21
Was she truly going to be forced into a mating bond with the man who had methodically tortured her for years? The legal implications seemed absurd in modern pack law, yet her reality suggested
otherwise.
Her hands tightened in her lap until her knuckles turned white from the pressure.
As the mating date approached, Aria’s anxiety intensified visibly.
Misinterpreting her distress as typical pre–mating jitters, Lucas had cleared his afternoon schedule to take her to dinner at an exclusive restaurant overlooking the pack borders.
Halfway to their destination, however, his phone lit up with what appeared to be a genuine pack emergency.
Reluctantly, he instructed the driver to continue to the restaurant as planned. “I’ll join you as soon as I can,” he promised, already scrolling through urgent emails.
Before exiting the car, Lucas leaned in for what had become a customary goodbye kiss.
Aria instinctively turned her head, causing his lips to land on her cheek instead of their intended target.
Lucas paused, something darkening briefly in his expression before his practiced smile returned. Without comment, he exited the vehicle.
The moment the door closed, Aria’s facade crumbled. She frantically dug through her purse for antibacterial wipes, scrubbing at her cheek with such violence that the skin reddened and nearly broke.
Only when the area was raw and stinging did she finally discard the wipe with disgust.
The restaurant’s private dining room stood nearly empty during the early dinner service, with Aria seated alone by the panoramic windows. Security personnel positioned discreetly at each exit remained a constant reminder of her captivity.
These wolves, supposedly protecting her, were in reality her jailers, ensuring she couldn’t slip away.
Once the door closed behind them, Aria picked half–heartedly at the multi–course meal before her.
“Your blueberry mousse, miss,” announced a server, placing an elegantly plated dessert on the table.
16:41
Chapter 21
Aria paused, confused–she hadn’t ordered any dessert.
Looking up to correct the mistake, she froze in recognition. The server’s face was hauntingly familiar.
“Leila??” she whispered in disbelief.
The woman tensed momentarily, then shook her head. “I’m not her. I’m her twin, Layla.”
Noticing Aria’s immediate defensive posture, Layla gave a dismissive laugh.
“Chill out. Unlike my sister, I’m not interested in ruining your life.”
Cautiously, Aria relaxed her grip on the steak knife. “What do you want?”
Layla slid into the seat opposite Aria, drumming her fingers against the tablecloth with deliberate casualness.
“I’m here to clean up my sister’s mess,” she stated simply.
16:41
