Chapter 97: Chapter 97

I let out a breath through my mouth; my eyes narrowed as Aiden glanced through the letter. The Alpha was too quiet for my liking; his head focused on the paper he held between his hands. Shifting on my feet, I tucked my legs behind, teeth sinking on my bottom lip. What was going on in the Alpha's mind?

"This is..." He breathed, the knuckles turning white and jaw clenched tight as our eyes clashed. "I cannot believe that Ria would do something like this. Have I been living under the rock? It feels like I don't even know this person."

My mouth parted at that, trying to find an appropriate response to his anger and guilt. Aiden was ignorant at times, not focused on picking out the bad in people close to him. Swiping my tongue over my bottom lip, I wetted it.

"This is barely scratching the surface. You do not even know the half of stuff she did."

"Tell me!" Aiden wrapped his hand around my wrist, tugging on it, making sure our eyes clashed together. I almost jolted; my throat went dry at the severe expression taking over his features.

Clenching my eyes shut for a second or two, I thought back to every single thing Ria did. By the time I told him about it, his mouth had dropped open; hands curled into fists by his side. The Alphas nose flared, and Aiden appeared like he wanted to interrupt but held back and let me continue with my side of the story.

"I-I can't believe this!" He tugged on the locks of his hair, tugging on them. "Ria was supposed to be my friend! How can she face me every single day after pulling this shit?!"

I made a sympathetic sound in the back of my throat and placed my palm on his fisted hand. "I know, but you should not be the one to do anything now. Alpha Damon already misunderstands your relation with her."

A low growl escaped his lips, lines marring his forehead. "How can I sit idle? She is a threat, Rose. All this time, she has been trying to break us apart by using twisted means. We cannot let it continue any longer."

"I know. This should end, and I will be the one to put things to rest. Trust me."

***

After much coaxing from my side and promising the Alpha that I would be alright, Aiden let me skip out of the cabin. Ria truly crossed a line this time, creating a rift between two best friends for her gain. Frankly speaking, she did not deserve to have someone like Damon as her mate, but it was fate. Instead of accepting that the beta was playing a dangerous game.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I stalked out, barely greeting the members on the way. With a deep breath, I let myself be led, my mind already muggy and submerged in a slow, syrupy trance as I stepped through the entrance of the pack house, marvelling at the sight before me.

The living hall was empty, so I summoned the maid and asked her to get Ria for me. In the meantime, I leaned against the balcony, my back to the entrance, filling my lungs with a cold breath as I let my mind wander for a moment.

Will Damon try to hear me out? I thought to myself, sliding a palm against my sweaty brow, a few tufts of loose hair now sticking unattractively to my forehead.

As soon as I heard the sound of heels clicking against the floor, I swallowed harshly and bit my lip, desperate to control, not wanting to let my head snap in her direction. Turning around, I let my eyes sweep past her, arms coming to rest against my chest.

The beta stared unabashedly at me through a mask of cool nonchalance, her body stilling a few feet away. She huffed, rolling her eyes. "You called?"

I swallowed against the flood of feelings that surged within, and forced myself to focus, determined to get what I wanted – at least a fraction of it. Looking up into her eyes seriously, and there I found a hint of fear laced with curiosity.

"I summoned. There's a difference, Ria."

"Like I care."

"You probably should." I tried not to let the waver in my voice evident, knees feeling weak. "After all, you are talking to the Luna of this pack."

Her colour paled as soon as those words left my mouth, body stilling in the spot. I felt my chest swell with confidence, watching as various expressions played on her face.

"W-What did you just say?" She broke out in childish giggles, shaking her head. "It is good to dream, but people like you should know their place," Ria said with a good-natured shrug, innocently blinking.

With my nose flared, I stared back at her, confused and unable to understand what was so funny. I took a step further in her direction, watching Ria gulp audibly.

"People like me? It's funny coming from you of all, Ria. The only achievement you have is being best friends with Pack Alpha which you have screwed up too."

"Excuse me?!" She exclaimed in a shrill voice, her face twisting. "If you don't know, my best friend is duelling with my mate for me."

There she goes again. I thought under my breath, seeing through her attempt at manipulating me again. Calmly I blinked at her, my face stoic. "And are you proud of yourself for that?"

"Shut up!" She snarled.

"Here's how it's going to work. You are going to talk with Damon and explain your side of the story—"

"You cannot order me around!"

I pinned her with a glare, my hand raising in the air, which made her cringe. "I am not done yet." Clicking my tongue, I breathed and continued, "Convince him to put a stop on this dual. I don't care how you do it, but my Alpha is not fighting his best friend because of you!"

"Or what?" The beta huffed, rolling her eyes.

I pulled the letter from Zain and dangled it in front of her, patiently waiting as her eyes raked over the writing before the beta let out a gasp. Ria attempted to snatch it from my hand, but I quickly pulled it away before she had the chance.

"I will make sure that everyone in the pack finds out about the real you," I smirked. "Once they know your true intentions and nasty attempts at separating their Pack Alpha and Luna. Can you imagine their reactions?"

Her face fell, mouth opening and closing while angry tears formed in her eyes. She

pointed her finger in my direction, jaw clenched tight. "How dare you! You think they will believe you over me?"

Her arrogance grated my nerves, irritation flaring in my stomach. How can she so be overconfident? It was astounding. "They will. After all, Aiden believes me over your lies." Taking a calm breath, I narrowed my eyes. "Don't try to tempt me, Ria. I am sure you are aware as a Luna, I can banish you, and no one will bat an eye."

"You think you have it all! Don't you? A Luna position and pack minions ready to serve you, but keep in mind that this is temporary! They will never accept you without Aiden."

Letting out a loud breath, I twisted my face, my shoulders sagging in defeat. "Do you think I only care about this? Then you do not know me at all."

"Pfft!" Ria made a sound, her mouth twisting. "Whatever, I don't care."

I sucked a breath through my teeth, blood rushing in my ears as I met her eyes. "Go and sort this out now."

"I am leaving Rose but don't think you have won," Ria said with a watery smile. "There is a greater force you will reckon with and have no choice but to let go of Aiden. I will have the last laugh. Wait and watch." Turning on her heel, the beta walked out, leaving me extremely confused.

***