Chapter 7
Ethan’s POV
The Montana morning air was crisp against my skin as I stood at my office window. Below, young wolves filed into the training grounds, their excited energy making my wolf stir with anticipation. Opening day always brought out the alpha in me but today felt different.
–
Then I saw her.
Aria moved through the crowd like a blade through water, all lethal grace and quiet strength. Her dark hair caught the sunlight, and even from here I could see the proud tilt of her chin. My hands tightened on the windowsill. There was something magnetic about the way she carried herself, something that drew my gaze.
I forced myself to look away, but throughout the morning’s duties, my attention kept drifting back to her. The fluid way she demonstrated combat moves. The commanding tone of her voice as she instructed the younger wolves. The subtle flex of muscle beneath her fitted training gear.
After the initial sessions concluded, I had David summon her to my office. The sun had begun its descent, painting my office in shades of amber and gold that reminded me of her eyes. When she entered, the strange emptiness of her presence hit me like a physical force. My wolf, Felix, stirred restlessly beneath my skin, unsettled by the anomaly.
“Miss Reynolds, I began, then corrected myself. “Aria.” Her name felt weighted on my tongue, carrying echoes of old debts and new mysteries. “Thank you for coming.”
She inclined her head slightly – just enough to acknowledge my position without showing submission. The gesture sparked both irritation and admiration. Most wolves would instinctively bow to an alpha heir’s presence, but Aria stood her ground.
“You wanted to see me?”
I moved around my desk, noting how she subtly adjusted her stance to maintain distance between us. The movement was so fluid it might have been unconscious, but my wolf noticed. Felix always noticed everything about her.
I’ve been meaning to speak with you about your mother,” I said, watching her face carefully. “About what happened that day.”
A flash of something – pain? anger? – crossed her features before disappearing behind a carefully neutral mask. “That was a long time ago.”
‘Not so long that we’ve forgotten. The memory rose unbidden – Olivia’s body between me and the wild wolf’s fangs, her final smile as life faded from her eyes. “Your mother’s sacrifice saved my life. If she hadn’t thrown herself between me and that attack…”
“Stop. The word came out sharp as a blade. I don’t need your guilt or your gratitude. What’s done is done.”
Felix groaned, but I forced him down.
‘As heir to Shadow Fang,” I continued carefully, “I want to ensure you and your son are properly provided for. I’ve already arranged-*
“No.” She cut me off again, color rising in her cheeks. “Lucas and I don’t need your charity. We’ve managed just fine on our own.”
The pride in her voice stirred something in me – respect, certainly, but also a strange fascination. Most wolves would jump at the chance for Shadow Fang’s protection, especially a lone mother with a young cub. But Aria stood her ground, every line of her body radiating independence.
“It’s not charity,‘ I said, allowing a hint of alpha authority to color my tone. It’s what’s owed. Your mother-
“My mother made her choice. Her voice cracked slightly on the words, and something in my chest tightened in response. “She died protecting you, yes. But that debt doesn’t extend to Lucas and me. We’re not some obligation for you to fulfill.”
I studied her, taking in the tight line of her jaw, the way her hands had curled into loose fists at her sides. Everything about her radiated strength and independence, from her stance to the careful distance she maintained. But there was something else, something that tugged at my memories like a half–remembered dream.
“You remind me of someone,” I found myself saying, the words escaping before I could stop them.
Her eyes widened fractionally. But they gone normal so quickly I might have imagined it. “I should go, she said, already turning toward the door. “Lucas will be waiting.”
“Aria. Her name stopped her with her hand on the doorknob. Felix prowled restlessly, urging me to stop her, to demand answers to questions I couldn’t even formulate. “Whatever happened in the past, you’re here now. And while you’re at this facility, you’re under Shadow Fang’s protection. Whether you want it or not.”
She glanced back over her shoulder, moonlight catching the curve of her cheek. “Anyways, thank you.” The door closed behind her with a quiet click, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
troubled
I moved to the window, watching as she crossed the courtyard below. Her stride was purposeful, head held high despite the curious stares from lingering trainees. The setting sun caught her hair, painting it with streaks of golden.
My phone buzzed – Emma, asking about dinner plans. I should respond. Should focus on the woman who’d occupied my thoughts for six years. Instead, I found myself watching until Aria disappeared from view.
Felix paced restlessly in my mind, pushing against my control in a way he hadn’t since that night at Mountain View Resort. My wolf had always been strong–willed, but this was different. This was pure instinct, raw and demanding, every time Aria was near.
1/2
I Am His Wolfless Luna
Chapter 8
