Aria’s POV


    I stared back at him, my face nk.


    This wasn’t what I thought it was…WAS IT?!


    Grayson caught my expression and immediately added. “This isn’t a proposal.”


    My face went red right away. I could feel the heat everywhere. “No, no, of course not. I didn’t think you were proposing either.”


    “We talked about this, Aria. I just…don’t believe in the concept of marriage. I don’t see myself ever needing that kind of rtionship. So that’spletely on me–it isn’t about you.”


    “No, no, I know…no need to exin.” I just wanted him to stop talking, or wished the floor could somehow open up and swallow me.


    31%


    +38)


    He took my hands, not letting me hide my face behind it. “But still, if something calls for my partner, I want the person next


    else.” to me to be you. Not anyone


    “I know,” I mumbled.


    “And since we are talking about it… There’s a charity visit to a local kindergarten to.norrow. My partner is expected.” He paused, then frowned. “I was going to have Nova go with you, but now… so Ipletely understand if you don’t want to attend.”


    “No, no–I want to go.” I said quickly. “I’ve got a new bodyguard, right? That Glen guy? He’ll keep me safe.”


    “Good. A distraction might help.” He pulled me into him for a tight hug and murmured at my ear, “We’ve been muchtely. I promise, once we get this whole thing figured out, I’ll take you somewhere quiet and romantic us.”


    “Yeah, that sounds amazing,” I murmured, breathing against his neck.


    Then again, tonight was supposed to be a just–us date, too. And it turned into a nightmare.


    Will the storms ever stop finding us? I honestly don’t know.


    104


    [WO


    The following day, I got up early to get ready.


    I chose a camel–colored dress and swept my hair up. No wearing any shy jewelry–just simple pearl earrings. It’s a charity thing. I wanted to look warm and approachable.


    People always say I’s good at this kind of event. I wanted to bring my A game. No way I’m losing this game to her.


    When I was all dressed and came downstairs, my new security was already waiting by the door.


    He looked like a huge, carved stone statue. He barely even moved while standing there, just guarding the door with his full


    attention.


    That definitely didn’t look like the type to joke or mess around with.


    I walked up to him with a smile. “Hey, morning, Glen.”


    10:29 Tue, 26 AUG D


    He looked back at me in silence. No reply.


    “Uh… want a coffee? Or a quick breakfast? We still have a little time-


    “Thank you, but no” His voice was low and severe. “I’d prefer to get you to the ce on schedule.”


    I was a little embarrassed. “Oh. Well, okay then. Let’s go.”


    And the drive to the kindergarten was also aplete nightmare.


    31%8


    When Nova was my driver, she’d always chat with me, at least ask about my day. Sometimes she’d put on a song we both knew and we’d hum along.


    And my new driver? Not into any of that.


    He had his hands firm on the wheel and eyes locked on the road. The car was so quiet that I could hear my own breathing.


    Finally, I couldn’t stand the silence and cleared my throat. “…So, do you like music, Glen? I don’t mind if you turn on the radio.”


    “I don’t like music,” he replied, his voice cool as ice.


    What kind of person doesn’t like music?!


    “Then maybe we could just talk, get to know each other? How long have you worked for Grayson?”


    “Twenty–three years,” he said.


    I blinked. Wow impressive. So he was in the security team when Grayson was still a kid. No wonder Grayson trusts him and put him on me.


    “That’s a long time. Hey, can tell me the scariest thing you and Grayson cot through? You two must have been through a lot


    “Miss,” He cut me off sharply. “With all due respect, I’d prefer to focus on driving. Conversation c potential threats.”


    My face red. “Oh…s<i>–</i>sorry. I–I didn’t know.”


    He said nothing else and went back to driving.


    I twisted my hands around my clutch strap, watching his broad back in the driver’s seat. And a weird prickle crawled up my spine. “Hey do you… have a problem with me, Glen? Because if you don’t like this arrangement, I can always talk to Grayson about it-”


    “Of course not.” He replied impatiently. “Guarding the Alpha’s partner is a highest honor. I’m d to do it. I just like to do it in my own way.”


    Right.


    I sank back into the seat.


    Bigger and stronger he might be, but I definitely preferred Nova’spany.


    Nearly an hour of that silent tortureter, we finally arrived at the kindergarten.


    I took in a long breath as I stepped out of the car. Thank the Moon Goddess. That’s fresh air and an end to the quiet hell.


    “Lady Aria!”


    10:29 Tue, 26 Aug 06.


    * 2.31%


    A middle–aged woman hurried up to me, beaming. “Wee, wee! I’m Helena, the principal here. It’s such an honor to have you today.”


    I shook her hand with a smile. “Please, call me Aria, I’m nody. And the honor’s mine


    “Come, please.” She led me in. “You don’t know how much we need the public attention. I’m telling you, there’s no way for these kids to get proper care without enough funding. And we are desperately in need of a new gym to train the park’s future young warriors.”


    The staff were all lining up outside of the building to greet me. They were all wearing warm, respectful smiles. I wasn’t gonna lie: before dating Grayson, no one rolled out carpets for me like this.


    I shook hands down the line. Media were here too, cameras popping in my face.


    3 minutester and my smile started to cramp. Damn it, I still hate these performative moments.


    “Miss Collins, how are things with Alpha Graysontely?” a reporter called.


    “We’re doing well. Thanks for asking.”


    “This is normally a Luna’s event. Should we take it to mean you and Alpha Grayson are close to making it official?”


    I denied it as quickly as possible. “No of course not. But I’m his current partner, so he felt it’s probably the best for me to attend.”


    Judging by their faces, that answer I gave wasn’t juicy enough for them.


    Another reporter pressed. “Then why haven’t you moved to the next step yet? Many believe it’s about time Alpha Grayson gets married and gives the pack an heir. Yet nothing is moving forward between you two. Don’t you feel guilty about this?”


    Heat rose in my chest. “Why would I feel guilty? That’s not my problem.”


    They pounced. “So staying unmarried is Alpha Grayson’s idea then? Why Does he think you’re unf Because of your poor background? Or yourck of higher education and upper–ss manner?”


    I wanted to smack these assholes.


    his Luna?


    But then I realized–this is probably what they wanted. If I lost it at a charity event, it’d make a perfect headline.


    So I inhaled deeply and said, “Today I’ll only answer questions rted to the charity. Thank you.”


    Then I rushed away with Principal Helena, leaving those vicious bastards behind.


    I was then led to the yground outside. There were a dozen kids running around and ying games. The moment they saw us, they all rushed over, shouting “Helena!”


    “Hey girls and boys, we have a new friend today!” Helena grinned. “Who wants to say hi to Miss Collins?”


    A dozen curious eyes stared at me. No one spoke. I suddenly got nervous. God I wish May were here today–she’s better with kids.


    “Hi,” I said, trying to give my warmest smile. “So nice to meet you.”


    They kept staring. Then a little girl blurted out, “Are you dating Alpha Grayson?”


    I hadn’t expected that as the first question. I panicked a bit, then stammered, “Uh… yes. Yeah, I guess you could say that.”


    “Alpha Grayson is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. I want to marry him too when I grow up. So tell me how did you make him like you?” she asked loudly, looking dead serious.


    914


    10:29 Tue, 26 Aug 0.


    My eyes went wide.


    D


    Wow. OK. That was–unexpected.


    Is it a good idea to discuss this with a little girl? I seriously don’t know. I floundered and nced at Helena for rescue


    “All right, girls, stop it. That’s not polite.” Helena frowned.


    3150


    Yet that didn’t kill their curiosity. It only emboldened them. More girls started screaming: “Tell us! Tell us Miss Collins” “We want to know your first date!” “How did you two meet?”


    “Oh just shut up already!” a boy suddenly yelled. “None of you get it. Alpha Grayson won’t marry her. So there’s no use asking her. Our Alpha will marry a properdy–beautiful, and from a good family.”


    OK that was…hurtful.


    I stood there, awkward, my face red.


    I could usually ignore it from adults. But since it came from a child’s mouth… it weirdly hurt more.


    “Milo!” Helena snapped. “Enough. Apologize to Miss Collins now!”


    The boy made a face at me. He obviously didn’t think he had done anything wrong.


    And <i>that’s </i>when I saw it.


    Straight ahead, behind the little boy’s back, beyond the fence. A tiny sh in the bush. It almost looked like…a sniper’s scope catching the light<i>. </i>


    My instincts moved before my brain did.


    “DOWN! Get down!”


    I screamed, diving forward and shoving 3 or 4 kids beneath me.


    At the same time, a gunshot cracked the air.


    BANG!!!


    AD


    Comment


    Send gift


    No Ads