Page 23 of Seduced Wolf

Aria's gaze remains locked on me, her face a canvas of shock and sadness, her tears continuing to flow.

"What happened?" she asks. "Did Rykard help you join the force? Was it because of him that you could finally find some purpose?"

"Rykard was instrumental in helping me discover my path," I admit, "and though I'm grateful for his role in giving me a life beyond killing, that's not the full story." I almost smile, glad I’ve got through the hell to reach this part of the story.

Aria's face, still awash with tears, appears to be absorbing what I've shared, still reeling from the impact of my revelations.

"After our time together, Aria," I continue, "I slept. Really slept. It was the first time I didn't see my mother staring at me, wondering what I was doing with the life that she’d sacrificed to save. It's no exaggeration to say that my first night with you was the first time I had a proper and peaceful rest in years."

I step closer to Aria and gently wipe away her tears. "I was desperate to find the woman behind the mask. You tormented my heart and, at the same time, provided the only serenity I've ever known in my life. For the first time, I felt like I was more than just a killer.” I draw in a shuddering breath. “I felt like a man in love with a woman."

Another step and I’m in front of her, my hand sliding down her cheek. "I don't need anyone else but you, Aria."

We fall into a deep silence, our eyes locked in a shared moment of vulnerability. Aria's gaze holds an emotion I can't quite identify, but it's better than the pain they were holding earlier.

"I can't live without you," I admit, my voice wavering.

Aria’s response is to press her lips to mine. The kiss is fervent, marked by the strength of her shifter prowess as she pins me against the wall, her tongue probing mine as if attempting to cleanse my mouth of Holly's memory.

I stand there in shock, barely able to process her sudden and passionate response. Then the stress from earlier, the weeks of pent-up emotions all seem to meld together and wash away with the raindrops falling from the sky.

And I kiss her back with every shred of gratitude and tenderness I can muster.

She pulls back, cradling herself against my chest. "I'm so sorry, Chase," she murmurs, her words muffled by her position. “For everything you had to live through.”

"Yet you’ve given me peace, just by existing." I press my lips to the crown of her head. "This week has been tough for both of us. God knows, with how I love you, I'd probably be worse off."

She looks up at me. There, tucked in my arms, her face, still damp with tears, wears an expression I've never seen before, a mixture of hope, relief, and vulnerability. "You love me?" she repeats. "You really do? What we have isn't just some façade?"

"I'm obsessed with you," I confess.

Aria chuckles softly. "That's a bit creepy."

"Deal with it," I say with a wry smile. "You made me revisit things I didn't want to bring up again."

“Thank you, Chase,” Aria murmurs, leaning against me more fully.

“Holly kissed me when she heard someone approaching,” I say quietly. “I think she was trying to cover up what she was doing—sharing sensitive information with a cop.”

Aria tucks her head back under chin, nodding thoughtfully. A shiver runs through her body and my arms tighten around her. It’s as if she’s just realized it’s raining and she’s soaked.

“Come on. Let’s go back to my place for a change,” I say, kissing her head again. “I imagine there are still some things that you want to ask me.”

Aria nods, tucking in even tighter as if she’s trying to crawl inside of me. “Take me home, Chase.”

Chapter9

Aria

Things are relatively calm during the car ride to Chase’s place. I should still be reeling from what I saw Holly and Chase did, but I’m not, namely because of what Chase told me.

One of the things that first drew me to Chase was his strength. It pours off him in waves, creating a confidence I doubt he’s aware of. Yet tonight, he made himself vulnerable. He opened up in ways I know he never has before.

I saw a side to him I doubt anyone has in a very long time. Or ever. It’s the ultimate gift he could’ve given me.

And he did that because he loves me.

The car pulls up and I blink, having barely been aware of the trip. Chase’s car is waiting outside one of the biggest houses I’ve ever seen. The grandeur leaves me momentarily speechless. The exterior boasts a stately façade, a sprawling two-story mansion with ornate architectural details that exude timeless elegance. The front yard is meticulously landscaped, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The house is framed by tall, ancient trees, their branches reaching out protectively. It's a place that exudes an air of affluence and security, a stark contrast to the world we've been navigating.

---