His eyes softened as he rubbed my back soothingly, but it didn't work like it used to. He didn't make me feel comfortable, he didn't help me relax. He was making me sob even more, making me feel like i was missing something, or rather someone, "It's alright, Ariel, you're not a monster, it was an accident," he cooed.
We reached the pack doctor's office in the pack's building.
"I need people to help us get him in." I ordered him with a monotone voice.
He nodded at me, before his eyes glazed over.
Suddenly, some people i recognised from our pack came and carried his wolf out. I parked the car in front of the driveway properly, before getting out and hurrying by Aries' side.
We were heading to the doctor's clinic.
"Alpha Harris is on his way here," said Michael.
I nodded at him, not feeling energetic enough to answer him.
All i cared about was Aries' safety and well-being.
Ironic enough. I think my heart literally felt the pain he felt.
The wound in my neck began to throb again.
I already thought that it had healed, because i couldn't feel it anymore. But ever since Aries got injured, all i felt in my wound was pain.
The men carried Aries' wolf into the clinic and when i tried to follow they stopped me.
All i could do was wait outside as i sat in the waiting room with Michael.
~
Two hours later, i was still waiting for them to be done.
The doctor had come to us in the beginning after he'd checked up on Aries, saying that his wolf had already done most of the healing, and once he was sure that Aries' human body could withstand the rest of the wounds, he shifted back.
This was reassuring. At least he was going to make it through.
Doctor Aron had said that once Aries fully shifts back, they'd start some minor surgeries, to help heal any major wounds. He said since Aries' immune system is still probably low, he'd heal slower than an average Alpha wolf. But he would be all better and fixed up by tomorrow.
Michael had said that my father was supposed to come, but something came up so he couldn't.
"He'll be waiting for you at home," Michael said.
I nodded slowly, uncaring really.
Dr Aron unexpectedly walked out of the room with a small relieved smile on his face.
I walked up to him hastily, "How is he?" I asked.
"He's doing well. In thirty minutes he'll be awake and conscious," he assured me.
"Can i see him?" I inquired further.
"You can, but only you, or at least one at a time," he answered.
I nodded, "Michael, you can leave if you'd like." I said, quietly.
Michael shook his head violently, "No."
I shrugged and hurried into the room that Aries was in. I spotted his sleeping figure and approached him, tears starting to sting my eyes.
He was sleeping like an innocent child.
His dark brown hair tousled and all over the place, making him look younger. His features were soft and his breathing was even.
He had a few scratches and wounds, but they were slowly patching themselves up.
I sighed in relief as i got a hold of his hand.
His bare chest was so sculptured and strong.
I used my other hand to trail my finger along the lines of his prominent muscles.
Tears started to fall onto my cheeks as my lower lip trembled at the sight of him in a weak state.
This was all my fault.
I didn't know what was wrong with me. What was making feel so emotional? What was making me care about him?
The pain that the wound in my neck emitted lessened and my wolf had stopped her whimpering as she waited for him to awaken anxiously.
I pulled his hand that was in mine to my lips, involuntarily, as i place a soft kiss on it, while i choked on sobs.
"I'm sorry," i whispered, as light sniffles escaped me.
The grip on my hand suddenly tightened, and i eyed our intertwined hands suspiciously.
Could i have imagined him apply pressure on my hand?
"Aries?" I whispered softly with a hopeful feeling.
He didn't answer.
I sighed as more hysteric tears poured from my eyes.
Why was i so emotional?
I felt pain and despair settle in as soon as the last shred of hope diminished.
I let go of his hand and turned around to leave.
When suddenly, a loud gasp from behind me caught my attention.
I turned around swiftly, looking back at Aries with hopeful eyes and i was met with the beautiful view of his own blue eyes gazing straight back at mine.
"Aries. You're awake," i acknowledged softly, as i hurried to his side, guilt written all over my face as it consumed me whole.
His eyes were filled with pain, hurt, and betrayal.
He looked at me with disappointment and it hurt.
My wolf felt unsettled, and tried to tell me something once more, but was unsuccessful.
Aries was watching me intently, "I'm sorry," i whispered, bowing my head, "I'm so sorry, i couldn't stop, i was driving too fast, i-"
"Stop," he ordered, cutting me off, his voice strong and firm with a demanding tone.
I nodded my head in submission.
"Leave," he ordered, catching me off guard as something in my heart hurt me intensely, "I-i don't want to see you right now," he said, his voice laced with anguish.
My heart hurt and my wolf whimpered loudly, making him flinch. I suddenly felt like all the wind was knocked out of me. I couldn't breath, i felt suffocated.
Tears prickled in my eyes and threatened to fall as i started to take deep breaths while my lower lip trembled once more.
Aries' eyes softened as he tried to reach out for me.
I shook my head in disbelief, "I'm sorry," i croaked again, before turning around on my heel and taking off.
~
I walked my way on the familiar pavements of my land, as tears strolled down my face.
He didn't want to see me anymore.
That hurt me, but wasn't it what i wanted? To get rid of him? To run away?
If it is what i wanted, then why does it feel like torture?
I shook these thoughts out of my head.
No. This is all the result of my long and tiring day. I was emotional, because it's not everyday that you ram a werewolf, who is actually a really hot Alpha, that thinks you are his mate, and was trying to hunt you down and kidnap you from your friends and family so you could become his Luna and bare his pups.
Yeah. That's it.
"Ariel," called out Michael for the bazillionth time.
I huffed and turned around to face him, "What is it Michael?" I growled.
Michael's eyebrows knitted, "What is wrong with you? Ever since you've came back you're all snappy and hateful towards me. What did i do?"
I sighed, "Nothing, i'm just really stressed, and I've had two bad days, i'm sorry." I apologized sincerely.
Michael sighed and nodded at me whilst wrapping his arms around me and bringing me closer towards him.
His eyes fluttered shut as he softly planted a kiss on my forehead, "I'm glad you're safe," he whispered, as he looked down at me with a smile.
I smiled back at him kindly.
His eyes started to darken lightly, as he placed a gentle kiss on my cheek then after it the other.
I reluctantly stood in place, wondering what he was doing.
When he looked back at me his eyes seemed to seriously darken as they flickered from my eyes to my lips repetitively.
My eyes widened at the reality of what was happening as he started to lean in.
All too quickly i felt his lips mold with mine as he started to kiss me softly.
I hesitantly kissed him back, comparing his kiss with Aries'.
Michael deepened the kiss as he placed his hand on the back of my neck as his other hand rested on my waist, keeping me in place.
He
then started slipping his tongue into my mouth stroking my tongue with his.
That's when a surging pain throbbed in my neck, making me yelp and pull away from him, as i placed my hand on the source of pain.
Michael looked surprised and worried as his wide eyes searched me for any abnormalities, "What's wrong? What happened? Did i hurt you?" He asked with concern.
I shook my head as i pressed my hand to the throbbing wound on my neck.
Michael eyed it suspiciously, and slowly reached other for my hand.
I tried to dodge him but he grabbed my other hand and ripped that hand away from my neck, exposing my wound.
Michael's eyes widened as he gaped at it, rage starting to swarm in his blue eyes, "He marked you?!" He growled loudly.
My eyes widened in shock as i shook my head, "What?" I asked.
"Fuck!" He yelled, as he started to pace his hands gripping his hair from the roots, "He fucking marked you! That bastard!" He growled, his eyes turning pitch black, making me flinch back.
I started to process the words that just left his mouth and suddenly, yesterday's events came rushing back to me, as if a blockage on my mind got removed.
He marked me...
He marked me.
Aries fucking marked me!
"He marked me..." i stated out loud, as my eyes widened in disbelief.
~
I finally got home with Michael walking along with me quietly.
Trevor and a couple of other guards were standing outside chatting away.
As soon as they saw me, they straightened up and sighed in relief.
Trevor came to me and engulfed me in a warm embrace.
I hugged him back gently, feeling drained of energy, all of a sudden.
"Welcome back Miss Harris. Are you alright?" He asked, as he scanned my body for injuries.
"I'm fine," i said, my voice sounding stricter than i had hoped.
He nodded at me and went back to his former position.
I walked into the pack house, "Mom? Dad?" I called.
"Ariiiiii!" A voice squeaked through the halls.
Adrien came hurtling towards me with all his speed as he wrapped his arms around my legs making me stumble slightly, bumping into Michael.
I chuckled as i picked him up off of the floor and hugged him as tight as i could in a warm embrace, "I missed you kiddo," i said as he nuzzled his head in the crook of my neck and wrapped his little legs around my waist.
"I mithed you too," he said his voice sounding sleepy.
"What are you doing up so late?" I asked.
It was nearly midnight.
"Momma and daddy told me you were coming home and i wanted to sthay awake to thee you," he said softly as he yawned.
"Aw baby, you didn't have to," i cooed as i rubbed his back soothingly.
He didn't answer me and when i looked at him, i saw that his eyes were already drooping.
I sighed and carried him up my way to the stairs.
"Your parents are waiting for you in Alpha Harris' office," stated Michael.
I nodded, "Could you take him up to his room?" I asked, referring to Adrien.
Michael nodded but as soon as he tried to pry Adrien from my arms, the little guy tightened his hold on my neck and whimpered.
I sighed and just shook my head, "Never Mind," i mumbled, starting to make my way to dad's office.
"Ariel," Michael called.
I turned around and raised an eyebrow at him.
"I love you," he said, leaving me stunned and wide eyed, "No matter what. Even with that devil's mark on your neck, I-I think i love you," he continued, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.
"Michael..." i whispered, shaking my head, "You'll have a mate, you can't possibly love me more," i reasoned as i placed my free hand on his cheek.
Michael shook his head, "No, i'm convinced, and so is everyone else, that once you turn eighteen, you'll realize that i'm your mate. Not that-" he paused looking for words, "-that delusional monster!" He growled.
My wolf didn't appreciate his words and started to growl, but i suppressed her, "Alright, Michael, we'll just have to wait and see."
Michael nodded, and stepped in closer as he placed a kiss on my lips.
I disliked the gesture, and pulled away as i turned around, "I have to go," i stated as i walked towards my father's office.
I knocked on the door before striding in.
"Ariel?" Sounded my father's strong and hoarse voice.
I walked inside with Adrien sound asleep on my shoulder, and my mother hurled herself on me, just like Adrien did, as she bursted into tears.
I hugged her tightly, and cooed soft things in her ears, saying that i was alright.
Father got out from his seat, where papers were scattered everywhere, his green eyes bloodshot and dark circles roamed around them.
He stalked towards us slowly, and made mom step aside as he handed her Adrien to carry before crushing me into his arms, as my face got squished on his firm chest.
He wrapped his arms tightly around my small figure as he nuzzled his face into my hair, taking in my scent, "You're going to be the death of me," he whispered as he placed a kiss on my head, while my mother and Adrien's sleeping form joined the embrace.
~
After a while my parents had calmed down.
My mom carried Adrien upstairs to his room so he could sleep more comfortably, while father sat in his office chair, watching me from afar.
"So you're saying that he wanted to keep you with him? Until your birthday?" He asked, unsure of whether or not he was getting what i just told him.
"Yes, he thinks we're mates, as you already know," i stated.
My dad nodded, as his eyes softened, "Did he hurt you?" He asked me softly.
"He didn't," i answered, while running a hand through my hair.
My dad's green eyes widened when they landed on my exposed neck, "He marked you?" He gasped with disbelief, his eyes growing darker.
"Y-yes, he did," i admitted sheepishly.
"With your consent?" He inquired further, his tone sounding more serious and rough.
I gulped, "No, father," i said, as i shook my head.
Dad shot up out of his seat, "He marked you against your will? Well before your wolf reached full maturity!" He stated, in outrage.
I shut my eyes tight as tears started to gather, while i remembered his rough barbaric act.
Suddenly i felt strong arms wrap around my small frame, as i got engulfed in my father's embrace, "Shh, sweetheart, everything will be alright," my father cooed as he stroked my hair, "I won't let him get away with this. Mate or not, this is no way to treat an Alpha, you are not beneath him."
I hugged my dad back tightly, as i fought back the urge to cry and breakdown in his arms.
"I don't want a war between our packs," i said softly.
I felt my dad sigh, as his breath fanned my hair, "I'll do whatever you want me to, you name it." He said, while placing a kiss on my head and rubbing my back comfortably, before releasing me.
"Really?" I asked with hopeful eyes, as a small smile tugged at the side of my lips.
"Really," he said, with a nod, "You're the next Alpha of this pack, as soon as you turn eighteen, i'm stepping down, and i'll do so, with confidence, that you'll be able to look after this pack. I trust that you'll do the right thing, Ariel. I've always had faith in you," he continued, as he slung his arm around my shoulder.
Warmth filled my insides as i heard his beautiful words.
A blush crept to my cheeks with all the confidence that he was giving me.
I looked down at the ground, my hair falling around my face like a curtain, "But, what if my mate is really an Alpha, of another pack? Or what if, they don't take me seriously because i'm young and a female? Or what if i'm not strict enough?"
My dad's chuckle rang through the room as it bounced off the walls, "My sweet Ariel, firstly, if you're truly the mate of an Alpha, then i'll have to say, you'll be the mo
st powerful wolf in history, and i trust you two will come up with a compromising solution." He said with a pause as he sat us on the couch, "Secondly, i am one of the oldest Alphas out of the thirteen, right after Alpha Trisan and Alpha William. If i take you seriously, i am sure they will too." He continued with a smile, "Thirdly, you have what any pack needs. Why do you think it is necessary for an Alpha to have a female mate? Because, an Alpha cannot rule without his Luna, otherwise, the pack would fall. You have both, the Alpha brain, strength, and blood, along with the kindness and heart of a Luna. So if you were to run this pack without a mate, you'd do just as good as the other Alphas. You'll rule with an iron fist in a velvet glove. That'll be an advantage to our pack."
I nodded as i took in his wise words, "You're right."
"I'm always right," he answered cockily with a smirk on his face.
I chuckled at my father's 'guyish' attitude.
"What do you have to loose? You've got an eternity to make mistakes and fix them. But i want you to know, that if you ever need me, i'll always stand by your side, sweetheart," he said softly.
I smiled at him, feeling overjoyed that i have the best dad in the world.
Right then, i knew, what eternal love felt like. The moon goddess didn't have to force my father to love me, like she would with my mate. My father loved me purely and beautifully, because he genuinely did and it seemed to me that he always will.
~
Chapter 11 - Bat-shit Crazy
Ariel
The next morning, i woke up earlier than i was used to.
I was probably supposed to go to school, but with everything that has happened lately, my parents didn't press that matter on further.
In a 'V' neck black and white tribal crop top, a black high waisted skirt and some white shoes, i hurried to the bathroom so i could wash up and brush my teeth.
I then raced downstairs, in search for my father.
The first place i checked in, was his office.
When i couldn't find him, i searched in the kitchen.
But he was nowhere to be found.
I grabbed a bag of rainbow mini cookies and skipped out of the kitchen.
On my way i bumped into mom.
"Ariel sweetheart, you're up early!" She said, as she gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"Good Morning to you too, Katherine," i sung with a smirk.
Aries (Gods & Monsters Series Book 1) Page 10