Chapter 102
Chapter 102
ARIA
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What had I actually done since arriving here? I’d caused a crisis by bringing Damon’s obsession into their territory. I’d created political complications with Blackwood that were now threatening pack members’ lives. I’d failed to connect with most of the pack despite my attempts. I’d spent more time feeling jealous and insecure than actually contributing anything of value.
Ivory, meanwhile, had saved lives. Had developed revolutionary compounds. Had protected children with her own body. Had proven her worth over and over again through concrete, undeniable actions.
The comparison really wasn’t close.
I heard the door open behind me, felt Kael’s presence through our bond before I saw his reflection in the window.
“There you are,” he said, moving to stand beside me. “I was looking for you p>
“Just taking a walk,” I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. “Getting to know the pack p>
Through our bond, he must have felt something of my emotional state, because his expression shifted to concern. “What happened:
“Nothing happened. I just… listened. Observed. earned what people really think when they don’t know I’m around p>
Kael was quiet for a moment. “And what do they think p>
“That I’m useless. That I’m an obstacle. That you made a mistake choosing me over Ivory.” I paused, letting out a breath. “That they’re stuck with me because you prioritized politics over love p>
“Aria p>
“Don’t,” I interrupted, still not looking at him directly. “Don’t tell me they’re wrong or that it doesn’t matter what they think. I know some of them are wrong. I know their opinions shouldn’t define my worth as Luna. But Kael, I also know that they have a point. I haven’t contributed anything meaningful. I haven’t earned their respect. I’m just… here. Taking up space. Wearing a title p>
“That’s not true,” Kael said firmly. “You’ve been here less than two weeks. You can’t compare
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Chapter 102
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yourself to Ivory’s years of service p>
“Can’t I? Because they certainly are. And from their perspective, the comparison makes sense. They had a pack member who’d proven herself over and over, who they all loved and respected, who they expected would become their Luna. And instead they got me-a stranger with no skills, no connections, no history of dedication to Shadowmere p>
“You have skills,” Kael insisted. “You have strengths. You just haven’t had the opportunity to demonstrate them yet p>
“What skills?” I finally turned to face him. “What exactly do I bring to this pack that they don’t already have in abundance? I can’t heal like Ivory. I can’t fight like your warriors. I can’t cook like Martha or strategize like Nina or p>
“You survived,” Kael interrupted. “You survived years in a pack that didn’t value you, maintained your sense of self despite constant diminishment, had the courage to leave everything familiar when staying became untenable. You faced Damon in the council chamber and spoke truth to power without flinching. You’re learning, adapting, trying to find your place despite constant obstacles p>
“None of that helps the pack,” I said quietly. “None of that grows food or heals wounds or protects children p>
“Leadership isn’t just about tangible skills,” Kael said, moving closer and taking my hands. “It’s about character. Wisdom. The ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. Those are things that develop over time, through experience. You’re at the beginning of that journey p>
“And what if I never get there? What if the pack is right and I’m just not Luna material p>
“Then we figure it out together,” Kael said simply “Because you’re my mate, Aria. My partner. And I believe in you, even when you can’t believe in yourself p>
Through our bond, I felt his sincerity. His genuine faith in me. His love, growing stronger despite all the complications.
It helped. Not enough to erase the hurt of everything I’d heard, but enough to give me something to hold onto.
“They’re shipping Ivory with Jason,” I said, changing the subject slightly. “The pack, I mean. They think they’re a good match p>
“I’ve noticed,” Kael said, and I felt the complicated twist of his emotions through our bond.
“Some of them are shipping her with you instead,” I continued. “Think you made a mistake. Think you should have chosen her p>
“I know,” Kael admitted. “I’ve heard some of the whispers too p>
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Chapter 102
“Does it bother you? Knowing they wish you’d made a different choice p>
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Kael was quiet for a moment, considering the question seriously. “It bothers me that they’re disrespecting you. That they can’t see what I see when I look at you. But their opinions about who I should have bonded with?” He shook his head. “I made my choice. I’d make the same choice again. Whatever they think about it doesn’t change that p>
“Even though you still have feelings for her p>
The question hung in the air between us. I felt Kael’s surprise at my directness, followed by a careful consideration of how to respond.
“I care about Ivory,” he said finally. “I probably always will. She was important to me for a long time, and those feelings don’t just disappear. But caring about someone from your past isn’t the same as wanting to be with them. And Aria, I want to be with you. That’s not politics. or convenience or settling for something less. That’s a genuine choice I make every single day p>
I wanted to believe him. Wanted to trust that his feelings for me were real and growing and not just obligation or making the best of a situation he’d gotten himself into.
“Okay,” I said softly. “I believe you p>
He pulled me into his arms, and I let myself lean into his warmth. Let myself take comfort in his presence, his love, his certainty about us.
Tomorrow I’d have to face the pack again. Face their whispers and judgments and unflattering comparisons. Face the reality that I had a long way to go before I earned the respect my title demanded.
But tonight, I had this. Kael’s arms around me. His faith in my potential. His choice, made again and again, to build a life with me.
It would have to be enough.
For now, at least, it was.
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