Mute

Chapter 28

Caspian’s POV.

The evening at the party felt like it stretched on forever. Despite the laughter and the vibrant music that filled the air, I found it increasingly difficult to relax. I tried to keep my composure, sipping on my drink and nodding politely at the conversations around me. The werewolves put on an impressive display of strength and agility, their performances thrilling the guests. Drinks flowed freely, and the tables were full with an array of refreshments that looked too good to resist.

My parents and Ellen’s parents were deep in conversation about the upcoming wedding, which was barely a week away. I could hear snippets of their discussions, the words “arrangements,” “guest lists,” and “ceremony details” floating over the noise.

“We need to finalize the seating arrangements,” my mother was saying, her voice carrying a tone of urgency. “We can’t have any mix-ups on the day.”

Ellen’s father nodded. “And the floral decorations must be perfect. Ellen has her heart set on white roses.”

At the table, other prominent members of the pack chimed in, offering their advice and opinions. “What about the entertainment?” one of them suggested. “We should have something truly spectacular.”

As they continued their planning, the conversation shifted to the Pack Run. “Can you believe it?” one elder said, shaking his head in amazement. “Aria, the mute maid, won. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It’s remarkable,” another added. “She’s shown us all what determination looks like.”

I could see Ellen staring at me from across the table, her eyes filled with bitterness. She had refused to talk to me since I gave Aria her rewards. In fact, she had barely spoken to me since she walked out on me during our last make-out session. I could feel the tension between us, a cold barrier that seemed to grow stronger with each passing.

moment.

Ellen’s gaze was intense, as if she could sense my internal struggle. Was I losing feelings for her, or had they never truly been there? I wasn’t sure anymore. I tried to push these thoughts aside, focusing instead on the conversation around me.

“What an inspiration,” my father said, his eyes bright with admiration. “Aria’s victory is a proof to what anyone in this pack can achieve with hard work and perseverance.”

“She’s more than just a maid now,” another pack member commented. “She’s a symbol

The Aug

of hope.”

Ellen’s mother turned to me, her expression expectant. “Caspian, dear, what do you think about all this?”

I cleared my throat, forcing a smile. “I think Aria has shown extraordinary courage and determination. She deserves every bit of recognition she’s getting”

Ellen’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she finally spoke, her voice icy, “And she certainly has your full support, doesn’t she?

I met her gaze, trying to remain calm. “She earned it, Ellen. Just like anyone else would have.”

She huffed, turning away from me. The atmosphere between us felt heavy and oppressive, and I knew she was hurt. But the truth was, I wasn’t sure what my feelings for her were anymore. Had I been forcing myself to feel something that wasn’t there?

Throughout the evening, I tried to engage with the guests, to enjoy the festivities. But my mind kept drifting back to Aria, to her unexpected triumph and the way the hard captivated everyone’s attention. The look of pure joy on her face when she received her reward was something I couldn’t forget.

As the party continued, I did my best to stay engaged, to participate in the discussions and celebrations. But deep down, I knew something had shifted within me. My feelings for Ellen were no longer clear, and the path ahead seemed uncertain.

I glanced at Ellen again, seeing the hurt in her eyes. I knew we needed to talk, to address the growing distance between us. But tekight was not the night for that conversation. Tonight was about celebrating the pack and the remarkable achievements of its members.

I took another sip of my drink, forcing a smile as I listened to the laughter and conversations around me. For now, I would focus on the party, on being the Alpha my pack needed. The rest could wait, at least for a little while longer.

The evening continued in a haze of laughter and conversation, the wine in my glass steadily dwindling as I took measured sips. I engaged in the talks from time to time, nodding and offering polite responses, but my mind was elsewhere.

Across the table, Ellen clutched her glass of wine so tightly that it cracked. Her eyes were fixed on me, a glare of such intensity that I could almost see the claws of her wolf threatening to emerge.

Was it jealousy because I had commended Aria? Or was it anger at something deeper,

|||

and me-our past

separating ghi studded youth she ZUMACHER MAN aww of ten ever found not

Telm the porpus of my

vandang dan v

Hr

payperson shif a park of interest

alimuptly:

werd home from the sable alesprly and moved away, leaving ww so wonder who had grabént her amenintourmently

The man and whispers that led the hamuments later made it clear that someone proficant had put appeared. Healturner, eyes widened, and every we gize seemed to lock onto a single pont that I couldn’t see because Rijah was blocking my view with his broaid frame.

Alpha Caspian My mother’s voice pulled me back to the table. “What do you think about the proposal to expand the training grounds?”

I cleared my throat, forcing my thoughts back to the present. I think it’s a necessary move Our pack is growing, and we need to sure everyone has the space they need to train effectively. It will strengthen us

She nodded approvingly, and I picked up my glass again, taking another up of wine. As flowered the glass, I returned my attention to the scene unfolding in front of me, curious about what had everyone so captivated The moment my eyes found the source. I choked, spitting out my wine in a spray of shock.

It was Aria

She didn’t just look beautiful-she was mesmerizing. Her hair was styled in a way that framed her face perfectly, and the gold top she wore gleamed under the lights, exposing her belly button and highlighting her figure. The skirt, with its daring **s, showed a generous amount of her thighs, adding an allure that was impossible to agnore She didn’t look like a maid anymore. She looked like a goddess who had descended among us, stealing everyone’s breath away, mine most of all.

“Arial” I whispered to myself, hardly believing my eyes.

The whispers around the room grew louder as people realized who she was. “Is that really Aria?” someone muttered nearby. She looks incredible!”

Ellen’s glare burned into me even more intensely, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Aria She moved with a grace that was both unfamiliar and captivating, her every step exuding confidence

Elijah, who had been blocking her from view, stepped aside and led her toward table The room seemed to hold its breath as he approached. My parents, Ellen’s parents, and the other promment pack members watched in stunned silence.

Chapter 28-

“Aria, Elijah announced, “I must say again that you look absolutely stunning.”

She nodded her thanks, her hands moving in the fluid gestures of her sign language, acknowledging the compliments that flowed from every direction.

“Caspian, is that really Aria?” one of the pack elders asked, still in disbelief.

“It is, I managed to say, my voice h**se.

Elijah took her by the hand and led her to the large table, placing her beside me. Ellen, who had been leaning in to whisper something to me for the first time that evening, froze mid-sentence. Her eyes widened in shock, and she could only manage a strangled, “What?”

“Aria,” I finally found my voice, looking at her in awe. “You look… breathtaking.”

She smiled, a look of pride and satisfaction in her eyes, and signed, “Thank you.”

The transformation was incredible. From the ragged maid to this vision of beauty, Aria had captured the essence of what it meant to rise above one’s circumstances. She had stolen everyone’s attention, including mine, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for her.

As the party continued, I found myself drawn to her over and over again, unable to ignore the magnetic pull she had over me and everyone else in the room.

I could feel my father’s eyes on me, a constant, silent reminder of his warnings. He knew about my attraction to Aria, the allure I found impossible to shake. He had cautioned me more times than I could count, urging me to handle things carefully so I wouldn’t jeopardize my engagement to Ellen. No one else knew the truth-that Aria and I had once been mates. Only she and I knew about the bond we had severed, and yet, even now, I could still feel it tugging at me. Was it the same for her, or was it just me, cursed to bear this connection alone?

Jealousy flared within me as I noticed Elijah’s gaze fixed on Aria. It wasn’t just him; other men, even those seated beside their wives and mates, couldn’t take their eyes off her. She was no longer the mute maid in their eyes but a radiant beauty that commanded attention. My wolf snarled inside, wanting to stake a claim that was no longer mine to make.

“To Aria,” my father’s voice rang out, cutting through the noise. “The winner of the Pack Run and an inspiration to us all.”

Everyone raised their glasses in a toast, except Ellen. Her refusal was like a cold dagger in the warm atmosphere. Aria signed her thanks, her grace only magnifying her beauty.

ווו

1402

Duper 24

R Top 5 Home Kid

Despite the

ill a maid in this setting, bound by the customs I despised. I wanted nothing more than for her to

it, to relax and enjoy herself, to revel in the victory she had earned.

“Aria,” the head elder addressed her with a kind smile, “why don’t you have some wine before you start serving us?”

My mother had just dismissed the other s**ts from our table, ensuring they wouldn’t disturb us. Aria nodded and took a sip of wine before beginning her duties. She started with me, and I held my breath as she approached. Her scent enveloped me, intoxicating and familiar, stirring memories and desires I had tried to bury.

As she poured more wine into my glass, I couldn’t take my eyes off her face. She was stunning, a vision of strength and beauty. The young woman I had thought I could discard so easily now captivated me entirely. Her subtle curves and confident movements made my wolf stir restlessly within me, yearning to claim her.

Thank you, Aria,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper

She looked me right in the eyes, her gare unwavering. The boldness of it sent a jolt through me, a reminder of the nights we had shared.

Nights where I had made her ut on me, demanding her to ride me as if her life depended on it

The memory made my heart race, and as she moved away to serve the others, I felt the unmistakable bulge in my pants, a proof to the hold she still had on me.

The evening continued, a blur of conversations and toasts, but my focus remained on Aria Every movement she made, every glance she cast, drew me in deeper. She was no longer the mute maid in my eyes, she was a force, a woman of power and allure who had me completely under her spell. It was a dangerous addiction, one that I feared! might never be able to break

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched her, unable to tear my eyes away. This was the woman I had rejected, the one I thought I could move on from. But now, seeing her like this, I realized how wrong I had been. She was a dangerous addiction, one I feared I might never be able to break. And the way she had boldly held my

gaze while pouring my wine earlier, not even flickering or shivering, only made my desire for her grow stronger