wolfless 17

Posted by adminj, ? Views, Released on July 19, 2025

Chapter 17

Aria’s POV

I stood before the mirror in my training facility quarters, fingers trailing over the few formal outfits hanging in my closet. As a single mother, most of my income from the professional fighting circuit had gone straight to Lucas’s education and our living expenses. The upcoming Alpha Heirs Ball- the most prestigious social event in werewolf society – required a level of elegance I wasn’t sure I could provide

“Maybe I should decline Leos invitation,” I murmured to my reflection. The woman staring back at me looked tired, but determined. Six years of fighting in the human world had left their mark – not in scars, but in the way I held myself, always ready, always guarded.

My phone buzzed, Leo’s name Lighting up the screen. Just seeing it brought a small smile to my lips. He’d been my one banishment, never questioning, never judging.

true

friend since the

“Let me guess,” his warm voice filled my ear, “you’re standing in front of your closet having a crisis about what to wear to the ball?”

I laughed despite myself. “Am I that predictable?”

“Only to those who know you well. The smile in his voice was audible.

“You know my situation,” I sighed, sinking onto the edge of my bed. “Every spare penny goes to Lucas’s school fees and our rent here.”

“Perfect timing then, Leo said, and I could hear the excitement he was trying to contain. “I just received a shipment from Paris. There’s this moonlight silver gown – the designer said it was made for a moon goddess. The moment I saw it, I thought of you.”

“Leo…” I started to protest, but he cut me off.

*Don’t even try to argue,” he said firmly. “Consider it payback for all those combat training sessions you’ve given me over the years.”

I bit my lip, torn between pride and practicality. “I’ll think about it. But first, I need to arrange care for Lucas.”

eager to spend more time with his grandson. Says it’s a chance to make

“Already taken care of,” Leo’s voice softened. “I spoke with Marcus. He’s ea

amends.”

The mention of my father sent a complicated mix of emotions through my chest. Yes, he was trying to make up for the past, but the memory of that rainy night still cut deep – the accusations, the betrayal, the look in his eyes as he cast me out.

After ending the call with Leo, I moved to the window. The moon hung lowland full in the sky, its silver light reminding me of countless nights in the Silver Moon pack grounds. Before everything fell apart. Before Hella’s poison severed my connection to my wolf

g seemed to echo the years between us.

With slightly trembling fingers, I dialed my father’s number. Each ring seen

“Dad?” I kept my voice steady through sheer force of will. “About tomorrow night… Lucas has been reading The Wolf’s Legend. He might try to get you to tell him stories…”

|

“Don’t worry,” my father’s voice had grown softer over the years, worn smooth by regret. “I’ll take good care of him.”

I stared out the window at the full moon, my thoughts drifting to the upcoming ball. Ethan would be there. I even dort know why I care about him so much. But my chest tightened at the thought of seeing him with Emma, her perfectly manicured fingers wrapped around his arm. The perfect couple – the future/alpha and his chosen mate.

“Stop it,” I muttered to myself, turning away from the window. I had no right to these feelings. No right to the way my heart raced whenever he

was near.

I thought about that rainy night, when I’d lost everything. My pack. My wolf. My family. The memory still burned, but it no longer crippled me. Each morning in the human fighting rings had rebuilt me, piece by piece. Each victory had been a step away from the broken girl I’d been.

Now I was walking back into their world. Back into the whispers and judgmental stares.

s. Back into the politics and power plays I’d once been groomed to navigate. But this time was different.

I squared my shoulders, watching my reflection do the same. Let them whisper behind their perfectly manicured hands. Let them judge the fallen princess who dared return. I’d survived worse than their disapproval.

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Chapter 17

“You’re not that scared teenager anymore,” I told my reflection firmly. The woman looking back at me invisible. But she knew exactly who she was

Even without my wolf’s strength, even without Cassandra’s comforting presence in my was a different kind of strength altogether.

The sound of small feet in the hallway pulled me from my thoughts. Lucas ap

“Mom? Are you okay? You feel… worried.”

wasn’t perfect.

had scars, visible and

y mind, I was still standing. Still fighting. And maybe that

in the doorway, green eyes bright with curiosity.

I opened my arms and he came to me instantly, his familiar scent of pine needles and sunshine wrapping around me like a comfort blanket. “Just thinking about tomorrow night, baby.”

“Will you wear a pretty dress?” He looked up at me with those haunting green eyes. “Like in the stories about the moon princess?”

My throat tightened with emotion as I smoothed his wild dark hair. “Yes, sweetheart. Something silver, like moonlight.”

“Then you’ll be the prettiest one there,” he said with absolute certainty, and in that moment, I felt like I could face anything – even a ballroom full of wolves who’d once watched me fall.

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Chapter Comments

Melinda O’Connor

I keep hoping her wolf, Cassandra, will come back someday. Like she needed to wait for a specific time and reason to come back. wonder what the drug was, that Bella used and why it only doped up Aria, but killed Cassandra (if she’s completely gone). I was suppos.