Aria’s POV

"I heard Patrick invited the funeral home staff who handled Clarence’s cremation, plus her doctors and nurses from years ago. Let’s check it out," Rowland said, his voice urgent and low. I felt the tension roll off him like heat in winter, and instinctively, my own wolf bristled.

I was trapped in the middle, Rowland on my left, Nathan on my right...both Alpha scents pressing in, their eyes sharp. I was like a prey caught between two dominant wolves.

My fur bristled, even under my calm exterior. I forced myself to breathe through it, letting my wolf settle into watchful restraint.

Chloe hovered at the edges, muttering under her breath about the ridiculousness of two grown men trying to out-alpha each other over me.

Amelia stayed composed, scanning the field, ready to swoop in if things turned violent. My instincts relaxed slightly just knowing they were there.

"Aria, it’s great to meet you after a long time," a smooth male familiar voice said, breaking the tension. I turned sharply, my nose twitching at new familiar scents, and saw Jonathan and Williams approaching. Williams was the one who had spoken.

Jonathan wore a crisp white suit. Williams on the other hand, wore a flamboyant purple robe that radiated audacity and chaos. He nearly knocked me off balance, but Rowland’s steady hand grounded me.

Williams straightened and shot Rowland a mock glare before leaning close, almost brushing against me. "We’re here to back you up," he whispered, his eyes glinting.

I chuckled, smoothing my hair. "I appreciate it," I said softly, my wolf curling around his wild energy, curious and alert.

"Don’t just appreciate, show some gratitude," Williams murmured, his tone conspiratorial, his grin wide. "Jonathan was eagar to get ready, anxious not to miss seeing you this morning." His words sent a thrill through me.

I flashed Jonathan a warm look and he smiled.

I returned his smile, letting it linger.

"Aria!"

A sharp female voice sliced through the air like a howl. My wolf twitched, alert and aggressive.

It was Sophia.

She stood across the clearing, white dress flowing like she was trying to masquerade as purity itself. A white flower nestled in her hair, but her scent was venom. Her eyes locked on mine, blazing like torches. My wolf bristled, fur rising beneath my skin.

Everyone instinctively shifted, forming a subtle shield around me. But my wolf surged, protective and fearless.

I stepped forward, meeting Sophia head-on.

Sophia met me halfway, her chin up, trying to mask the tremor in her scent. I towered just enough over her to feel the advantage. My wolf liked that too much.

"What’s the meaning of this, Aria? How can you bring your friends to a funeral looking like you came to party?" she spat. "Are you here to cause trouble? This is my mother’s funeral. Even if you hated her, you could at least respect the dead."

Her gaze flicked to each of my companions, lingering with judgment, disgust and insecurity. She ignored Rowland and Nathan, like acknowledging them would give them power.

Williams planted his hands on his hips. "What do you mean what’s the meaning of this? This is designer purple. Seasonal and exclusive. Are you questioning my taste?"

His wolf puffed up with pride, absolutely unhelpful.

Sophia rolled her eyes at Williams’ confidence, like she wanted to claw his smirk right off his face.

My wolf hummed in amusement.

Alpha Jonathan bowed his head slightly with grace.

"Ms. Darvin, forgive my brother," he said, his voice like snowfall. "Williams is still young. He speaks before thinking. Please be patient with us."

Sophia’s expression twitched, softening for a heartbeat, but the second her gaze brushed Nathan’s, her spine straightened. She clenched her fists so hard her pulse spiked.

"And you, Aria?" she spat, turning to me. "My mother died saving yours. Indirectly, you owe her. So why are you wearing something so... attention-grabbing at her funeral?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Her face flushed as red as a wolf in frenzy.

My wolf rose to the surface, lips curling. How dare she?

But I didn’t show my fangs. I shrugged casually, letting her fury slide off me like rain on fur.

"The invitation didn’t specify a dress code," I said.

Rowland stepped forward, a growl in his throat. "Exactly. I didn’t see a rule or a dress code. Planning to kick us out?"

Jonathan smiled, polite and razor-sharp. "Forgive us, Ms. Darvin. Please ask Mr. Darvin to be forgiving."

Sophia stiffened. She finally realized Jonathan’s politeness was a blade wrapped in velvet.

Reporters hovered, sniffing the tension like hounds at a fresh carcass.

Around us, the crowd was a sea of black and white. Only our group dared to stand out in color and pride.

I caught Sophia staring at Jonathan’s moon-white suit, and Williams’ purple robe like dying twilight. The bitterness in her gaze darkened.

Williams who had been sipping wine, tilted his glass just a little too dramatically.

Then...splatter.

"Oh! Sorry Jonathan!" Williams gasped.

Wine splashed over Jonathan, deep purple like spilled blood. Gasps rippled but Jonathan merely brushed his suit which was stain resistant, and the wine rolled away, revealing a stunning design hidden in the fabric.

The cameras clicked like teeth snapping shut. Reporters circled him like vultures to a feast.

Sophia’s face contorted. She knew they were doing that on purpose.

Jonathan raised his glass to Sophia, his voice smooth as ice over a lake.

"A terrible accident. My apologies, Ms. Darvin. I hope you don’t mind?"

He downed the drink in one gulp. Sophia’s hands trembled around her glass.

My wolf scented her rage. Delicious.

Then a voice reached us.

"Sophia, why aren’t you back yet?"

Patrick’s voice rolled in, deep and commanding.

My mocking gaze vanished. Ice replaced it.

Everyone in the area stiffened. A path was formed for Patrick to walk through.

He approached, took in the scene and the light drained from his face.

He turned to me, his voice low.

"What is the meaning of this?"