11. ARIA

After our encounter, I was surprised to find an empty space where Ethan had been the night before. The night had been amazing. I couldn"t shake the lingering warmth of our shared moments.

I missed his warmth in the bed when he left this morning. Despite his sudden departure, I replayed the pleasant memories of us together, imagining cooking breakfast in the kitchen with the groceries he had brought the night before.

But my thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my phone. It was Jake.

"Good morning, Aria," he greeted cheerfully.

Jake had found another job fast when I finally told him that I had signed the company over to the highest bidder. His calm understanding was exactly what I needed. He was the best employee, and I was sad to let him go, so this call was a delight.

"Hello, are you there?" Jake"s voice brought me back to reality.

I realized I hadn"t responded.

"Sorry, Jake. Good morning. How are you?" I replied, trying to sound composed.

"I"m doing well, thank you," he said. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "How are you holding up? I know how much the bookstore meant to you."

"I"m managing," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "It"s been tough, but I"ll figure something out."

Jake"s concern was evident. "If there"s anything I can do to help, just let me know," he reassured me.

"Thanks, Jake. I appreciate it," I said, touched by his offer of support.

I hung up the phone and looked around as tingles shot up and down my spine. It felt like someone was monitoring my every move. The thought sent a sense of unease through me..

* * *

That night, as I scrolled through the document on my phone, my frustration grew. I realized the finality of my signature. Maybe I would be able to use the court system to overturn the document. I was filled with sellers remorse.

With a heavy sigh, I set my phone aside and glanced around my empty apartment. The silence was suffocating, amplifying the loneliness that had settled over me like a thick fog. I needed to escape, to find solace somewhere beyond these four walls.

I pulled on my coat, the familiar fabric providing comfort. With a touch of makeup to conceal the exhaustion that lingered under my eyes, and a scarf to ward off the chill of the evening, I was ready to face the outside world for a little while.

With my hands thrust into the pockets of my coat, I stepped out into the cool night air, the bustling city streets alive with the energy of urban life. I made my way toward Third Street, the glow of neon signs and the distant murmur of voices guiding my path.

The Wolf's Den, a bar on Third Street, was a cozy little establishment tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As I stepped inside, the warm glow of the dimly lit space welcomed me, casting a soft ambiance over the patrons scattered around the room.

The décor was simple yet inviting, with dark wooden furniture and soft leather upholstery. Vintage posters and old photographs hung on the walls, adding to the bar"s nostalgic charm.

At the far end of the room, a small stage was set up for live performances, but it was empty for now. The jukebox in the corner played soft jazz tunes, filling the air with soothing melodies.

The patrons seated at the bar and scattered at tables seemed to be a mix of regulars and newcomers. Some were engaged in lively conversations, while others sat alone, lost in their thoughts.

The bartender, a friendly middle-aged man with a welcoming smile, greeted me as I approached. He wiped down the counter with a rag, his movements practiced and efficient.

I found a vacant stool and settled in, feeling a sense of relief as I took in the comforting atmosphere. It was exactly what I needed to escape the loneliness of my apartment and calm my frayed nerves.

I ordered a drink and allowed myself to relax for the first time in what felt like an eternity. Surrounded by the buzz of conversation and the gentle hum of music, I felt a sense of belonging that had been sorely lacking in my solitary existence.

For a moment, my troubles lifted. Maybe things would eventually get better.

As I settled onto the barstool, the ambient chatter of the crowded establishment draped over me like a soothing blanket. The low murmur of voices and the clinking of glasses provided a comforting backdrop to my thoughts.

To my right, a striking woman in a scarlet red dress commanded attention with her animated gestures, her laughter melodic. Her companion, a man in his thirties, leaned in close, hanging on her every word with an intensity that spoke volumes about their connection.

Though I could easily eavesdrop on their conversation with my sharpened wolf ears, I chose not to intrude. Instead, I found solace in the sight of their happiness, a welcome distraction from my thoughts.

I turned my attention back to the bar and noticed the bartender nodding toward a man in a leather jacket, his spiky hair lending him a slightly menacing aura.

Intrigued, I followed the bartender"s gaze as the man made his way to a nearby table where four individuals sat engrossed in conversation.

As I watched the group from the bar, their hushed conversation drew my curiosity. Leaning in subtly, I tuned in my ears to their discussion, my heightened senses allowing me to catch every word.

One of the men, a burly figure with a gruff voice, spoke first. "So, what"s the plan now, boss? Everything"s set?"

The man in the leather jacket, who was clearly the leader, nodded curtly. "Yeah, the acquisition went smoothly. Ethan will be pleased."

Another man, younger and more eager, piped up. "But what about the bookstore owner? She"s causing quite a stir."

I got chills as I realized they were discussing me and Ethan. But what I heard next made my blood run cold.

"She won"t be a problem anymore," the leader replied. "We will get paid twice, and the boss gets the prize. The Grayson pack wanted her gone, and that is just what they will get."

As the conversation continued, my heart pounded. There was too much information to process

Had Ethan been involved in the attack from the wolves? Was Ethan involved in the takeover of my bookstore and land?

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and with it came the anger that made my blood boil.

Was it true? How was Ethan involved? How could he have done this?

This was worse than the beach. Our intense and complex connection made this feel like a bulldozer to the heart. Our relationship was a joke.

He was using me. Manipulating me.

I couldn"t believe that someone I had grown to care for could betray me in such a callous manner. This newfound knowledge left me questioning everything I thought I knew about him.

Tears blurred my vision as I hastily grabbed my purse and fled the bar. Ethan had deceived me, and manipulated me, for his gain.

As I stepped out of the bar, I halted my breakdown as an inexplicable sense of apprehension settled over me. I could feel eyes boring into the back of my skull.

Instinctively, I went on high alert. Every sound was amplified and every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I couldn"t shake the feeling I was being hunted.

Was it the rival pack, seeking to assert their dominance over me once again?

I quickened my pace, casting furtive glances over my shoulder as I made my way through the dimly lit streets. Back in my apartment, the feeling of being watched only intensified. Every creak of the floorboards and rustle of the curtains seemed to echo with the presence of an unseen observer.

I knew I should stay and confront whoever was lurking in the shadows, relying on my wolf instincts to protect me if need be. But the idea of facing an unknown enemy alone filled me with a sense of dread.

Instead, I made a snap decision to pack a bag and head to Elinor"s place. There, surrounded by my friend and the watchful eyes of her guard, I sought safety and solace from the dangers lurking outside.

I couldn"t stop thinking about what I'd heard in the bar. Everything in me wanted to confront Ethan and demand answers about his involvement in the takeover. Elinor was the one I needed to confide in. She had always been my pillar of strength in times of crisis.

With trembling hands and a racing heart, I fumbled for my phone, struggling to compose myself enough to dial her number.

As I waited for her to pick up, I couldn"t shake the sense of betrayal that threatened to consume me. The pain cut deeper than any physical wound, leaving me raw and vulnerable. At that moment, I knew that whatever feelings I had harbored for Ethan had withered and died.

Arriving at the Grayson mansion, Mr. Grayson greeted me with open arms, a smile stretching across his weathered face. His imposing presence and warmth were disarming, almost too genuine considering the circumstances. Did he know about his son"s deceit? I wondered as he wrapped me in a bear hug, his embrace suffocatingly tight.

Feeling the tension in my body, Mr. Grayson pulled back, concern etched on his face. "What"s wrong, daughter?" he inquired, his voice heavy with concern.

"Nothing, sir," I replied curtly, my voice devoid of its usual warmth.

"Then why the long face?" he pressed, his brow furrowed.

I sighed inwardly, wishing he would let me be so I could seek solace with Elinor. He seemed to sense my reluctance because, with a sympathetic grimace, he released me and gestured toward the staircase. "Elinor's upstairs," he said softly, as if permitting me to seek refuge.

I ascended the staircase, my heart heavy with the thought I was about to share. She was my confidante, throughout, and I knew she would understand.

I reached Elinor"s door and knocked softly before entering. She was seated by the window, her gaze lost in the distant horizon. She turned to face me, concern immediately imprinted on her features.

"Aria, what"s wrong?" she asked.

Taking a deep breath, I closed the door behind me and moved to sit beside her. "It"s Ethan," I began, the words tumbling out of me in a rush. "He"s the one behind the wolves at my bookstore. Hell, I think the decrease in sales that I have been experiencing, too. The vandals and thugs multiplied overnight. The whole street packed up and left when the offer came in. He wanted the land all along."

Elinor"s eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. "Why would he do such a thing?" she exclaimed.

"I don"t know," I admitted, my voice trembling with emotion. "But that"s not all." I took a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing. "We... we spent the night together," I confessed.

Elinor"s eyes widened further in surprise, her mouth forming a silent "O". "Oh, Aria," she murmured sympathetically, reaching out to envelop me in a comforting embrace. "I told you to be careful. I knew this would happen. I can't tell you how sorry I am ."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I buried my face in her shoulder, the events of the past crashing over me in waves. At that moment, all I could do was cling to Elinor.