33. Aria

33

ARIA

The dinner table feels off tonight. Dash’s usual laughter and upbeat energy are missing, leaving a void that’s impossible to ignore. I push the food around on my plate, the scent of my worried pheromones mingling with the aroma of the untouched meal. The silence is deafening.

“Has anyone seen Dash?” I ask, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Malachi’s eyes meet mine, concern evident in his dark gaze. “He said he wasn’t feeling well and went to his room,” he replies, his voice low and tinged with an alpha’s protective instinct.

Something isn’t right. I can feel it in my bones and see it in the furtive glances the other alphas are exchanging. Without a word, I stand up and make my way to Dash’s room, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm with each step.

I knock softly on the door. “Dash? It’s me, Aria. Can I come in?”

A muffled sound comes from inside, which I take as permission. As I push the door open, the scent of distress hits me like a tidal wave. Dash’s usual citrus and ocean breeze fragrance is now tinged with something sour and sharp. Empty bottles of sparkling water litter the nightstand, silent witnesses to his internal struggle.

Dash is sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. He looks up as I enter, and my heart clenches at the pain I see etched across his face.

“Hey, sparkles,” he says, attempting a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. His voice, usually melodic and carefree, now sounds flat and discordant. “I’m not great company right now. You should probably go back to dinner.”

I shake my head, closing the door behind me and moving to sit beside him. The bed dips under our combined weight. “Not a chance. What’s going on, Dash?”

He’s quiet for a long moment, and I can practically see the internal war raging behind his eyes. Finally, he speaks, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I got a call today. My old drinking buddy, Jake… He’s dead. Liver failure.”

The weight of his words hangs heavily in the air between us. I reach out and gently take his hand in mine. His skin is clammy, and he trembles slightly beneath my touch. “I’m so sorry, Dash. That must be really hard to hear.”

He nods, his grip tightening on my hand. “It’s not just that. It’s… God, Aria, I want a drink so badly right now. I can almost taste it.”

My heart races, fear and determination warring within me. “How long have you been feeling like this?” I ask softly, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.

Dash lets out a bitter laugh that sounds more like a sob. “Honestly? On and off since we bonded. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happier than I’ve ever been, but the stress of everything with Noah and the intensity of our bond… It’s a lot. And my old coping mechanisms are screaming at me like a crowd at a rock concert.”

Guilt crashes over me like a wave. How didn’t I notice he was struggling? Some omega I am. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

He shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. You all have enough to worry about without me adding to it.”

“Oh, Dash,” I murmur, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. He feels smaller somehow, more fragile. “You could never disappoint us. We’re a pack, remember? Your struggles are our struggles.”

He leans into me, his body trembling faintly. “I just… I don’t know if I can do this, Aria. Maybe just one drink, to take the edge off?—”

“No,” I state firmly, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. “That’s not the answer, and you know it. One drink will lead to another and another. You’ve worked too hard to throw it all away now.”

Dash pulls away, frustration flashing in his eyes. “You don’t understand. You can’t possibly know what this feels like!”

I take a deep breath, centering myself. “You’re right, I can’t fully understand, but I do know what it’s like to watch someone I love battle addiction. My aunt’s best friend struggled with pills for years. I’ve been to Al-Anon meetings, and I’ve seen the toll addiction takes not just on the person, but on everyone around them.”

The anger drains from Dash’s face, replaced by shame. “I’m sorry, sparkles. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay,” I assure him, taking his hand again. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel bad. I’m telling you because I want you to know that you’re not alone. We’re all here for you, Dash. We love you, and we want to support you.”

Tears well up in Dash’s eyes, and suddenly he’s clinging to me, his body shaking with sobs. I hold him close, murmuring soothing words and running my hand through his hair. His scent, usually so vibrant and alive, now carries the acrid tang of fear and shame.

As the night wears on, Dash and I lie side by side in bed, our voices soft in the darkness. The moonlight filtering through the curtains casts everything in a silvery glow, making the moment feel surreal.

“I can’t shake this feeling,” Dash whispers, his voice trembling, “like I’m constantly on the edge of falling apart. The guilt… It eats at me every day.”

I turn to face him, reaching out to take his hand. His skin is warm against mine. “What, exactly, are you feeling guilty about?”

He sighs heavily, the sound full of pain. “Everything. The people I couldn’t save, the mistakes I’ve made. Sometimes I wonder if I’m even cut out for this job anymore.”

“Dash,” I say gently, squeezing his hand. “You’re one of the bravest, most dedicated people I know. It’s okay to feel these things, but you can’t let them consume you.”

“How do you do it, Aria? How do you cope with all of this?”

I curl up closer to him, resting my head on his chest. His heartbeat is strong and steady beneath my ear, a comforting rhythm. “One day at a time and by remembering that we aren’t alone in this. I’m here for you, always.”

Dash wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. His scent envelops me, still tinged with distress but also an undercurrent of hope. “Will you… Will you stay with me tonight? Just until dawn?”

“Of course,” I promise, feeling his body relax against mine. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll face the morning together.”

We sit face-to-face, our knees almost touching. The air between us feels charged, heavy with unspoken emotions. I take a deep breath and say, “Okay, Dash, let’s try some breathing exercises. Follow my lead.”

I inhale slowly through my nose, counting to four. Dash’s eyes lock onto mine, and I notice a slight flush creeping up his cheeks.

“Now hold it for four counts,” I instruct softly. “One… two… three… four.”

As we exhale together, and I can’t help but smile. The tension in Dash’s shoulders seems to ease, if only slightly. “That’s it. Let’s do it again.”

We continue the exercise, but I sense Dash becoming distracted. His gaze keeps dropping to my lips then darting away. The air around us feels electric, charged with something I can’t quite name.

“Are you alright?” I ask, touching his arm gently. His skin is warm beneath my fingers.

He nods a bit too quickly. “Yeah, I’m… I’m good. It’s just… you’re really close.”

My cheeks warm, and suddenly, I’m very aware of the minimal space between us. “Oh, I… I didn’t realize. Should I move back?”

“No,” Dash says, his voice barely above a whisper. “This is fine. More than fine, actually.”

We lock eyes again, the breathing exercise forgotten as the air between us crackles with unspoken tension. My heart races, and I can hear blood rushing in my ears.

Arousal pools low in my belly as he stares at me, his gaze intense and hungry. It isn’t just an alpha looking at his omega, but a man desiring another. His pupils dilate, dark and deep, and he licks his lips. The simple action sends a shiver down my spine.

I press a hand to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palm. Gently, I push him back onto the bed, my own breath coming faster now. The world narrows to just this moment, just us, as we teeter on the edge of something new and exhilarating.

“What are you doing?” he questions but lies down, his eyes tracking me as I throw one leg over his body to straddle him.

“Distracting you.” I whip my shirt off and toss it across the room. “Is it working?”

Dash swallows hard, looking between my eyes and the newly exposed skin of my torso. “Yes,” he admits, his voice hoarse. “God, yes, it’s working.”

I lean down and place my hands on either side of his head, my hair curtaining us off from the world. His breath hitches, and I feel the heat radiating off his body, the scent of his arousal mixing with mine.

“Good,” I murmur, my lips a mere inch from his. “Because I want you to focus on me, Dash. On us. On this.”

I close the distance between us, pressing my lips against his. He responds immediately, his hands coming up to grip my hips and pulling me down against him. The kiss is fierce and passionate, a testament to the desperation and longing we both feel.

He breaks away, gasping for breath. “Aria, are you sure about this? I don’t want to do something you aren’t ready for.”

I smile, tracing the line of his jaw with my fingertips. “I’m sure, Dash. I want this. I want you.”

He needs no further encouragement. In one swift, fluid movement, he flips us over, the soft mattress beneath us yielding to his strength. His body covers mine, a warm, familiar weight that sends a thrill coursing through me. He kisses me deeply, his lips soft yet insistent, his tongue exploring my mouth with a slow, sensual rhythm that makes my toes curl.

His hands begin a leisurely journey across my body, tracing the curves and dips he knows as well as his own. His touch is reverent, like a traveler rediscovering sacred ground. He cups my cheek, his thumb brushing gently against my cheekbone, before sliding down to trace the line of my jaw and the column of my neck. I shiver beneath him, my body responding to his familiar yet always thrilling caress, and goosebumps rise on my skin like a tiny, silent applause.

I gasp as he trails kisses down my neck, his stubble scratching deliciously against my sensitive skin, leaving a trail of tingling warmth in its wake. He lingers at the base of my throat, where my pulse flutters wildly. He presses a gentle, closed-mouth kiss there, as if to soothe my frantic heartbeat, before continuing downwards, his lips blazing a path of heat and desire.

He takes his time, lavishing attention on every inch of me. His lips glide over my collarbone, his tongue dips into the hollow of my throat, and his hands mold my breasts, his thumbs brushing over the peaks until they harden under his touch. I writhe beneath him, my body aching with need. Each touch, each kiss, and each softly murmured endearment sends sparks of pleasure skittering across my skin.

When he finally reaches the waistband of my jeans, I’m more than ready. My body is taut with anticipation, my senses heightened. I feel the warmth of his breath, the roughness of his fingertips as he unbuttons my jeans, and the coolness of the air as he slowly peels them off me.

He looks up at me, his eyes dark with desire. “Lift your hips for me, sweetheart,” he says, his voice a low rumble that resonates deep within me. I comply, and he slides my jeans down, tossing them aside. He does the same with his own, and then he’s back, his body pressed against mine, skin to skin. The contact sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I arch into him, eager for more.

He kisses me again, sliding his hand between my legs and stroking me gently. I’m already wet and wanting, and his touch sends ripples of pleasure through me. He takes his time exploring, his fingers tracing the most intimate parts of me. He circles my clit with his thumb while his fingers slide inside, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. I arch into his touch, a moan escaping my lips.

“Dash,” I whisper, my voice ragged with desire. “I need you. Please.”

He groans, positioning himself at my entrance. He pauses and looks deep into my eyes, seeking confirmation. His eyes are a storm of desire and tenderness, a reflection of my own longing. I nod and wrap my legs around his waist, urging him on.

He pushes into me slowly, his gaze never leaving mine. I feel every inch of him filling me, completing me. Our bodies fit together perfectly, two pieces of a puzzle that only make sense when united. He starts to move, setting a rhythm that’s both tender and passionate. Each thrust is a declaration, each withdrawal a promise.

Our bodies move in sync, a dance as old as time yet uniquely ours. His hands grip mine, our fingers entwining as our breaths mingle and our scents blend. The room is filled with the sounds of our lovemaking, the soft whispers of endearments, and the rustling of sheets.

“Bite me,” I beg.

Dash stills, looking down at me with a mix of surprise and hunger. “Are you sure, Aria?” he asks, his voice a low growl, the alpha in him stirring at my request.

I nod, exposing my neck to him, submitting to his dominance. “I want to feel that connection with you, Dash. I want to be marked as yours.”

A low rumble echoes from his chest, a sound of primal possession and desire. He leans down, his breath hot on my neck. I feel his teeth graze my skin, a promise of the claim he’s about to make.

“Mine,” he whispers, sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine.

He sinks his teeth into me, the pain sharp and sudden, but it’s quickly eclipsed by a wave of pleasure so intense that I cry out, my body convulsing beneath him. The bond snaps into place, a tangible connection that ties us together, heart to heart and soul to soul.

I feel the bond between us strengthening, the connection deepening. This is more than just physical intimacy. It’s a reaffirmation of our commitment and a testament to our love. It’s in the way he kisses me, the way his body claims mine, and the way his heart beats for me.

Dash’s pace quickens, his thrusts becoming more urgent. I match his rhythm, my hips rising to meet his, our bodies locked in a dance that’s taking us higher and higher. Pleasure coils within me, building to a crescendo. I feel his heart hammering against mine, our bodies slick with sweat and our breaths coming in ragged gasps. We’re on the precipice, ready to jump together. Always together.

“Aria,” he rasps, his voice strained.

“Knot me.” I wrap my legs around his waist, tugging him closer.

Dash groans, a sound that comes from deep within his chest, a mix of desperation and relief. He thrusts deeper, his body shaking with the effort of holding back. I feel his knot begin to swell and press against my entrance, seeking permission to lock us together.

“Please,” I whisper, my voice breathy with need. “I want to feel you, all of you.”

That’s all the encouragement he needs. With a final thrust, he buries himself deep inside me, his knot expanding and filling me completely.

He reaches between us, his fingers finding my clit again. The added stimulation sends me over the edge. My orgasm crashes through me, intense and overwhelming. I cry out, my body convulsing around him.

Dash follows soon after, his body tensing as he finds his release. He calls out my name, his voice hoarse with emotion, and collapses on top of me, his body slick with sweat.

We lie here for a moment, our hearts pounding in unison and our breaths coming in ragged gasps. Dash rolls off me, pulling me into his arms. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“That was… intense,” Dash murmurs, his voice still hoarse with spent passion. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my back, the touch soothing and intimate.

I nod, a soft smile playing on my lips. “It was, but it was also perfect.”

He presses a kiss to the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. “You’re perfect. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Aria, but I’m never letting you go.”

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, our bodies cooling, our hearts slowing to a steady, synchronized rhythm. The room is filled with our mingled scents, a testament to our love and passion. I can feel the bond between us, a living thing that connects us on a level deeper than the physical.

After a while, Dash speaks, his voice soft but serious. “I promise I’ll talk to you, Aria. If I’m struggling, if I’m craving… I won’t keep it to myself. I know now that I don’t have to face this alone.”

I look up at him, meeting his eyes. “And I promise to be here for you, Dash, no matter what. We’re a pack, and we face things together.”

He smiles, his eyes filled with love and gratitude. “Together,” he echoes.

As we lie here, wrapped in each other’s arms, I feel the weight of Dash’s earlier distress lifting. The shadows are still there, lurking in the corners of his mind, but they are not as daunting when faced together. We’ll fight them side by side, as a pack, as a family.

Suddenly, Dash’s stomach rumbles loudly, breaking the peaceful silence. I laugh, the sound light and carefree. “Sounds like someone worked up an appetite,” I tease.

He chuckles, the warm sound resonating in his chest. “Guess I did. How about we go rustle up some food? I could go for a midnight snack.”

I sit up, grinning. “I could too. Race you to the kitchen?”

Dash’s eyes light up with playful competitiveness. “You’re on, sparkles. First one there gets the last slice of pie.”

With a laugh, I jump off the bed, grab my clothes, and rush to the door. Dash is hot on my heels, his laughter echoing through the room. As we race down the hall, our laughter filling the house, I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together, and that’s all that matters.