WINTER MOON PACK
King Magnus stood on the balcony of his chambers, taking slow drags from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him like the storm of thoughts in his mind. The cold morning breeze did little to ease the tension in his chest. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, but his mind was lost in the memories of yesterday’s incident.
*Her sitting on that man's lap.*
The image replayed in his mind over and over again, fueling his anger. *Aria said she was using me.* Those words stung the most. He could hardly believe that the mate he had longed for all these years could so easily dismiss their bond, reducing it to something that felt like betrayal.
He exhaled sharply, watching the smoke disappear into the morning air. Today was Aria’s first day at school, and he had wanted to be the one to take her there himself. He wanted to see her happy, see her face light up as she entered this new chapter in her life. But how could he face her after hearing those words? How could he push aside the jealousy and doubt clawing at him?
As soon as he returned to the packhouse the previous night, he had ordered Fergus to investigate the man who had been in Aria’s house. He needed to know who this *man* was and what role he played in Aria’s life. The thought of another man being close to her—too close—made his wolf, Orion, restless and angry.
A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Fergus entered the room, bowing slightly before speaking.
“Alpha, I have the report you requested.”