Torn Between Us

Aria's POV

"Aria!"

I brushed past my friend and sister Jenny and dashed into the bathroom, barely lifting the toilet seat before emptying my stomach with my eyes clenched shut.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" Jenny's voice came right behind me as she stepped in.

I slowly pushed myself off the cold floor, pressed the flush, closed the lid, and turned to face her.

"I was planning to tell him," I said, staring blankly into space.

"Tell who? What are you talking about?" she asked, confused.

"I was going to tell your brother Killian..." My voice trailed, a lump forming in my throat. "That we're having a baby."

Jenny's eyes widened in shock.

A few days ago, under the blazing summer sun at Nightrun Pack, I returned home to the pack mansion overflowing with excitement.

It had been years since I'd come back not just as some ordinary student, but as a lead security analyst. A woman with pride. With purpose.

The car door shut, and Killian stepped out, grabbing our bags as we both walked into the house.

The front door opened and my father jumped to his feet, his face lighting up with joy. I rushed into his arms, a wide smile stretching across my face.

"We're so proud of you, darling," he said, breaking the embrace. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your graduation. When the Alpha is away, I have to stay and protect the pack."

"I understand, Father. Killian was there with me, that's what mattered," I replied, glancing over at Killian with a soft smile.

But he didn't smile back.

His brows were knit together, like he had something weighing on him.

"Now that you're back," Killian said, "it's time you start immediately as the top lead security analyst."

"But... I don't know about that," I muttered, sinking into the couch. "I'm still new to the field. I'm nervous."

"You'll do just fine," he replied flatly.

That's when I noticed the shift in his eyes. Something cold. Distant.

"There's something else I need to say."

My heart fluttered.

This was it.

He was going to propose.

"I found my mate."

Yes! He's choosing me.

"My mate is Seraphina Nightshade."

"What?" I choked, my eyes following his gaze up the staircase.

A stunning woman in a flowing white silk gown descended slowly, her long brown hair cascading down her back.

She walked straight to Killian and they kissed. Deeply.

"Alpha, what's the meaning of this?" My father's voice broke the silence.

I blinked hard. This had to be a dream. A nightmare.

He wouldn't just throw me away... would he?

"I apologize for my manners," the woman spoke, voice smooth like poison. "I'm Seraphina Nightshade and Killian is my mate."

"You're a witch!" my father barked. "Alpha, she's a witch!"