Chapter 4 The Stranger

• Theme: Unexpected Connections
• Aria’ POV
• It's almost too silent in the forest. I'm about to get the rejection out of my head by going for a walk. Even if Damian's comments remain fresh, I can't allow them to rule me indefinitely.
• When I notice activity in the distance, I'm deep in meditation. As I concentrate on the figure, my eyes narrow. Even from a distance, his height commands notice. There's something about him that chills me.
• As if he owns the place, he advances and crosses the boundary into our pack's domain. His motions are fluid, deliberate, and... menacing. His features, a strong jawline, dark hair, and piercing eyes that seem to see right through me become more apparent as he approaches.
• Who is he?
• My feet refuse to move as I freeze, despite my instincts telling me to go. I can't take my eyes off this stranger, as if I'm stuck to the earth.
• He pauses a few steps away from me and looks directly into my eyes. My heart races because his eyes are so piercing and unlike anyone I've ever seen.
• Why does he have that look on his face?
• The stranger smirks as though he understands my exact thoughts before I can think of anything to do. He walks on, turning without a word and moving toward the middle of the pack. As I wait there, I watch him vanish into the woods.
• "Who... who is he?" Still feeling the chill of his stare, I whisper to myself.
• I have no idea what happened, but I do know that something is going to change.
• Aria's POV
• Everything is in disarray by the time I return to the center of the pack. There is a lot of stress in the air as people rush around. I catch snippets of conversation—about an invader, about a stranger.
• It's him. The guy I spotted in the forest.
• I push through the crowd, my heart beating in my chest. When I get to the center, I see him once more, erect and self-assured before the alpha. There is a hazardous tension between the two as they face one other.
• The alpha has a harsh voice. "Xander, what do you want?"
• That's his name, then. Xander. I'm not sure why, but the mere sound of it makes me feel as though there's more to this man than meets the eye.
• Despite the alpha's glare, Xander doesn't back down. Rather, he smiles, looking across the crowd before focusing on me. As his eyes meet mine once more, my breath hitches in my throat.
• With a silky and deep voice, Xander says, "I have a proposal." "But she's involved."
• My stomach sinks as every person in the audience turns to face me.
• "Me?" My voice is barely audible as I try to squeak out.
• The alpha gives me a low growl and moves defensively in front of me. "Xander, you're not touching anyone in this pack. State your business and leave.”
• However, Xander is completely unfazed by the alpha's threat. His gaze never leaves mine, and I sense an odd and potent energy growing between us.
• Ignoring the alpha's warning, Xander goes on, "The proposal is simple." "I declare Aria to be my partner."
• The words hit me like a punch to the chest.
• The crowd erupts in whispers and gasps, but I scarcely hear them. My thoughts are racing. Was that what he said, mate? How could that be? I already have a partner, or I once did. I was turned down by Damian.
• Xander's strong, unwavering gaze is still fixed on me. I have trouble speaking, and my mouth gets dry.
• "I... I stammer, my heart thumping in my ears, "I don't understand." "How is this possible? I've already...
• I don't complete my statement. This stranger—this strong, imposing man—is claiming me as his mate while the hurt of Damian's rejection is still very much present.
• With a warning in his voice, the alpha takes a step forward. "Xander, a second mate relationship is uncommon. We don't operate like this.
• Xander smiles again. "I don't care how you go about things. She’s mine now.
• As his words take hold, those who are listening are silent.
• Aria's POV
• I stand motionless, attempting to comprehend what is being place. A bond with a second mate? Although I've heard of it previously, nobody ever discusses it because it's so uncommon. Why me, too? Why would someone so strong and dominant as Xander want someone like me?
• I've always been the outcast and the weakest member of the group. But now, in front of everyone, this stranger is claiming me as though I were something important. As if I'm valuable.
• As Xander approaches, his sharp eyes never leaving mine, my heart quickens. I'm close to him by the bond between us, but I'm not sure if I can trust it. I'm not sure if I can rely on him.
• I look at the alpha in the hopes that he will speak up or take action to put an end to this. But, even he appears uncertain, torn between defending his pack and handling Xander's claim.
• I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. I'm at a loss for words. I'm barely keeping up with everything because it's moving so fast. How am I meant to take this all in? While half of me is still in shock over Damian's rejection, another half of me is attracted to Xander.
• I tremble as I finally manage to say, "You don't have to do this." "I'm not familiar with you."
• Xander's eyes stay intense, but his smirk softens. "You'll."
• As his patience becomes thin, the alpha growls once again. "Xander, this isn't a game. You cannot simply enter this place and declare someone to be your partner.
• Xander looks at the alpha for a moment, then quickly shifts his attention back to me. “I don’t play games, Alpha. Aria is mine, and I’ll do whatever it takes to prove it.”
• The audience breaks into murmuring again, and I feel like the ground is slipping out from under me. How can this be real? How is this taking place?
• I look around the group at the people I know, who have always viewed me as inferior and weak. However, they are now observing me differently. They’re perceiving me as someone important. Someone wanted.
• For the first time in my life, I feel something shift. I’m no longer the invisible, unwanted wolf. With a few words, Xander has completely transformed the situation. But, I'm not sure if that's a good thing.
• With a deep, authoritative voice, Xander advances on me once more. “She’s mine now.”