Chapter 14

Chapter 14

At this announcement, the younger she wolf dancers erupted in excited squeals and whispers.

"Oh my God, Alpha Lucas Thornwood is coming here?"

"I heard he hasn't attended a social event in months!"

"Do you think he's looking for new talent to sponsor?"

The company scattered to their dressing rooms, frantically touching up makeup and adjusting costumes, each hoping to catch the eye of The Thornwood Pack's most eligible widowed alpha.

Only Aria remained frozen in place, her mind racing with alarm.

Why would Lucas come backstage? Even during his most obsessive pursuit of her years ago, he had never once visited her behind the scenes-his beta had simply delivered roses or arranged town cars.

Her thoughts spiraled into darker territory. Was this somehow connected to the revenge plots he'd schemed with his friends? Had he somehow recognized her despite the mask? Was he planning some new humiliation as punishment for deceiving him with her false death?

Her fingernails dug painfully into her palms as fragmented memories of the ninety-eight "pranks” flashed through her mind.

"Aria," Margaret's concerned voice cut through her panic. "You've gone completely white."

“I just-” she managed, her usual composure crumbling.

all. Perhaps you should return to the hotel before he arrives. I'll make your excuses-some diplomatic nonsense about vocal

the

corridor, approaching footsteps echoed from beyond

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Chapter 14

way, Alpha Thornwood. The company is absolutely thrilled you've joined us tonight.

began to part, Aria's heart nearly stopped. She

for quick costume changes, pressing herself against the wall as Lucas

area.

immediately uncomfortable with the theatrical chaos. Female dancers in various stages of costume swarmed around him

I danced the

an honor to meet

show you around The Thornwood Pack

created a suffocating cloud of floral and vanilla notes that made him physically recoil. The artificial sweetness reminded him, by stark contrast, of Aria's simple scent-just clean soap and occasionally

Something-someone-had drawn him here, and it wasn't these eager young

a barely perceptible scent cut through the perfume fog-the faintest trace of

sharpened, his gaze sweeping the room with renewed focus until locking onto a shadowed

it?" he asked abruptly, cutting off the blonde

room toward

by attention, she felt her pulse stutter, then race wildly. The artistic director, realizing Aria hadn't managed to escape, shot her

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Chapter 14

measured composure that years of performance had instilled in her, though her heart hammered so violently she

her temple to her toes, lingering on specific details-the particular curve of her wrist,

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