Chapter 108

**ARIA**

The late afternoon sun filtered through the bedroom window, casting a golden haze over the walls as I sat cross-legged on the bed, wrapped in a plush throw. Rosalie and Leila sat across from me, perched on the edge of the chaise longue with steaming mugs of herbal tea in their hands. The air was scented faintly with cinnamon from the candle flickering on the nightstand.

"So you're really going to do it?" Leila asked, her voice gentle but full of emotion.

I nodded, swallowing the tangle of nerves lodged in my throat. "Today. I’ve decided. No more wavering, no more putting the pressure on Adam and Austin to carry this alone. I want to take control—for me, and for the babies."

Rosalie, her long blonde curls cascading over her shoulders like sunlight, gave me a proud smile. Her eyes sparkled with something close to mischief. "Then we need to prepare. You can’t just walk into eternity in sweatpants, darling."

Leila chuckled. "She’s right. If you're going to surprise them, do it in style."

I laughed softly, the sound a little breathless, a little disbelieving. "You guys are insane. But maybe you're right."

Leila's smile faltered slightly as she looked down at her stomach and placed a hand over it. "I wish I could come with you two, but I have my ultrasound appointment with Cassius. Fingers crossed we'll finally find out the gender."

"Fingers crossed," I echoed, reaching across the bed to squeeze her hand. "Good luck."

A little while later, Rosalie and I made our way into town. The drive was peaceful, the kind of quiet that hummed with anticipation. Trees lined the streets like a golden tunnel, their leaves a brilliant display of autumn fire. Rosalie parked near a boutique she insisted was magical for occasions like this.

Inside, warm lights bathed the racks of delicate lace, silks, and velvet in a soft glow. The boutique was all dark woods, vintage mirrors, and quiet luxury. The clerk greeted us with a knowing smile and stepped back to give us space.

We moved through the aisles slowly. I let my fingers glide over the fabric, letting myself imagine how Adam's expression might change when he saw me in one of these. Or the softness in Austin’s eyes when I told him I was ready.

Eventually, I found it: a deep red dress, elegant but daring. It clung in all the right places, with a neckline that hinted without revealing too much. The matching lingerie was delicate but confident, and for the first time in days, I felt bold again.

Afterwards, Rosalie and I stopped by a small restaurant tucked in the corner of a side street. The lighting was warm, the windows steamed from the scent of fresh bread and olive oil drifting from the kitchen. We sat in a cozy booth near the back, and I ordered enough food for two—or three.

"You’re really leaning into this eating for two thing," Rosalie teased, stirring her tea as I dug into my third helping of baked gnocchi.

I smirked, wiping a bit of sauce from the corner of my mouth. "What can I say? They’re hungry."

She leaned on her elbows, propping her chin in her hands. "Any names picked out yet?"

I chewed thoughtfully. "It’s hard when we don’t even know if they’re boys or girls."

Rosalie sipped her tea and shrugged. "They’re boys. I can feel it. All this drama and energy-draining chaos? Definitely boy energy."

I laughed, not entirely convinced, but amused by her certainty. "I’ve thought of a few names I like. For a boy, maybe Luca or Matteo. For a girl, I love the sound of Sofia or Alessia. But it’s something I want to decide with the boys."

"All lovely," she said, her expression soft. "They’ll love whatever you choose. And they’ll be lucky to have you as their mom."

We returned home just as the sky began to blush with the first hints of dusk. I carried the shopping bags upstairs, then quickly fixed myself something else to eat to stay awake. A sandwich, some sliced fruit, a few olives—anything to keep the fatigue at bay.

Then I got ready.

I stood in front of the mirror, the red dress fitting like it had been made for me. I slipped on the matching lingerie underneath, smoothing the fabric and checking every detail. My hair framed my face in soft waves, and I added just a touch of gloss to my lips.

I stared at myself for a long moment.

This was it. My decision. My transformation. Not because I had to—but because I chose it.

I smiled, faint but real. And then I sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for the knock on the door that would change everything.

**ADAM**

Aria had warned us she was having dinner with Rosalie, so Austin and I took the opportunity to grab a quiet meal with Sasha. It was an amusing, chaotic dinner as usual—Sasha managed to knock over his glass twice and told us the same story about a vampire getting kicked out of a nightclub three different ways. We laughed, ate, and tried to pretend things were normal.

After dinner, we returned to our apartment, Austin tapping away at his phone, checking in with Garrett. I could hear his half-muttered comments as he fired off updates and received them back in rapid succession.

"Everything good?" I asked.

He nodded, still reading something. "Garrett's handling everything like a pro. Honestly, the pack hasn't been this efficient in years. He even suggested rerouting supply lines to improve the flow to the outer rings."

I raised my eyebrows. "Impressive. Remind me to buy him a drink next time we see him."

We were still chuckling when we stepped into the apartment. I pushed the door open and called out instinctively, "Aria? We're home!"

Silence greeted us for a second, then the soft flicker of candlelight caught my eye under the crack of the bedroom door.

I reached for the handle, pushed it open—and stopped dead in my tracks.

There she was.

Aria sat on the edge of the bed, back straight, legs crossed, a small smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. Her long hair framed her face in soft, cascading waves. The red dress hugged her body like it had been sewn onto her skin by the gods themselves. It was elegant, seductive, powerful—and yet there was a softness to her, a warmth that made my heart stop.

It was like falling in love all over again.

Austin stopped behind me and let out a quiet, reverent, "Holy shit."

She rose slowly, every movement fluid, feline. Her gaze was steady, unwavering. She crossed the space between us without saying a word at first, just
smiling, lips tinted with a shade of red that matched her dress.

"I missed you," she said softly, first to me, brushing her lips against mine, and then turning to Austin and doing the same.

Neither of us moved. We just watched her, completely spellbound.

Aria had always been beautiful. But this—this was something else.

She had chosen this moment. Claimed it. Claimed us.