Chapter 12

**ADAM**

I feel like a common stalker following her in the shadows. This dress was perfect on her. When I saw it, I was one hair away from putting Sasha’s plan into action and just kidnapping her. But I didn’t but I couldn’t give in to the temptation to get close to her and her lips. They are as perfect as the rest. But I would stick to my plan without further delay. So here I am now just outside the pack borders, my phone in hand to call Austin.
I sigh one last time before dialing his number.

“Adam.”

“Austin. I hope you have a great night.” I tell him as calmly as I can.

“It could have been better. Well you wanted to explain yourself so explain yourself.” He replies without bothering to hide his annoyance.

“I am not responsible for the attack on your pack and I had no part in it. I was fooled by Rachel just like you. I came to your territory to try to stop her.”

“Who are you? Or should I ask what are you? Because even though I was tricked by Rachel I know that if you too were a pawn in her game you are not just an Alpha.” He says to me seriously.

“I’m one of three hybrids. I was born a werewolf but was bitten by my mother...”

“So it’s true. You really do exist.” He cuts me off.

“Yes we exist and before I met Aria I didn’t think the moon goddess had granted me a mate.”

He snorts. “To think I was worried but knowing that, I’m sure she’ll choose me.” He answers me confidently.

“And why is that?” I ask him annoyed.

“What could you possibly offer her? To live a recluse life with vampires and your siblings? You could never have a family... a child. She’s human, what do you think she aspires to?”

He’s right and I feel stupid for not thinking about it before. I can offer her eternity but would she agree to live an eternity with me? Would I be enough for her? I shake my head, trying to shake off my insecurity.

“I think the person most likely to know what would be right for her is Aria herself. That’s why I wanted to offer you something.”

“No way. I’m not letting her go with you.” He answers me firmly.

“Then let me be your guest in your pack. Give her a chance to get to know me and choose.”

He remains silent for a moment. “We have to agree first. There’s no way you’re going to use my pack as an all-you-can-eat buffet or your head will end up on a stake.”

I snort. “That wasn’t my intention. I can feed on the same food as you.” I pause. “Deal?”

“When?”

“Tomorrow morning. I’ll let you tell her the good news.” And I hang up.

I didn’t think it would be this easy. He’s so sure I don’t stand a chance that he’s willing to have me as close to her as he is. My phone rings and I pick it up without looking at who’s calling.

“Well?” Sasha asks me.

“He agreed.”

“Well he must really be sure that you don’t stand a chance in this case.” He says amused.

“Right. I’ll be in their pack in the morning.”

“We’ll stay in touch and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need to. Leila wants to meet Aria so I’ll let you set that up when you can. I have to say I’m pretty curious myself.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

After hanging up, I feel lighter. I will finally have the opportunity to really be close to her, to talk to her and to get to know her. But Austin’s question swirls around in my head, what do I have to offer her?

**ARIA**

After falling asleep completely frustrated, I wake up still frustrated. I'm lucky enough to have two guys willing to do anything to be with me and I still ended up alone. I know it sounds bad but I am a modern woman with needs and I was so horny last night. I growl in frustration before I go to get ready.

As soon as I get out of the bathroom, there is a knock on the door. Thinking it’s Riley I yell “Come in!” But to my surprise it’s not Riley who walks into my room but Austin.

He must see my surprise on my face because he tells me. “I guess you thought it was Riley.” I nod my head. “I wanted to talk to you for a minute before you joined the others.”

He sits down on my bed and I do the same.

“Last night Adam called me. To make a long story short I agreed to have him stay here for a while. This way it will give you a chance to get to know both of us and make your decision.” He says this without even looking at me.

I am well aware that it must have taken a lot of effort for him to accept and I am grateful for that. I turnr to him and kiss his cheek.

“Thank you.” I tell him simply.

He claps his hands on his thighs before standing up and heading for the door. With his hand on the handle, he turns around. “He’s coming in the morning but I’m not worried that he’ll know how to find you.”

And he exits my room, closing the door behind him. I topple backwards onto my bed, how am I going to hold up with so much sexual tension? I’ve slept with no one for at least a year or 18 months and I’m going to be living with two super hot men under the same roof for a while. Adam is coming over and I’m wearing just jeans and a t-shirt, am I supposed to make an effort with my clothes? Would Austin be offended that I changed my clothes after I knew Adam was coming? Just breathe, girl, and stay the way you are. I’m going to have to get used to the fact that they’re both attracted to me no matter what I wear. I tie my sneakers and go downstairs to join Riley.