Nathan
I could tell Aria expected more from me than what I was giving her, but I couldn't bring myself to open up to her fully, not after what happened to my mate, Emily.
She was everything to me, and when I lost her, I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest. She was more than just a fated mate to me. She was my best friend. We shared our dreams, our fears, and our deepest secrets. She had been there for me in ways no one else could understand.
She was the stark opposite of Aria.
Aria was headstrong and stubborn, while Emily was shy and sweet.
Fuck...what was I doing comparing Aria to Emily anyway?
I felt Aria fidget behind me. "Can't sleep?"
"I...I am nervous about tomorrow," she whispered. "What Alpha Aldric doesn't agree to give me the maid's position?"
"Don't worry about
