TORN BETWEEN ALPHAS.

Aria's POV

"Aria!"

I brushed past my friend and sister Jenny and dashed into the bathroom, barely lifting the toilet seat before emptying my stomach with my eyes clenched shut.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" Jenny's voice came right behind me as she stepped in.

I slowly pushed myself off the cold floor, pressed the flush, closed the lid, and turned to face her.

"I was planning to tell him," I said, staring blankly into space.

"Tell who? What are you talking about?" she asked, confused.

"I was going to tell your brother Killian..." My voice trailed, a lump forming in my throat. "That we're having a baby."

Jenny's eyes widened in shock.

A few days ago, under the blazing summer sun at Nightrun Pack, I returned home to the pack mansion overflowing with excitement.

It had been years since I'd come back not just as some ordinary student, but as a lead security analyst. A woman with pride. With purpose.

The car door shut, and Killian stepped out, grabbing our bags as we both walked into the house.

The front door opened and my father jumped to his feet, his face lighting up with joy. I rushed into his arms, a wide smile stretching across my face.

"We're so proud of you, darling," he said, breaking the embrace. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your graduation. When the Alpha is away, I have to stay and protect the pack."

"I understand, Father. Killian was there with me, that's what mattered," I replied, glancing over at Killian with a soft smile.

But he didn't smile back.

His brows were knit together, like he had something weighing on him.

"Now that you're back," Killian said, "it's time you start immediately as the top lead security analyst."

"But... I don't know about that," I muttered, sinking into the couch. "I'm still new to the field. I'm nervous."

"You'll do just fine," he replied flatly.

That's when I noticed the shift in his eyes. Something cold. Distant.

"There's something else I need to say."

My heart fluttered.

This was it.

He was going to propose.

"I found my mate."

Yes! He's choosing me.

"My mate is Seraphina Nightshade."

"What?" I choked, my eyes following his gaze up the staircase.

A stunning woman in a flowing white silk gown descended slowly, her long brown hair cascading down her back.

She walked straight to Killian and they kissed. Deeply.

"Alpha, what's the meaning of this?" My father's voice broke the silence.

I blinked hard. This had to be a dream. A nightmare.

He wouldn't just throw me away... would he?

"I apologize for my manners," the woman spoke, voice smooth like poison. "I'm Seraphina Nightshade and Killian is my mate."

"You're a witch!" my father barked. "Alpha, she's a witch!"

I froze as Killian laid his head on her shoulder, eyes shut, completely at ease.

"What is this, Killian?" I asked, voice cracking. "Tell me this isn't real."

He raised his head, finally looking at me. "I'm sorry, Aria. She's right. I can feel the bond."

"That's because she's manipulating you!" I cried. "She's a witch!"

"You don't get it, Aria," he replied. "It's more than emotions and sex. The Moon Goddess never destined us to be together."

"How can you say that?" I turned to my father, pleading.

But the shock on his face was fading... into resignation.

"It's rare... but the Alpha is right."

His words hit like a dagger. My chest tightened as the betrayal seeped deep.

"Jenny?" I looked at her, desperate.

She sighed, unable to meet my gaze. "Sweetheart... Alpha Killian has made his decision. There's nothing we can do."

How could he do this?

After everything we went through...

My heart couldn't take it. I watched helplessly as he wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her like I meant nothing.

No.

I couldn't bear to stay there a second longer.

My father reached to comfort me, but I shook off his hand and walked away.

When I got to my room, the pain ripped me apart. I threw myself on the bed, tears streaming endlessly, soaking the sheets.

I didn't care.

He promised me forever. I sacrificed school, time and everything for him.

And now...

A knock shattered my thoughts.

"Go away!" I screamed into the pillow. The knock came again, harder.

I was furious at my father, at Killian, at everything. I shot out of bed, stormed to the door, flung it open and froze.

Killian.

"What do you want?" I asked, swallowing my rage.

"I came to say goodbye," he said quietly, then turned to leave.

"That's it?"

He paused, turning to face me. "You're making this harder than it needs to be. The Moon Goddess made her choice. We were never meant to be."

"You're bonding with a witch! What if she's controlling you?"

"No," he said. "She's not. I love her. And she loves me."

He turned and walked away like I was just a phase.

Like we didn't matter.

He didn't even suspect there was more to this something bigger than a bond.

I clutched my stomach, the tears falling faster.

We're having a child. And Killian... will never be a father to our baby.

Seraphina's POV

"So, you're a witch, huh? What coven?" Killian asked, his hand gliding from my shoulder down the length of my spine before planting a kiss.

"South Park," I replied flatly, ignoring his blatant attempt at intimacy.

"The wolves in South Park are elegant. I suppose the witches share the same trait because you're stunning," he said, leaning in again for another kiss.

"There's something about you... I just can't stay away," he murmured, gently turning my face to meet his eyes. "I'm obsessed with you, Seraphina."

Before his lips could reach mine, my phone rang.

"Sorry, I have to take this," I said, stepping away politely.

"Alright. I'll be in my chambers," he said with a lingering glance before walking off.

Once I was sure he was gone, I checked the screen and answered the call.

"It worked," I said with a sly smile. "He can't keep his eyes off me, not even for a minute."

"Excellent," came the deep voice on the other end. I couldn't see his face, but I knew he was smiling too.

My mind drifted to how it all began...

That night in the coven the flickering candles, the thick scent of herbs and Malakar, head of the witches, standing before me with a dark potion in hand. Our eyes met, her face unreadable.

"Once you drink this, there's no turning back," he warned.

I stared into the cup, its contents thick and black like tar.

Do it now, or the plan dies here.

Without another thought, I downed it in one gulp, slamming the cup onto the table and locking eyes with Malakar, who now wore a knowing smile.

Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through my chest. I clutched it, stumbling into a chair as I struggled to breathe.

Then, just as suddenly, the pain vanished.

When I looked up, Malakar was still watching me.

"It is done. Killian will be yours now," he said.

Now, standing in Killian's home and still on the phone with Malakar, a wave of excitement coursed through me.

"Now that I have Killian wrapped around my fingers," I said confidently, "it's time to avenge my father's death and take over the Nightrun Pack."

"But you know it won't be easy," Malakar reminded me.

He was right and that was one of the reasons I respected him. He always spoke the truth, no sugarcoating.

He's not just a coven leader, he's a Lord among witches. Powerful. Ruthless.

"It's simple, really. Everyone thinks I...."

I paused mid-sentence. Footsteps.

It was Aria.

She walked past me with her bag slung over her shoulder, her expression carved in stone.

This was my moment.

Now or never.

"Aria!" I called, quickly rising to my feet and hurrying to catch up with her at the door.

She stopped, turned, and pierced me with a glare. "What do you want?" Her voice was low and cold.

I sighed, fiddling with my fingers as I stepped closer. "I'm sorry for everything that happened today."

"You took what was mine," she snapped, eyes burning with fury. "We both know Killian isn't your mate. You're a damn witch!"

"No, Aria!" I cut her off.

"Don't say that. Killian is my mate. We share a bond. Yes, I'm a witch but I never wanted things to turn out like this."

I reached out to hold her hand, but she recoiled.

"Despite everything, you're still the lead security analyst of this pack. Without you, we're vulnerable. I need you."

"You're lying!" she shouted. "I don't believe you!"

"I want you to stay," I said softly. "I truly regret what I've caused you, Aria."

Her eyes flickered with hesitation.

Tears welled in mine as I finally managed to hold her hand. "Killian and I are bound. If we're separated, things could spiral out of control. Please understand I never meant to push you out. You matter to this pack. You matter to me."

Silence stretched between us as my words hung in the air.

"We can still work together, Aria."

She sighed. "Fine. I'll stay."

Relief flooded through me, and I wrapped her in a warm hug.

"Thank you," I whispered. "My heart wouldn't be at peace knowing I ruined what could've been a strong bond."

She gave me a small smile.

"I'll stay... but I won't live in the pack mansion. I can't stand to see the two of you..." she trailed off, awkward.

I smiled knowingly.

"Don't worry, Aria. There won't be any of that."

She nodded, and I helped her carry her bags back inside.

As she climbed the stairs with her things, I sank back into the couch, a triumphant smile tugging at my lips.

So gullible.

Once I'm done with her, nothing will stop me from taking this pack.

Aria's POV

The second ring of the bell slammed into my chest like a hammer. I exhaled deeply, my head lowered in defeat.

Today is Killian's wedding to Seraphina. And no matter how much I try to push the pain aside, it tears me apart knowing this day was supposed to be ours.

I stopped at Seraphina's door and knocked. Her request for a security update about the pack felt off-but I pushed the suspicion down and forced myself to act normal.

One of the maids opened the door. I stepped into the room, greeted by a new wave of expensive perfume. The maid was gently brushing through Seraphina's long brown hair.

Seraphina turned to me, her lips curling into a calculated smile. "Everyone else, leave the room," she said coolly.

The maids exited one after another, the last quietly shutting the door behind her.

Seraphina stood, picking up the edge of her wedding gown as she walked over. "What news do you bring me?"

She wasn't just conniving, she was commanding too.

"Everything is calm. No rogue reports today," I replied. She nodded slowly.

"So..." she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, "how does it feel knowing I'm taking your man from you?"

The question slapped me harder than any hand could. My head snapped up to meet her gaze.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked, my voice tight, trying to contain the storm rising inside me.

"Oh, come on," she chuckled. "I'm just curious. It must hurt watching me marry my mate. It feels so good."

"Watch your mouth," I warned. "I should've known you were just a deceptive bitch."

Smack.

The slap came out of nowhere. My face lit up with pain, and I stumbled backward, clutching my cheek in disbelief.

Suddenly, Seraphina's smile vanished. Her eyes rolled back dramatically, and she collapsed to the floor, letting out a high-pitched scream.

"Stop!" I yelled, pressing my palms to my ears.

The door burst open. Several pack soldiers stormed in, followed by the Captain.

"What's going on here?" he demanded, eyes darting from Seraphina to me.

"She... she came in and attacked me," Seraphina whimpered, pointing at me with trembling fingers.

"What?!" I gasped. "She's lying! She's such a damn liar!"

Seraphina raised her arm, showing the Captain a red mark. "I didn't have this before she entered. Aria did this to me."

"That's a scratch! She's framing me and she slapped me first!" I tried to defend myself.

"Take her," the Captain ordered coldly.

Before I could react, soldiers seized me, yanking my arms behind my back.

"This is insane! I'm the lead security analyst of this pack! You can't treat me like this!"

"We follow the Alpha. Laying hands on his mate is treason. Let's see what the Alpha says about your behavior."

They shoved me forward. I stumbled but regained balance. As we exited the room, I glanced back at Seraphina.

Evil radiated from her like poison. I silently wished she'd drop dead.

After a few minutes down the corridor, we reached the council chamber. They pushed me inside a grand room filled with council members, and Killian sitting tall on his throne.

"What is this?" Killian asked, rising sharply.

"She attacked me. I think your ex can't accept that we're mates," Seraphina said sweetly as she stepped into the room.

"She's lying! Killian, I would never hurt your mate"

Smack!

My cheek throbbed from the slap, and I nearly fell.

"Don't you ever address the Alpha by name!" the Captain bellowed in my face.

Tears welled in my eyes as I lifted my head, heart pounding. My gaze found my father... he looked away.

"I can't believe everyone turned on me like this," I said, choking on the pain. "A witch shows up, lies about a mate bond, and you all just... believe her?" I turned to Killian. "Even you."

"I might be a witch," Seraphina said shakily, "but you're the sickest, most unhinged person I've met. You can't stand seeing us happy. This is an obsession."

The room buzzed with murmurs until Killian cleared his throat. Silence dropped like a blade.

He descended from his throne, walking toward me. His face was unreadable.

"I gave you everything," he said quietly.

"I helped you become lead security. But the moment I told you I had a new mate, jealousy consumed you." He leaned closer, voice sharp and low. "You're just bitter. You'll never feel the kind of love I have for Seraphina. You never deserved it."

His words were a dagger. Rage surged through me, and before I could stop myself, my hand flew.

Slap.

The sound cracked through the room.

"Oh my God!" Seraphina screamed, rushing to Killian. "Are you okay, my love?"

I froze. My heart plummeted. My palms went cold. The fury drained out, replaced by dread.

"I... I..." I stammered, unable to find my voice.

Killian rose, dabbing blood from the corner of his mouth. His stare pierced through me.

"You crossed the line," he said. "You assaulted your Luna. You threatened her life."

Then to the Captain: "Take her away. Aria Dorne, you are hereby exiled from the Nightrun Pack and all its territories, effective immediately. If I ever see you again... I'll kill you myself."

"What?!" My voice cracked. "Where am I supposed to go? I've lived here all my life!"

I struggled as the soldiers gripped my arms and dragged me toward the exit.

I had nothing left to fight with.

Killian was lost to lies and manipulation. And there was nothing I could do.

So this is it. A new, cruel chapter begins.

Why is this happening to me, Moon Goddess?! WHY? I screamed with everything in me.