Daniel's Perspective

"What are we going to do about Anthony? He doesn't even seem bothered after your marriage to Arianna. Don't you find that strange?" Ariel asked, walking beside me as we made our way back into the castle after the council meeting.

I can't understand why Alpha Anthony Gonzalez is still refusing to agree to the truce. He's determined to wipe out every vampire he can find. Why does he hold such a deep grudge against vampires? And he doesn’t want his mate back?

I thought marrying his mate would be the best way to get him to agree to the truce. But I was wrong. He doesn't seem the slightest bit affected by the marriage. In fact, he appears to be in better shape than I expected. He even told me that he didn't want her back and that I could keep her as long as I wanted. 

That's incredibly strange, especially since Ariana is his mate. Is he just pretending not to care so I'll stop paying attention to Arianna and let her go? He was pretty straightforward, though. Something doesn't add up. I need to figure out what's going on.

"Maybe a background check would be a good idea. What do you think?" I suggested, and she nodded in agreement.

We were heading toward my study when she spoke again, "Did you sleep well last night, Danny?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Ariel's question. Why does she keep asking the same thing every morning?

"Yeah. I slept well." I lied like I did everytime she asked me this question.

"I'm your sister, Danny. At least, don't lie to me. Don't you think your being too hard on yourself?"

Why does she sound like Carlos, my annoying wolf?

"I'm fine, Ariel. You don't have to worry about me."

"How can I not? You're my brother. I know things didn't work out the way you wanted it to be but you have to understand it. Stop dwelling about the past. Think it as a sign to move on. I know Kiana was your mate, but maybe Kiana and you weren't meant to be. Maybe there's someone else destined for you. Someone better."

I didn't reply. I just silently walked beside her. I know what she said is right. I freaking know she's right. But I can't help it. I have tried. I have tried to forget her. But nothing seems to work.

Only if she would have apologised and promised to never betray me again. Only if she didn't reject me even when I begged her not to. Only if....

There were so many only if's. But those things would never happen.

Because I'm no longer the person I used to be. This Daniel is different. And now, even if she crawls to my knees asking for forgiveness, I won't grant it. I didn't even realise when we reached outside my study. Ariel gave me a gentle squeeze on my shoulder with a smile before heading towards her room.

I sighed. She worries way too much.

I turned the doorknob to step inside the study and was surprised to see the sight in front of me.

Arianna was seated on my chair, sleeping with her arms folded above the table and her head rested on them. The view of her face was mostly obstructed by her chestnut hair that fell messily on her face.

Why did she come here? Wasn't she sleeping in my room? Did she wake up then came and slept here?

Why is she here. She isn't even wearing her nightgown from last night so she must be here for some reason. I should just wake her up and ask about it.

I headed towards my desk and cleared my throat to gain her attention but was greeted with slow snores. I cleared my throat louder this time yet, no response.

"Arianna" I called out her name.

Nothing.

She's really deep in sleep!

Her hair was falling across her face as she slept soundly, and it was starting to bother me. I couldn't even see her face properly with all that hair in the way—it felt like I was talking to a ghost with long hair hanging in front of her.

I moved closer, my size making the table between us seem insignificant as I leaned in. I reached out and gently brushed her soft, silky hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear.

Finally, I could see her face clearly. Wait...I hadn’t realized just how close I was to her. From this distance, I could see every detail of her features.

Arianna is really beautiful up close. She has perfectly shaped eyebrows, long dark lashes casting shadows on her pale skin, and her cheeks have a natural light pink tint. My eyes drifted down to her full, pink lips, and I quickly pushed away any thoughts that came to mind.

You're not so bad, Arianna. So why does your mate not want you back?