Chapter 80

Aria's POV His body visibly tensed at my question. His jaw clenched, and his eyes avoided mine. “Aria… I—” “Don’t give me excuses,” I interrupted, keeping my voice firm even though. “I’ve waited. I’ve been patient, and I’ve never pressured you or brought it up. But every time you get close to doing it, you pull back. Why?” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “It’s not that simple.” “Then explain it to me,” I pressed. “Because right now, it feels like you’re holding something back. And I’m starting to wonder if you want to get a strong, powerful female to mark as your Luna, then keep me in the shadows as a kind of housewife mate.” It was so painful to think about. His eyes flashed with frustration, and for a second, they flashed red. “I will never do something like that,” he growled, his eyes darkening. “You’re my mate, my Luna, and my Queen. Always.” “Then why won’t you mark me?” My voice cracked slightly, no matter how much I tried to steady my voice. Knox stood abruptly