Fake Dating The Hockey Alpha: Opening Chapters 1-5

Aria

It's so fucking beautiful! I spin around in the middle of the suite Ethan booked for us. The luxurious carpet, velvet curtains, sparkling chandeliers—is something straight out of a magazine.

The annual New Year cruise ship tour hosted by my school, Crescent Wolves Academy, is everything I’ve ever dreamed of but never thought I’d experience.

Me, Aria Whitlock, standing here on a freaking cruise ship? No way. I’m an eighteen-year-old, lowly omega scraping by in a world that couldn’t care less about me. But tonight? Tonight, I’m not a nobody.

Nope. Tonight, I’m Alpha Ethan’s mate. My Ethan, the future Alpha of the Full Moon Pack, my personal knight in shining armor.

The Moon Goddess must’ve finally stopped ignoring me.

“Aria, move your ass! We're going to miss the welcome party at this point.” Mia’s voice yanks me out of my thoughts. She barges in, her wild auburn curls bouncing, looking like a fiery storm in her emerald-green dress. Right behind her is Lily, the complete opposite with her soft, blonde hair and shy smile, rocking a simple blue gown.

They’re my best friends… the only ones in the entire damn pack who treat me like a fucking person instead of crap.

“Wow,” Lily’s blue eyes widen as she takes in the suite. “You and Alpha Ethan’s room is so much prettier than ours.”

“That’s because Ethan wanted me to experience the absolute best,” I squeal, practically bouncing on my toes.

Mia gags dramatically. “Ugh, you sound like you’re in some cringy rom-com. Stop it before I puke.”

“Shut up, Mia,” I shoot back, grinning.

She flops onto the bed like she owns the damn place. “Look, I’m just saying, Alpha Ethan better step up tonight. You’ve been waiting forever for him to stop hiding your ass. If he pulls some crap, I’m kicking his Alpha-wannabe face.”

“Mia!” Lily gasps, looking scandalized. “Be nice! This is a big night for Aria.”

“I am being nice,” Mia shrugs. “Just stating facts. Alpha Ethan’s been dragging his feet for months. And I don’t know how far I can trust him.”

“Stop,” I sigh, trying to keep my voice steady. “He promised me, okay? He said tonight, he’s telling everyone. It’s finally happening.”

Mia raises an eyebrow, like she wants to argue, but Lily grabs her arm. “Leave it, Mia. Let Aria enjoy her night.”

Mia rolls her eyes but holds her tongue. I turn back to the mirror, fluffing my long black hair and adjusting my floral dress. It’s not anything fancy—just the nicest thing I own. Ethan knows I don’t care about flashy clothes, and besides, he’s already paid for me and my friends to come on this cruise. That’s more than enough.

—---

The party hall is like something straight out of a movie. Christmas lights sparkle from every angle. The air smells like cinnamon pine trees. And everyone’s dressed to kill.

And I mean everyone. These are the elite kids from all the top werewolf academies. Future Alphas and Betas, their perfectly dressed selves, and their annoyingly perfect lives.

Me, Mia, and Lily? We don’t belong here.

“Maybe we should’ve stayed in the suite,” Lily murmurs, her wide eyes darting around the room.

“Nope,” Mia says firmly. “We’re here, so we’re owning it. Stand tall, ladies. Don’t let these stuck-up assholes make you feel small.”

Lily nods hesitantly. And I try to do the same. But the whispers, stares, and judgmental glares… it’s all fucking too much.

“I’m gonna find Ethan now,” I throw quickly. “You guys grab some drinks. I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Good luck,” Lily says, her soft smile making me feel a little braver.

“You got this, future Luna,” Mia adds with a smirk, but I can tell she means it.

Future Luna. The words make my heart flip.

I wander through the party, scanning the crowd for Ethan. My wolf stirs nervously, the back of my mind itching like something’s off. I try to shake it off. Ethan’s here somewhere, probably waiting for me.

A few minutes later, I spot his hockey teammates relaxing in a corner and laughing about something... Relief floods me as I approach.

“Hey, guys. Have you seen Ethan?” I manage an awkward smile.

The laughter stops. The way they look at me... Like I'm some fucking crap under their shoes. It makes my skin crawl.

“Why don't you check over there?” One of them nods towards a dark corner of the hall.

The others snicker. All except one.

Alpha Lucas of the Shadow Pang pack.

He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed. His intense gray eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. Lucas Russo, captain of the hockey team. Notorious playboy, and Ethan’s arch enemy. He doesn’t laugh or smile… just looks at me like he knows something I don’t.

My wolf, Gail, shifts uncomfortably under his gaze. But I ignore her. “Thanks,” I force a smile, turning toward the corner.

I make my way through the crowd, my stomach suddenly twisting in knots.

And then I see him.

Ethan.

My Ethan… his hands are on Vanessa, the Academy’s head cheerleader, most popular girl in school, and my personal nightmare. One hand gripping her ass… squeezing it, the other hand fondling her boobs as he k

isses her like she’s the air he needs to breathe.

My heart fucking shatters.

Aria

My stomach drops. The same fucking hands that held me last night, the same damn lips that whispered I love you and kissed me like I was his world are now all over Vanessa’s face.

“Ethan, how could you,” I choke out, my chest splitting open with a pain so sharp it steals my breath.

He freezes, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. For a split second, I catch a flicker of guilt in his eyes. Then, he smirks.

Smirks!

“Aria,” he says nonchalantly, like he wasn’t just caught red-handed. “What are you doing here? Go away.”

My wolf growls low in my mind, her anger and heartbreak twisting with mine. He lied, she snarls. He lied to us.

Vanessa, of course, looks smug as hell. She leans into him, her perfectly manicured nails trailing down his chest like she’s marking her territory. “Oh, sweetheart,” she purrs with a fake smile. “You didn’t really think he’d pick you, did you?”

Ethan laughs cruelly, and his smirk stretches wider.

“You’re such a goddamn joke,” he begins, like I’m the punchline to some twisted, cruel comedy. “Did you really think you were anything more than a silly fuck? A poor, desperate little omega playing my girlfriend? Luna? You? Get real, Aria. You’re a nobody. Always will be.”

His words slam into me like a freight train. I blink, my throat dry, my ears ringing.

“You promised, Ethan. You said—”

“Yeah, and you believed me?” he cuts me off with a sharp, biting laugh. It’s loud, cold, and heartless. “God, Aria, you’re even more pathetic than I thought.”

Vanessa giggles, her bright red lips curving into a satisfied smirk as she clings to his arm like a trophy. Ethan glances down at her, his expression softening in a way it never has for me.

“Why the hell would I pick you to stand beside me?” he continues in disgust. “A weak, pudgy little nobody? I need a Luna who’s strong, beautiful like Nessa. Not some mid-tier omega with a sob story.”

I swear, the air leaves the room. My hands start shaking, and I can barely see straight. “You don’t mean that,” I whisper, tears blurring my vision. “So… last night… it didn’t mean anything to you?”

“Oh, you mean the fucking?” He smirks, and Vanessa throws her head back, laughing like I just told the funniest joke in the world.

“It was all a bet. I wanted to prove to my friends how easy you are ...a cheap whore. And guess what? You didn’t disappoint.”

Vanessa steps forward, her red dress clinging to her like some cheap second skin. “Hear that, ugly duckling? It was all a game. A pathetic, hilarious game.”

People were staring now…whispering. Laughing. Every single one of their gazes feels like a knife to my chest.

“No,” I manage, shaking my head so hard my hair whip around my damn face. “No, Ethan, you’re lying. You’re my mate!”

“Not anymore.” He crosses his arms. “I, Alpha Ethan Stevens of the Full Moon Pack, reject you, Aria Whitlock, as my mate and future Luna.”

My knees almost give out, and my wolf lets out this sorrowful howl in my head that made me wince. “No,” I choke out, over and over, my hands clutching my chest trying to hold my shattered heart together.

Ethan rolls his eyes. “Accept the rejection, Aria. Or, I swear, when we get back to the pack, I’ll have you banished. I don’t need you. I don’t want you. Hell, the sex wasn’t even good.”

His words stab my heart like a freaking knife. I can’t breathe, can’t think, can’t do any fucking thing except stand there, crashing out.

But I can't afford to be Banished.

“I…” My voice is barely a whisper. “I, Aria Whitlock, accept the rejection.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, pain explodes in my chest. My wolf howls louder, her painful cries echoing in my head as the bond snaps. It’s like my soul’s been ripped in shreds.

“Good,” Ethan sneers. “Now, get your pathetic silly ass out of my sight. Oh, and don’t forget to clear your shit out of my suite.”

I look at him, pleading. “Where am I supposed to stay? The ship has a two-person room limit—”

“Not my problem,” he cuts me off rudely. “Hell, jump overboard for all I care.”

His words burn. They scorch. And before I can register, my legs carry me out of the party room, past the laughing crowd, and up the ship’s deck.

I don’t know how long I sat there, sobbing into the night. The stars above feel like they’re mocking me, shining so brightly while my life has completely shattered. Ethan, my mate…my fucking mate has destroyed me. How could the Moon Goddess be so cruel? I gave him everything. My heart. My trust. My virginity. And for what? To be humiliated and tossed aside like trash?

Before I know it, I’m climbing onto the railing. The wind blows my hair around my face, and the ocean below looks so calm, so inviting. Maybe that bastard is right. Maybe I don’t belong anywhere.

I'm so ashamed, too brokenhearted. There is nothing left for me in this stupid world. I know the bullying will only get worse, the gossip louder, the stares sharper. I’ll be ostracized even more, torn apart by the same people who’ve always hated me.

And my friends... I can’t bear the thought of them suffering because of me. They’ve stood by me through thick and thin, but this? This shame? It’ll drag them down too.

It's not worth it. Not at all.

I close my eyes, ready to jump, when a voice carries through the night.

“Don’t do it. Don't jump.”

I freeze, my heart thumping. Slowly, I turn to see Alpha Lucas leaning against the railing, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. His alluring gray eyes glint under the moonlight, and for a second, I don't even know how to breathe.

“Why do you care?” I snap, tears still streaming down my face. “You’ve never even acknowledged my existence. Just go away.”

“You're right,” he sighs, taking a slow drag from his cigarette. “But are you really gonna jump, because some fucking asshole decided to be an even bigger asshole.”

“You don’t understand,” I yell back. “My life is fucking ruined!”

He raises his eyebrow, blowing out a puff of smoke. “Alright, jump then.”

I blink at him, confused. “What?”

“You heard me.” He shrugs, leaning casually against the railing. “If you’re so sure it’s over, then jump. Go ahead.”

I let out a frustrated sob, turning back to the water. But I can’t fucking do this. My hands are shaking, and my legs stay frozen in place.

“What’s the problem?” Lucas taunts. “Chicken?”

I whip around, ready to yell at him to fuck off, but the movement made me lose my balance. My foot slips, and before I can scream, Lucas lunges forward, grabbing me and pulling me back. My breath catches as I look up at him, his face inches from mine.

I land against his chest, his strong arms wrapping around me effortlessly.

Suddenly, fireworks explode in the sky above us, painting his sharp, chiseled features in flashes of red and gold. My heart skips a beat

, and I'm unable to tear my gaze away from him.

My wolf stirr, and then it hit me—hard.

Mate.

Aria

“What the actual hell?” I yank myself out of his hold, shaking my head like he’s lost his damn mind. “You’re lying. I don’t even feel a bond or smell your scent.”

A lie. A huge lie. He smells like heaven dipped in sin, and being this close to him makes my wolf stir like she’s been on a three-shot espresso bender. But no way. Nope. Not happening. He can’t be my mate.

“Why…” My voice rises with each word. “Why the hell would the Moon Goddess saddle me with someone like you as my second-chance mate?” I throw my hands in the air, completely done with this cosmic joke.

Lucas looks amused, which only pisses me off more. Of course, he’s amused. The guy’s the king of our school, the golden boy every girl worships, and oh yeah, a fucking young billionaire. Me? I’m just Aria Whitlock, professional doormat. We’re not even the same species as far as the social ladder is concerned.

“No, seriously,” I add, throwing him a dirty look. “Why would the Goddess waste a perfectly good mate bond on you?”

“Woah,” he says, clutching his chest like I’ve wounded him. “Harsh, much?”

“You’re a literal manwhore, Lucas. You’ve slept with half the school. Probably the other half, too, if skirts aren’t your thing.”

He shrugs, not even trying to deny it. “Okay, fair.”

I narrow my eyes. “I’m not doing this. I can’t go from one asshole mate to another. I’m not accepting this bond.”

“That’s cool.” He leans casually against the railing, looking like rejection doesn’t faze him. “Because same.”

“Wait—what?” I blink, caught off guard.

“But,” he continues, that trademark cocky smirk spreading across his stupidly perfect face, “I want to be your fake boyfriend.”

I stare at him like he’s sprouted another head. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Let’s fake-date for the rest of this cruise,” he says, like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “You know, to piss off Ethan and Vanessa. And don’t worry, I’m not interested in the mate bond either.”

I gape at him, trying to figure out if he’s serious. He is. Of course he is. Lucas Russo lives for drama. I frown, trying to wrap my head around this mess. I know Lucas and Ethan don't exactly get along hell, they can't stand each other. But Lucas’s casual dismissal of the mate bond... It stings, but why does it bug me so much? I mean, my own mate doesn’t even care about it, so why the hell should I?

But damn it, the idea of rubbing this in Ethan’s face is kind of tempting. Still…

“No way,” I say flatly. “Not interested.”

Lucas tilts his head. “Oh yeah? Where’re you planning to stay? Ethan’s suite? Oh, wait—he kicked your ass out. And isn’t there a two-person limit per room?”

Shit. My face falls as I realize he’s right. Stupid ship rules.

“I’ll stay with my friends,” I snap, grasping at straws.

He smirks. “Last I checked, there were three of you. You really think your friends gonna pick who gets the boot?”

Damn it. He’s got me there.

“Why are you even doing this?” I ask, crossing my arms.

Lucas’s smirk softens, just a little. “Because I can’t stand that dickhead, and I hate the way he treated you. I saw everything.”

Shame burns my cheeks, but it’s quickly drowned out by anger. Screw Ethan. Screw Vanessa. And screw this entire situation. Maybe Lucas’s ridiculous plan isn’t the worst idea ever.

I sigh. "So, what’s the catch?"

He gives me a sideways smirk. "Pretty much everything.

“Fine,” I mutter. “I’ll do it. But it’s fake. Strictly fake.”

Lucas grins, victorious. “Obviously. We’ll play the happy couple, make sure everyone knows we’re mates, and after the cruise we'll reject each other."

“Deal,” I say.

“But one more thing—don’t fall in love with me.”

I bark out a stupid laugh. “Right back atcha. Don’t get any ideas. Seriously. You’re not my type, and I’m not gonna fall for you."

I try not to let my eyes travel to his gray eyes, that perfectly chiseled face, olive skin, and those muscles I swear could melt a girl’s panties off. Not that I’d ever let it happen. Not in a million years.

“You're not my type either.”

I scowl. “Don’t worry. I’ve had enough players to last a lifetime.”

Lucas sticks out his hand, smirking. “Partners?”

I roll my eyes but shake his hand. “Partners.”

“So, how exactly do we end it... you know, when it’s all over?” I ask Lucas, trying to sound casual, even though the question has been rattling around in my head.

His face grows serious for a moment, which is honestly more unsettling than his usual smirk. “The very last day on this ship? We reject each other and get the hell out of here,” he says, like he’s delivering the weather forecast.

I nod slowly. That actually sounds like the best option. There’s nothing for me here, anyway. I mean, Lucas? A total playboy. The guy couldn’t commit to any girl. He only cares for hockey.

“Once we’re off this ship, whatever happens here stays here,” he adds, giving me a pointed look.

I nod again, because what else am I supposed to do? He’ll probably waltz back to his perfect life—where women throw themselves at him—and I’ll shuffle back to my gloomy little existence. You know, like Cinderella, except without the fancy ball, the prince, or even a decent pair of shoes.

“Great. Now come on, girlfriend, let’s go get your stuff from that asshole,” Lucas says,

all casual, like we’re heading to grab coffee—not stepping into the lion’s den.

Aria

I give him a side-eye. “Girlfriend? You’re laying it on thick already, huh?”

He smirks, not even missing a beat. “Oh, you’ll see. PDA’s part of the plan. Gotta make that loser jealous, and trust me, it’ll work.”

I almost trip over my own feet. Me, in some fake relationship with Lucas-the-Resident-Player? Yeah, that’d go over great. The judgment I’d get from my friends? Yikes. I can practically hear them already: Aria, really? Lucas?

But honestly? It’s worth it to see Ethan’s stupid, smug face crumble.

When we finally reach Ethan’s door, Lucas leans against the frame like this is just another Tuesday for him. “Need help packing, babe?” he asks, that annoying little grin plastered on his face.

“Nope. I don’t even have much,” I say, bracing myself as I open the door.

And bam, there it is. That stench I used to like…Ethan’s scent or whatever—hits me like a truck. But now? Now it makes me wanna gag. I don’t even bother looking for him. Dude’s probably in the bathroom, preening like a damn peacock. I start shoving my stuff into my bag, laser-focused on getting out of there.

And then I hear it.

Wet, slurpy sounds.

I freeze as the bathroom door creaks open. And there they are…Ethan and Vanessa, mid-makeout, stumbling out like two stupid horny teenagers.

Honestly, I’ve never felt more disgusted in my life. Vanessa’s red lipstick is smeared halfway across her stupid cheek, and Ethan looks like he just won the fucking lottery. Gross.

“Oh, look who it is,” Ethan sneers, his arm still wrapped around Vanessa like she’s some kind of property. “If you hadn’t come, I’d have tossed your crap into the trash.”

Classy, right?

I don’t say anything. I just grab my bag and head for the door, but of course, Mr. Ego won’t let me go without one last dig.

“Are you ignoring me, Aria?” he snaps. “Have you forgotten I’m your alpha? Stop right there!”

I stop, but I refuse to look at him. I’m done playing his stupid games.

“So, where are you gonna stay, huh? You don’t even have a room,” he jeers, and Vanessa snickers like the knockoff Barbie she is. “They’ll probably throw you overboard soon.”

I spin around, my eyes blazing. “Better than staying here and looking at your pathetic loser face.”

You should see him. His jaw set so hard. “What did you just say?” he growls, stepping closer. “You’re seriously gonna insult your alpha?”

Oh, he’s fucking pissed, alright. But I didn’t flinch. Not anymore. He shoves me, barking something about lowering my eyes, but before I can even respond, the door slams open.

Lucas walks in.

“Yo, what the hell are you doing?” Lucas’s voice is ice-cold, but his smirk is all fire.

Ethan looks like he’s seen a ghost. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Lucas slings an arm around my shoulder like he’s been doing it for years. “I’m here to get my girlfriend. Problem?”

Ethan blinks like he’s been slapped. “Girlfriend?!”

“Yup,” Lucas says, popping the p like he’s chewing gum. “Aria’s my girlfriend now. Crazy how things work out, huh?”

Ethan’s face? Priceless. Vanessa’s jaw is almost on the floor.

“That’s absurd,” she sputters, like the idea of me being with someone hot is a crime against nature.

Lucas casually slides his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “Yeah. My mate, actually. Got a problem with that?”

Ethan laughs, his face twitching like he’s fighting the urge to punch someone—Lucas probably. “This is bullshit. You’re just doing this to piss me off.”

“And?”Lucas tilts his head, all smug confidence. “Is it working?”

Ethan’s eyes narrow, but he steps back. “You can have her. She’s trash anyway.”

My chest tightens, but before I can spiral, Lucas leans down and whispers, just loud enough for them to hear, “Bet she’s the best trash you’ve ever seen, huh?” He winks at Ethan, grabs my bag, and steers me toward the door.

As we leave, I glance back. Vanessa looks ready to burst into flames, and Ethan? His fake indifference is cracking at the edges. I can’t help but smirk. Seeing their faces twist like they’ve sucked on bitter lemons? Chef’s kiss.

We walk until we’re halfway down the hall. Lucas starts laughing under his breath, and, against all odds, I find myself laughing too.

“That was fun,” he says, grinning at me. “Did you see their faces?”

“Oh, I saw,” I admit, still laughing a little despite myself. “But this is insane.”

“Insane is my specialty,” he shoots back. “Now, come on, girlfriend. Let’s get you to my suite.”

And that’s when it hits me. I’m about to spend the night in Lucas’s suite. Alone. With Lucas. The gu

y who has a reputation as the school’s biggest whore.

Oh, fuck my life.

Aria

My heart’s pounding like a bass drum in a bad EDM track as Lucas and I walk toward his suite. Gail, my wolf, is practically doing cartwheels in my head, and I can’t help but groan internally. Seriously, Gail? Haven’t we learned our lesson about "mates"?

‘It’s the Moon Goddess, not me,’Gail snarks, clearly unimpressed with my attitude.

‘Yeah, well, the Moon Goddess needs better matchmaking skills,’ I shoot back, effectively earning myself an eye roll from my own fucking wolf. Great.

We don’t even make it halfway to Lucas’s suite before a guy in a hockey jersey…a teammate of Lucas’s, I think—comes strolling up. His black hair is a mess, and he’s got that “just got off the rink” look.

“Alpha Lucas, where the fuck have you been? Coach is losing his mind,” the guy says, but his eyes immediately land on me. And then on the bag Lucas is holding. The confusion on his face is priceless.

“Oh, come on, Damon,” Lucas groans, rolling his eyes. “Why didn’t you just tell him I was sleeping or something?”

The guy, Damon, looks unimpressed. “Dude, you know Beta John is stubborn as hell. He said it’s important. Message from the Alpha”

Lucas’s entire vibe changes. His eyes narrow, jaw clenching. “My dad?” he mutters, not sounding thrilled.

Now, I don’t know much about Lucas’s family, but I’ve heard enough whispers to know his dad is the Alpha of the Shadow Fang Pack, billionaire extraordinaire, and the owner of Crescent Wolf Academy. Basically, he’s a big deal.

Lucas hands me my bag. “Here, I’ll go check on this. I’ll come back and get you, or do you want me to walk you to the suite?”

I shake my head quickly. “I’ll wait. Go handle your stuff. I need to check on my friends anyway.”

He nods, but Damon gives me one last confused look before they both disappear down the hall. The second they’re out of sight, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Saved… for now.

Dragging my bag behind me, I head to Mia and Lily’s suite. They’re probably freaking out since I’ve been ghosting the mind-link all day.

The second I knock, the door flies open, and Mia yanks me inside like I’m the last slice of pizza at a party.

“Where the hell have you been, Aria?!” she snaps, her hazel eyes blazing.

“We were so worried!” Lily chimes in, her normally calm face scrunched up in anger.

“I’m sorry, okay? I just…” I flop onto the bed, trying to come up with something that doesn’t sound pathetic.

“You don’t have to explain,” Mia cuts in gently. “The gossip’s everywhere. Alpha Ethan is a complete piece of shit.”

I bite my lip, tears pricking my eyes. “You were right, Mia. He cheated on me. Publicly. And he laughed about it.”

Before I know it, both of them are hugging me, their warmth making the ache in my chest feel a little less suffocating.

“I’m gonna kill him,” Mia growls, pulling back. Her eyes flash yellow, and I know Ren, her wolf, is clawing to come out.

“Calm down, Mia,” I say quickly. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine,” she snaps, but there are tears in her eyes now. “You deserve better.”

I try to reassure her, but the sadness in her voice nearly breaks me. Mia’s always been the tough one, so seeing her like this made me realize how much she cares for me.

“I’m okay, Mia. Really.”

“No, you’re not,” she snaps, wiping her tears but still looking ready to throw Ethan into the ocean.

“Guys, let’s forget about him. I don’t even care anymore. I hate him,” I say, trying to sound confident.

“That’s the spirit!” Lily cheers, wiping her own tears.

But then Mia narrows her eyes at me suspiciously. “You’re taking this breakup a little too well. Spill.”

I hesitate. “Okay, fine. Something happened.”

"What do you mean? Spill!" Lily leans forward, practically bouncing with curiosity.

I fiddle with the hem of my dress, suddenly wishing I could shrink into the floor. My voice wavers as I finally admit, "I went to the deck… to jump into the water."

The looks on their faces…shock, hurt, and a touch of horror, make my chest ache.

"You what?" Mia’s voice cracks as she grabs my arm like I’m about to bolt.

"I—" I stutter, "I didn’t mean to scare you guys. I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. I just… I just wanted it all to stop. My life… my pathetic excuse for a life."

"Aria," Lily breathes out, already in tears, before she and Mia tackle me into a tight hug.

"Don’t you ever do that again," Mia growls.

I feel their warmth around me, and for a moment, the crushing weight on my chest lightens. But when they pull back, the disappointment in their eyes stabs me straight through.

"I’m sorry," I whisper. "I wasn’t thinking about how it’d affect you two. I was just… done."

"Oh, Aria," Mia cries.

They both hug me tightly again. Next I told them about Lucas, the fake dating plan, the whole insane mess.

The second I mention Lucas, their jaws drop. By the time I was done explaining the fake dating plan, Lily looks like she’s about to faint, and Mia is pacing the room like a caged animal.

“Lucas? As in Alpha Lucas? The hockey god? The billionaire? The playboy?” Mia’s voice gets higher with every word.

“Yes,” I mumble.

“The Moon Goddess must really hate you,” Mia mutters, throwing her hands up. “First Ethan, now him?” Mia deadpans.

“I think it’s romantic,” Lily's eyes sparkled. “Imagine taming the untamable Alpha.”

I glare at her. “This isn’t a rom-com, Lily. And it’s not real. It’s just… revenge.”

“And he wants to fake-date you to piss off Ethan whom he hates?” Lily raises her voice slightlyl.

I nod.

“And you agreed?!”

“I was angry, okay? Ethan deserved it. And you should’ve seen his face when he saw us together. It was chef’s kiss,” I admit, smirking.

“Well, he deserves it,” Mia huffs. “But, girl, Lucas is your mate. Billionaire, Alpha, hot as hell… also a massive player. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Lily gasps. “And his fangirls! They’re gonna murder you.”

“Oh, please. He’s not even a celebrity,” I scoff.

Mia and Lily exchange a look before screaming, “IT DOESN’T MATTER!”

I roll my eyes. “Look, it’s just until the tour ends. Then we reject each other and go our separate ways.”

“And then what? Go back to the pack and get bullied all over again?” Mia asks softly, her anger fading into sadness.

“I don’t have a choice. Lucas doesn’t want the mate bond or anything serious. Besides, I need a room—” Before I can complete my words, there’s a knock at the door. Mia opens it, and I swear the temperature in the room skyrockets. Lucas is standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe, looking like he walked out of a high fashion ad.

Mia and Lily look like they’ve just seen a Marvel superhero walk into the room. Mia’s mouth is hanging open, and Lily’s blinking like her brain has short-circuited.

Lucas notices and smirks. “Nice to meet you, ladies.”

Mia’s face turns red, and Lily looks like she’s about to swoon. I’m officially mortified.

He takes my bag and grabs my hand. “Come on, girlfriend. Let’s go.”

Mia and Lily are still fucking staring as he pulls me out of the room.

“Can you stop calling me ‘girlfriend’ I hiss once we’re out in the hallway.

“What? It suits you,” he says with a wink, completely unbothered.

I glare at him, but he just laughs.

As we walk down the hall, my heart starts pounding again. I’m about to spend the night in a room with Lucas freaking Russo. Alone.

He looks at me, and there’s something in his eyes that makes my stomach flip. “You’ll love the bed. Plenty of room for… you know….”

I flush so hard I feel like my face is on fire. “Shut up.”

H

e laughs again, and I know I’m in trouble. Big trouble.

When we finally reach the suite, immediately the door opens, my jaw drops.