Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy (ARIA) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Chapter 141

ARIA

22

+5 Pearls

But Celine’s defense had been interesting. She’d tried to give me credit for my efforts, tried to suggest that the pack was noticing and appreciating what I was doing. Though even she had seemed uncertain by the end of the conversation, as if Margo’s cynicism had undermined her more positive assessment.

And the bit about Ivory being too busy and focused on her own work to care about what I was doing-that felt both relieving and somehow insulting. Relieving because it suggested she wasn’t actively undermining me or resenting my presence. Insulting because it reduced me to something beneath her notice. Not even worth the energy of active dislike.

I continued walking, my mind churning. The conversation had clarified a few things, at least.

My efforts to settle disputes were being noticed. People acknowledged I was doing the work. But they viewed it as basic, expected competence rather than anything particularly impressive.

Kael’s public support was being interpreted as either genuine reconciliation or political necessity, depending on who was watching and their existing opinions about our relationship.

And Ivory had apparently moved on completely. Was focused on her own work to the exclusion of caring about pack drama or relationship dynamics.

That last part should have been good news. Should have meant I could stop worrying about her as a threat to my relationship with Kael or my position as Luna.

But I kept thinking about what I’d witnessed at the waterfall. About Kael’s admission that he’d always help Ivory, always prioritize their connection. About the easy laughter and physical comfort they’d displayed.

If Ivory had truly moved on, why did Kael still seem so conflicted? Why did I still feel like I was competing with a ghost of their past relationship?

Maybe the problem wasn’t Ivory at all. Maybe the problem was me-my own insecurity, my own inability to trust that I could be enough despite not having fifteen years of history to draw on.

Or maybe the problem was Kael-his inability to fully let go of what he’d had with Ivory, even while trying to build something new with me.

Or maybe there was no clear problem. Just complicated people navigating complicated feelings in an impossible situation, and I needed to stop trying to analyze everything and just live in the present moment.

I reached my chambers and found Celine already there, preparing fresh linens. She looked up when I entered, and I saw a flash of something-guilt, maybe?-cross her face before she composed herself.

“Luna Aria,” she said. “I didn’t expect you back so early.”

“Finished my hearings for the day,” I said, trying to sound normal rather than like I’d just overheard her conversation with Margo. “Thought I’d rest before dinner.”

“Of course,” Celine said, resuming her work with perhaps slightly more focus than necessary. “Is there

12:49 Sun, Dec 21 G MJ.

Chapter 141

anything you need?”

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

+5 Pearls

She finished quickly and left, still looking vaguely uncomfortable. I wondered if she suspected I’d overheard. Wondered if it mattered if she knew.

I changed into more comfortable clothes and sat by the window, looking out at the pack grounds. People were starting to gather for the evening meal. Children playing their last games before being called inside. Warriors finishing their training rotations. Normal pack life continuing regardless of the complicated dynamics among the leadership.

Kael would be coming soon to walk me to dinner. He’d been doing that every evening too, making sure we were seen together, presenting a united front. It was sweet. Thoughtful. Exactly the kind of public support a mate should provide.

But I kept wondering-was it genuine? Or was Margo right that it was political theater? Kael doing his duty as Alpha to support his Luna, even if privately he’d rather be spending time with someone else?

I hated that I was doubting him. Hated that Damon’s poison and my own insecurity and overheard conversations were undermining the fragile trust we’d been rebuilding.

But I couldn’t help it. Couldn’t stop the questions from circling.

Was I enough for Kael? Would I ever be enough? Or would I always be measuring myself against what he’d had with Ivory and finding myself lacking?

I didn’t have answers. Just the same questions on repeat, slowly driving me toward some kind of breaking point I couldn’t quite identify.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. Kael, right on time, ready to escort me to dinner.

I stood, smoothed my dress, and arranged my face into something pleasant. Because that’s what I did now. Performed being the adequate Luna. Going through the motions of rebuilding my relationship with my mate. Pretending that doubt and insecurity weren’t eating me alive from the inside.

“Come in,” I called.

Kael entered, smiling when he saw me. That genuine smile that made him look younger, less burdened by Alpha responsibilities.

“Ready for dinner?” he asked, offering his arm.

“Ready,” I confirmed, taking it.

And we walked to the dining hall together, presenting our united front to the pack. While I wondered how long I could keep pretending everything was fine.

How long before the doubt consumed me entirely.

How long before something broke that couldn’t be repaired.

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