Chapter 17

**Chapter 17**

**Aria’s POV**

I stood there, frozen in place, the broom clutched tightly in my hand as my heartbeat echoed loudly in my ears. “I didn’t do anything,” I protested, my voice barely above a whisper, but the words felt heavy on my tongue.

James, with a sneer that twisted his features, shot back, “Yeah, right. Like you’d ever dare to do anything. It must’ve been that sketchy pasta place I had for lunch—knew there was something off about it. Always craving it, and now look at this mess.”

His teeth ground together, his legs pressed tightly as if he were trying to hold back a tidal wave of frustration.

“Keep sweeping! If I come back and find you slacking off, I swear I’ll beat the hell out of you!” he barked, his voice harsh and commanding as he waddled away, shoulders hunched, his uneven gait making him look almost comical.

I lowered my head, giving a small nod—the submissive gesture he craved. Yet, deep inside, my wolf howled in protest. Every fiber of my being screamed to bare my fangs, to growl low enough that only he could hear it. But I remained still, a statue of restraint.