Chapter 23

**Chapter 23**

**Aria’s POV**

The lobby enveloped me in a peculiar blend of scents: the slick aroma of polished marble, the rich, bitter scent of coffee, and an undercurrent of something more visceral—fear, my fear. It clung to me like a second skin.

“I’m here to see Nathan Hemsworth,” I announced to the receptionist, attempting to infuse my voice with an authority I didn’t quite feel. Beneath the surface, I could sense the tremors, the frantic pacing of my wolf echoing in my chest, a restless energy demanding release.

The receptionist blinked at me, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in my bedraggled appearance. I was a soaked mess, my hair plastered to my forehead, and cradling my baby tightly against my chest as if she were the only thing keeping me anchored.

She reached for the phone, her fingers trembling slightly.

“Mr. Collins,” she murmured, lowering her voice as if afraid of being overheard. “There’s… a strange woman here. She won’t say why, just insists on seeing Alpha Nathan. Oh, and she’s holding a baby—looks about eight months old.”