Chapter forty seven: in the silence

Aria's POV

"You’re not wrong, Aria; we are mates; you are my mate," I hear Xander’s voice.

I turn abruptly to the sound of his voice. He was standing a few feet away, and I fight the urge to ask him why he's here. I bring my knees closer to my chest, wrapping my arms tighter around them to ease the chill engulfing me.

I turn my attention back to the lake. I really need to know how he’s doing this, how he’s listening to my thoughts without my knowledge. Letting himself into my head without my permission.

His heavy footsteps draw closer, but I don’t even acknowledge them. I feel a jacket being wrapped around me, and the cold immediately subsides a little. The smell of Xander’s cedarwood scent makes me feel a little better.

“It’s cold out here; let’s go home,” he gives me his hand, which I don’t accept. My attention is still focused on the lake.

“Sunshine,” he whispers, “it’s cold out here. You’re even shaking” I look down to my hands and legs, I didn’t know I was shaking until he said