Ariel looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "But why? Why are you suddenly being so nice to me? And why did you kiss me?"Xavier hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Ariel, I've realized that I've made a lot of mistakes. I've pushed you away, treated you poorly, and I can't live with the thought of losing you. I want to make things right, to rebuild our connection and show you how much you mean to me."Ariel's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and hope. "But you do know that everything that happens between us is just fake?” Ariel said to Xavier as she stroked her neck where Xavier had marked her when they first met and agreed to mate each other for the circumstances they had.Xavier was speechless, unable to find the right words to respond to Ariel's statement. He knew she was right, that their initial agreement to mate had been based on necessity rather than genuine love. But in that momen
Ariel took a deep breath as she prepared herself for another busy day at the diner. She had decided to focus on work and put her complicated feelings for Xavier aside. It wasn't easy, but she knew it was necessary for her own well-being.As the doors of the diner swung open, customers began to flood in, their voices filling the air. Ariel put on a smile and greeted each person with warmth and kindness, determined to provide the best service she could.Chloe, her ever-supportive friend, was by her side, helping to manage the influx of customers. The two of them worked together seamlessly, a well-oiled machine that kept the diner running smoothly.Throughout the day, Ariel's mind occasionally wandered to Xavier. She wondered what he was doing, how he was feeling, and if he had truly meant what he said about wanting to change. But she quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that she needed to focus on the present.As the lunch rush died down, Chloe excused herself to run s
Xavier sighed as he drove his mother, Regina, back to the mansion. He couldn't help but feel frustrated with her sudden appearance at the diner. He had wanted to have a private conversation with Ariel, and his mother's presence had only made things more complicated."Mom, why did you have to come to the diner?" Xavier asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. "I was in the middle of talking to Ariel, and now things are even more complicated."Regina smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, Xavier, I just wanted to see how things were progressing with Ariel. I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better."Xavier sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mom, we can't just show up unannounced like that. Ariel needs her space, and I don't want to overwhelm her."Regina waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Xavier. Ariel and I are already such good friends. I wanted to make sure she knows she has my support and that I'm here for her."Xavier glance
As Xavier made his way out of the council chambers, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Ariel, Jaxon walked closely beside him, sensing his friend's inner turmoil. Sensing Xavier's distracted state, Jaxon placed a steady hand on his shoulder, causing him to pause."Xavier, I know you're eager to return to your secret life with Ariel, but there's something you need to know," Jaxon said, his voice filled with urgency.Xavier turned to face Jaxon, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What is it, Jaxon? What could be so important?"Jaxon took a deep breath before continuing. "Alpha Cole, Ariel's sister Esther's husband, is currently in the palace. He's been waiting to see you, Xavier."Surprise washed over Xavier's face, momentarily replacing his thoughts of Ariel. Alpha Cole was a powerful and influential figure in the supernatural world, and his interest in Xavier's alliance was both intriguing and concerning."Why would Alpha Cole want to see me?" Xavier questioned, his mind racing t
As Xavier tried to come up with a convincing response to Alpha Cole's suspicion, Jaxon appeared, coming to Xavier's rescue."Alpha Cole," Jaxon greeted, stepping forward with confidence. "I apologize for the interruption, but I have urgent matters to discuss with Xavier. It is a private affair that requires his immediate attention."Alpha Cole's gaze shifted from Xavier to Jaxon, his suspicion evident. "And who might you be?" he asked, his tone tinged with authority.Jaxon bowed respectfully. "I am Jaxon, a trusted advisor to the Alpha King and his beta," he replied smoothly. "I assure you, Alpha Cole, this matter is of utmost importance and requires our utmost discretion. Xavier must attend to it personally."Alpha Cole's gaze lingered on Jaxon for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Very well," he said, his voice filled with caution. "But I expect you to finally attend to me once it is resolved."Jaxon nodded, his face remaining composed. "Of course, Alpha Cole
Xavier's heart raced as he absorbed Esther's revelation. He knew that Esther held the power to change everything, to expose his true identity to Ariel. Yet, a part of him still clung to the hope of protecting Ariel from the burdens of his position as the Alpha King."Esther, please," Xavier pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "I understand your concern, but Ariel doesn't need to know. It will only bring more danger and complications into her life."Esther's eyes softened, her gaze filled with empathy. "Xavier, I understand your intentions, but keeping such a significant secret from Ariel won't have a positive outcome," she said firmly. "She deserves to know the truth, to be a part of the decisions that affect both of your lives. Keeping her in the dark will only breed mistrust and resentment."Xavier's shoulders slumped, the weight of his secret bearing down on him. He knew deep down that Esther was right, that honesty was the foundation of any strong relationship. But the fea
Xavier's heart skipped a beat as Ariel questioned his sudden change in demeanor. He knew he couldn't reveal the depth of his feelings just yet, not when the weight of his secret still lingered in the air.Xavier took a deep breath, trying to hide the nervousness bubbling inside him. "Ariel, I've realized that I haven't been as considerate and appreciative as I should be," he explained, his voice steady. "I want to make an effort to show you how much you mean to me and how grateful I am for your presence in my life."Ariel's eyes searched his, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty shining in her gaze. "But why the sudden change, Xavier?" she pressed gently, wanting to understand his motives.Xavier hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I've been reflecting on our relationship and how much you've supported me," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want to reciprocate that support and show you that I am committed to making our relationship stronger."Ariel's
Xavier's mind raced, trying to process Ariel's unexpected comment. He couldn't deny that he had been holding back, trying to respect her boundaries and give her the space she needed. But her words had caught him off guard, making him question his own actions.Before he could respond, a surge of emotions overwhelmed Xavier. The longing, the regret, and the desire that had been building up inside him suddenly took control. Unable to resist any longer, he leaned in and captured Ariel's lips in a passionate kiss.Ariel's eyes widened in surprise, but instead of pulling away, she found herself melting into the kiss. The flood of emotions that had been swirling inside her suddenly found an outlet, and she surrendered to the intensity of the moment.Their lips moved together in perfect harmony, their bodies pressed close. Xavier's hands gently cradled Ariel's face, his touch sending shivers down her spine. It was a moment of pure connection, a release of pent-up emotions that had been buildi
Ariel couldn't believe what she had just felt. It was a surge of emotions and a connection unlike anything she had ever experienced before. But Xavier's sudden movement away from her brought a wave of confusion and disappointment.Xavier moved away from Ariel, his expression filled with fear and hesitation. He didn't want her to find out about the mate bond, not yet. There were too many uncertainties and dangers surrounding their situation, and he didn't want to burden her with the weight of their connection.Ariel, on the other hand, felt a mix of happiness and curiosity. She had always longed for a deep connection and love, and the mate bond seemed to offer just that. She couldn't ignore the pull she felt towards Xavier, the way her inner wolf seemed to want to bond with him."Xavier, what was that?" Ariel asked, her voice filled with wonder and excitement. "I felt something inside me, like my inner wolf was awakening. What does it mean?"Xavier's eyes flickered with a mix of emotio
Xavier couldn't shake off the anger and resentment he felt towards Alpha Cole for his actions towards Ariel. Despite Ariel's reassurances and their agreement to be cautious, Xavier couldn't let it go. He needed to confront Alpha Cole and make it clear that he would not tolerate anyone disrespecting or harming Ariel.With determination in his eyes, Xavier made his way to Alpha Cole's office. As he entered, Alpha Cole looked up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face."Xavier! What a pleasant surprise," Alpha Cole greeted, extending his hand for a handshake. "I've been meaning to talk to you about some business opportunities. I think we could benefit from collaborating."Xavier ignored the offered hand and instead crossed his arms, his expression cold and unyielding. "I'm not here for business, Alpha Cole. I'm here to address your behavior towards Ariel."Alpha Cole's smile faltered, confusion replacing his initial enthusiasm. "I'm not sure what you're referring to, Xavier. I'v
Ariel POV—-As Alpha Calvin's hand lingered near hers, Ariel's heart raced with unease. She desperately needed to diffuse the tension and prevent Xavier from revealing his presence. Just as anxiety threatened to overwhelm her, the sound of the front door opening provided a much-needed distraction."Hey, Ariel, I brought over some of those books you wanted," Chloe's cheerful voice echoed through the house.Ariel's eyes widened with relief as Chloe walked into the kitchen, her gaze immediately falling on Alpha Calvin. She paused for a moment, taking in the tense atmosphere, before a mischievous smile crossed her face."Am I interrupting something?" Chloe asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.Alpha Calvin quickly withdrew his hand, his expression shifting from intensity to one of composed authority. He straightened his posture and cleared his throat."Chloe, it's good to see you," Alpha Calvin said, his tone polite but distant. "I was just having a discussion with Ariel. Perhaps we can co
Ariel pov—-Ariel's heart pounded in her chest as Alpha Calvin's piercing gaze bore into her. She was at a loss for words, her mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation."He... he just left for work," Ariel stammered, hoping Alpha Calvin would buy her lie. She tried to keep her face neutral, her eyes betraying none of the fear that was threatening to consume her.Alpha Calvin's gaze didn't waver. He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Ariel held her breath, her eyes darting to the staircase where Xavier was hiding. She prayed that he would remain unseen.Just then, she caught a glimpse of Xavier's silhouette at the top of the stairs. He was watching them, his body tense and ready to spring into action if Alpha Calvin made any sudden moves. Ariel's heart ached for him, knowing the fear and tension he must be feeling."Ariel," Alpha Calvin began, his voice stern. "I don't appreciate being lied to."Ariel's heart skipped a beat. Had he seen through her lie? She
Alpa Calvin ——Alpha Calvin stormed into his office, his mind filled with frustration and anger. He couldn't believe Xavier had rejected his offer, refusing to accept the potential mate he had presented. The audacity of Xavier's defiance ignited a fire within Alpha Calvin, fueling his determination to form an alliance with Xavier's pack.As he paced back and forth, his thoughts raced, strategizing the next move in this delicate game. He couldn't let Xavier's rejection deter him. The bond between their packs was crucial for the survival and prosperity of both.Alpha Calvin knew Xavier's reluctance stemmed from a deep-rooted fear of being controlled and manipulated. But what Xavier failed to understand was that the mate bond was a source of strength, not a tool of oppression. It brought unity and stability to packs, ensuring their survival in a world filled with dangers.Alpha Calvin's mind drifted to Ariel, Esther's sister who had claimed to have found a mate but never returned home. T
Xavier —Xavier took a deep breath, formulating an excuse in his mind. "Alpha Calvin, the truth is that I've never believed in the concept of a mate bond or connection. I've always valued personal freedom and the ability to choose my own path."Alpha Calvin's brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and disbelief evident on his face. "But Xavier, you've always been a staunch advocate for pack unity and the traditional values of our kind. It's hard for me to believe that you would reject such an integral part of our culture."Xavier met Alpha Calvin's gaze, his eyes steady as he continued with his fabricated explanation. "I understand how it may seem contradictory, but I've seen too many forced pairings in the past that have led to unhappiness and discord within packs. I simply refuse to subject myself or anyone else to that."Alpha Calvin's expression softened slightly, but his skepticism lingered. "I see. So, you're suggesting that love and compatibility can be found outside of the mate bon
Chloe was taken aback by Ariel's outburst, her confusion evident on her face. "Ariel, I don't understand. Do you know who the Alpha King is? I mean, nobody has seen his face, so how could you possibly know about any marriage agreement?"Ariel quickly gathered her thoughts, realizing that she couldn't reveal Xavier's secret identity as the Alpha King. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before responding. "Chloe, I... I've heard rumors, but I don't have any concrete information. It's just something I've heard people talk about. I didn't mean to react so strongly."Chloe's expression softened as she sensed Ariel's discomfort. "Oh, Ariel, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I should have been more careful with my words. But if there's anything you need to talk about or if you want to share something, please know that I'm here for you."Ariel nodded, a mix of relief and guilt washing over her. She appreciated Chloe's support and knew she could trust her with her deepest f
Xavier couldn't bear the weight of his imaginary guilt any longer. As he imagined the conversation with Cole reaching a critical point, he abruptly stood up and excused himself from the meeting. Without a word, he walked out of the throne room and headed directly to the study room.As he paced back and forth, trying to gather his thoughts on how to make Ariel stop thinking about having a baby, his grandmother Regina unexpectedly walked in. Her presence caught Xavier off guard, and he quickly tried to compose himself."Xavier, my dear grandson, what troubles you so deeply?" Regina's voice was filled with concern as she looked at Xavier with a mix of compassion and worry.Xavier hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He knew that his grandmother had always been there for him, offering wisdom and guidance in times of need. But the weight of his secret and the conflicting emotions swirling within him made it difficult to open up."Grandma, I... I have something to tell you," Xa
Xavier couldn't bear the weight of his guilt any longer. He knew that he had to confront his true identity as the Alpha king and leave the house he had shared with Ariel. With a heavy heart, he made the decision to return to the palace and fulfill his responsibilities.As Xavier prepared to leave, his mind was filled with thoughts of Ariel. He couldn't help but wonder how she would react when she learned the truth about him. Would she be angry? Would she feel betrayed? These questions haunted him as he packed his belongings.Just as Xavier was about to head out the door, there was a knock. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of who it could be. When he opened the door, hisnbeta was already there to escort him and when he entered the palace he was surprised to see Cole, Ariel's sister's husband, standing there."Xavier, I need to talk to you," Cole said, his voice filled with urgency. "It's about the pack. We're facing a dire situation, and we need your support."Xavier felt conflicted.