Ariel BrentThere was that flame again…The same flame I had seen in his hazel eyes last night after he collapsed on my wet body. It was right there again and his eyes turned into a darker shade of hazel- if that was even possible.My breath hitched and I could feel myself turning into a bubble of jelly as Xavier moved his face closer to mine.I will be a fool to not know what was about to happen.Rather than fight him, I closed my eyes and waited to see if he would go through with this. Despite my inability to perceive strongly like other werewolves, the intoxicating scent of desire took over my nostrils and I became weak to my toes…I breathed, “Xavier…”Much to my surprise his name sounded sweeter to my ears and the way it rolled off my tongue made me release a low moan.He groaned in response, wrapping his firm hands around my waist. Again, my breath hitched.Why not?Aside from the embarrassment I felt all through the night, I also couldn't get Xavier out of my mind. The way he s
ALPHA KING Xavier"When will you stop?" I barked at Jaxon, whose annoying eyes had been on me ever since we left my second home this morning.My Beta had taken it upon himself to annoy me throughout the day, even though we were both dealing with serious issues.Jaxon retorted, "Stop what? Has it become a crime to stare at my Alpha? I am simply admiring you, Alpha King."I hissed, "Stop this nonsense, Jaxon. I don't want to have you beheaded."I threatened my Beta, but he merely chuckled as he drove us back to the main pack land. We had been inspecting the borders of the territory since rogue attacks had skyrocketed recently."It's been a long day, Alpha King," Jaxon voiced after a few minutes of silence, and I agreed with him.Until he added, "It's good that you have a woman to go home to. You must be excited, and tonight is the perfect night to continue what you introduced early this morning-""Park the car!"I lashed out with a voice that clearly announced my anger and seriousness.
ALPHA KING XavierI grabbed the entrance door with the intention of opening the damn thing.How did I miss the fact that she wasn't in the house?Karl grunted, “You are stupid. That's why. How can you not differentiate between her presence and her scent? She has her scent almost everywhere in the house for goodness sake!”My wolf beast was furious. And I was also mad at myself.Imagine how many hours I have wasted within the safe walls of our home while Ariel was out there alone… or scared.I stared at the chaotic weather as I beat myself for being unattentive.Although I wasn't scared, it would be stupid to leave the safe walls of the house. The wind was strong and anything could happen to me while I search for Ariel.“Are you kidding me!”Karl barked within me. My last statement must have sounded illogical to my wolf beast but I was the Alpha King and I needed to think twice before jumping into a storm even though my mate's life was in danger.Even though I was scared that I might l
Ariel's heart pounded in her chest as Xavier's words echoed in her mind. He had yelled at her, called her stupid, and now he was pulling her into a tight hug. Confusion swirled within her, mixed with anger and hurt. How could he treat her like this? After everything they had been through, after the connection they shared, how could he still be so cold and distant?She pushed against his chest, trying to break free from his grip. "Let go of me," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness.Xavier's eyes widened in surprise, and he reluctantly released her. "Ariel, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I was just worried about you. I thought something had happened to you."Ariel scoffed, wiping away the tears that had started to fall from her eyes. "Worried about me? That's rich coming from you. You've been avoiding me ever since I found out the truth about our bond. You've treated me like I'm some burden, like I'm not worthy of your attention."Xavier's expression
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