As Ariel and Esther settled into a booth at the diner, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Ariel couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as she prepared to confide in her sister about her awakened inner wolf. Deep down, though, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss."Esther, I have something important to tell you," Ariel began, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Something strange has been happening to me lately."Esther looked at Ariel, her eyes filled with concern. "What's been going on, sis? You know you can always confide in me."Ariel took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "My inner wolf has suddenly awakened," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can feel her energy coursing through me, and it's exhilarating. But it's also overwhelming."Esther's eyes widened in surprise. She had always known about Ariel's dormant inner wolf, but the sudden awakening was unexpected. She struggled t
As the diner closed its doors for the night, Ariel found herself feeling a mix of exhaustion and sadness. The absence of Esther weighed heavily on her heart, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness. She locked up the diner and stepped outside, her eyes scanning the empty street.To her surprise, she saw Xavier leaning against his car, waiting for her. A small smile tugged at her lips as she approached him, grateful for his presence in this moment of vulnerability."Hey," Xavier greeted, his voice filled with warmth and concern. "I thought I'd wait for you. How are you holding up?"Ariel sighed, leaning against the car beside him. "It's been a tough day," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "I miss Esther already. It feels like a piece of me is missing."Xavier reached out and gently took her hand in his, his touch offering comfort and support. "I understand, Ariel. Esther is an important part of your life, and her absence will be felt," he said, his voice filled
I woke up the next morning with a sense of anticipation and nervousness. Leaving my fake home with Ariel had been a difficult decision, but the pull between us was undeniable. Now, I needed to return to the palace, but one burning question consumed my thoughts - why had Ariel been invited? And who had extended the invitation?As I made my way through the grand halls of the palace, my mind was consumed with these questions. I needed answers, and I knew that my grandmother, Regina, would be able to provide them.I found Regina in her study, surrounded by books and papers. She looked up from her work as I entered, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern."Xavier, my dear, what brings you here so early in the morning?" Regina asked, her voice filled with warmth.I approached her, a serious expression on my face. "Regina, I need to talk to you about something," I said, my voice filled with urgency. "Ariel received an invitation to the palace. Do you know anything about it?"
ARIELChloe and I exchanged a glance of disbelief as we stared at the coat in my hands. Xavier's name, clear as day, was imprinted on it. It was undeniable evidence that he was not only hiding something, but that he was also the Alpha King himself."He's the Alpha King?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "But how? Why would he hide his true identity from me?"Chloe's eyes widened with realization. "Ariel, think about it. The Alpha King has always been a figure of power and authority. If Xavier revealed his true identity to you, it would have changed the dynamics of your relationship. He probably wanted to be sure that you loved him for who he was, not for his position."Her words made sense, but it was still difficult to process. I had fallen in love with Xavier, not knowing the truth about his true identity. The weight of the secrets he had kept from me suddenly felt heavier than ever.Just as Chloe and I were about to discuss our suspicions further, the sound of footsteps interr
Ariel——As I wiped away my tears, I took deep breath and looked into Chloe's eyes. It was time to reveal the truth, to unburden myself from the weight of the secret that had been consuming me."Chloe," I began, my voice steady but filled with trepidation. "There's something I need to tell you. Something that I should have told you a long time ago."Chloe's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Ariel? You know you can tell me anything."I took another deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I continued. "You remember when Xavier and I told everyone that we were mates, right?"Chloe nodded slowly, confusion evident in her expression. "Yes, of course. It was a surprise to everyone, but we were all so happy for you."I looked down at my hands, unable to meet Chloe's gaze. "The truth is, Chloe... Xavier and I were never really mates."Chloe gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What? But why? Why would you lie about something like that?"Tears welled up in my eyes once again
XAVIER—I watched as Ariel slept peacefully on the couch, her gentle breathing filling the room. She looked so serene, and a sense of protectiveness washed over me. I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions as I continued to work, my mind divided between the tasks at hand and the woman who had just confessed her love for me.Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, my beta entered the study room, a sense of urgency in his expression. "Xavier, I apologize for interrupting, but there's an urgent matter at the palace. The Alpha requires your immediate presence."I sighed, knowing that duty called, but I couldn't bear to leave Ariel alone at home, especially at this late hour. I looked at her sleeping form, contemplating what to do. I couldn't possibly ask her to come with me, as it was against protocol for a non-royal to be present during important meetings.However, I couldn't just leave her here without knowing she would be safe. After a moment of contemplation, I made a decisio
ARIEL——I watched Xavier carefully, my heart heavy with the knowledge of his true identity. It pained me to see him continue to lie, to pretend that he was just a guard when I knew he was so much more. But I couldn't reveal that I knew his secret, not if it meant losing him for good.Every time he spoke about his duties as a guard, a pang of sadness echoed within me. I wanted so desperately to tell him that I understood, that I knew he was the Alpha of our pack. But the risk was too great. If I exposed his secret, it could put both him and the pack in danger.As Xavier continued to explain the dangers that came with being close to him, I felt a mix of frustration and longing. I wanted to be by his side, to support him in every way possible. But I had to respect his decision to keep me safe, even if it meant keeping me at a distance."Xavier, I understand," I said softly, my voice filled with a mixture of resignation and sadness. "I don't want to put you or the pack in danger. I'll tru
Ariel—-Regina's words echoed in my mind as I sat there, grappling with the weight of Xavier's secret. The thought of losing him, of being replaced as his mate, tore at my heart. But Regina was right, communication was crucial, and I needed to have an open and honest conversation with Xavier.As I contemplated the next steps, Regina's voice broke through my thoughts. "Ariel, does Xavier know that you're aware of his true identity?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "No, Regina. I haven't told him," I admitted, my heart sinking. "I'm afraid that if I reveal that I know he's the Alpha, he won't want me anymore. He'll see me as weak, as someone who can't handle the responsibilities that come with being an Alpha's mate."Regina's eyes filled with empathy as she reached over and gently cupped my face. "Ariel, you underestimate Xavier's love for you. He chose you as his fake mate, and he cares deeply for you," she reassured me. "You