The next day, the warm light of the setting sun filtered through the window as Aria sat on the edge of Ace’s bed.The young boy was surrounded by his favorite toys and drawings, his curious eyes fixed on his mother as she gently stroked his hair.“Ace,” she began softly, her tone laced with both excitement and nervousness. “There’s something very important I need to tell you.”Ace tilted his head, his small face lighting up with intrigue. “Is it about why everyone’s been acting so serious lately?”Aria smiled, amused at his perceptiveness. “It is, sweetheart. It’s something about who you are, about our family.”Ace sat up straighter, his gaze unwavering. “What is it, Mama?”Taking a deep breath, Aria reached for Ace’s hands, holding them gently in her own. “Ace, do you remember when I told you that your papa, Alpha Rylan, saved us and gave us a home?”Ace nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Papa is the best!”Aria’s heart swelled with love, but she pushed forward. “He is, and he’ll always
The journey to Kane’s territory was both somber and filled with anticipation.Ace, his excitement rekindled, chatted endlessly with Aria about what he expected life to be like in his new home.Waiting just beyond the gates was Kane, his imposing figure standing tall amidst the bustle of his pack.When the car came to a stop, he approached, his golden eyes lighting up as he saw Ace step out, holding Aria’s hand.Kane crouched down, arms wide open, and Ace hesitated only for a moment before running into them. “Alpha Kane!” Ace exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. “I’m here!”Kane held him tightly, his voice warm and filled with emotion. “You’re finally home, my boy. And you don’t have to call me Alpha Kane anymore. Just call me Dad.”Ace grinned widely. “Okay, Dad.”Aria stood to the side, her heart swelling as she watched the exchange.Kane turned to her, his gaze softening. “Thank you, Aria,” he said, his voice low but fervent. “Thank you for bringing him here. For trusting
The morning of my eighteenth birthday began like any other day in the Bourne Pack, with me running late for my shift at the pack café.As I sprinted past the training grounds, my worn sneakers kicking up dust, I couldn't help but smile.Today was supposed to be special, the day when most wolves discovered their mate bonds, but I had long since accepted my likely mateless fate as an omega."Layla!"A familiar voice called out, making me skid to a stop.James, our Head Beta's son, jogged over with that easy smile that had half the pack swooning."Happy birthday!""Thanks," I said, tucking a strand of dark hair behind my ear. "But I'm really late...""I know, I know. But here." He thrust a small wrapped package into my hands. "Open it later yeah?"I clutched the gift, warmth spreading through my chest.James had been nothing but kind to me since his mate died two years ago, and sometimes I caught myself wondering if..."Layla."The deep, commanding voice froze me in place.Every wolf in
The Bourne Pack hierarchy had always been crystal clear. Alphas at the top, followed by the Luna, then Betas, Warriors, Gammas, and finally, Omegas at the bottom.We each had our place, our roles, our invisible boundaries.It was a system that had worked for generations. But as I stood in the pack dining hall the morning after my rejection, that system felt like a noose around my neck."Omega!" Zara's sharp voice cut through the breakfast chatter. "My coffee's cold. Again."I bit back a sigh and headed to her table, where she held court with her inner circle, all daughters of high ranking pack members.The future Luna's perfectly manicured nails drummed against the table as she fixed me with a cold smile."You know, Layla," she said, loud enough for nearby tables to hear, "I've been thinking about pack positions lately. Particularly about omegas who can't perform their simple duties correctly."My hands trembled slightly as I picked up her cup.Through the lingering phantom of our s
The packhouse was bustling with activity, the usual evening chatter filling the hallways. For everyone else, this was just another day, another night in the life of the Bourne Pack. But for me, everything had changed.I forced myself to walk calmly, to ignore the gnawing ache in my chest as Aiden’s rejection replayed in my mind.He was my mate, and he had thrown me away as if I meant nothing. And now, I had to pretend like it never happened, to carry on as though my world hadn’t just been flipped upside down.I pushed open the door to the omega quarters, a small area tucked in the back of the packhouse where those of us with lesser ranks lived.It wasn’t much, barely large enough for the few of us who stayed here, but it was home. The familiar scent of lavender and worn wood greeted me as I stepped inside.“Layla!” Sarah, my closest friend, called out from across the room. She had been my anchor since we were kids, always there with a smile and a joke when life got hard. She waved me
The next morning, I woke to a strange mix of emotions, relief and dread battling inside me.Last night, I had made a choice, a decision that could give me the life I wanted. But in the quiet of the early morning, as the packhouse began to stir with life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over.I lay in bed for a while, staring up at the ceiling, trying to push away the thought of Aiden.The mate bond was supposed to fade after a rejection, wasn’t it?So why did I still feel the pull, the constant hum of energy that tethered me to him?It wasn’t as strong as before, but it was there, a faint reminder of what I was trying to leave behind.A soft knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts.“Layla? You awake?”It was Sarah. I sat up quickly and called for her to come in.She poked her head through the door, her blonde curls bouncing as usual. “I made coffee,” she said with a grin, holding up two mugs. “Figured you could use some after last night.”I smiled gratefully as she
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I stumbled back, the weight of his claim crashing down on me.“No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I’m not yours anymore. I’m with James.”Aiden’s eyes darkened, his face twisting with a mix of anger and something else, something possessive.“James?” he sneered. “You think he can protect you? You think he can give you what I can’t?”I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Aiden grabbed my arm, pulling me against him.The bond flared again, stronger this time, and I felt the overwhelming pull of our connection, something primal and undeniable.“You will always be mine, Layla,” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. “No matter what you do. No matter who you run to.”I struggled to pull away, but his grip was firm, his strength overpowering. And despite the fear coursing through me, I couldn’t deny the way my body reacted to him, the way the bond still tied us together.“Aiden, let me go,” I pleaded, my voice trembling.I wren
Later that night, as I lay in bed, sleep eluded me.The moonlight streamed through the curtains, casting shadows on the walls, and all I could think about was Aiden.I couldn’t understand why he still had this hold on me.He had Zara, a beautiful, powerful wolf who was destined to be the Luna. And I had James, who loved me with every fiber of his being. Yet the bond, even broken, still pulsed beneath my skin, like a heartbeat that wouldn’t fade.I slipped out of bed and moved to the window.The cool night air brushed against my skin as I stared out into the darkness, my thoughts churning.That’s when I felt it...A presence.My heart pounded in my chest as I turned, half expecting to see nothing. But there he was, standing in the shadows near the edge of the woods. Aiden.His eyes glowed in the darkness, fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch.Why was he here?Why couldn’t he just leave me alone?I didn’t move, didn’t dare breathe as we locked eyes, the air thick with
The journey to Kane’s territory was both somber and filled with anticipation.Ace, his excitement rekindled, chatted endlessly with Aria about what he expected life to be like in his new home.Waiting just beyond the gates was Kane, his imposing figure standing tall amidst the bustle of his pack.When the car came to a stop, he approached, his golden eyes lighting up as he saw Ace step out, holding Aria’s hand.Kane crouched down, arms wide open, and Ace hesitated only for a moment before running into them. “Alpha Kane!” Ace exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. “I’m here!”Kane held him tightly, his voice warm and filled with emotion. “You’re finally home, my boy. And you don’t have to call me Alpha Kane anymore. Just call me Dad.”Ace grinned widely. “Okay, Dad.”Aria stood to the side, her heart swelling as she watched the exchange.Kane turned to her, his gaze softening. “Thank you, Aria,” he said, his voice low but fervent. “Thank you for bringing him here. For trusting
The next day, the warm light of the setting sun filtered through the window as Aria sat on the edge of Ace’s bed.The young boy was surrounded by his favorite toys and drawings, his curious eyes fixed on his mother as she gently stroked his hair.“Ace,” she began softly, her tone laced with both excitement and nervousness. “There’s something very important I need to tell you.”Ace tilted his head, his small face lighting up with intrigue. “Is it about why everyone’s been acting so serious lately?”Aria smiled, amused at his perceptiveness. “It is, sweetheart. It’s something about who you are, about our family.”Ace sat up straighter, his gaze unwavering. “What is it, Mama?”Taking a deep breath, Aria reached for Ace’s hands, holding them gently in her own. “Ace, do you remember when I told you that your papa, Alpha Rylan, saved us and gave us a home?”Ace nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Papa is the best!”Aria’s heart swelled with love, but she pushed forward. “He is, and he’ll always
The transformation on Kane’s face was immediate and overwhelming. His eyes widened, a brilliant light of joy and disbelief breaking through the storm of emotions he had been carrying.His lips parted in a smile so genuine it made Aria’s heart ache.“My son,” he repeated, this time louder, his voice filled with awe and reverence. “Ace is my son.”He laughed, a sound so rare and unguarded that it echoed warmly in the room.Kane stepped forward and, without hesitation, wrapped Aria in a tight embrace, his arms encircling her protectively.“I have a son,” he murmured into her hair. “Layla, you’ve given me something I never thought I’d have, a family.”Aria let herself sink into his embrace for a moment, her emotions a whirlwind. But as much as she wanted to hold on to the warmth of his joy, she knew this wasn’t the end of their journey.Pulling back slightly, she looked up at him, her expression serious. “Kane, this doesn’t change everything. Ace is your son, but he’s also Rylan’s son in
As the packhouse bustled with activity, the air buzzed with anticipation.Wolves cleaned and redecorated Layla’s old room under Kane’s watchful eye, ensuring every detail was perfect.The scent of fresh flowers filled the space, mingling with the faint traces of her lingering presence that had never truly faded.Kane stood in the doorway, his gaze sweeping over the room.It was exactly as it had been years ago, untouched and waiting.The bed was neatly made with soft, warm furs, the curtains pulled back to let in the moonlight.On the nightstand, a delicate vase held a single white rose, its petals pristine and pure.“She’ll be here,” Kane murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. “She’ll see this and know she has a home waiting for her.”But even as he spoke, a shadow of doubt crept into his mind.He had seen the way Rylan looked at Aria, the way he had fought to keep her and Ace by his side.Kane clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.He would not let Rylan win. Layla, Aria
“You remember,” Rylan said, his voice low but steady, addressing Aria directly.She nodded, her hand instinctively tightening on Kane’s shoulder. “I remember everything,” she said softly. “About Aiden. About Kane. About... about all of it.”Rylan’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but he nodded. “And what does that mean for us? For Ace?”Her heart clenched at the mention of Ace. “It doesn’t change that he’s our son,” she said, her voice firm but gentle. “Rylan, you’ve been an incredible father to him. That doesn’t change because of who Kane is.”Kane stiffened slightly, his grip on Aria’s waist loosening.He glanced at her, his brow furrowing. “What are you saying, Aria?” he asked, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.She took a deep breath, stepping back from both men to create some space. “I need time,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. “I’ve just regained a part of myself I thought I’d lost forever. I need to figure out who I am, who I am now
Aria made her way back to the pack’s territory.Her steps were unsteady, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.The memories were sharp and vivid, each one striking her like a lightning bolt. Every moment she had lived as Layla now coalesced with her present life as Aria, forming a mosaic of pain, betrayal, love, and resilience.She clutched her arms around herself, her breath hitching with each step.The towering gates of the pack’s territory came into view, and she quickened her pace. Every instinct urged her forward, every fiber of her being telling her that she needed to be here, now.As she approached the gates, she spotted a familiar figure. Kane stood by his car, one hand gripping the door, the other running through his dark hair.His powerful frame was tense, his golden eyes scanning the horizon as if he were waiting for something, or someone.Aria froze for a moment, her heart hammering in her chest.The sight of him brought a rush of emotions, the man who had once been her mate,
Aria rose from the fallen log, her body still tense from the emotional confrontation she had endured.The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silvery patterns on the forest floor.As she turned to leave the clearing, her foot caught on a piece of uneven wood hidden beneath the underbrush.She stumbled forward, landing on her hands and knees with a sharp gasp.The impact jarred her, but it was the sudden rush of images flooding her mind that stole her breath away.She was 18 again, walking through the town pack when she encountered Aiden, the then Alpha in the grand town hall.Her heart pounded with anticipation as she approached Aiden, the one who had made her feel the mate bond.He was her mate, she could feel it in her bones. Tonight, on her birthday, he would claim her, and their future together would begin.But his eyes, once warm and inviting, were cold.“I can’t,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I don’t want you, Layla.”Her heart shattered. “What do you mean?” she w
The forest, once alive with danger had settled into an uneasy stillness. Celeste and Amelia, subdued, were escorted back to Rylan’s territory by his warriors.The Alphas, Kane and Rylan, stood a short distance apart, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills.Aria sat on a fallen log, holding Ace close.The boy clung to her, his face buried in her neck as she stroked his hair soothingly.Her heart still raced from the events of the day, but the warmth of her son’s embrace grounded her.Kane approached cautiously, his usually commanding presence softened by concern. “Aria,” he said, his voice low and measured.She looked up, meeting his gaze.“Thank you for finding Ace,” she said, her tone polite but distant.Kane knelt in front of her, his eyes searching hers. “You don’t have to thank me. I’d do anything for you and Ace, you know that.”Rylan’s voice cut through the moment like a blade. “And yet you put them in danger with Amelia.”Kane stood, turning to face Rylan. “Don’t preten
Even though Ace had been found and safely returned, Aria could not shake the feeling of unease clawing at her heart.Something about the entire ordeal felt unresolved, as if a larger danger still loomed.While Rylan and Kane coordinated with their packs, Aria quietly slipped away, her instincts pulling her deeper into the forest.The forest was eerily silent, the faint rustle of leaves the only sound accompanying her hurried steps.Her thoughts swirled with fear and anger, not just at Celeste and Amelia for their cruelty, but at herself for not being able to protect her son.She clenched her fists, frustration boiling within her.As she pushed forward, fragments of a memory flickered in her mind: a clearing bathed in moonlight, the scent of lilies, a soft voice calling her name, Layla.“Who am I?” she whispered, her voice trembling.Something within her stirred, an ancient strength she couldn’t yet name. She pushed on, determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.As Aria ventured