The mansion was grander than Layla had ever imagined, with soaring ceilings, intricate woodwork, and chandeliers that sparkled even in the daylight.Kane walked beside her, his hand occasionally brushing her back to guide her forward.“This place is so… beautiful,” Layla murmured as they reached the top of the main staircase.Kane chuckled, his gaze warm. “I’m glad you think so. And I’m glad you’re here to see it.”He led her down a quiet hallway to a door at the far end, which he opened to reveal a large, elegant room with soft cream colored walls, a massive bed, and floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the forest and mountains.The room was furnished simply but tastefully, with a comfortable sitting area near the windows and a small bookshelf stocked with a selection of novels and histories.Layla stepped inside, taking in the beauty of the space, feeling a swell of gratitude rise within her.She’d never imagined having a room like this, let alone in a place where she felt genui
The next day, Amelia’s eyes narrowed with satisfaction as she pressed her weight against Layla’s door, ensuring it would stay firmly shut.She’d been up at the crack of dawn, far earlier than usual, her mind spinning with ways to subtly sabotage the woman she saw as an interloper in her domain.Trapping Layla in her room was a simple but effective plan, missing a meal and failing to appear before Kane would certainly cast Layla in a poor light. She smirked, feeling a thrill of vindication.As she hurried down the hall, Amelia envisioned Kane waiting in the dining room, puzzled as to why Layla wasn’t there and, perhaps, even a bit disappointed. But Amelia would be there to explain, ever the devoted aid, ready to assist and subtly imply Layla’s incompetence.She glided down the hallway, anticipation building. But as she approached the dining room, Amelia’s confident stride faltered.Voices drifted through the open doors, Kane’s deep tone mingling with the softer, unmistakable laughter o
Amelia’s mood was still simmering with resentment long after Kane and Layla had left the dining hall.She couldn’t shake the image of them strolling together through the gardens, of Kane’s attentiveness to Layla, his easy warmth that Amelia had never been able to coax out of him.She paced her quarters, her thoughts turbulent, replaying the morning’s events in a loop of irritation and jealousy.Suddenly, a faint rustling sound broke her focus. Her senses sharpened, and she turned toward the window, where a shadow moved just beyond the sill.A shiver of recognition traveled up her spine as a figure stepped into the dim light.Aiden.The former Alpha, dethroned and disgraced, stood before her with a hardened expression. His once, charismatic face was now marked by shadows and anger, his posture tense.He looked every bit the rogue he’d become, estranged, embittered, and brimming with rage.Amelia’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected to see him here, especially not now, so close t
The morning sun was gentle, casting a soft light over the dining hall where Layla sat across from Kane. Her presence felt like a balm to Kane’s restless heart, he enjoyed these quiet breakfasts, a moment of calm with her before the demands of his role as Alpha King swept him away.Layla, though still reserved, was beginning to open up, and Kane cherished every small smile and light laugh she shared with him.Amelia, standing discreetly in the corner, watched them from a distance, her expression unreadable.The seeds of her jealousy and anger simmered beneath her placid exterior, but no one could have guessed the turmoil beneath her poised demeanor.After her encounter with Aiden the previous night, she’d come armed with a new plan, a simple, seemingly harmless detail that would put her scheme into motion.The kitchen staff, under Amelia’s calculated instruction, had prepared Layla’s breakfast. She’d taken care to instruct one of the newer kitchen aides to add a “special ingredient” wi
The days following Layla’s close call were tense, laced with an air of silent animosity that hovered around the mansion.Kane grew increasingly protective, determined to ensure her safety amidst the simmering tensions and the unexpected threats that seemed to lurk in every corner.He arranged for additional security around the estate, a discreet gesture he hoped would ease her mind.But beneath the surface, unseen to Kane and Layla, Amelia’s anger only grew.Aiden had planted a seed of malice within her that now took root, and each day she stewed in her jealousy, resentful of the bond between the Alpha King and the “unworthy” Omega girl who, as she saw it, had stolen the attention she deserved.She had always believed that she was the one Kane would one day notice, that his affection and admiration would be hers. And now, this plan, this alliance with Aiden, had become her sole focus.Meanwhile, Kane tried to make things easier for Layla.He offered her responsibilities that would make
The mansion was quiet under the silvery glow of moonlight as Layla wandered the corridors, restless and unable to find peace.She hugged herself, lost in her thoughts, trying to shake the heavy feeling that seemed to settle in her chest.Amelia’s words, though cruel, had stuck with her, and her mind kept drifting to questions she wished she didn’t have to answer.Her wandering steps had taken her to the window overlooking the garden. The night air, cool and serene, brought a bit of comfort.Just as she was beginning to lose herself in her thoughts, a warm presence drew close. Kane’s scent reached her, and she felt the heat of him before he even spoke.“Layla,” he murmured softly, his voice gentle and deep.She turned, her heart skipping a beat as she saw him standing there.His face was half lit by the moonlight streaming in through the window, his expression softened by concern.“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked, stepping closer until he was just behind her.Layla managed a small smile, tho
The morning sunlight filtered softly through the windows, casting a warm glow over Layla’s room. She stretched, savoring the rare feeling of peace and security she hadn’t felt in years.Lying beside her, Kane was still asleep, his arm resting protectively around her.His presence was steady and calming, grounding her in a way she hadn’t thought possible.Just as she nestled closer, hoping to steal a few more quiet moments, the door swung open with a loud bang.Layla sat up in alarm, her heart racing as she saw Amelia standing in the doorway, her face twisted with fury.She barely glanced at Layla, her eyes fixed on Kane, who was slowly stirring awake, blinking in confusion.“What’s the meaning of this?” Kane demanded, his voice low and dangerous as he shifted to sit up, shielding Layla behind him.Amelia took a step forward, her hands clenched into fists. “I’ve been with you from the beginning, Kane!” she spat out, her voice trembling with frustration. “How could you humiliate me like
As preparations for the upcoming Alpha’s Ball began, the pack grounds buzzed with excitement.This annual event was one of the most important gatherings, where Alphas and their closest allies from across the territory would gather to discuss alliances, honor traditions, and celebrate their unity.For years, Amelia had stood proudly by Alpha King Kane’s side at these events, her position beside him at the ball practically an unspoken rule. But this year, everything was different.In the days following her confrontation with Layla and Kane, Amelia had stewed over her position, a toxic blend of anger and resentment festering within her. Yet she was clever enough to realize that she needed to play her cards carefully.She’d already come too close to Kane’s fury, and she couldn’t afford to lose his trust entirely.As she made her rounds, she exuded a well practiced aura of humility, stopping to apologize sincerely to Layla, her voice dripping with an apology that barely concealed her resen
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