Days turned into weeks, and the reports came back the same, nothing.No one had declared anyone matching Layla’s description missing.No nearby packs had any knowledge of her.It was as if she had simply appeared out of thin air.Rylan stood on the balcony outside his office, his sharp eyes scanning the sprawling forest beyond the pack’s borders.He felt a growing frustration, not just at the lack of information but at the quiet ache within him that hoped no one would claim her.The more time he spent with Layla, the more he found himself drawn to her. Despite her confusion and loss, she carried herself with a quiet strength that intrigued him.He was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of footsteps behind him.He turned to see his Beta, Dain, standing at attention.“No new leads,” Dain reported solemnly. “It’s like she never existed before we found her.”Rylan exhaled, his jaw clenching. “Then we assume she has no one.”Dain hesitated, studying his Alpha’s expression. “And what do
Over the following weeks, Rylan’s care for Aria deepened.He ensured she ate well, rested, and had everything she needed to stay healthy.His pack watched in silent astonishment as their usually aloof Alpha grew softer in her presence.It wasn’t long before whispers began to circulate.“Have you seen the way he looks at her?” one warrior murmured to another during a training session. “It’s like she’s the only thing that matters.”“And that baby… everyone’s saying it’s his,” another added, glancing around to ensure they weren’t overheard.“He hasn’t denied it once.”Rylan wasn’t deaf to the rumors.He heard the hushed voices, saw the questioning looks from his warriors and advisors. But he didn’t correct them.Why would he?His duty was to protect her, to ensure her safety and happiness. If the pack believed the child was his, it only solidified her position under his protection.For Aria, the whispers reached her ears as well, and she found herself blushing at the insinuations.She ha
The next morning, Kane and Amelia set out with a fresh search party.The crisp morning air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, the sounds of birdsong mingling with the rustling of leaves.Amelia took the lead, her sharp eyes scanning the terrain as she pointed out potential trails and landmarks.She was determined to prove herself useful, to cement her place by Kane’s side, if not in his heart.She was attentive and precise, directing the search parties with a confidence that even Kane couldn’t deny.At one point, they came across a small clearing where a torn piece of cloth was caught on a branch.Kane’s heart leapt as he recognized the fabric, it was from the dress Layla had been wearing the day she disappeared.His wolf growled, a surge of hope and anger coursing through him.Amelia was the first to speak. “It’s a sign,” she said, her voice calm but insistent. “We’re getting closer.”Kane nodded, his jaw tightening as he motioned for the group to spread out and search
The journey back to the packhouse was silent and somber.The weight of the discovery hung heavily over everyone, especially Kane.The decayed body had been carefully retrieved and placed on a stretcher by the warriors. Though it was nearly unrecognizable, the chair and the fabric Kane had found seemed to confirm his worst fears.The others, though hesitant to voice it aloud, seemed to agree, the body was Layla’s.Kane walked ahead of the group, his face like stone, but his thoughts were a storm of anguish.His wolf howled mournfully within him, the primal bond it had felt with Layla wrenched apart by the reality they now faced.Though there was no definitive proof, every piece of evidence pointed to one conclusion.She was gone.By the time they reached the packhouse, the sky had turned a dusky gray.Warriors moved solemnly to bring the remains into the medical wing, where the pack’s healer, an elder named Marlowe, waited.Kane followed closely, his jaw clenched and his fists at his s
The burial was arranged swiftly, yet every detail was handled with care and respect.The pack gathered in the clearing at dawn, where the soft golden light seemed almost too serene for the weight of the occasion.A simple wooden casket, draped with white lilies, was placed in the center of the gathering.Surrounding it were the artifacts that Kane had insisted accompany the burial, symbols of Layla’s life and her brief, cherished time with the pack.Kane stood at the forefront, his Alpha’s mantle heavy on his shoulders.He wore a solemn expression, his face a mask of composure that betrayed none of the turmoil within.His pack looked to him, waiting for their leader to speak, but Kane found himself unable to. Words felt meaningless in the face of such loss.Amelia, standing quietly at the side, watched Kane with an unreadable expression.She had helped coordinate the ceremony, taking care of the details with precision and empathy, or at least, the appearance of it.She had seen this m
Life in Alpha Rylan’s pack was slowly becoming a routine for Aria, though she still struggled with the empty spaces in her memory.The name Aria felt foreign at first, but as the days passed, it became her identity, a gift from Rylan that she clung to in the uncertainty of her existence.Rylan, for his part, had become an undeniable presence in her life. Wherever she turned, there he was, attentive, protective, and quietly steadfast.Though Aria hadn’t spoken about what lay between them, or even acknowledged the growing bond, it was impossible not to notice how Rylan’s entire demeanor shifted when she was near.He had appointed himself as her unofficial caretaker.Every morning, he brought her herbal teas the healer recommended to soothe her lingering nausea.He made sure she had everything she needed, warm clothes, fresh meals, and a quiet space in the packhouse garden where she could sit and think.The pack, observing their Alpha’s unusual behavior, whispered among themselves about
The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over Alpha Rylan’s pack as he stood outside the packhouse, waiting for Aria.He had promised to take her into the nearby town to shop for baby supplies, a promise he had been quietly excited to fulfill. Though their relationship was still undefined, Rylan took pride in ensuring she felt cared for and safe.Aria stepped out hesitantly, her hand resting lightly on her growing belly. She had begun to accept her circumstances, finding solace in the pack’s warmth and Rylan’s constant presence. Still, the prospect of venturing into town felt overwhelming.“Are you sure this is okay?” she asked softly, looking up at him.Rylan offered her a reassuring smile. “Of course. You and the baby deserve the best, and I want to make sure you have everything you need.”They set off together, the journey to the small town filled with light conversation.Rylan was careful to keep things lighthearted, teasing her gently about her newfound craving for swee
Rylan turned to Aria, his jaw tight. “Are you okay?”Aria nodded, though her hands trembled slightly as she tried to process the encounter. “Yeah.”Rylan said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Don’t pay attention to anything she said. She thrives on causing pain.”Aria hesitated, her eyes searching his. “Is what she said true?”Rylan’s expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. “No,” he said firmly. “You’re not a project, Aria. You’re...” He trailed off, struggling to find the right words.“You’re important to me. And nothing she says changes that.”Her heart ached at the sincerity in his voice, and she found herself nodding, allowing him to guide her back to the racks.But even as she smiled and picked out more clothes, Celeste’s words lingered in the back of her mind, planting seeds of doubt she couldn’t quite shake.Aria stepped out of the dressing room once again, adjusting the soft fabric of the flowing dress.The pastel shade clung to her frame in all
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