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
Rylan watched as Aria sat by the large window in the packhouse’s common room, her figure bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight.She was cradling a steaming mug of herbal tea he had prepared for her earlier, her delicate fingers curled around the cup as if drawing strength from its warmth.Despite the serene setting, there was a quiet melancholy in her eyes, a gaze that seemed to drift far beyond the picturesque view of the pack’s expansive gardens.He didn’t interrupt her thoughts, choosing instead to observe her silently from the doorway.For the past few months, Aria had been his sole focus. He had prioritized her well being above everything, ensuring she was comfortable, protected, and cared for.Her memory loss and delicate condition made her vulnerable in ways he wasn’t accustomed to handling, but Rylan was nothing if not relentless in his duty.Duty. That was how he had framed it in his mind at first.But now, as he watched her lost in thought, something inside him stirred.It w
Ace’s excitement was contagious as he brandished his shiny stone, holding it up to the light.Aria knelt beside him, smiling at her son’s unrelenting energy.Kane stood nearby, watching the pair with an intensity he barely concealed.Each interaction between mother and son only deepened the ache within him, a feeling he couldn’t name, but one he couldn’t ignore.The atmosphere was interrupted when a second messenger arrived, hurrying to Kane with urgent news.“Alpha Rylan has been delayed,” the messenger explained to Kane. “The border dispute requires further negotiation. He asked me to inform Luna Aria that he might not return until late tomorrow.”Aria’s face shifted with concern, but before she could speak, Kane stepped forward. “It’s far too late for you and the boy to travel back tonight,” he said, his tone final. “You’ll stay here.”Aria hesitated, glancing down at Ace, who was happily tossing his “treasure” into the air and catching it. “That’s kind of you,” she said slowly. “B
The atmosphere in the Alpha King’s Pack was electric as Rylan, Aria, and Ace arrived.Kane had been meticulously planning for their visit, ensuring everything seemed welcoming and perfectly orchestrated. Yet, beneath the surface, he harbored an ulterior motive, a way to spend time alone with Aria and Ace, free from Rylan’s ever watchful eyes.Rylan stepped out of the car first, helping Aria down while keeping a protective hand on her back.Ace bounced out after them, his small hands grabbing at his mother’s as he took in the grand surroundings.“Whoa,” Ace whispered, his wide eyes sweeping across the pack grounds. “Is this the castle?”Kane approached them, his steps deliberate and measured, his expression calm yet unreadable.He greeted them with the proper decorum expected of an Alpha King.“Alpha Rylan,” Kane said, extending his hand. “Welcome to my pack.”Rylan shook his hand firmly, a subtle tension simmering between the two men. “Alpha King,” he replied, his voice steady. “Thank
It had been a few days since the children’s party at Alpha King Kane’s pack, but Ace hadn’t stopped talking about it.His bright eyes sparkled every time he recalled the games, the treats, and the grand stories about the “king” he’d encountered.His fascination with Kane seemed to grow stronger each day, much to Rylan’s annoyance.One morning, as Aria finished tidying up after breakfast, Ace came bounding into the room, his face alight with excitement.“Mama,” he chirped, tugging on her sleeve, “can we go see the king?”Aria blinked in surprise, setting down the cloth she’d been holding. “The king? You mean Alpha Kane?”“Yes!” Ace nodded vigorously, his messy curls bouncing. “He said he’s a king, but I didn’t see his castle last time. I wanna see it. Please, Mama?”Rylan, who had just entered the room, froze at the doorway. His jaw tightened as he absorbed his son’s words.“No,” he said firmly, his voice a low rumble. “You’re not going to see Alpha Kane.”Ace’s face fell, his bottom l
The announcement of an all children’s party in the Alpha King’s pack sent ripples of excitement across the packs.Alpha King Kane, who had been reclusive and brooding for years, had unexpectedly decided to host an extravagant event to celebrate the little ones.Invitations were extended to neighboring packs, and it became the talk of the territories.Kane's intentions, however, were far from innocent.His sole purpose in hosting the party was to get Aria to bring Ace. He hoped that amidst the joyful chaos of children playing, he could find a moment to spend with her, to study her up close, and perhaps unravel the enigma that had haunted him since.The Alpha King’s packhouse and surrounding grounds were transformed into a vibrant, child friendly wonderland.Brightly colored banners and balloons adorned the trees, while rows of tables laden with treats stretched as far as the eye could see.There were games, pony rides, bouncy castles, and even a small theater for storytelling.Kane had
The day after Rylan and Aria’s visit to Kane’s pack, whispers began to ripple through the packhouse and beyond.The uncanny resemblance between Rylan’s Luna, Aria, and the late Layla was the topic on everyone’s lips.In hushed voices, members of the pack speculated about the strange coincidence, while others suggested it might not be a coincidence at all.“I’m telling you,” one elder murmured to another in the courtyard, his voice low. “She looked just like Layla. Same eyes, same build. It’s eerie.”“Do you think it’s her?” a younger warrior asked skeptically. “That’s impossible. Layla’s gone. We buried her.”The elder shook his head, uncertainty clouding his features. “I don’t know. But the Alpha King didn’t seem himself when she was here.”“Did you see the way he kept looking at her?” another chimed in. “It’s like he saw a ghost.”The murmurs weren’t confined to the packhouse.In the marketplace and along the patrol routes, the resemblance between Aria and Layla became a constant un
When Kane returned to his pack, he called for Liam immediately.“Dig deeper into Rylan’s Luna,” Kane commanded, his voice low but firm.Liam frowned. “We’ve already tried, Alpha. There’s nothing to...”“Try again,” Kane snapped. “I want to know everything about her. Where she came from, how they met, everything.”Liam nodded reluctantly, though the concern in his eyes was evident.As the door closed behind him, Kane sank into his chair, his wolf growling restlessly.“She’s alive,” Kane murmured to himself. “And I’m going to find out why she doesn’t remember me.”And perhaps, for the boy who had dared to prank an Alpha King..............Days after Kane’s visit to Rylan’s pack, the Alpha King sent a formal letter, delivered by Liam himself, to Rylan’s packhouse.The letter bore the royal crest and invited Rylan, Aria, and Ace to visit Kane’s pack for an official meeting of goodwill and reconciliation.Rylan read the letter carefully, his brows furrowing as he considered the implicatio
The possibilities swirled in his mind, each more painful than the last.Had she been alive all this time, hiding from him deliberately?If so, why?Was it possible that Rylan, the smug Alpha who had challenged his throne, had rescued her and manipulated her memories?Or was it truly amnesia, a cruel twist of fate that had stolen their shared history from her mind?His thoughts shifted to the boy, Ace.The child had Layla’s vibrant spirit, but his features were harder to place.Kane couldn’t shake the feeling that Ace might be his, yet the timeline didn’t fit.Layla had been gone for nearly five years, and Ace was only four.And yet, the nagging possibility refused to be silenced.A knock at the door interrupted his spiraling thoughts. “Come in,” he barked, his voice sharp.Amelia stepped inside, her presence as uninvited as ever.She had been trying to claw her way back into his good graces, though Kane kept her at arm’s length.“You’ve been restless since you returned from the city,”
The sun was high as Aria stepped out of the car, holding Ace’s small hand.The bustling city streets were alive with activity, the perfect backdrop for their shopping trip.Ace, now four years old, was as mischievous as ever, and Aria had her hands full trying to keep him from running off at every opportunity.“We’re here to get you new clothes, remember?” she said, crouching down to his level.Ace wrinkled his nose. “Clothes are boring. Can we get ice cream too?”Aria smiled, ruffling his golden curls. “If you behave.”“I always behave,” Ace replied with an innocent grin that didn’t fool her in the slightest.As they strolled through the city, Ace’s eyes darted from one stall to another, filled with endless possibilities for trouble.The crowds gave him the perfect cover to slip away while Aria was momentarily distracted by a display of children’s shoes.“Ace?” she called, glancing around.No answer.Her heart skipped a beat as she scanned the area, but Ace was already a few steps ah
Years passed, but the stalemate between Alpha King Kane and Alpha Rylan persisted.The packs had settled into a tenuous peace, though tension lingered beneath the surface.Kane remained on the throne, his position unshaken by the halted election.Rylan, though unable to dethrone the Alpha King, had solidified his own pack’s strength, gaining loyalty and admiration from many.Despite their ongoing rivalry, neither had made a decisive move to change the status quo.In the midst of this uneasy calm, there was one bright, unpredictable force that no one could ignore, Ace, Rylan and Aria's three year old son.Mischievous, stubborn, and endlessly charming, Ace had become the heart of Rylan’s pack, bringing moments of joy and chaos to everyone around him.Ace was a whirlwind of energy, constantly on the move and always getting into some sort of trouble.Whether it was sneaking into the kitchens to steal sweets or hiding important documents from the elders, his antics were as exhausting as th