The morning sun bathed Rylan’s estate in warm light, but inside the grand hall, the atmosphere was subdued.Aria sat at the breakfast table, watching as Rylan prepared to leave.She hadn’t seen him like this before, his usually calm demeanor was now tinged with a quiet intensity.“Are you sure you don’t need me to come with you?” she asked, her voice hesitant.She was used to his protective nature and found it strange to see him walking into such a significant event without his usual guards or her by his side.Rylan paused in the doorway, adjusting the cuff of his tailored jacket. His expression softened as he turned to her. “Aria, this isn’t just a pack meeting. It’s a gathering of Alphas, and tensions will be high. I don’t want you exposed to that kind of hostility. Besides…” He walked over and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “You’ve been through so much. I need you here, safe.”Aria nodded, though a small part of her wished she could be there to support him. “You’ve done so m
With Rylan away in the city, the air around the estate grew colder, though not in temperature.Aria felt it immediately. The subtle glances she had grown used to were no longer so discreet.Whispers echoed louder in the corridors, and the warmth of the staff's smiles had dimmed.It wasn’t everyone, most of the pack respected Rylan’s decisions, even if they didn’t fully understand his attachment to her. But a small group, those who had always been wary of outsiders, saw Rylan’s absence as an opportunity to voice their disdain.Aria was in the gardens, pruning the roses that Rylan had said reminded him of her.She found peace there, her hands working the delicate blooms as her thoughts wandered. Suddenly, a sharp voice broke her reverie.“Well, well, if it isn’t the Alpha’s little pet,” sneered a tall woman with dark auburn hair, her tone dripping with mockery.Aria recognized her as Mirabel, one of the estate’s senior pack members.Mirabel was known for her sharp tongue and her even sh
The next morning, Mirabel leaned against the oak table in her private quarters, a sly smile playing on her lips.Around her stood her closest allies, pack members who shared her disdain for Aria.They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes gleaming with malice as they devised their next move.“She’s too comfortable,” Mirabel said, her voice dripping with contempt. “Parading around here like she belongs, like she’s one of us. It’s time she understood her place.”One of her minions, a wiry man named Ezra, chuckled. “What do you have in mind?”Mirabel’s smile widened. “We send her on an errand. Deep into the forest. Somewhere far enough that she’ll get lost, maybe even into rogue territory.”“But if she comes back…” another minion, a petite woman named Talia, began hesitantly.“She won’t,” Mirabel interrupted. “And if she does, well, she’ll learn her lesson. Either way, she’s out of our hair.The next day, Mirabel approached Aria in the garden, her demeanor unusually pleasant.It was enough t
The first drops of rain caught Aria by surprise, cool splashes against her flushed skin.She paused, glancing up through the thick canopy of trees.The darkening clouds overhead churned ominously, the forest growing even dimmer as the storm gathered strength.The gentle patter of rain quickly turned into a downpour, soaking through her thin clothes in minutes.The chill of the water sent a shiver down her spine as her teeth began to chatter.Hugging herself for warmth, Aria stumbled forward, her shoes squelching in the mud with each step.Her visibility was rapidly diminishing.The rain blurred her surroundings, making it impossible to tell one tree from another.Every direction looked the same, a shadowy maze of trunks and leaves.The path she had been trying to retrace had vanished, swallowed by the rushing water pooling in the forest floor.Aria’s heart pounded as she searched for shelter, her breath fogging in the damp air.The storm showed no signs of letting up. Thunder rumbled
The thought of asking Aria filled him with both hope and hesitation.He couldn’t push her into a role she didn’t want. And yet, she was the only one he could see by his side.He owed her everything, his honesty, his patience, his trust.Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, silencing the room.“I hear your concerns,” Rylan said, his tone even but firm. “And while I maintain that my worth as an Alpha isn’t dictated by a bond, I will honor the council’s traditions.”Murmurs of approval rippled through the hall.“Good,” the senior Alpha said, leaning forward with a small, triumphant smirk. “Then I assume you’ll be presenting a Luna to the council soon?”Rylan nodded, his expression unreadable. “You’ll have my answer when the time comes. Until then, I focus on proving I am the best choice for Alpha King.”With that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the hall, his mind swirling with possibilities, and one name dominating his thoughts, Aria.The pack bustled with surprise as Alpha R
Rylan’s massive black wolf moved like a shadow through the rain soaked forest, his paws thundering against the sodden ground.The storm blurred the landscape, but his sharp amber eyes pierced through the curtain of rain, scanning for any sign of Aria.His fur, sleek and gleaming from the downpour, clung to his muscular frame as he charged forward with unrelenting determination.Behind him, his search team followed, their forms shifting between human and wolf as they struggled to keep up with their Alpha’s blistering pace.Despite their training, Rylan’s desperation pushed him to a speed and ferocity that left them breathless.The rain made tracking nearly impossible.The scents were muddled, the ground slick with mud and water, and the dense foliage absorbed the sound of their movements. But Rylan’s wolf was undeterred.His instincts, sharp as a blade, drove him deeper into the forest, his senses attuned to even the faintest trace of her presence.Rylan slowed only for moments at a ti
The journey back to the packhouse felt endless. Each step was a battle against the storm, but Rylan never faltered.He kept his head low to shield her from the rain, his body a protective barrier against the elements. Every now and then, he felt her stir, her fingers clutching weakly at his fur, as if seeking reassurance.“You’re safe now,” he whispered internally, his wolf’s voice filled with determination. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”When they finally reached the edge of the pack’s territory, the storm began to ease, the rain tapering into a soft drizzle.The pack members who had gathered outside gasped at the sight of their Alpha emerging from the forest with Aria in his arms.“Prepare the infirmary,” one of the warriors barked as they rushed ahead to clear the way.Rylan carried Aria straight to the infirmary, refusing to let anyone else touch her.He shifted back into his human form just as he laid her gently on the bed, covering her with warm blankets.The pack’s heale
Over the next few weeks, Aria steadily regained her strength.The care and dedication of the pack’s healer, combined with Rylan’s constant attention, ensured her swift recovery.Her cheeks, once pale and hollow, now carried a faint rosy hue.Her appetite returned gradually, and with it, her energy.Rylan was an ever present figure by her side, ensuring she ate enough, rested when she needed to, and refrained from overexerting herself.His protectiveness bordered on overwhelming at times, but Aria appreciated his efforts more than she could express.One sunny afternoon, Aria sat in the packhouse garden, a warm blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She cradled a mug of tea as Rylan joined her, his usual stoic demeanor softened.“You’re looking better,” he said with a small smile, settling into the chair next to her.“I feel better,” Aria replied, offering him a grateful smile. “Thanks to you.”Rylan shrugged, but the faintest hint of a blush colored his ears. “You’re stronger than you r
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