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 next day, Rylan found Aria in the garden, her fingers trailing over the blossoms she had come to adore.She looked serene, but there was a shadow in her eyes, an unease that hinted at the gaps in her memory.“Aria,” he said softly, approaching her. She turned, offering him a warm smile.“Rylan. You’re here early. No meetings today?” she teased lightly.He chuckled. “None that couldn’t wait.”They walked together for a while, the silence between them comfortable. But Rylan’s mind was racing, trying to find the right words.“Aria,” he began after a pause, “there’s something I need to ask you.”Her brow furrowed as she turned to face him. “What is it?”He took a deep breath. “You’ve become an important part of this pack. Everyone sees your kindness, your strength. You’ve brought something here that we were missing.” He hesitated, then added, “And you’ve become important to me too.”Aria’s eyes widened, and a faint blush crept across her cheeks. “Rylan...”“I know your memories haven’
The next morning, Rylan sat in his study, reviewing reports from his council.The election was drawing nearer, and the pressure to finalize his candidacy was mounting.His advisors had begun to suggest alternative solutions, alliances through arranged pairings or even stepping aside to let a more “qualified” Alpha take his place.But Rylan wouldn’t back down.He knew what was at stake, not just for himself, but for his pack and the balance of power in the realm. And deep down, he believed Aria could be the key, not just to securing his place as Alpha King, but to something more profound.“Sir,” one of his guards interrupted his thoughts, “the council meeting is in an hour.”Rylan nodded absently, his thoughts still on Aria.He couldn’t force her to choose him, but he couldn’t help hoping she would.For her sake, for the baby’s, and perhaps for his own.As the day wore on, Aria found herself drawn to the garden, a place where she often went to think.The air was crisp, carrying the fai
The grand hall of the pack house was filled with the murmur of voices as the elders and key members of Rylan’s pack gathered.They sat around the long oak table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and formality.The air was charged, as it always was when Rylan called for an urgent meeting.At the head of the table, Alpha Rylan stood tall, his commanding presence silencing the room as he raised a hand.His gaze swept over the gathered wolves, noting their expectant stares.He hadn’t disclosed the purpose of this meeting yet, and the suspense was palpable.“I appreciate you all coming on such short notice,” he began, his deep voice cutting through the tension. “There’s something important I need to share with you, a decision that affects not just me, but the future of this pack.”The murmurs began again, faint whispers of speculation.Rylan waited patiently for silence before continuing.His tone was firm but calm, carrying the weight of authority.“As you all know, the Alpha King ele
The grand council chamber in the city bustled with tension as Alphas from across the werewolf territories assembled for the final round of discussions before the Alpha King election.The room was an architectural marvel, with high arches and intricate carvings depicting the legacy of the werewolf nation.Dominating the space was a circular table, symbolizing equality among the packs, though everyone knew hierarchy often overshadowed symbolism.Rylan entered the chamber with a steady stride, his emerald eyes sharp as they scanned the room.He could feel the weight of judgment before the meeting even began.Whispers had already spread about his announcement, the new Luna, her mysterious past, and most of all, her pregnancy.When the Alphas had settled, the eldest among them, a towering figure named Alpha Cedric, stood. His silver hair gleamed under the light, and his voice carried the authority of decades of leadership.“Alpha Rylan,” Cedric began, his tone neutral but firm, “we’ve hear
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