02

Kayla

I was surprised by the sudden declaration, but I felt a strong connection to Aiden too. I looked into his eyes and saw a deep sincerity there.

His chiseled cheekbones and piercing blue eyes seemed to sparkle in the dim light.

He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that fit his frame like a glove, and a crisp white shirt that was unbuttoned at the collar. The way he carried himself exuded confidence and sophistication, as if he were accustomed to commanding attention.

As he turned to face me, I could not help but notice the way his suit jacket hugged his broad shoulders and tapered waist, accentuating his muscular build. His hair was neatly styled, swept to the side in a classic, timeless fashion that only added to his allure.

I felt a sudden wave of nervousness wash over me, unsure if I was worthy of his attention. I could not help but feel a flutter in my stomach as I gazed up at him, realizing that this was a man who had the power to make my heart skip a beat with just a glance.

My heart raced as I stood before the alpha, unable to believe what was really happening. It seemed the moon goddess had not forgotten me after all. I had never imagined that someone with a past like mine, a pack outcast, would be mated to an alpha to be.

Aiden was the alpha's son, a formidable presence among the Night Walker pack. He inherited his father's strength, but also possessed a dark side that made him to be feared by the pack members.

From a young age, Aiden had been groomed to take over his father's position as alpha, and he took this responsibility seriously. He trained hard, both physically and mentally, to ensure he was prepared to lead his pack with wisdom and fairness.

When it came to protecting his pack from outside threats, Aiden's fierce nature shone through, earning the trust and loyalty of the pack members. He was a skilled warrior and tactician, always ready to defend his pack with his life if necessary.

Overall, Aiden was the perfect example of an alpha's son- strong, compassionate, and fiercely protective of his pack. His leadership inspired loyalty and respect, and his presence commanded attention and admiration.

As I looked into his eyes, I saw a mixture of strength and tenderness that made me feel both safe and vulnerable at the same time. I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I was not so sure about it.

Despite my reservations, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I curtsied to him in greeting. Aiden was charming and attractive, but I was careful not to let down my guard.

The last two years have been a crazy rollercoaster. I had been hurt badly by the people I trusted, by the pack I called home and I was still dealing with the aftermath of that betrayal. I had built a wall around myself, determined not to let anyone get too close. I was wary of people's intentions and did not want to risk getting hurt again.

But I found myself drawn to Aiden despite my fears. Was it his tall and lean appearance? Or was it just the mate bond messing with my head?

I reminded myself of the promise I had to keep. I needed to get justice for what had happened to me. And I knew that giving into the mate bond would only distract me from my goal. I could not afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment.

I had to keep whatever feelings the mate bond was brewing for me in check. I would enjoy the conversations and companionship for as long as it lasted here, without letting it go any further. I was so afraid of what might happen if I let myself fall for Aiden completely.

“Would you like a drink?” Aiden asked, snapping me out of the thoughts.

I watched him for a few seconds before nodding in agreement. One drink will not hurt, right?

He flashed me a dazzling smile and extended his hand towards me. I took it, feeling a surge of electricity as our fingers intertwined. I felt it strongly within me, that this was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one that would be filled with challenges that I was certainly not ready for.

As we walked towards the tall tower of drinks, hand in hand, I could not help but feel like this was all a dream.

Why did Aiden regard me like I was a rare jewel he had just discovered? He did not look at me like I was an outcast. Did he not know who I was?

He picked two glasses of wine from the stack and handed one to me. I watched him take a sip while I swirled the deep ruby-red wine in my glass, admiring the way the light played off its surface.

The aroma wafted up to my nose, filling my senses with the rich scents of blackberries, cherries, and oak, causing my throat to water.

As I took my first sip, I was immediately transported to a world of flavor. The wine was smooth and velvety on my tongue. I tasted hints of vanilla and spice, and a subtle smokiness that lingered on the palate. It was a wine that demanded attention, just like the man before me, with a complexity and depth that kept me coming back for more.

As I savored the wine, I was instantly filled with a sense of contentment. We stood there, sipping the wine and watching the entertainment forge on, savoring every moment and every drop of the delicious, tasty wine.

After a while, Aiden leaned forward and asked me, "You have not said a word since we met. I do not even know your name."

I gave him a puzzled look. Did he really not know who I was?

His face was marred with confusion when I passed him my glass.

My hands quickly moved in response, as I communicated through sign language. He watched my hands carefully, immediately picking up on my gestures and the meaning behind them.

As my hands moved fluidly, I could not help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. Finally, I had found someone who could communicate with me in a way that felt natural and easy.

Although I did not show it, I was secretly happy that my mate understood sign language. It meant that I could communicate without any barriers or misunderstandings, and that was a very beautiful feeling.

It was then that I revealed my name and that I was mute, unable to speak. Aiden's eyes widened in surprise, but he did not skip a beat.

He simply replied back, “Oh wow. Who would have thought?”

He smiled assuredly at me when he saw my confused expression. He went further to answer my unasked question.

“I have heard of the mute lady who is also a stealer. But I had never heard of her stunning looks either. I never imagined you would be this beautiful.” He said.

I felt a pang of irritation. I was used to being looked at, but i did not like the way Aiden was looking at me now.

I felt my cheeks flush with anger. It was one thing to be called a mute, but it was another thing to be referred to as a stealer.

A stealer was one who did not have a wolf. I had not transformed yet and I did not know why. I was considered a failure through and through.

I gulped and spoke up, my voice cold. "I do not like it when people talk about me like that.”

Aiden looked taken aback. I was not sure if it was because of what I had said or the fact that I had spoken up.

"I am sorry," he said quickly. "I did not mean to offend you. It was a harmless compliment, that is all." He raised his hand in surrender, the glasses still in them.

I shook my head, and made the sign. ‘I do not want to talk about it,’ I was firm.

It was in that moment that a server walked up to Aiden. “Your father, the alpha needs your attention right now.”

We both turned to the podium where the alpha and the beta and their families sat.

I watched as Aiden's father called out to him from across the party. Aiden glanced back at me and gave me an apologetic smile before making his way over to his father.

Suddenly, I felt alone in the crowded room, and I wondered why I had even come to the party in the first place. Everyone seemed to be engaged in their own conversations.

As I stood there, I felt increasingly uncomfortable. I started to feel like the outsider that I was, like I did not belong there. I decided it was time to leave the party and go home. As I made my way to the door, I glanced back one last time, hoping to catch a glimpse of Aiden.

He was on the podium with his father, the beta and the beta’s daughter. The alpha was making an announcement.

“We are pleased to announce that preparations for Aiden and Cynthia Julian’s marriage ceremony will kick off very soon. As we wait for the day to approach, we urge that you put them in your prayers and wish them well.”