As Zayn stepped into his house , the familiar scent of polished wood and old money greeted him. He had been restless all day, the encounter with Aurora still lingering in his mind, though he’d never admit to anyone how much it actually bothered him. He was Zayn, the Alpha, the one who called the shots. But somehow, the thought of Aurora’s defiance gnawed at him, no matter how hard he tried to shake it off.As he walked into the spacious living room, his younger sister, Isla, was waiting for him. She was perched on one of the plush couches, her brows furrowed with a mix of concern and curiosity. Isla had always been the more empathetic one between the two of them, and it didn’t surprise him to find her waiting.“Zayn,” Isla greeted him, her tone serious. “We need to talk.”He raised an eyebrow, shrugging off his leather jacket and tossing it onto a nearby chair. “About what?”She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she handed him a piece of paper that had been sitting on the coffee ta
Zayn sat in the grand living room, his mind replayed the conversation with Isla from earlier. Aurora’s letter had shaken him more than he’d like to admit. He had always prided himself on his ability to control everything, including his emotions, but now, things felt like they were slipping through his fingers.Just as he was about to get lost in his thoughts again, Isla walked back into the room, her eyes watching him closely.“Zayn,” she began, her voice calm but probing, “do you even feel anything for Aurora?”He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms over his chest. “Feel? What kind of question is that?” he replied, sarcasm dripping from his voice. “I feel… irritated, mostly.”Isla narrowed her eyes at him. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I’m talking about the mate bond. Don’t pretend it’s not real.”Zayn clenched his jaw, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Mate bond? Don’t start with that nonsense, Isla. I’m not some love-st
Aurora’s POV. I stepped out of the pack’s territory for the first time in what felt like forever. The crisp city air hit my face as I took a deep breath and made my way toward the train station. Today wasn’t going to be about Zayn, about wolves, or about anyone else except me. I wanted to focus on my studies—something that was mine alone, something that I could control.The train ride was longer than expected, and I found myself lost in thought the whole way. I replayed the events of the past few weeks in my mind—Zayn’s threats, the kidnapping, the chaos. I needed to escape that world, even if just for a few hours. Today, I was going to the city’s library, the largest one I’d ever heard of. I needed to clear my head and dive into my studies. Medicine had always been a passion of mine, even if most wolves didn’t see the point. I did.When I finally arrived at the city’s heart, the towering buildings felt suffocating yet exciting all at once. The city was loud, busy, and very different
The sun was setting as Zayn’s sleek, black car pulled up to Aurora’s family house. The house was modest, small compared to the grandeur of the palace or even the homes of other pack members. Zayn stepped out, his presence commanding the attention of anyone nearby. His eyes, cold and calculating, scanned the house as he walked up to the front door. He wasn’t here to play games—he wanted Aurora, and he wanted her now.The door swung open before he could even knock, and Aurora’s father, a stern man with deep lines of worry etched into his face, stood in the doorway. His posture stiffened at the sight of the prince, and though his pride was bruised, he knew better than to disrespect someone of Zayn’s rank.“Your Highness,” her father said, bowing slightly. “What brings you to our home?”“I’m here to see Aurora,” Zayn said, his voice sharp and unyielding. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.Her father nodded, though a flicker of confusion crossed his face. “Aurora? She’s... she should
**Chapter: A Dangerous Game**I took a deep breath as I walked up the familiar path to the pack house. The place always seemed smaller, more suffocating than I remembered. Maybe it was because I had tasted just a small glimpse of freedom outside of the pack, and now the walls seemed to close in on me. As soon as I stepped through the doors, I spotted one of Derek’s old friends lounging near the entrance. His name escaped me, but I knew he was always close to Derek before he left."Hey," I called out, trying to seem casual. He turned, surprised to see me. "Do you have a minute?"He nodded, though his expression was wary. “Yeah, what’s up?”I paused for a moment, considering how to phrase my question. “Why did Derek leave the pack? I know everyone says it’s because he went to study medicine, but I don’t believe that’s the whole story.”He scratched his chin, looking uncomfortable. “That’s what he told everyone. Derek’s always been focused on his future, you know? He wasn’t going to stic
### Aurora’s POVI was pacing around the small room, frustration coursing through me. Mina sat on the edge of the bed, fiddling nervously with her hands. She had been acting strange all morning, like she had something to say but didn’t want to.Finally, she blurted it out. “Zayn came to the house.”I stopped dead in my tracks. “What?”“He was asking for you,” she said quietly, her eyes not meeting mine. “Your father covered for you, told him you weren’t around. But… Aurora, he was mad.”I scoffed. “When is he not mad? What did he want this time?”Mina sighed. “He demanded to see you, said you had no right to skip out on the meeting.”Of course, it was about that damn meeting. My blood boiled at the thought of Zayn trying to control me, again. I had enough.“That’s it,” I muttered, grabbing my coat.“What are you doing?” Mina asked, panic rising in her voice.“I’m going to talk to him. I’m sick of this.”Mina rushed to my side, grabbing my arm. “No, Aurora, please don’t. You know how h
Aurora’s POVThe moment I stepped through the front door, I knew something was off. The air in the house was heavy with tension, and my father was pacing in the living room. His eyes snapped to me the second I entered, burning with anger."Where have you been?" His voice was sharp, slicing through the silence like a blade.I hesitated, not wanting to explain the whole ordeal with Zayn. But before I could open my mouth, my father stormed toward me."You went to the palace, didn’t you?" he spat. "Do you realize what you've done? Zayn came here, demanding to know where you were. You’ve embarrassed this family enough!"I stood my ground, refusing to let him intimidate me. "Zayn rejected me, Father. Why should I be worried about what he wants? He has no say over me anymore."His face twisted with rage, and for a moment, I thought he might hit me. "You're bringing shame to this house, Aurora. You think you can just go against Zayn like that? Do you think he won’t retaliate?"I clenched my
Aurora’s POVThe city felt like a breath of fresh air, even if it was overwhelming at times. After everything I had been through with Zayn, the constant control and manipulation, being here felt like a new beginning—a chance to finally do something for myself. The sounds of traffic, the energy of people moving in every direction, it was all so different from the quiet pack life.Derek had been a huge help already. He introduced me to some of his friends—people who had been in the city for a while and knew their way around. They were kind, smart, and more than willing to offer their support.We met up at a café one afternoon. I sat there, sipping my coffee as Derek talked about my plans to go to school for medicine. He explained to his friends that I was looking into applying for a scholarship."This is Aurora," Derek said, gesturing toward me. "She’s new to the city, but she’s determined to study medicine and break free from the pack life. She needs a little guidance with the scholars
The day had arrived, my birthday and the grand opening of the hospital. It was surreal seeing my dream come to life in the heart of the pack. From the moment I woke up, the house buzzed with activity. Liv was running around giving orders, my mom was double-checking last-minute details, and Zayn’s mom was in charge of the kitchen, ensuring the food would be nothing short of spectacular. I slipped into a pale blue dress that hugged me perfectly. Zayn had picked it out, and though I teased him about his choices sometimes, this one was flawless. As I stood in front of the mirror, Elian and Aria burst into my room, shouting, *“Happy Birthday, Mommy!”* They each held small bouquets of flowers, their grins lighting up my morning. “Thank you, my loves!” I scooped them into a hug, my heart swelling. They were more excited about today than I was, bouncing on their heels and talking over each other about “surprises.” I kissed their foreheads and shooed them out to finish getting ready. Whe
The soft breeze kissed my skin as I stood on the balcony, gazing out at the bustling preparations below. Everyone was hard at work, ensuring everything was perfect for the hospital’s grand opening, which also happened to be on my birthday. Liv had flown in from the city just a few days ago, and her organizational skills were in full force, balancing between logistics and last-minute details. Zayn’s mom and mine had joined forces, taking charge of decorations and refreshments. It was like watching two generals at work, directing the army of helpers with precision and flair. As much as I trusted them, nerves still fluttered in my stomach. I gripped the railing, my thoughts racing between excitement and anxiety. This hospital was more than a building; it was a culmination of years of dreams, struggles, and hope. I couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong. Suddenly, two strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me out of my thoughts. I gasped in surprise as Zayn’s deep laugh filled t
The ride back home was filled with laughter and endless chatter. Aria and Elian could barely contain their excitement as they recounted every detail of their time at Zayn’s house. “Mommy, did you know Daddy has a giant sword in his room?” Aria squealed, bouncing in her seat. “He said it’s for special fights! And oh! Grandma made me dresses—so many dresses! And I got to spin in them like a princess!” Elian, who was usually more reserved, chimed in. “Dad took me to the training grounds. He said I could be Alpha one day.” His chest puffed with pride. “He showed me how to hold a sword, too, but I’m not allowed to practice yet.” I smiled as I listened to them. Relief washed over me. The house that had once felt like a prison to me—cold, isolating, and oppressive—was now a place of joy and belonging for my children. Zayn had changed. Or maybe it was everyone who had changed, seeing him now through the eyes of Elian and Aria, who only saw their father trying to make up for lost time.By t
Zayn’s POvThe sound of little feet pattering on the stone floors echoed through the house as Elian and Aria explored every corner of their new home. I stood at the front door, watching as Aurora crouched to say goodbye to them. Aria clung to her leg for a moment before bounding back toward the maids who were already doting on her with dresses and accessories. Elian, on the other hand, was already eyeing me, a mix of curiosity and excitement in his eyes. Aurora stood and turned to me, a playful smile on her lips. “Good luck, Alpha,” she teased. “They’ve got a lot of energy.” I grinned and leaned in, brushing my lips softly against hers. “I think I’ll manage,” I replied. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she whispered, “Have fun.” With that, she stepped away and headed toward the car. As soon as the door closed, Elian came to stand beside me, his little chest puffed out like he was already the man of the house. “What are we doing today, Dad?” he asked, his voice full of d
The day began like any other in my new office within the pack’s headquarters. I had been trying to adjust to this new chapter of my life, juggling motherhood, work, and figuring out where Zayn and I stood. My desk was scattered with papers, yet my thoughts constantly drifted to him and the way his presence filled the spaces around me. It wasn’t long before a knock sounded at my door. Before I could respond, Clara poked her head in, a wide grin on her face. “Delivery for you,” she sang, stepping inside with a beautiful bouquet of roses nestled in her hands. They were a deep crimson, the petals perfect and vibrant. “What’s this?” I asked, my heart skipping as she placed the flowers on my desk. I caught sight of a card tucked neatly within the arrangement. My fingers trembled as I opened it. Aurora, Would you do me the honor of letting me take you out tonight? I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear this and let me show you something special. -ZaynAlong with the flowers was an elegant, s
The air inside the dungeon was suffocating, heavy with dampness and the faint metallic scent of rust. My footsteps echoed against the cold stone floor as I followed the guard. Every step felt harder than the last, but I couldn’t turn back. Not now. Not after everything. “He’s in the last cell,” the guard said, his voice flat. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, and continued down the dimly lit corridor. When I reached the end, I saw him. Derek. He was sitting on a wooden bench, his elbows resting on his knees, muttering something under his breath. At the sound of my approach, he looked up. For a split second, there was a flicker of something in his eyes—surprise? Regret? I couldn’t tell. But then that twisted smile appeared, and any hope of decency vanished. “Aurora,” he drawled, leaning back against the wall as though he didn’t have a care in the world. “Finally decided to come and see me. Took you long enough.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my voice to remain st
The day had finally come. The day I had been dreading and anticipating all at once. It was time for the move. The convoy of cars pulled up outside my house, and the kids were practically jumping out of their skin with excitement. They had never seen so many cars, and they couldn't wait to start the journey to Zayn's pack. Zayn, ever the gentleman, ushered the kids into the car with a smile, his excitement matching theirs. "Alright, you two, ready for your new life?" he asked as they scrambled into the car.Elian grinned, his eyes wide with wonder. "I can't wait to see all the wolves!" he exclaimed.Aria chimed in, bouncing in her seat. "And the food! Is it really as good as you said, Daddy?"Zayn laughed, looking at me with a knowing smile. "It's better than I can describe," he said. "You'll love it."As we drove to the pack, the kids kept asking questions, their curiosity endless. They wanted to know about everything—if Zayn had any other family, what his pack was like, and what to
The morning sun shone through the windows as I sipped my coffee, my thoughts a blur of excitement and nerves. I had just received a call from Zayn, and my heart was racing with a mixture of emotions. He wanted to throw a big feast—a grand celebration to welcome me and the kids into his pack. I didn’t know whether to be overwhelmed by the idea or to embrace it, but one thing was clear: it was a new chapter for us, and Zayn was eager to share it with the world.“ So see you soon ?” Zayn said and I smiled. “ See you soon …” I wasn’t sure how I felt about being the center of so much attention, but as I thought about it, it felt right. It felt like something we all needed—a fresh start, a new beginning. The kids were ecstatic, already planning what they’d wear and what they would say when they met the other pack members. Elian kept asking about the food, while Aria was excited to see the "cool wolves" Zayn had told her about. I put my phone down and stood up, my hands trembling slightly
It was time. There was no more avoiding it, no more sweeping it under the rug. Derek was behind all of this—the kidnapping, the fear, the betrayal. It sat heavy in my chest, twisting into something sharp and unbearable. I sat at the edge of the couch, staring at Liv, the words tumbling out of my mouth before I could even process them. “It was Derek,” I said softly, my voice trembling.Liv, who had been pacing the room, froze mid-step. Her eyebrows shot up in shock, but then her expression shifted, softening into something more resigned. “Derek?” she repeated slowly, like she was tasting the bitterness of the word. “He was behind all of this?”I nodded, my throat tightening as I recalled the events of the last few days. “He...he hid the kids in some caravan. Aria told me everything when we found them. No food, no water—he left them there to rot.”Liv sank onto the couch beside me, her hand over her mouth. “Aurora, I—” She paused, shaking her head. “I don’t even know what to say.”“I