Shadow Claws Pack “Alpha, I’m so happy for you!” Beta Dalian said, his voice loud with excitement. “Your daughter didn’t just save us from poverty. She made us so proud! She isn’t just a bride gifted to the Alpha King anymore. She also healed him! Isn’t that wonderful?” Alpha Dairo threw his head back and let out a loud, real laugh at his Beta’s words. He sat comfortably in his big chair in the parlour, holding a drink. The room smelled of strong wine. Just a few days ago, King Rykerr had sent gifts to him, heavy chests of gold, fine cloth, and rare wine. Along with them came words of thanks for giving the King such a rare gem. His daughter, Ayla. Alpha Dairo’s chest swelled with pride. “There is one more thing I didn’t tell you, Dalian,” he said, lowering his drink. His eyes shone with a secret. Beta Dalian leaned in, curious. “We have been invited to the Dominion Lunaris palace,” Alpha Dairo said, his voice calm and with meaning. “Ayla will be doing the mating ritual with the
King Rykerr wasn’t ready for this talk yet. His chest felt heavy. A part of him wanted to push it away, to find a better time. But deep down inside him, he knew it wouldn’t be right to leave her in the dark. She deserved the truth. He took a deep breath and turned around slowly. There, right in front of him, was the woman he had known almost all his life. Sheila. The woman who had once shared his bed, his secrets, and his pain. Her eyes were shining with hope as she looked at him. She was waiting to hear something good from him. Maybe she had dreamed of this moment every day since she heard he was well again. Maybe she thought he had missed her the way she missed him. His heart hurt for her. But he couldn’t lie. “You won’t be staying in my chambers,” he began, his voice calm and firm. She blinked fast. Her smile dropped. Her legs felt weak for a moment. Those words were the last thing she expected to hear. For years, she believed his chambers were also hers. At least, she thought
Rykerr’s hands dropped from Ayla’s waist. He turned his cold eyes to his brother. “What problem?” he asked, his voice dropping back into his commanding tone. Ulric took a step closer. He lowered his head a bit and spoke in a low voice, but Ayla still heard every word. “Princess Sheila is here.” The King froze.“No,” he whispered. Ayla looked up at him, her heart racing again. She did not know who Princess Sheila was yet, but from the King’s expression, she knew that this name would bring nothing to them but trouble. Her small hand reached out and touched his clenched fist. She slipped her fingers between his, trying to calm him. His eyes flicked down to their joined hands, and for a second, the fear on his faded just a little. He looked at her with eyes that said many things but no words came out yet. Ayla swallowed hard and held onto him tighter. She knew deep in her heart, whatever this Princess Sheila wanted, she would stand beside her King. No one would take him from her. Not
“Stay away from my mate,” King Rykerr growled, his deep voice, vibrating in the small clinic room like a storm. His grey eyes burned with anger as he glared at Prince Raban. Ayla, who had been gently checking Raban’s pulse, froze. Her soft fingers stayed on the Prince’s wrist for a heartbeat longer before she quickly pulled her hand away. Her eyes widened in shock at the King’s sudden anger. Prince Raban jumped up from the bed as if he had been burned, and raised both palms in the air. He forced a light smile on his lips. “Brother, what are you saying?” he said, trying to laugh it off. “I only came here to get treated by the best healer in the whole palace. You shouldn’t react like this.” But the King’s growl only got deeper. The sound rumbled in his chest like thunder. His sharp eyes stayed fixed on his younger brother. Ayla felt the change in atmosphere. She could feel the King’s power like heat. It made her chest tighten and her heart beat faster. Ayla reached for the table beh
It was still early in the morning. Ayla was inside her temporary clinic, standing beside a long wooden table covered with herbs, bowls, and clean clothes. She was carefully mixing a paste in a small bowl while Beta Garrett sat on the bed close by. Beta Garrett has finally returned back to the pack as he is now recovering well.The King had given his word that Ayla should treat him. While pressing a warm cloth on his shoulder. Ayla smiled at him. “Does this hurt?” she asked gently. Beta Garrett winced a bit but forced a smile. “No, my Lady. You have soft hands. Not like the old healer who pokes like a chicken.” His words caused Ayla to giggle softly. She liked his humour. She was focused on cleaning his wounded shoulder and applying a special healing paste. Her hands moved gently, it made Garrett relax. But then, Garrett’s eyes fell on her neck. At first, he didn’t notice it because her hair was down. But when she bent forward to pick up another cloth, her hair moved to the side. T
KING RYKERR AND AYLA The scent of cedar and pine filled Ayla’s nose. It smelled so good. Her wolf, Maya, purred happily inside her. Suddenly, the room filled with gasps. “Ryk... you’re my mate?” Ayla asked, her eyes wide in shock. She couldn’t believe it. The Moon Goddess had finally blessed them and had tied them together through the sacred mate bond. King Rykerr looked at her with tears in his eyes. “I don’t deserve a second chance,” he said quietly. “You’re too pure... too kind. Someone like me doesn’t deserve someone like you. But still... I’ve been given this blessing.” He looked happy, but there was sadness in his voice. He had lived many years thinking he would never find love again. But now, the Moon Goddess had proved him wrong. Then Ayla’s scent hit him, a soft mix of citrus and hazelnut. It drove him wild. It was sweet and warm, and it pulled him toward her like magic. He still couldn’t believe it. How could he find his mate like this, in such a moment and place?