Laylaโs mind raced.She had to find a way to escape, to warn Kane of Zaraโs intentions. She couldnโt let Zara win, not when everything was on the line.With every ounce of her strength, she began loosening the ropes, feeling for any weakness in the binding. But Zaraโs men had been thorough, and each pull only dug the rough ropes deeper into her wrists.As if sensing her struggle, Zaraโs lips curled into a smirk. โYouโll never break free, Layla. Not this time.โWith one final, lingering look, Zara turned away, her figure disappearing into the shadows.Laylaโs heart pounded as she was left alone, surrounded by the silent forest. She closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to calm herself, to clear her mind.She couldnโt panic now. She had to stay focused, to find a way out of this nightmare.Moments passed, and the distant sounds of the forest surrounded her, rustling leaves, the faint hoot of an owl, and the murmur of a distant stream.Alone and vulnerable, Layla felt the fear creeping in
The dawn light filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the ground as Layla and Kane approached the packhouse.Layla leaned into Kaneโs side, drawing strength from his presence, but her mind was still clouded with the remnants of fear and uncertainty.As they entered the packhouse, the familiar sounds of the pack bustling about met their ears, laughter, conversations, and the clatter of dishes in the kitchen. Yet, beneath the surface of all that, Layla sensed the unease that had gripped the pack since her disappearance.Whispers followed them as they walked through the main hall, eyes filled with concern and curiosity.Aiden was the first to intercept them, his expression a mixture of relief and anger. โLayla!โ he exclaimed, rushing toward her, but he stopped short when he noticed Kane at her side.The tension in the air shifted instantly, an electric charge that crackled between them.โAre you okay?โ Aidenโs voice was urgent, but his gaze flickered to Kane, the underly
The next day, Zara stood by Aidenโs side during the evening gathering, her expression soft and devoted, every word and movement calculated to project the image of a perfect Luna to be.She cast a sidelong glance at Layla, who was standing alone near the far wall, watching them with an unreadable expression.Zara's eyes glinted with satisfaction as she saw the pain flicker in Laylaโs gaze. To everyone else, Zara looked like the epitome of loyalty and grace, but beneath the facade, her mind was meticulously plotting.She leaned toward Aiden, her voice soft and playful as she whispered something in his ear, making him chuckle.Zaraโs hand slid along his arm, a delicate yet possessive gesture.Laylaโs eyes narrowed slightly at the sight, her jaw clenched, and Zara drank in every second of Layla's discomfort.The tiny spark of jealousy was precisely what sheโd been hoping for. Layla's mere presence threatened her, so Zara had resolved to snuff it out for good.As the gathering wound down a
The evening was quiet, the kind of night that concealed dark intentions beneath its tranquil veneer.In the shadows of the pack's territory, Zara moved quickly, her mind a whirlwind of plans and tactics.She could sense Aidenโs anger toward Layla had begun to smolder, but it wasnโt enough, not yet. If she was going to eradicate Layla's influence once and for all, she needed to destroy every source of support Layla might cling to.Tonight, Zara had decided to execute the final piece of her plan, Laylaโs family.In a secluded clearing on the edge of the packโs territory, Zara met with the rogue sheโd enlisted weeks before, a shadowy figure who had proven loyal in exchange for her influence and protection.He listened intently, his eyes glinting with a twisted excitement as she outlined her instructions.โHer family,โ Zara murmured, her tone cold and unfeeling. โI donโt care how you do it, just make sure thereโs nothing left but ashes. And be careful. If anyone suspects you, the entire p
The days following the fire were a blur of numb grief and exhaustion for Layla.She returned to the pack a shadow of herself, moving through the routines of daily life as if on autopilot.Every task, every conversation felt like an insurmountable effort, the weight of her familyโs tragic loss crushing her spirit.Yet she refused to let her pain show to the pack, keeping her shoulders squared and her head high, even as despair gnawed away at her heart.She was in the pack office one afternoon, sifting through reports and trying to focus on the mundane tasks before her. It was only the repetitive nature of the work that gave her a semblance of control.She was deep in thought when the door flew open, slamming against the wall with a force that rattled the room.Layla looked up, startled, to see Aiden standing there, his posture rigid, his fists clenched, and his eyes blazing with anger.โAiden?โ she said, her voice tentative, unsure of what had provoked this fury.โDonโt,โ he growled, h
The next few days were a torment of silent endurance for Layla.Zara seemed to relish her newfound power, exploiting every opportunity to demean and belittle her.She assigned Layla the most demeaning tasks, cleaning the packโs lower quarters, organizing old supply closets, and scrubbing the kitchens long after everyone had eaten.Layla was forced to work from dawn until well into the night, her hands raw and her body aching. Still, she bore it all with a quiet strength, refusing to let Zara see her suffer or break. Not forgeting to serve the Alpha King too.Zaraโs treatment didnโt go unnoticed by the other pack members, who exchanged wary glances each time Layla was berated. Some tried to offer her sympathy, but Zaraโs influence held them back, leaving Layla isolated.Every task Zara assigned was undercut with a thinly veiled taunt, a reminder of her โplaceโ in the pack.One evening, after hours spent scrubbing the main hall floors until they gleamed, Layla finished just in time for
Zara seethed with rage as she replayed Kaneโs icy defense of Layla over and over in her mind.She had never felt so publicly humiliated, and the fact that her Aiden, hadnโt seen fit to correct Kane only added fuel to the fire of her resentment.Layla had now become her enemy in every sense, and Zara was determined to destroy her.Using her influence as Luna to be, Zara intensified her campaign against Layla, weaving a web of lies that grew darker and more venomous with each passing day.She planted rumors among the pack that painted Layla as a manipulative opportunist who sought to undermine Aidenโs authority and seduce the Alpha King to gain power.Zaraโs words found willing ears, she spoke with practiced calm and an air of righteous concern, making it seem like she only wanted what was best for the pack.Soon enough, Layla found herself met with suspicious glances, whispered conversations halting as she walked by, and even once close friends pulling away.It felt like poison spreadi
Laylaโs resolve grew with each passing day. But the path wasnโt easy.Zara, emboldened by Aidenโs loyalty and her position as Luna to be, seemed to revel in her cruelty, escalating her schemes with a ruthless efficiency that tested Laylaโs every limit.Kane, however, was a steady anchor. He remained vigilant, watching Zaraโs every move, ready to shield Layla whenever she needed him. But Layla also knew she couldnโt rely solely on Kaneโs protection.She had to stand her ground independently, to prove that she was worthy of respect.One evening, as the pack gathered for a training session, Zara called Layla out in front of everyone, her voice laced with false authority.โLayla, since you seem so keen on staying in this pack, why donโt you prove your loyalty to us?โ Zaraโs tone was condescending, her words designed to publicly humiliate her. โSpar with one of the warriors. Show us you can hold your own if youโre so determined to stay.โLayla tensed, knowing Zara was baiting her. But befo
The journey to Kaneโs 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 Ariaโs hand.Kane crouched down, arms wide open, and Ace hesitated only for a moment before running into them. โAlpha Kane!โ Ace exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. โIโm here!โKane held him tightly, his voice warm and filled with emotion. โYouโre finally home, my boy. And you donโt have to call me Alpha Kane anymore. Just call me Dad.โAce grinned widely. โOkay, Dad.โAria stood to the side, her heart swelling as she watched the exchange.Kane turned to her, his gaze softening. โThank you, Aria,โ he said, his voice low but fervent. โThank 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 Aceโs 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.โAce,โ she began softly, her tone laced with both excitement and nervousness. โThereโs something very important I need to tell you.โAce tilted his head, his small face lighting up with intrigue. โIs it about why everyoneโs been acting so serious lately?โAria smiled, amused at his perceptiveness. โIt is, sweetheart. Itโs something about who you are, about our family.โAce sat up straighter, his gaze unwavering. โWhat is it, Mama?โTaking a deep breath, Aria reached for Aceโs hands, holding them gently in her own. โAce, do you remember when I told you that your papa, Alpha Rylan, saved us and gave us a home?โAce nodded enthusiastically. โYes! Papa is the best!โAriaโs heart swelled with love, but she pushed forward. โHe is, and heโll always
The transformation on Kaneโs 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 Ariaโs heart ache.โMy son,โ he repeated, this time louder, his voice filled with awe and reverence. โAce is my son.โHe 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.โI have a son,โ he murmured into her hair. โLayla, youโve given me something I never thought Iโd have, a family.โAria 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 wasnโt the end of their journey.Pulling back slightly, she looked up at him, her expression serious. โKane, this doesnโt change everything. Ace is your son, but heโs also Rylanโs son in
As the packhouse bustled with activity, the air buzzed with anticipation.Wolves cleaned and redecorated Laylaโs old room under Kaneโs 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.โSheโll be here,โ Kane murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. โSheโll see this and know she has a home waiting for her.โBut 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
โYou remember,โ Rylan said, his voice low but steady, addressing Aria directly.She nodded, her hand instinctively tightening on Kaneโs shoulder. โI remember everything,โ she said softly. โAbout Aiden. About Kane. About... about all of it.โRylanโs jaw tightened imperceptibly, but he nodded. โAnd what does that mean for us? For Ace?โHer heart clenched at the mention of Ace. โIt doesnโt change that heโs our son,โ she said, her voice firm but gentle. โRylan, youโve been an incredible father to him. That doesnโt change because of who Kane is.โKane stiffened slightly, his grip on Ariaโs waist loosening.He glanced at her, his brow furrowing. โWhat are you saying, Aria?โ 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. โI need time,โ she said, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. โIโve just regained a part of myself I thought Iโd lost forever. I need to figure out who I am, who I am now
Aria made her way back to the packโs 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 packโs 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.โI canโt,โ he said, his voice low but firm. โI donโt want you, Layla.โHer heart shattered. โWhat do you mean?โ she w
The forest, once alive with danger had settled into an uneasy stillness. Celeste and Amelia, subdued, were escorted back to Rylanโs 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 sonโs embrace grounded her.Kane approached cautiously, his usually commanding presence softened by concern. โAria,โ he said, his voice low and measured.She looked up, meeting his gaze.โThank you for finding Ace,โ she said, her tone polite but distant.Kane knelt in front of her, his eyes searching hers. โYou donโt have to thank me. Iโd do anything for you and Ace, you know that.โRylanโs voice cut through the moment like a blade. โAnd yet you put them in danger with Amelia.โKane stood, turning to face Rylan. โDonโt 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.โWho am I?โ she whispered, her voice trembling.Something within her stirred, an ancient strength she couldnโt yet name. She pushed on, determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.As Aria ventured