When Aria, an unassuming omega with a mysterious power she can't control, is named the fated mate of Alpha Caden, chaos ensues. Caden, too proud to accept a weak mate, plans a public humiliation to rid himself of her. But when Aria’s latent abilities begin to surface, the pack is thrown into turmoil. As a ruthless rogue Alpha threatens to overthrow the pack, Caden must choose between protecting his pride or embracing a destiny he cannot deny. In a world where strength is everything, the only thing more powerful than fate is the force of an unexpected love.
View MoreAva's POV
"Ava, leave. Go with your mother. They will kill you both."
My father yelled at me, his eyes filling with fear as he looked at the other side of the forest.
"N-No," I mumbled and sobbed. I could see him lying on the ground.
“Little girl, always take care of your mother,” he said while struggling to sit up. There was blood all over his legs.
"Angela, run away with Ava. Don’t waste time," he told my mother, who was kneeling in front of him and crying loudly.
"How can I leave you in this condition, Hector?" She cried out in a distressed tone.
We all heard crunching sounds.
We were in the middle of a war, and every wolf was fighting each other.
"Leave. I can't shift to protect you two because of my wounds. At least save our little child." My father said it again to my mother.
When my mother saw that a pack of wolves was approaching us, she got to her feet, picked me up in her arms, and then started running in the opposite direction while she was carrying me.
While running, my mother whispered in my ears with a crying voice,
"Don't look back."
My arms were wrapped around her neck in a tight hug. Curiosity was killing me so I dared to look at what was happening there.
I saw two wolves jump on my dad to kill him. My eyes widened. I was so shocked that I closed my eyes and let out a scream.
"DAD!"
I opened my eyes and realized I was in my bedroom.
"I was dreaming again," I muttered, pressing my hand to my forehead.
I sat up and took deep breaths. My entire body was drenched in sweat.
Actually, it was not a nightmare. It was a reflection of moments from my past that I would never be able to forget.
My father was killed in a war when I was only five years old. He was a pack fighter, but they attacked his legs before he could shift, leaving him unable to save himself.
My mother had to run away with me from that pack and seek shelter in another pack.
This pack’s Alpha and Luna were kind enough to let us live in their pack.
Since then, we have been living in the Mystic Shadow Pack.
"AVA, YOU WILL BE LATE."
I heard my mother's voice, shouting from downstairs.
"YES, MOM. I'M COMING," I replied loudly so she could hear me.
I ran to the bathroom, took a shower, and then got ready to go to my university.
I was in my freshman year. So I did not want to be in the professor's bad books by becoming a latecomer.
I took a quick look at myself for a moment in the mirror. A long, loose-fitting white dress was what I was wearing at the time. I tucked my hair back into a low ponytail. My big glasses fell on my nose, so I lifted it to my eyes.
My eyesight was perfectly fine. But I preferred to wear large glasses because I wanted to hide my emotions and my face behind them. Though the glasses were transparent, they helped me disguise my sentiments.
Because I did not want to draw attention to myself, I never put on any makeup. For the same reason, I preferred to dress in simple, long, loose clothing.
People referred to me as a "nerd" because of my high grades and appearance.
Or maybe I was really a nerd. I decided to take it as a compliment. This tag also caused me to deal with some bullying when I was in middle school.
I went downstairs and hugged my mother. We had breakfast together. She was the only one in my life. I wanted to study hard and establish myself so that I could give her a happy life.
"Ava"
I looked at my mother. "Yes, Mom?"
"You will turn eighteen next week. You'll find your mate soon. Before that, I want you not to mess up with someone else. You already know how we got into this pack. You are an omega. We don't have a male member in our family to protect you, my dear."
I stared at my mother's worried face. She was concerned about my safety because this pack was full of Alphas.
"Don't worry, Mom. You have my word that I will not mess up with anyone and cause any trouble for myself. I will keep my promise. I always avoid grabbing attention."
"My child, I long for the day when you finally find your mate. He will accept you, and I will be able to die peacefully.”
I quickly got out of my chair and rushed over to give her a hug. "Mom, don't say that, please."
She never married again and dedicated her entire life to me. I could not bear to see her in pain.
After reassuring my mother, I left my house. I went to the bus stop and got on one.
It took me twenty minutes to get to my university.
The letters were written in an italicized, bold font.
'Mystic Shadow University'
I started walking in the direction of the department's building. My eyes wandered around as I walked past the students. It was the best university in our pack. It was only possible for wealthy kids to enroll in this university.
However, I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship and gain admission to this university.
I could see girls looking at me with disgust.
A girl walked past me, not forgetting to push my shoulder.
"Bloody nerd."
I heard her, lowered my head, and walked directly to my class.
My friend Abigail waved at me. I sat beside her. I only have three friends. Abigail was the closest one. We had the same schedule, so we could spend more time together.
When the professor entered the classroom, the lesson began. I tried to concentrate but was distracted by gossipy girls whispering behind our backs.
"Have you seen Ian today?" A girl asked another.
"No, what have I missed? Don't tell me he took off his shirt to show off his hot abs and I missed it."
"I'm going to die just thinking about it. But no. I heard his friends mention about Luke's party."
"Omg! I can't miss it then."
I stared at the projector, but my thoughts were focused on their gossip.
They were talking about the hottest boy at our university.
He was none other than Ian Dawson.
He was our head Alpha's only son. But he was not like his father, who was very strict about rules and regulations. He was the complete opposite—a troublemaker.
He was a bad boy that every boy feared, and a playboy that every girl desired to be with.
"Ian Dawson never dates. He only believes in one-night stands," my best friend, Abigail, muttered from my left side.
I turned my head toward her. She smirked at me and said,
"You innocent girl, don’t listen to this gossip."
"I was just—"
"Babe, I know you really well. But let me tell you something. He is waiting for his mate. That's why he doesn't date. These are his own words," she whispered to me.
I turned my attention away from her and tried to concentrate on the class instead of responding to her.
But I could not lie to my heart. I did not know why but whenever I saw that boy, I felt my heartbeat turn faster.
After the class, Abigail and I took a leisurely stroll to the locker room. During that time, I received a text message from my friend Luke.
He was the only boy who was my friend. It was because he never bullied me.
"Who texted you?" Abigail asked.
"Luke. He is calling us to the basketball court."
"You go first. I'm coming in ten minutes. I have some work."
"Okay."
I exited the building and made my way to the basketball court, which was quite a distance away.
When I arrived, there were many boys leaving the court. They had just finished their practice.
"Hey, Nerdy." A boy teased me and laughed.
I lowered my head, trying to avoid him. I could hear some whistles, too. I felt that it was a bad decision to come here alone.
Though there were many girls there, they only picked on me.
I started to walk fast while looking at the ground.
But suddenly, my head bumped into a hard chest.
My gaze was drawn to the person's black shorts, which exposed his strong thighs. I shifted my gaze, which led me to the tank top, revealing his tattooed hands.
He possessed the most flawless physique.
I slowly raised my head, and my eyes froze on his face.
He had a pair of thick brows, dark hair that was wet, dark eyes that were mysterious, a piercing in his eyebrow, and a perfectly defined jawline.
There was a scream of danger coming from him.
I should run away from him. Everyone claimed he was the only hazard capable of killing anyone alive.
However, my heart wanted something else. It started to beat faster, like a marathon. I stared at his face. He was without a doubt the most handsome boy I had ever seen.
As soon as I noticed a frown forming between his brows, I felt myself returning to my senses.
He looked fierce, which made me take a step back in fear.
I could not help but stutter.
“I-I am sorry, Ian.”
**The Ritual's Failure**Caden and Elder Thorne stood before the altar, their hands trembling slightly as they clutched the intricately woven ceremonial cords that bound the sacred herbs and objects. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across their faces, illuminating the beads of sweat forming on Caden's brow. They had spent countless hours in preparation for this pivotal moment, meticulously gathering the rare herbs known to possess potent healing properties, laying out an array of sacred objects that resonated with the ancient power of their lineage, and engaging in deep purification rituals filled with intense prayer and meditation.As they recited the final incantations of the ritual, a palpable energy surged from the altar, spiraling into the air like a vibrant wind infused with whispers of the past. Caden and Elder Thorne opened their eyes, hearts pounding with anticipation, expecting to witness some profound transformation or at least a sign that their efforts had
**The Connection Revealed**Caden sat in the dim light of his chambers, the flickering candles casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to mock his turmoil. His brow was deeply furrowed, an embodiment of the chaotic whirlpool of thoughts and emotions swirling within him. For days, he had wrestled with a troubling enigma, a sickness sweeping through his pack like a dark plague, and its malevolent link to the moon goddess’s ancient curse gnawed at his conscience. Just when despair threatened to pull him under, a sudden clarity erupted within him, striking like a bolt of lightning in the night.A vivid memory surged forth, piercing through the haze of his mind: the way he had treated Aria, his fierce and spirited counterpart. The rebellion that had coursed through him at the thought of choosing her as both his mate and the Luna of the pack had scarred him with doubt, driving him to a self-imposed exile of pride. He had been so blinded by his own desires, so ensnared in his arrogance, th
**Tensions Rise**The pack's den was enveloped in an oppressive atmosphere thick with worry and dread. Nestled in a corner, Elara, the pack's esteemed healer, lay feverish on a makeshift bed woven from the soft furs of past hunts and fragrant moss. The vibrant fire in her spirit had dimmed significantly, snuffed out by an insidious illness that clung to her like a shadow. Caden, her closest ally and protector, paced the confines of the den with a sense of mounting distress, while Lily, her devoted apprentice, stood by with her brow knitted in concern. Together, they were entwined in a desperate struggle, their minds racing as they searched for a solution that felt increasingly cruelly elusive.Caden moved like a caged wolf, his heart heavy with the weight of his anxiety. Each pacing step reverberated through the silence of the den, a stark contrast to the soft, sorrowful whimpers that escaped Elara’s lips. His brow was furrowed, deeply creased as if the very act of thinking brought hi
**Elara Falls Ill**The once-bustling den of the pack, a place of laughter and camaraderie, had transformed into a sanctuary of despair, shrouded in a somber stillness that was almost palpable. In the heart of this space, nestled among the softest of grasses and verdant leaves, lay Elara, the pack's esteemed healer—her presence a calming beacon now muted by the grasp of illness. A heavy silence enveloped the den, punctuated only by her shallow, labored breaths and the anxious shuffling of her companions, Caden and Lily, who were desperately trying to provide solace during this harrowing time.Elara’s condition was alarmingly frail; her once-bright eyes, vibrant with life and wisdom, had sunk deeply into her skull, and her coat, which usually shimmered like polished obsidian in the sunlight, now hung limp and matted as if stripped of the very essence that had animated it. Weak, rasping coughs escaped her lips, each shallow breath echoing within the confines of the den, sending icy chil
**The Puzzle Deepens**Caden and Lily huddled together in the dimly lit confines of Elara's hut, a sanctuary brimming with decades of wisdom. The low warmth of the flickering candle cast dancing shadows across the walls, which were lined with bundles of dried herbs, intricately woven charms, and ancient artifacts that whispered stories of old. Each corner of the room felt alive with the echoes of countless rituals and remedies, creating an atmosphere that both comforted and heightened the tension in the air. On the worn wooden table before them lay the cryptic clue that Elara had unearthed earlier that fateful evening. Its enigmatic words seemed to swirl in their minds, an intricate puzzle just out of reach, waiting to be deciphered. Despite the hours that had slipped away in the silence of the room, they had made little headway, their frustration palpable in the fading light.“I just don’t get it!” Lily burst out, her voice tinged with exasperation as she ran a hand through her tangl
**The Cryptic Clue**Elara sat at her sturdy oak desk, which had borne the weight of countless studies over the years, surrounded by a teetering mountain of ancient tomes and meticulously rolled scrolls. The room was thick with the musty scent of aged paper—a fragrance imbued with the echoes of history—and the faint, lingering aroma of crushed herbs from her recent experiments wafted softly in the air, mingling to create a unique and unmistakable atmosphere of scholarly pursuit. The flickering candlelight danced across the room, casting restless shadows against the battered stone walls, illuminating her furrowed brow as she hunched over each text, her keen eyes scanning for any fragment of knowledge that might lead her to a cure for the insidious sickness that had begun to ravage her village, like a dark specter claiming the vitality of her community. Days had slowly melted into nights, blending into a relentless cycle of toil, frustration, and despair, and yet, her efforts had yielde
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