《Alpha Ace and his Undercover Mate》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    *Book two in the ''Alpha''s Mate'' Series-Stand alone book*


    ***


    -Beep. Beep. Beep-


    I groaned in frustration as I silenced the rm for the fifth time today, resisting the urge to throw it


    across the room.


    Sometimes, I despised these early morning training sessions, but what keeps me going is the aim of


    this all.


    One day, all our training would pay off and everyday that passed was a day closer to our redemption.


    "Roxy be down in ten!" My brother, Aiden, shouted from behind my door. He was always up and ready


    to train. He dedicated his life to this mission and sometimes I fretted that he was in too deep.


    I guess I could understand though; he was going to be the next Alpha so it was in his nature to be


    territorial and protective. After what happened to our pack, I knew he''d feel obligated to protect and


    lead.


    Getting up, I threw on my training gear, pulled my hair into a low bun and dragged on my sneakers as


    quickly as I could before Aiden could get a chance to holler at me again.


    It was 5:30 in the morning, so I didn''t expect anyone except the three of us to be up. Grabbing an apple


    and my water bottle, I made my way to the training ground, seeing both Aiden and Phillip, my trainer


    and Beta, ready and warming up.


    Even though I was never a girly girl growing up, they got used to my slight tardiness, given that I have


    more to do when getting ready.


    "Well kids" Phillip started with a smirk. I rolled my eyes at him. Even at 20 years old he still considered


    us kids. "As you already know, your training wille to an end very soon, and you''ll fulfil your


    purpose, making your father and I proud. Mostly me though" He winked and Iughed.


    Phillip always made training fun. Being with one person 6 days a week for five years can get boring


    quite easily, and he knew that, so he always found creative and exciting ways to teach us. He was


    more than good at his job--he''s the best.


    "You''ve mastered all the skills needed to perform your mission, hence, the uing week will be one


    of crossing the T''s and dotting the I''s"


    "Wait. So does this mean we will go on mission soon? Since we only have a week of training left?" I


    asked more than relieved and excited.


    I loved training, because it was the only thing I did since I turned 16, but sometimes I just wanted to get


    this mission over with and move on with my life. But I knew I had a duty to my pack first.


    "Yep. The Alpha has finalized everything, so you guys will get the introduction to the mission from him


    soon" He confirmed, while Aiden and I shared a happy look.


    You see, eighteen years ago our pack was attacked by the Truemoon Pack. They took most of our


    land, our people, and left us weak and helpless. People died, some were kidnapped and my father,


    Alpha ke, has done everything in his power to bring us back stronger than ever. The problem is, we


    had no knowledge of Truemoon''s strength, and so going in blindly could be a suicide mission for us.


    That''s where Aiden and I came in.


    My brother and I will go undercover in their pack to get as much information as possible, so that


    ultimately, we will be sure about how and when to attack.


    At first, I wasn''t too fond of raging war, but my father made it clear that it was the only way we would


    get back what''s ours. All he has ever wanted was to have everything in line for Aiden when he takes


    over, so that he won''t be leading a ''broken pack''. This made Aiden more determined about the mission.


    We didn''t exactly know what the mission will entail as yet. Our father dealt with all the nning, while


    Phillip dealt with all the training.


    When we are of age and maximum preparation, he said he would sit us down and exin the n with


    us.


    He needed people that he could trust, and who better than his own kids? We had the same


    determination and drive as him, so he knew we were fit for the job.


    Even though we don''t exactly know what we were going undercover to do, he had much confidence


    that when we found out, we were going to be able to take on anything.


    That''s what we''re trained for, after all.


    We were swift, strong, intelligent and discrete. We were taught how to master acting skills, since we will


    have to do that a lot.


    We learnt how to be fast and quiet on our feet. This was vital in our training since most of the mission


    will consist of us doing a lot of sneaking around.


    We learnt how to be maniptive and cunning in order to earn the trust of the pack members. This


    wasn''t my cup of tea, so I decided not to be either of those unless necessary.


    And finally, we learnt how to be strong.


    Strong in mentality, strong emotionally and strong physically.


    We can¡¯t, under any circumstances, get attached to anyone or feel guilty about anything. We aren''t


    ruthless people, but we gotta do what we gotta do, right?


    Days, weeks, months and years in and out of ssrooms, gyms, training fields and testing grounds, in


    and out of wolf form, will finally be put to use. I am more than ready.


    I shared another look with Aiden, and he seemed just as ready as me. Maybe even more.


    "So when you guys are done having your twin moment, meet me at the clearing in five. We have some


    fighting to do" Phillip smirked once again before jogging away.


    Aiden kissed my head softly and threw an arm around my shoulder, as we both made our way to the


    clearing. Aiden and I were the closest siblings you could ever find. Even though we are the same age,


    he always treated me like a little sister, but I didn''t mind. It''s good to be spoilt by at least one person.


    Of course, I had other friends. Phillip''s son, Jace, and daughter, Jane, were my closest friends. Jace


    was meant to be the future Beta, so him and Aiden were extremely close. Sometimes I got jealous of


    their rtionship, but he always assured me that nothing is stronger than a twin bond, and so far, I


    believe him.


    We arrived at the training ground to see ten very bulky men that I recognized as some of our warriors. I


    knew exactly what we were about to do and I dreaded the moment that I got out of my bed today.


    "In the enemies'' territory, an unfortunate incident of being made can ur at any given moment. We


    don''t train you to be arrogant fools, we train you to be wise"


    Phillip paused, eying us carefully while he repeated the speech we''ve heard too many times.


    "So, today we''re going to pretend that you guys were caught, and have to escape alive. Of course, you


    will have to fight before you can live. And remember, never surrender." He looked us dead in the eye.


    He could be scary sometimes.


    "These men will be fighting you both, together. Never leave each other''s side"


    He didn''t have to tell us twice.


    "Your goal is to take them down and escape to the border of our territory alive." He ended with a nod to


    the warriors, telling them to attack.


    I hated this exercise, I always ended up with some broken bones. We didn''t master it until two years


    ago. We often ''died'' in the fighting or on our way to the border.


    Even though we learnt how to take them down and escape sessfully, I still hated it.


    But we had to do whatever it takes to get what we want. And if all we had to do was get a few broken


    bones, I''ll do it.


    Whatever it takes.


    ***


    Three fractured ribs and a busted faceter, Aiden and I were sitting at the border, enjoying the rush of


    the river as it tickled our toes gently.


    I stared at thend across the river, thend that used to be ours. Thend that will be ours once


    more.


    I had a feeling that one of the reasons why we were sent to the border so regrly in our training, was


    to remind us what we lost, and what we ought to get back. It motivated us to train and to fight.


    "We''ll get it back Roxy. We''ll get it all back" Aiden whispered, doing the exact same thing as I was


    doing.


    Deep down I knew he said that tofort me, but I didn''t needfort. I needed my home.


    And that''s what I''m going to get.


    ***


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Alpha''s Mate Series:


    Book 1: Alpha Luka And His Human Mate


    Book 2: Alpha Ace And His Undercover Mate


    Book 3: Alpha Niall And His Lost Mate


    All are stand alone novels.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    The week of revision went by slowly and torturous. Every exercise was intensified twice as hard, just to


    be sure that we were indeed ready.


    My father told us that we would hear the n today, and that was the only thing that kept me from


    losing my mind from all the pain. We would find out when we''re scheduled to leave, how long we are


    expected toplete the mission, and so on.


    Aiden and I quickly made our way to Father''s office, anticipating the news we will receive. Everyone


    who didn''t know about the mission were sent out of the house before the meeting started. This was


    confidential information that could only be shared with people we could trust. Imagine having such


    information falling into the wrong hands? Detrimental.


    Entering the room, we saw both Beta Phillip and our dad waiting with satisfied yet confident looks on


    their faces.


    "My pups!" He beamed joyfully, causing us to groan as he embraced us in a warm hug.


    Our father wasn''t the affectionate type, but he loved his kids. He said we were the reason he was still


    sane after our mum died.


    He told us the story of how she died a couple months after giving birth to us. Sometimes it hurt to live


    without a mother, but we never actually mourned her, since we didn''t know her personally. We loved


    her though. She was described to be strong and loving. She was quite beautiful too, from the pictures


    I''ve seen.


    She''ll always be a part of us no matter what.


    Dad gestured for us to sit as we made our way across the table. Both of them had papers and


    documents neatly aligned across the table.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    This is going to be a long meeting.


    "So as you know by now, you will go undercover in our neighbouring pack to carry out your mission" He


    started, suddenly serious, so we matched his demeanor.


    "You will leave next week" Phillip stated nonchntly, but I could see that he was excited for us.


    Our seriousness was long gone as we fist bumped the air with whispered cheering. We were finally


    going on our mission.


    The meeting went on for quite a while. We were told that we were going undercover as ''chief warriors'',


    where Aiden would be taught their fighting skills, and learn their strategies.


    I, on the other hand, would be observing and making notes,piling and strategizing their moves and


    skills to put them to proper use. Like a warrior supervisor. This was odd, given that we were basically


    fully trained warriors, so our acting skills would have toe in handy.


    I could tell that Aiden didn''t like this, since he knew so much and will have to act like he doesn''t while


    taking instructions from other non-Alpha blooded wolves. However, Father convinced him that he


    should focus on the main goal, which he seemed content with.


    I was bummed that I spent so many years training to only be ''supervising'', so I protested. Luckily after


    much bickering, we came to a conclusion that I would be getting in on the action sometimes too, to


    ensure we don''t raise much suspicion.


    My father arranged for us to stay in the Alpha house, which was exactly what we needed to get the


    information we wanted. We would be right under their noses and they wouldn''t even notice.


    We were given four months toplete our mission, since that''s how long they say the ''training'' will


    take.


    Of course, it was puzzling as to why this pack would allow us toe stay with them, but we were


    informed that a new Alpha had taken over. The old Alpha that took our pack died two years ago from


    unknown reasons.


    When the former Alpha died, his son still wasn''t old enough to take over as yet, so the Beta was in


    charge for those two years until the heir was of age.


    "Since he''s new to the whole Alpha concept, he will be willing to make alliances with other packs, no


    matter their history" Father said with a conniving look on his face.


    "He isn''t dumb though, but he was easy to convince" He continued. "Since everything is new to him, it


    will be easier for you guys to swoop in, get the information and swoop out"


    If only it was that easy.


    This could actually work. Nobody outside our pack knew that our dad was building up the pack to be


    strong. To everyone else in other packs, we were still the weak pack that was invaded years ago.


    Invasion was something that happens in the werewolfmunity, but not often. Alpha''s respected


    each other and their property, but you do have the few that are power hungry.


    You wouldn''t know that they are until they reveal themselves, which they normally do when a pack was


    at its most vulnerable state. In our case, losing a Luna. After mom died, dad admitted that he got weak


    and that''s when Truemoon attacked after knowing the circumstances.


    However, this time around, the invasion will be made in reverse. The new Alpha is inexperienced,


    giving us more than an advantage. To some this might seem ruthless, but so were they when they did it


    to us.


    This is why Father was so specific with his timing, he had it all nned.


    "You know the rules" he said while we nodded, having heard them every day for five years.


    "And finally, would you guys prefer to have a name change?"


    "Yes"


    "No" Aiden and I said together. It was weird, because every time we talked together it was usually the


    same thing.


    "It would be better to get a name change Rox. That''s the whole point of being spies" He tried to exin


    as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I rolled my eyes at him.


    "No it wouldn''t be much safe to choose that option. Remember some of our pack members live there


    now. What if someone recognizes our scents huh? Remember that we''re Alpha bloods so our scents


    would be too obvious. Not to mention the scent of the pack that I''m sure they still know. Plus, our


    striking resemnce to mom...They wouldn''t know we''re there on a mission. What if they spread the


    word that the Alpha''s kids are in the pack? We were two when they were taken right? They must''ve


    learnt our names by then" I reasoned.


    "It''s too risky. I think we should keep our identities. No one will be suspicious that the Alpha''s kids are


    the chief warriors. By far, they believe we''re the strongest wolves here anyways"


    They looked convinced at my proposal, and I was more than grateful that they always kept an open


    mind when it came to discussions. It madepromising simpler.


    We were ready for this. This is what we''re trained for. It was finally going to happen. Soon we''ll be who


    we were always meant to be.


    It was all in our hands.


    ***


    "You''re leaving for four months?! I''m going to be the only young woman in here" Jane pouted after I told


    her the n.


    "Yep. I''ll miss you too. My only friend for the next four months is going to be Aiden." I sighed, thinking


    about how lonely I will be.


    "The testosterone here is going to kill me" She whispered a little too dramatic as she held her head in


    her hands, pulling back her hair so that her eyebrows were arched.


    "You''ll be fine" I hugged her tightly. I''m really going to miss her.


    Apart from the few females in the pack that I would consider my friends, she was practically the only


    girl that I had to keep me feminine.


    Her mom lives here too, but she was always busy. Sometimes we would all just have a girl''s night and


    be ourselves. No boys, no training, no duties, just us girls. I''ll really miss that too.


    "What if your mate is in that pack?" She asked all of a sudden. Iughed so hard that my tummy hurt.


    "I doubt he is. Something so blessed to me wouldn''te from a pack so corrupt." I proposed


    confidently as myughter died down. ¡°And if he is, I wouldn''t want him. Duty first, pleasureter. Or


    never since he would be one of them"


    "It''s not that easy Rox" Was all she said.


    "Well let''s just see, shall we."

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    I threw myst bag in the trunk of the very expensive car that was sent to pick us up.


    The two men that came to collect us were much nicer than I expected them to be. They only became


    professional when we were talking business, but then they were back to being cool and collected.


    This made me more suspicious about them. Why were they so nice?


    "All set?" The one whose name I learnt was Ryan asked with a smile on his face. I gave him a short


    nod as I went to say my goodbyes.


    I made my way to Jace and Jane first, giving each of them a bone crushing hug.


    Jace was the eldest of us all, and I had the weirdest crush on him when I was younger, so I was always


    awkward around him. However, I don''t think he ever noticed, so the awkwardness was always one-


    sided. Nheless, we all grew up together as a family, and so he was very much dear to me.


    Jane, on the other hand, was more than family. That made it much harder to say good-bye to her than


    anyone else--even my dad.


    "You make sure youe back to me in one piece" Jane mumbled in my neck as she squeezed the


    breath from my lungs.


    "I''ll be back, don''t worry. The four months will pass in no time, you''ll see." I mumbled in a small voice. I


    release her shortly after, shooting her a quick reassuring smile before escaping swiftly. I loved her, but


    I''d be in a Jane-hug for days if I didn''t get out of there.


    I went to Beta Phillip next, and he openly weed me in a warm hug. It was quite unusual, given that


    we never show affection in this family. You just know the love is there.


    "Make me proud" Was all he said as he gently kissed my hair.


    I most definitely will.


    He passed me to Rose, Jane''s mom, and we said our awkward goodbyes next. It only felt weird


    because neither of us were good at goodbyes. But in the end, she uttered a few encouraging words


    before bidding me farewell. I appreciated each word she said, reminding me the great responsibility I


    had to this pack.


    Finally, I went face to face with my dad, and I oddly felt like crying. I knew it won''t be easy for Aiden and


    I to live in a foreign ce where there was no one to look out for us like my dad did. Just being there on


    the edge of good-bye reminded me how hard this mission could be.


    "Be brave, strong and bold" He whispered in my hair as I hugged him. "Make us proud, even though


    I''m already proud of you guys. Look out for your brother, don''t let him get too caught up okay?" I


    nodded, knowing just what he meant.


    Aiden had a tendency of going a little overboard, especially when things weren''t going his way. But


    despite that fact, if anyone couldplete this mission, it''s him. All he will need is a little self control.


    He kissed my hair as I whispered my goodbye, quickly wiping my tears before heading to the car.


    Aiden and the two friendly strangers were patiently waiting, conversing about something I couldn''t hear.


    My brother was never the type to give hugs and kisses unless it was with me, so he just oddly waved at


    everyone as we loaded the car.


    We were informed that the drive wouldn''t be long, probably an hour and a half max. I couldn''t tell where


    our territory originally ended, but I knew it was arge portion that was taken.


    "So what are your names?" The unnamed one asked. Aiden and I shared weird looks before turning


    back to him.


    "I''m Aiden and this is Roxy. Didn''t your Alpha inform you about who you''re picking up?"


    "Alpha Ace doesn''t disclose information about our visitors until he meets them personally first." Ryan


    informed us and I nodded in understanding.


    I couldn''t ignore the shiver that ran through me when he said the Alpha''s name though. Maybe it was


    my body''s way of reacting to the evil in them.


    Yea that''s it.


    "What''s your name?" I asked the man who''s yet to be identified. I wasn''t being friendly, I was just polite.


    "I am Beta Calum at your service ma''am" He did a little yful bow as he spoke, and I awkwardly


    smiled at him. It then dawned on me that I didn''t sense in his scent that he was Beta blood, but my


    mind was too far fetched to even notice.


    If their pack was anything like ours, I''ll be living with this man for the next four months. He seemed fine,


    I just hoped the others were this easy going. That would make my job much easier so I could leave


    faster.


    ~"Why are they being so nice?"~ Aiden asked through our mind link.


    ~"I don''t know, maybe they are actually nice?"~ It came of more of a question than a statement as I


    considered the possibility.


    ~"Maybe. But we should keep an eye on them."~


    ~"Agreed"~


    My wolf was opposed to the idea for some reason. She felt as if she could trust them. I know our wolf''s


    instincts were what kept our species alive throughout all our existence, but I couldn''t trust her on this


    one. We were in the enemy''s territory after all.


    After a few more minutes, we were pulling into a beautiful town-like area. I felt a pang of jealousy run


    through me as I thought about how luxurious they were all living, while our packnd was half broken


    down and barely making its way back up.


    Our Alpha house was the biggest building in the pack, and even it wasn''t half the size of some of these


    buildings.


    My dad did his best to repair the damage that was made 18 years ago, and even with the work he''s


    done, it still wasn''t half as good as this.


    Doubt ran through me for a second as I wondered if we could really take this pack. I knew that our


    father built up the warrior team and more, but can we reallypare to them?


    ¡®That''s what you''re here for Roxy, to find out¡¯, my subconscious reminded me.


    I mentally pped myself for doubting everything we''ve worked so hard for. Mind-set is everything.


    I nced at Aiden to see him with the same expression as mine, except his was filled with


    determination, contrasting the doubt I had. Of course, seeing the wonders of this pack only drives him


    more. Shame on me for resorting to doubt.


    Ryan randomly pointed at things and ces, telling us what they are and where we can go when we


    wanted to.


    Eventually, we pulled through a long driveway, leading to a huge house that I assumed was the Alpha


    house since it didn''t look like a pack house. We jumped out the car simultaneously, as we stared


    mesmerized at the house we would be staying in for the next four months. The girl in me was already


    squealing, wishing I never had to leave; but I had to keep focus.


    The doors burst open and a girl around our age ran through,ing towards us with excitement written


    all over her face. After a couple seconds, I noticed she was running towards me. I made a move to run


    once I caught on, but she got me before I could get away.


    "Oh my gosh another girl! It''s so nice to meet you" She squealed as she let me go. "I''m Lilly by the


    way"


    "Babe why are you attacking our guests?" Calum asked with a smile as he grabbed her in for a hug. I


    concluded that they were mates, and I had to resist the urge to gush.


    "I was so excited! When we were informed that we were having trainee warriors, I didn''t know there


    was gonna be a girl!" She stated excitedly as they made their way inside. Aiden and I followed closely


    behind.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m sorry but I tried to keep her inside" A man, I assumed was the third inmand, rushed out as we


    entered. "But she looked through the window and saw the girl and freaked"


    "The girl''s name is Roxy" I stated in annoyance. I didn''t appreciate how informal these people were.


    They were the heads of the pack, after all.


    He quickly looked at me, then a smile took over his face as he took my hand and kissed it. Weird.


    "It''s a pleasure Roxy" He coaxed, rolling the R of my name.


    "Wish I could say the same" I mumbled lowly as I pulled my hand from his grip.


    "Feisty, I like it" I bit the inside of my cheek as he winked at me, trying real hard not to punch him. But


    luckily for him, Beta Calum saved the moment.


    "Scott, where is your professionalism? Have some respect" Calum scolded, and for the first time since I


    got here I actually believed that they actually knew how to be formal.


    "I apologize for the confusion" Calum said. "But we''re a little above schedule. You see, we weren''t


    supposed to be back this fast, since we assumed you would''ve taken longer to say your goodbyes.


    Hence why they weren''t in their usual greeting positions and why our Alpha isn''t back as yet"


    Well that exined some of it.


    Aiden cleared his throat as he spoke for the first time since we got in here.


    "No worries, we totally understand. But if I may, I''d formally like to greet you all" He turned to me with a


    proud look on his face as he grabbed my wrist. "This is my sister Roxy Gilbert, and I''m Aiden Gilbert,


    the Alpha''s first borns. " He ended and I noticed everyone apart from Calum and Ryan stiffened.


    My theory was that they didn''t know we were Alpha bloods, but if they were focused they would''ve


    noticed from our scents.


    It was in that moment of silence that I noticed how wonderful this house smelled. Every passing second


    that I inhaled, it got better. It was almost intoxicating.


    "Oh my gosh your house smells so good" I praised, almost in a trance as I took a deep


    breath. Everyone except Calum gave me questioning looks as they sniffed the air as if trying to see


    what I''m talking about.


    Didn''t they smell that?


    "Well someone who lives here will smell quite good to only one wolf in the whole world, and I guess


    that wolf is you." Calum coaxed with a smirk.


    I was confused as to why he was giving me that look, but then my gaze shiftedpletely.


    The most attractive man I''ve ever seen entered the room, looking so groomed and sexy in his buttoned


    down white shirt and dark jeans. His jaw was chiselled perfectly, and his arms were toned to literal


    perfection.


    His face was slightly scrunched into confusion as he walked further into the room, and I could see that


    he was focused on something. My chest tightened and my breath hitched as he got closer. My head felt


    feathery and my throat felt dry. Deep down I knew why all this was happening, but I didn''t want to


    ept it.


    But the moment his eyes found mine, I knew there was no denying it.


    I felt my canines pierce their way through my gum, itching to sink in the neck of this man. I also felt my


    eyes shift to my wolf''s as I took him in, and I noticed his changed too.


    He took a step closer and so did I. My body moved on its own ord like a maic to metal. My feet


    moved forward again when Aiden grabbed my hand, saving me from this wretched moment.


    "Alpha Ace, this is Roxy Gilbert, one of our guests." Calum stated sneakily as his smirk grew. ying


    matchmaker I see.


    Wait did he say Alpha Ace?


    "Rox why is he looking at you like that?" Aiden whispered fiercely as he made a move to go in front of


    me protectively, but I stopped him.


    "He''s my mate."

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    "He''s my mate." I whispered, still starstruck.


    "What do you mean he''s your mate? " Aiden gritted out, obviously frustrated.


    I didn''t miss the growl that came from Ace when Aiden grabbed me. If I knew anything about mates, I


    knew they were very possessive.


    Not right now please.


    I already felt overwhelmed and utterly confused. I needed a minute to think and clear my head. Seeing


    my mate took mepletely by surprise, and thest thing I needed was to do something I''d regret


    later.


    "Can you give us a minute please" I rushed out as I dragged my brother outside.


    I didn¡¯t miss the disappointment that shed across Ace''s face when I stepped from the room. And


    what confused me the most, I almost felt hurt for him.


    "You do know we''re going to have to abort mission for now until we get a new ce to stay right? "


    Aiden asked as soon as we hit the outside breeze.


    "Keep your voice down! " I whisper shouted. "And no one is aborting mission. Look, we have to be


    close to them to get what we need and you know it"


    "But Rox he''s your mate! He won''t stop until he gets you" He eximed in a whisper shout, sounding


    very much frustrated.


    "Look, you know me better than anyone. I can avoid him until we leave okay? I can''t be mates with the


    enemy anyways so chill"


    Aiden looked pleased at that, and I was too. I know this mate bond thing was going to be a challenge,


    but I have to endure it. I''ve been through worse anyways. This won''t be any different.


    I hope.


    "We should at least tell dad so-"


    "No! " I cut him off swiftly. "Nobody is telling dad anything. He''ll make use home to find a new n


    and we can''t do that, it will only raise suspicion" I reasoned, knowing the oue if this gets out.


    "Promise me you wont tell him until we go back home"


    "I promise" He sighed.


    I sealed the deal with our signature pinky swear. Those things were sacred between us. We never


    broke a pinky swear. Childish I know, but it works.


    "Let''s get back" I moved to head back inside with a now satisfied spirit. If avoiding my mate is what I''ll


    have to do to stay on track, then that''s what I''ll do.


    Aiden kissed my forehead gently and we headed inside. The minute I was back in, all the reassurance I


    felt went through the door the minute I caught Ace''s scent again. In addition, the look on his face had


    me shivering, as he peered at Aiden as if he was ready to pounce.


    I had a mini panic attack as I thought he must''ve heard what we were discussing outside, but I then


    noticed that his ''anger'' was only directed at Aiden.


    "Why are you looking at him like that?" I voiced my concerns. His head snapped to me, his eyes


    immediately softening at the sight of my face.


    "Why is he holding you like that and why did he kiss you?"


    "So you were spying on us?" Aiden questioned, seeming infuriated. Oh the irony


    "I have a right to spy she''s MY mate"


    "And she''s MY sister" He shot back, shutting him I''m uppletely. He looked between us for a while,


    then threw his head in his palm with a sigh.


    "Right," he whispered "The Alpha''s kids areing to train" He mumbled more to himself, cursing


    under his breath a little.


    "I apologize for my behaviour. My judgement was totally clouded, all I could think about is her being my


    mate. I''m not usually like this"


    I felt butterflies every time he said ''mate'' but I ignored them. Just like how I will ignore him.


    He gave everyone in the room a look, and they all shuffled to stand in a straight line side by side in


    front of us.


    "Things haven''t gone as nned, but I still would like to formally wee you to our pack and home"


    Mr Alpha said professionally.


    Each of them introduced themselves, stating their rankings as they individually shook our hands and


    weed us before taking their ces back in the line.


    I was impressed that they could be so casual now, yet so formal another time. It showed flexibility.


    I''ve learnt that Ryan lived here too. He was Calum''s younger brother, so if anything should happen to


    Calum, he would automatically take the ce as Beta instead of searching the whole pack for


    someone fit.


    The more the merrier, yay.


    Finally, it was Ace''s turn to introduce himself. It puzzled me how they did things in reverse instead of


    going from highest rank to lowest, but everyone has their own way of doing things.


    He went to Aiden first, giving him a manly handshake and weed him to the pack. Aiden knew he


    had to put the incident that urred a few minutes ago behind him. We had to gain their trust after all.


    Finally, it was my turn to be greeted, and my heart beat increased by the second.


    "Wee ma cherie" He mumbled in an undeniable sexy tone. I gulped as I felt my throat closing up,


    not being able to say anything.


    His pure hazel eyes pierced my soul as he took my hand, but instead of shaking it, he kissed it.


    I felt electric bolts shot through my body at the very small but effective contact. I felt my body already


    surrendering to himpletely, but I knew that could never be. I made a mental note to keep physical


    contact at zero to none, preferably none.


    Damn how do fully mated wolves deal with this?


    His lips were lingering on the spot and my heart rate was increasing, but as much as I wanted to, I


    couldn''t bring myself to pull my hand away.


    Coming to my rescue, Aiden cleared his throat which led to Ace breaking contact. I let out a breath I


    didn''t even know I was holding as Aiden got ready to speak.


    Ace never broke eye contact as he backed up to his group with a mouth watering smile etched on his


    perfect face.


    "I already introduced my sister and I, and I''m sure the Alpha knows what he needs to already," Aiden


    started while Ace gave him a nod in affirmation. "I hope my sister and I will be treated hospitable here


    until we leave"


    I didn''t miss the low growl that came from Ace when Aiden mentioned us leaving. I smiled a little,


    finding it funny how he thinks I''d be staying.


    Aiden continued.


    "And I do hope no harmes to me or my little sister by any of your hands" I sent him a re at that.


    "I''m not your little sister Aiden, we''re twins! " I pped him at each word as he winced under each hit,


    trying to catch my hand.


    A series of gasps erupted around the room and I looked to see everyone staring at us wide eyed.


    "You guys are twins?" Calum and Lilly asked in unison before sharing a ''awe'' look at their cute


    moment.


    "Uh yeah," I said in a ''duh'' tone as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    I mean, we''re kinda identical for the most part. Only difference is that Aiden had sandy blonde hair from


    our mom while I had a mixture of cinnamon and chestnut brown hair from my dad. He also looked


    slightly older than me and his eyes were a shade lighter than min- okay their confusion is justified.


    "That is so cool! Who came out first? " Ryan asked excitedly.


    "Me" We both announced at the same time. We resorted to our signature stare off, something we


    always did whenever we had the ''who was born first '' argument. We never had our mom around to tell


    us and our dad never knew, so we both settled on our own theory.


    Someone clearing their throat brought us back to reality, and that''s when I noticed that our bags were


    already gone to our rooms.


    "If there isn''t anything else, I would like to get settled please" I said to no one in particr.


    "I''ll show you to your room" Lilly suggested excitedly but was immediately shut down by Ace who


    offered to take me there personally.


    "I''d love for you to show me Lilly" I smiled at her,pletely ignoring Ace. She looked to him for


    permission in unsurity, but he nodded after a while when he saw my determination. The hurt was


    evident on his face but I forced myself not to let it bother me.


    "Maybe she''s just tired bro. She''lle around" I heard Calum say before I disappeared up the


    massive staircase.


    We stopped in front of a huge double door bedroom and I almost continued walking, not wanting to


    believe it was mine. Lilly pushed the door open, revealing arge bedroom that I could only assume


    belonged to a queen.


    Our rooms back home were big, but this was something else. I had a king size bed for myself, and my


    luggage was already ced neatly beside the closet.


    By just looking at it, I could tell it was a big closet and a part of me wished I had all my clothes to put in


    there. I could see that there was a bathroom attached to the bedroom, but at least that was something


    we had back home.


    "You like?" Lilly asked, fiddling with her waist length red hair. She¡¯s so beautiful.


    "Uh yea this is good thanks" I genuinely smiled at her, feeling drawn to her hospitality and friendliness.


    Not getting attached seemed so far fetched.


    Focus on the mission Roxy!


    "You know, he''s a really nice guy" She blurted out of the blue.


    "Who? " I totally knew who she was talking about, yet I asked.


    "The Alpha" Sheughed "Once you get to know him, trust me you won''t want to let go"


    That was exactly what I dreaded. I couldn''t let this mate bond get the best of me. From what I''ve learnt


    and seen, it''s almost impossible to resist. But there have been a few who resisted it.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I guess I''ll just have to be one of those few.


    After showing me where everything was and making sure I was settled, Lilly left to ''help prepare


    dinner'', and I was left with my thoughts.


    We were trained to be prepared for anything, but never this. Howe nobody ever thought about


    this? We''re wolves after all, our mates could be anywhere! Why didn''t anyone ever mention it?


    Everything about him affected me so much already, and that was what scared me. I can take any


    challenge, but some challenges are bound to take you.


    My mind couldn''t stop swirling with his words and his touch; not to mention my wolf who was happy but


    pissed at me for avoiding our mate.


    She loves our pack and before, she didn''t mind the mission St all. But now she has one objective, and


    that was to get our mate even if it means the mission gets flunked.


    Just when I thought this couldn''t get any harder.


    I groaned as I fell back on the bed, covering my face with a pillow. Deep down I knew I was screwed,


    but I kept my mind focused on everyone back home--my dad, Phillip, all those warriors who gave me a


    good beating during training. I couldn''t let them down.


    And I won''t.


    The wonderful scent that I was intoxicated by filled the air, and I stiffened as it got stronger. Ace was


    coming this way, and my heart plummeted as all the possibilities of what he''d do came rushing to my


    head.


    Was he one of those mates who are strictly primal and doesn¡¯t care if I''m ready or not? Will he mark


    me against my will? Will he demand my submission strictly because we''re mates?


    I let out a breath when I heard him walk pass, but it was short lived as I heard him back up, stopping


    right at the door.


    I heard a few soft knocks at first, but Iid still. Eventually they stopped and he spoke instead.


    "Hey, take all the time you need. I''ll be ready to talk anytime you''re ready. If you want to find me, I''m at


    the first door on the third level, or thest door at the end of the hall" His voice was barely a whisper,


    gently as a dove. I then knew my earlier suspicions were disregarded, and I had to acknowledge the


    relief I felt.


    However, I remained silent, not wanting to give him any mixed signals or hope. So eventually he took it


    as a sign to go, leaving me to my thoughts.


    My wolf whimpered loudly for a while until it actually became audible from my lips. I felt bad that I was


    hurting them both, but whichever road I choose, I''ll be hurting someone.


    I thought the hardest thing in my life was beating those 10 men and running to the border, but this


    topped thatpletely.


    I had no idea how I was going to continue andplete this mission with my sanity still in tack, but I


    had to.


    One way or the other.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    It has been two whole days since we got here, and I''ve managed to keep myself scarce.


    We weren''t supposed to start ''training'' until next week, since this week was meant for us to get familiar


    with the ce.


    Only 48 hours and I wanted to leave the house already. If only I had listened to Aiden''s suggestion


    about finding new housing arrangements, because now I know living here for four months will be nearly


    impossible.


    My wolf has been nagging me which only led to a constant never ending headache. How will I ever stay


    focused on my mission when she wont stop being difficult?


    He wasn''t making it any easier either. Every couple hours he would walk past my room, stopping a few


    seconds before leaving again.


    Last night, I could''ve sworn he was sitting outside my bedroom door. His scent was bing


    suffocating, and I never thought it would be this hard to resist him.


    I knew I was hurting him, and I''m sure it''s ten times worse for him than it was for me. All I wanted to do


    wasplete this mission and leave, but I couldn''t help the part of me that wanted to make it all better


    for both of us too.


    But I couldn''t, and it was eating away at me.


    I had to clear my mind.


    I couldn''t bring myself to talk to Aiden since I promised him that this wouldn''t affect me, and I didn''t trust


    anyone here enough to talk to them either. So I had to call the one person who I was sure will know


    exactly what to say.


    "I told you this would happen! Now you have to deal with it" Jane snickered in the line. I rolled my eyes


    with a face palm at her amusement which I didn''t understand.


    "What do you mean I have to deal with it?" I whined. " I called you so you could tell me what to do. Not


    tell me that you told me so"


    She can''t be for real.


    "Rox a mate bond is sacred. There''s no way you can resist him that long. I give you three more days"


    She said, the smirk evident in her tone.


    "Are you forgetting why I''m even here? Why are you joking about this? I''m supposed toe through


    for us all, not fall for the enemy" I sighed. "Jane, you know better than anyone how much this means to


    me. If I get involved with him there''s no way I canplete my mission"


    There was silence on the other end of the line after I spoke, and I knew I hit the nail on the head.


    "I''m sorry Roxy, you know how mate talk gets me excited... But you''re right, this is too important. Look,


    he''s your mate and it''s your choice to choose your priorities. I wouldn''t judge you if you choose him"


    She sighed. "But if you''re truly sure about this, the only way you''ll survive is if you reject him. I wasn''t


    joking about giving you three days.'''' She ended and my heart felt like someone was squeezing all the


    blood from it.


    I have to reject him? Just the thought made me want to gag.


    I''ve heard stories about rejections. If the wolf that rejects their mate truly doesn''t want him/her, it will be


    painless but the other wolf feels everything. How can I do that to him?


    Plus, I knew deep down that I wanted him too somewhere behind all the ego, pride and determination.


    If it were other circumstances, I knew that we''d be together right now.


    So if I should reject him, I would feel that pain too. But just the thought of hurting him makes my eyes


    water.


    I couldn''t understand my attraction to this man that I didn''t even know. I barely talked to the guy yet


    here I am, ready to cry over him.


    ¡®Just remember what they did to your people Roxy. Just remember the cause. You can do this,¡¯  my


    subconscious urged. I have been listening to her for the past two days, but eventually she might lose.


    "Roxy are you there?" Jane asked through the phone, reminding me that I was talking to her.


    "Yea sorry. I just have a lot to think about" I admitted truthfully, running my hands through my hair in


    frustration.


    "I''m sorry this had to happen Rox. You of all people deserve nothing but happiness. I hope you make


    the choice that will make you happy"


    "Thanks Jane. I''ll keep you updated. Oh and please don''t tell anyone" I added quickly.


    "Wasn''t nning to. Take care love" She dismissed before hanging up.


    A small simper took over my lips as I thought about Jane. She would joke around, but in the end she


    always knew what to do and say.


    Iid on myrge silk covered bed as I tried to think about my next move. My wolf was getting restless,


    threatening me with her growls. I knew if I went through with the rejection she will make it her duty to


    ensure that I flunk this mission. I also knew that if I didn''t go through with it, there was no chance of me


    surviving this for the next four months.


    Groaning loudly, I dragged myself to the small balcony attached to my room that I discovered


    yesterday.


    The wind hit me hard as I pushed through, allowing me to bask in its calmness. I leaned against the


    bar, taking in the beautiful forest andnd. The birds flew by happily as if they had no care in the world,


    and I relished in the serene sangfroid that reced my anxiety.


    I was already rxed, loving how just a hint of nature can make us feel 100x better. I watched in the


    distance as some pups y-fought, already building up their technique for when they are older.


    It made me realize that being locked up in a room for two days hasn''t been helping either, so I


    concluded that breaking a little sweat was what I really needed. Working out always calmed me.


    I grabbed some training gear from my huge temporary closet and quickly pulled them on. I put my hair


    in a low bun and slowly opened the door, peeping to see if Mr Alpha was on one of his patrols.


    Seeing that the coast was clear, I quickly rushed downstairs, silently praying that I wouldn''t bump into


    him. I sessfully reached the kitchen without being spotted, silently celebrating my small felt victory.


    Calum and Lilly were sitting in at the kitchen ind, causally eating what I assumed was lunch.


    "Hey guys" I greeted out of politeness. I only ever see them when Ie down for breakfast or dinner,


    even though I normally take it to my room.


    "Are you here for lunch? There are some extra sandwiches if you want" Lilly offered sweetly. I actually


    felt hungry, so I took one and quietly nibbled on it.


    They seemed shocked that I actually sat with them, and I realized that I was already failing my mission.


    We were supposed to get themfortable with us, and I was doing such a terrible job.


    "I actually came to ask someone to show me to the gym. I would like to have a workout" I mumbled


    after finishing my sandwich.


    "I''d be happy to take you but you have to get permission from Ace first" Calum informed me.


    "Why do I need permission from him?" I didn''t see why it was necessary, but he simply shrugged.


    "He said he needs to know when you guys are leaving the house. If anything happens to you guys


    under his care, he can get in a lot of trouble with your dad"


    "I can take care of myself" I bit a little too harshly.


    "I know you can, but I have to obey his orders. He''s in his office, I''m sure he won''t deny your request"


    He smirked.


    Okay matchmaker.


    "Can you ask for me?" I asked with a pout. I was trying really hard to stay away from him, and I could


    see that Calum saw right through it.


    "I think you should go" He insisted suspiciously. I noticed that they must''ve been wondering why I didn''t


    want to see my own mate, so I reluctantly surrendered just so I didn''t raise anymore suspicions.


    "Okay" I mumbled as I turned to leave.


    "Remember what I said Roxy" Lilly called out before I reached the door. I nodded, remembering when


    she told me that he was a good person.


    I contemted just going back to my room, but I figured if I was ever going get any better at this, I had


    to be able to be around him.


    I didn''t agree that rejecting him was the best thing to do, but I knew that epting him wouldn''t be


    smart either. All I had to do was find bnce between the two.


    Shouldn''t be too hard.


    I let my legs lead me to the door that he told me I could find him at. I held my hand to knock but was


    immediately cut off by his voice.


    "Come in Roxy," he called sternly, and I reluctantly walked in.


    His office was big and beautiful, just like the rest of the house. Everything looked so modern and in


    ce. If Aiden and I will ever have to search through here, we would have to be very careful to arrange


    everything back neatly.


    "How did you know it was me?" I asked softly.


    "I know your scent Roxy. It was sketched into my mind from the moment I knew you were mine" My


    heart leaped at him mentioning me as his, and my wolf purred at his voice.


    He got up and walked around his table towards me, but I stepped back as he got closer. He caught my


    movement and settled against his desk in disappointment.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I had to be grateful that he was so patient. Many Alpha''s wouldn''t have epted my distant behaviour.


    "What can I help you with? Are you finally ready to talk?" He asked with hope filled eyes. I simply shook


    my head, avoiding eye contact.


    "I actually wanted to go to the gym for a workout, but Calum said I had to get your permission"


    He looked hurt for a moment, and I had to keep my feet in ce so that I didn''t do something to make


    this all worse. Everything about him was calling out to me.


    His eyes suddenly lit up as if he got an idea.


    "I can take you there," he said suggestively, causing my eyes to widen in panic.


    "No it''s okay, I''m sure you have work to do" I tried to convince him but he wasn''t backing down.


    "I don''t mind really. It''s not as important as you. I''ll take you"


    "I don''t want you to take me" I blurted out.


    "Then I don''t give you my permission" he shot back stubbornly, crossing his arms.


    "So you''re gonna be like that?" I squinted my eyes challengingly, but he simply mimicked my gesture. A


    small smirk curved on his plump lips as if he was enjoying the moment. Surprisingly I did too.


    "If that''s what I have to do, then yes" He decided ultimately with a final smirk.


    "Fine" I huffed in defeat just as a triumphant smile took over his gorgeous face.


    "Just let me go get changed. I''ll meet you downstairs in a minute"


    He purposely brushed my bare arm with his as he walked past me. A series of tingles shot through my


    body as it cried for more of his touch. I was left swooning even after he left, and that''s when I knew that


    Alpha Ace would be the death of me.


    I took the opportunity to look around his office, cursing lowly as I spotted a surveince camera.


    How wonderful.


    This would only make our job harder. If we can''t spy without being spotted, then we''ll only flunk the


    mission. Luckily, I had a few tricks up my sleeve when it came toputers.


    After examining his office, I quickly rushed downstairs before he could get down before me. I


    contemted leaving without him since by right, I did actually get permission.


    But as if the universe hated me, he appeared in a matter of seconds, wearing sweats and a T-shirt that


    hugged his muscles perfectly. He looked so good and lickab-


    "Ready?" He asked, cutting off my thoughts.


    "Hhmm"


    He grabbed an apple and two bottles of water before heading through the back door. We walked in


    silence for a couple minutes, but I could see that the silence was killing him.


    "Do you have cameras all over the house?" I asked carefully.


    "No. But my office has everything important so I had to increase security measures" He answered


    quickly. I could see that he wasn''t suspicious, probably just happy that I talked to him.


    Maybe I could use this to my advantage. As my mate, he wouldn''t be too suspicious about me. Maybe


    this could actually be a good thing. I canplete everything sooner and escape from this nightmare. I


    smiled at the thought.


    "You have a really beautiful smile" He whispered with his eyes sparkling.


    That''s when my heart melted.


    The smile immediately dropped from my face. Not because of hispliment, but because of what I


    was thinking about.


    Am I really going to help my father ruin my own mate? Do I really have it in me to use him, plot against


    him then rage war against his pack?


    ¡®It''s only to get back what''s rightfully yours,¡¯ my annoying subconscious reminded me. But knowing


    Father, he''s not just going to take back what was his, he''ll want to take more and ruin them.


    I knew this even before I came, but I didn''t mind one bit. Until now.


    Am I really prepared to do this? I''d be a terrible person, worse than they were when they attacked us. I


    wasn''t even entirely sure if Ace was like his father.


    Dad assured us that nothing has changed over the years, that they were all just as ruthless as the


    former leaders so we shouldn''t fall for their behaviour. But even if I decided not to carry on with the


    mission, I''d bebelled as weak. I''d be failing my pack, going back on my word. If I leave Aiden to


    continue by himself, I couldn''t go back to dad. I''d be shunned.


    I couldn''t stay here and live with Ace either, I''d be betraying my family.


    But either way, I''d still be hurting Ace. If I leave and say nothing, Aiden will just continue the mission


    that I knew about, and they''d still be attacked. Plus, I''d leave him mateless. But even if I stayed with


    him, I still couldn''t say anything to him about my pack''s n, and they''d still attack.


    So either way, I''d be betraying both my pack and my mate.


    I guess this was what Jane meant by choosing my priorities. Honestly, in that moment, I just wanted to


    fall off the face of the earth.


    Why did all this have to happen to me?


    I want a do over.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    "Hey you okay?" I was shaken from my thoughts by my mate''s question. I didn''t even notice that I


    zoned out.


    ¡®Oh yes I''m great. Just contemting who to betray.¡¯


    "I''m fine," I replied instead, as we walked towards a huge gym. I suddenly got excited to hit those


    machines, wanting to relieve the stress and tension forming in my body.


    "You like it?" Ace asked after seeing my facial expression. I simply nodded as we neared the entrance.


    "Wait till you see the inside." He held my hand, leading me through the door. I noticed how good


    holding his hands made me feel. It made me wish that things could always be like this.


    He wasn''t joking about the inside. It was huge and lovely. The machines were modern and looked


    expensive. There were different types all over the huge room, and I could see that there were other


    parts to the gym. I instantly knew that I''d be spending a lot of time here.


    I found afortable spot to stretch and warm up before I could actually get to the good stuff. Ace


    stood watching my every move, and as much as it was weird, I liked feeling his eyes on me.


    "Aren''t you gonna go work out or something?" I asked as I stood up.


    "I''d rather stay here with you," he replied sweetly. I just gave him a small smile and made my way to a


    treadmill.


    "Why are you so distant?" He asked as he followed me.


    "What do you mean?" I knew exactly what he meant, yet I asked, simply because I didn''t know how to


    reply.


    "Since you got here, you haven''t said anything to me. I gave you time toe around but it''s killing


    me" He stopped the machine and turned me to face him. "What''s wrong?" He whispered, holding my


    face in his hands.


    "Nothing" I mumbled, trying to get out of his hold, but he wouldn''t budge.


    "I know something is up. I can tell you''re affected by the mate bond as much as I am, but something is


    holding you back. What is it? We''ll get through it together" His eyes held so much truth and promise,


    and all I wanted to do was give into him, but the consequences were too great.


    "Nothing is up. I just want to focus on my mission" I told him truthfully. We were thinking about different


    missions but my statement wasn''t a lie.


    He remained quiet for a while, as if contemting something. "Can¡¯t you ept me and stillplete


    your training?"


    I cringed at his question and my heart sank. I was hoping he wouldn''t have asked, because if I was


    being truthful, I didn''t know the answer.


    "I-I don''t know" I stuttered, walking to the next machine as soon as the words left my mouth to prevent


    any more questioning.


    "At least let me get to know you. If you want to take things slow, then so be it" He really wasn''t backing


    down.


    Sighing, I agreed to answer personal questions he asked me. After all, a part of my mission entailed


    getting to know them.


    We spent the next two hours working out and talking. I found myselfughing asionally at some


    stories he told me, and he would tell me how beautiful myugh was each time. Just in the short span


    of time, I learnt so much about him and he seemed so great.


    I decided that I wanted to do some one on one fighting, but Ace wouldn''t allow any other wolf to


    challenge me. Overprotective much?


    So, he offered to challenge me, which I happily epted.


    I could tell that he was going easy on me, and I had to try my best to keep my skills at bay since I


    wasn''t supposed to let them know that I was fully trained.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You''re much better than I suspected. Did you train back in your pack?" He asked as he threw a punch


    to my face which I blocked easily.


    He immediately lifted his legs to get me in the side, which I also sessfully escaped from. Basic


    beginner move.


    He gave me a look as if saying ''see'', and I let out a nervousugh. No use trying to tone it down again,


    since he already knows that I''m past the beginners stage.


    "I used to get basic training from my Beta couple years ago," I replied, throwing a punch to his rib, then


    tripping him in the process. I wasn''t entirely lying, but I wasn''t being truthful either.


    His eyes widened at my move, as I held my knee to his chest to keep him down. "You have great


    strength and stamina too. You sure you haven''t passed the basics?"


    I felt this pain when lying to him that I didn''t even know was a thing. I lied to everyone at least once in


    my life and I never felt this.


    I simply shrugged, not wanting to say anything else. This ''training'' is going to be challenging for me. I


    was never the person to lose a challenge, so I''m going to have a hard time convincing these people


    that I was not passed the stage I presumed to be. I guess that''s why Phillip and dad originally put me


    as ''supervisor'', to keep me away from the action.


    I went to the side to get my water that Ace brought for me, when he joined me seconds after.


    "Done for the day?" He asked, getting his own water.


    "Yep. I need a cold bath"


    "I can join you if you want. I give a mean massage" He said suggestively with a smirk. I yfully hit his


    chest with augh, earning augh from him too.


    Ourughter died down and I found myself staring in his beautiful hazel eyes. He gently removed some


    of my hair that was stuck to my forehead, as he peered into my soul, making my body grow weaker by


    the second.


    His eyes quickly darted to my lips, which I involuntarily bit, making him growl lowly. His eyes found


    mine once again, but this time they held want and longing.


    He started to lean in slowly, and I couldn''t bring myself to move. I knew this would cause troubleter,


    but in that moment, I just wanted to escape from reality, and a kiss from my mate could do just that.


    "Roxy!"


    I quickly jumped from Ace''s hold, turning abruptly to see Aiden moving towards us. I was slightly


    relieved, but my chest felt heavy at the same time.


    ~"What the hell are you thinking!?"~ He screamed at me through our mindlink as he approached us


    with a smile, though I knew it was only to fool Ace.


    ~"I got caught up okay! It''s really hard to resist"~ I replied truthfully.


    He immediately shut off the connection to me, and I cringed. This was when I knew he was mad, since


    he never shut me out. Ever.


    "Hey man," Ace greeted as Aiden stopped in front of us, totally oblivious to the tension.


    "Hey guys. I was looking for Roxy, and Calum said I could find her here. Do you mind? I would like to


    talk with her" Aiden stated as he held my shoulder.


    "Yeah that''s cool. I''ll see you guys back at the house." With that, he threw his towel over his shoulder


    and gave us a nod before leaving.


    My wolf let out a low whimper which unintentionally came out of my mouth. Aiden''s eyes immediately


    shot out of his head when he heard.


    "Really Roxy? It''s been two days and you''re already falling for him? You told me you could deal with it"


    "I know okay? But it''s harder than I thought" I replied honestly with a frustrated sigh. He ran his hand


    over his face before leading me outside where we had more privacy.


    "What was our number one rule Rox?" He asked as soon as we were out of hearing capacity.


    "Never get attached" I mumbled, having heard it so many times over the years.


    "Exactly. And it''s been two days and you''re already breaking the biggest rule. What next huh? You''re


    gonna go tell everyone why we''re really here?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous Aiden" I sneered with equal amounts of anger. I understood that I was not doing my


    best, but he was taking it too far with that usation.


    "Can you me me? A minuteter and I would''ve found you locking lips with the enemy!"


    "He''s not the enemy!" I blurted out before I could stop myself. I sorta meant the words, but the look on


    Aiden''s face made me want to take them back instantly.


    It was the same look I''ve dreaded since this day started. The look of hurt at my betrayal. We always put


    each other above anything, and I just chose a stranger over my brother and partner.


    "When you decide who''s team you''re on, you know where to find me. But for now, I''m gonnaplete


    my mission, with or without you" He said emotionlessly before storming off, shifting in his wolf and


    disappearing in the massive trees.


    Sighing, I dropped to the ground and brought my legs up against my chest. I buried my head between


    my chest and knees as I reyed all the incidents of the day.


    All my life I''ve never thought much about finding my mate, but I knew when I found him, I wanted to be


    happy with him.


    I''ve always nned that after Ipleted this mission and my pack was all settled and happy, I would


    travel in search of my mate.


    I would venture to get a life of my own. I would find my mate, move to his pack and be happy. I would


    visit home asionally, bringing my pups to visit their uncle and grandfather.


    We would all be happy and I''d tell them the story about how my brother and I saved our pack. They


    would look up to me and adore their mama, and I would be the best to them. I''d grow old with my mate


    and my pups would grow and find their own mates, and I could say I''ve lived a fulfilling life.


    But now, that was all taken from me.


    ¡®You can always find a new mate, it happens all the time,¡¯ my subconscious told me. But was that what


    I even wanted?


    A mate is a sacred gift from the moon, and we''re to cherish them with all our hearts. But how can I do


    that when I have so much to lose?


    I sighed as I got up, walking back to the house.


    I made a vow to my pack and brother, and I didn''t intend on breaking it. This mate bond will slow me


    down, but it won''t stop me. I''ll just have to find a way around it.


    Above all that, I had to do the right thing and I knew exactly what I had to do.


    I freshened up and grabbed dinner, which I ate in my room again. It was gettingte and I knew I had to


    make my move now. I made my way to his bedroom door with determination in each step. I stopped for


    a split second, but immediately shook the doubt from my veins.


    Knocking softly, I heard shuffling around his room before the door opened widely, revealing his face to


    me. I took a deep breath as I confidently stepped inside.


    "Roxy?" He asked, a little shocked, but happy at the same time. "What are you doing here?"

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    "I''m in, for real this time" I told Aiden as soon as I entered his room. He smiled widely at me.


    "I knew you woulde around sis. But how do you n to keep ¡®you know who¡¯ at bay?" He asked.


    I pondered my thoughts for a while. I was sure that I could manage to stay away IF I just kept myself


    upied, but I wasn''t entirely sure how long I could keep him away.


    "I''ll just have to make him hate me" I stated nonchntly, as if it was the simplest thing in the world,


    when in reality, that was nearly impossible. Hating your mate is like teaching pigs to fly.


    My wolf, as expected, wasn''t too fond of that idea. I knew it would be hard keeping her at bay, good


    thing I''m more in control.


    Why am I doing this?


    I couldn''t bare seeing the look on everyone that I love faces if I should choose my own pleasure over


    what I vowed. It tears me up to be giving up Ace, but my subconscious was right, I can always find a


    new mate. The moon will grant me this one wish.


    "How do you n on doing that? From what I can see, he''s already whipped." I mustered the most


    confident look I could make before answering.


    "Aiden you know me, once I set my mind to do something, I will" I said with a pat on his shoulders. He


    gave me an unsure look, and I knew exactly what that look meant.


    "That''s what you said two days ago, then I found you almost kissing the guy" He pointed out.


    "Look I know I messed up, it was hard. But now I''m not doubting what I want anymore, that''s the


    difference"


    He didn''t look too convinced, but I could see that he had a little faith in my word. That''s all I wanted.


    "Good. We start ''training'' tomorrow" He informed, using air quotes. "You''ll only join us once a week for


    the physical stuff as you wished, but you have to tone it down Rox" He warned as I rolled my eyes.


    "I can act Aiden. But Ace already knows that I passed basics so I can''t act like I''m that horrible at


    fighting" I smirked as he gave me an annoyed look.


    "You just had to show off your skills didn''t you? I don''t know what I''m gonna do with you" He chuckled,


    pulling me into a hug.


    This is what''s right. Being with family, making them proud. Do I even need a mate when you have


    family?


    I can do this. I know I can.


    ***


    "Roxy, wake up!"


    I groaned as the pounding on my door continued, Aiden calling me to get up. This almost felt like back


    home when we had training and he would wake me up every morning at five.


    "I''m up!" I shouted as I dragged myself from the bed. I freshened up quickly, pulling my hair into a high


    ponytail before putting some training gear on.


    The good thing about this mission was that even though we were already fully trained, we get to adapt


    some of their fighting skills and techniques, which we could use against them in the future also.


    I went to the kitchen to get an apple before I headed out to the training grounds. I stopped dead in my


    tracks when the wonderful scent of my mate filled my nostrils. My body immediately went weak, but I


    quickly recovered, using all the strength I had to put on a show. Acting skills, don''t fail me now.


    I waltzed into the kitchen as if I didn''t know he was there. I quickly grabbed the apple, trying to get


    away before he could say anything.


    "Morning" He beamed.


    Shit.


    "Morning" I mumbled uninterested, heading for the exit.


    "Wont you need water too?" I let out a frustrated huff, as I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, still


    avoiding him.


    I heard a chair scraping against the floor, so I knew he was getting up. I tried to make a run for the exit


    but he caught my hand before I could move.


    He spun me around so that I was facing him, and I tried my best not to look into his eyes. I couldn''t


    stop the tingling that erupted through my body, so I pulled my hand from his grasp.


    "You okay?" He asked quietly, concernced in his voice.


    "I''m fine" I mumbled, then made my way to the door again.


    "You sure?" He asked, holding onto my hand again. This time, I yanked my hand away from him, surely


    surprising him.


    "I said I''m fine," I replied harshly. "I need to get to training," I added, heading to the door without looking


    back. My chest felt heavy, but I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing this.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    It''s for the pack. For Aiden, dad, Phillip and all those people depending on me. I had no time for selfish


    desires.


    I exited the house, silently thanking him for not following me. I was met with Aiden and Ryan talking.


    "Hey Roxy," Ryan greeted with a sweet smile on his face.


    "Hey," I replied simply. I still had to make them trust me. Even if Mr. Alpha was a lost cause, I still had


    these people to help me get my job done.


    "Ready?" he asked us, before leading us to where the training grounds were.


    It was bigger than ours back home, as expected. Wolves fought in their various circles, and I could see


    the various levels of skills in their moves.


    I noticed that there were women too, something my pack didn''t do. I had to admire the fact that they


    allowed their women to fight, demonstrating equality. I should really run the idea by dad and Aiden


    when we get back home.


    "Wee!" A guy around our age beamed. "I''ll be your main trainer for the next four months" He


    announced excitedly, and I didn''t miss the scoff that came from Aiden.


    "We''ll start off with some basics, then we''ll evolve into harder thingster on. By the end, you should be


    leaving here as an expert" He said directly to Aiden. "And you''ll probably hit intermediate" He then


    turned to me, and I narrowed my eyes on him. If only he knew that I could crush him.


    "Is there a problem little wolf?" He asked teasingly. That little fu-


    "Come on Zack, no need to be taunting her" I froze. It''s him.


    "She might surprise you" He added,ing to stand beside me. What is he even doing here? "There''s


    no need to teach them the basics. I had a one on one with her yesterday, and I assure you that they


    are past that stage. Maybe even more" He whispered thest part in my ear, as a shiver ran down my


    spine.


    "Yes, Alpha," Zack mumbled before taking his position. I suddenly felt annoyed. I could''ve defended


    myself!


    "What are you doing here?" I asked without looking at him, starting my stretches.


    "I couldn''t miss my mate''s first training session" He said teasingly, and I finally faced him with a pointed


    look.


    "I don''t need supervision. I can take care of myself"


    "Oh I know you can, but I want to be here."


    "Don''t you have work to go do Alpha?" I asked unimpressed. This was the second time he was putting


    off work for me.


    "I do. But it can wait" He casually shrugged as I rolled my eyes.


    "Go. You don''t need to be worried about who fights me." I knew that was the main reason why he


    followed me. Alphas and their protectiveness.


    He didn''t make a move to leave, but he didn''t answer either. I took it as a sign to just ignore him.


    We spent the next hour re-learning things we already knew. Ace watched the whole time, keeping his


    eyes trained on me with an impressed look on his face. ¡®Shit am I being too good again?¡¯


    "You can take a break," Zack announced, heading to his water.


    "That fast?" I asked, feeling not in the least tired. They gave me shocked looks, while Aiden shot me a


    ''tone it down'' look.


    "Aren''t you tired Roxy?" Zack asked curiously, while I increased my panting a bit to give the impression


    that I was indeed tired.


    "Of course I am. I just thought you guys were tougher than that. That''s all" I lied, grabbing my water.


    "Remarkable strength and stamina" Ace whispered in my ear, making me yelp in surprise. "You can


    fool them but I know you aren''t tired. What''s your secret?" He asked, making my heart rate pick up a


    notch.


    "I have no secret. I''m just a determined wolf with Alpha blood. You of all people should know what that


    means. Now can you please leave" I snapped, even though that was thest thing I wanted.


    "But your brother is Alpha blood too, and you seem to be holding up way better than him." Yea that''s


    because he''s a better actor than me!


    "Look I don''t know okay? But you need to leave, you''re distracting me from my mission" I cringed at the


    double meaning.


    "Do I make you nervous ma cherie?" Yes, yes you surely do.


    "No. But can you just leave. I. Don''t. Want. You. Here" I gritted out. The look of hurt took over his face


    immediately, and all I wanted to do was take back those words, but I couldn''t. I had to be strong.


    He reluctantly turned and left, leaving me and my heart almost shattered. Every time I had a regret, I


    just had to remind myself why I did what I did.


    I looked to Aiden and he gave me an impressed look, expressing his shock and delight through our


    mindlink.


    I wasn''t too happy though, I was upset for the rest of the session, and Aiden had to constantly be telling


    me to tone it down, since my snappy mood increased my strength.


    After we were done, I went back to the house to freshen up, then invested in a movie till I decided to fall


    asleep. A knock on my door distracted me a little, but I was too distracted to focus on who it was, so I


    shouted for them toe in.


    "Hey you got a minute?" Ace asked and I shot up immediately. I silently cursed myself for not focusing.


    "Um yea sure," I said with a straight face.


    His eyes roamed down my body, and that''s when I remembered I was wearing nothing but Aiden''s


    shirt. I felt my heart race up under his intense gaze and I had to resist the urge to let him do whatever


    that was running through his mind.


    "Is everything okay? You know, with you and me?" He inquired after clearing his throat and meeting my


    gaze once again.


    "What do you mean?" I asked, even though I knew what he meant. I was just giving myself more time


    and strength to do what I was about to do. I pushed my wolf back, put on a brave face and readied


    myself.


    "Yesterday we were actually making progress, but today you were distant again" He said, taking a step


    towards me, but I stepped back simultaneously.


    ¡®Remember the mission. Remember the purpose. You can do this.¡¯


    "Yesterday was a mistake," I lied, and pain flooded his features immediately. " You want to know why


    I''ve been distant? I didn''t want a mate, I never did and I still don''t"


    "That''s a lie," he whispered, looking pained.


    "It''s the truth. Hurts doesn''t it? Well too bad, that''s just life. I came here with one purpose and that was


    toplete my mission, then go back to my pack, and that still hasn''t changed. Meeting you was just a


    mere stumble in my path." I imed with as much firmness I could muster.


    "Roxy please-"


    "No. Please don''t. You can''t change my mind. I admit, the mate bond did pull me, but I had a wake up


    call and I''m back. I don''t want you" I cut him off. His face fell even more, if that was even possible.


    "What?" He asked almost inaudibly.


    "I don''t want you" I whispered, trying my best to not let my face or voice falter. He seemed to believe


    me, as I saw his eyes ze over and he quickly left my room.


    I fell onto the bed, burying my head in my hands as my tears started to fall. The truth is, I really did wish


    things were different. I really do want him, but I want happiness for my pack even more, even if that


    meant betraying my mate and waging war on his pack.


    Maybe this was the universe''s sick way of paying him back for what his pack did to us. But why do I


    have to suffer too? Maybe it will work out differently?


    With everything in me I wished things will get better, that there will be some magical force that makes


    me get the best of both worlds. Yet deep down I knew that would never happen.


    I climbed onto my pillow, burying my face in them as more tears fell. I haven''t cried in ages. Who


    would''ve thought that the great Roxy would be in her mate''s house, crying because she just falsely told


    him that she doesn''t want him?


    I felt drained, too drained than I should''ve felt. I didn''t even have the energy to finish my movie. I cried


    even harder when I thought about all the other times I''d have to act this way towards him, knowing this


    won''t keep him away for long.


    Maybe after a couple weeks he''ll finally give up, or I''ll push him well enough that hepletely hates


    me.


    He''ll move on and find someone to make him happy. He deserves better than me, a girl on a mission to


    ruin everything he has.


    Sighing, I closed my eyes, trying to think of something else until I fell into deep, miserable


    slumber.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    It has been a week since my encounter with Ace, and it has been horrible for us both.


    Every time I crossed him, he always looked so pained, and his eyes were practically pleading with me


    to talk to him, but I couldn''t.


    All my life I''ve been through training, building up a pack that was broken, sleepless nights wondering


    how having a mom felt, but nothing I did was ever this hard.


    I was d for the long training hours. Even though I did nothing but ''observe'', it really got my mind off


    things. When I was back at the house, I would either talk to Lilly, or watch movies till I fall asleep.


    Today was meant to be my training day again, and I couldn''t hide how relieved I was. I desperately


    needed to punch someone. Aiden had already woken me up, which was a habit of his, so I was


    currently getting ready.


    I finished earlier than usual, so I went to my balcony to get some fresh air.


    The six a.m wind hit me immediately, calming my senses instantly. I leaned against the bar as I


    watched the sun rise from behind the trees.


    It filled the sky with mighty colours of red and sshed the clouds with endless rays of pink. It was


    bright and mesmerising as it invited me to stare deep into the horizon.


    A delightful sigh escaped my lips as I got lost in it''s relishing beauty.


    "Beautiful, isn''t it? "


    I yelped in surprise as the voice startled me back to reality. I spun around, being faced by my one and


    only mate, Ace. I didn''t say anything, just stared at him. He sighed, stepping further onto the balcony.


    "I''m sorry I scared you, it''s just that I was passing by, when Aiden asked me to call you. But I was


    knocking for a while and I didn''t hear you so I thought you were hurt or something." I nodded in


    understanding after he exined himself, but now I was lost for words as I gazed at him.


    I haven''t heard him talk to me in a whole week, it had my heart racing and my wolf howling, after being


    pissed at me for days.


    "I''ll be right out," I said as I turned back to face the sunrise.


    He didn''t leave though, instead he joined me at the end of the balcony, leaning against the bar. He


    didn''t try to initiate conversation, so I just stayed silent, enjoying the few minutes I had in his presence.


    "You really like the sunrise, don''t you? " He asked, looking at me with an admirable smile on his face.


    "I really do, and sunsets too. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? "


    "I can think of something" He took a step closer to me, gazing at me with love-struck eyes. " Or


    someone" He whispered, moving a loose strand of hair from my face.


    Once dormant butterflies erupted in my belly, as I involuntarily leaned into his touch. His eyes glistened


    with hope, as mine widened in realization.


    Shit.


    I cleared my throat and stepped back abruptly, leaving his face once again broken. Before I could stop


    myself, my mouth got the best of me.


    "I really am sorry for constantly hurting you like this, but I can''t"


    I ran out of the room before he could get a hold of me.


    I ran down the stairs, stopping dead in my tracks at the sight in front of me. Everyone was sitting in the


    living room, watching TV, even Aiden.


    Not that anything was wrong with that, but it was 6 in the morning. Don''t they have stuff to do? Like


    sleeping!


    "Hey sis. Zack had some emergency family matter, so he said we cane down to the training


    grounds by eight"


    I simply nodded at Aiden as I slowly sat beside them, ncing at the stairs to see if Ace was following.


    Luckily he wasn''t, so I rxed into Aiden to get invested in whatever they were watching.


    After a few minutes, I noticed they weren''t really interested in the TV show that was on, so I was about


    to ask why they were up, but then a middle aged woman with a cute baby girl entered suddenly.


    Calum and Lilly immediately shot up, running to them open armed. Aiden and I watched curiously, as


    Scott and Ryan stood with happy looks on their faces.


    "Hey mom. Back with our little trouble maker already?" Calum teased as he kissed both their cheeks.


    "Oh shut up Caleb, you know you missed her. He wouldn''t stop whining about how he missed his baby


    girl" Lilly said as she took the baby, showering her with kisses.


    Aiden and my eyes widened in surprise as we put it together. That was Calum and Lilly''s baby.


    I stood up immediately and rushed to her, holding out my hands as I gazed at the cutie with


    amazement. I didn''t even know she had a baby.


    Well I couldn''t me them for not mentioning it. I talked to them, but not much. Lilly and I hung out, but


    we never talked about personal things.


    "Can I hold her? " I asked softly. She smiled and gently ced the baby in my hands.


    The cutie giggled as I tickled her side, and I knew from that moment that she stole my heart.


    "Her name is Asia" Lilly informed with a proud but loving look on her face. "She just turned onest


    week"


    "Hey Asia," I cooed in a baby voice. "That''s such a pretty name for a pretty baby." Asia giggled even


    louder as I yed with her little hand.


    She had the cutestugh and face ever. Her hair was red, almost like Lilly''s and her eyes held the


    same colour and life like Calum''s. I could just nibble her little face off.


    "I''m your aunty Roxy" I added without thinking. Everyone''s face turned even happier at my statement,


    no doubt having seen how I''ve been treating Ace for the past week.


    A sh of guilt ran through me, knowing I was hurting them too. By right I was supposed to be their


    Luna, but I haven''t been either a mate or Luna to anyone.


    Thedy which I now learnt was Calum''s mom smiled brightly at me, stretching out her hand for me to


    take it.


    "You must be Ace''s mate. It''s a pleasure finally meeting you. My mate and I couldn''t wait to meet you.


    Ace is like a son to us" I smiled warmly at her as I shook her hand, except, inside I felt terrible.


    She told me that I could call her Zorah, and that her mate would be hereter when I return from


    training.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    I didn''t want to tell her no, but I didn''t want to get their hopes up either. I knew Ace''s dad died from what


    my dad told me, and I don''t know about his mom, but this felt like meeting the parents and I wasn''t


    ready for that.


    Aiden shouted in my head. I groaned, then shut the mindlink off immediately.


    I reluctantly gave Asia back to Lilly as I joined Aiden in the kitchen. I knew what he was about to say so


    I prepared myself to give him ''the face''.


    "Roxy what''s the biggest rule? " He asked me as if I was five. I rolled my eyes as I grabbed the cereal,


    deciding to eat before I left.


    "I know Aiden, ¡®don''t get attached¡¯," I repeated boredly, knowing I was already attached to Asia.


    Babies were my weakness. From a tender age, I was always in love with them, and Aiden knew


    that. He was probably seeing this mission as a lost cause for me already. A mate, very nice people and


    now a baby. This thing gets harder by the day.


    I sighed as I actually thought about it.


    They all seemed so...nice. Calum and Lilly were building their lives, Ace was building his pack and I


    was here right under their noses, plotting to take that all away from them.


    Dad said he recruited us because we were the strongest and most trusted that he could think of to


    send here, but I''m starting to believe that I wasn''t cut out for this mission.


    All I could think about for the next hour was how I''d probably be dooming Asia to a fate like mine, to


    grow up in a broken pack, and probably with one parent.


    I thought about the possibility of Calum dying in the war, which was unlikely but not impossible. Do I


    want that for these people?


    ¡®Nobody thought about your people when they were attacking your pack,¡¯ my subconscious taunted.


    I sighed, not at all liking how all this turned out.


    I was supposed toe here, live under their roof, hate them the whole time while pretending to like


    them, get whatever information we needed and attack. Not meet my mate, get my wolf against me,


    meet wonderful people and fall in love with a one year old.


    I need some air.


    I had about thirty minutes before Zack would be ready, so I decided to go do some extra warming up.


    On my way I saw ady picking some yellow buttercup flowers, my favourite.


    I was about to go get one, when I heard Aiden shouting my name, running to catch me up. My attention


    was drawn to him, but I could see from the corner of my eye that thedy''s attention was now on us.


    "Hey wait up! " He called as he neared me. "Jeesh sis you move fast for someone less that 5''6" He


    joked, causing me to hit him on his shoulder.


    "Ow! What was that for? " He whined.


    "That''s for making fun of my height!" I red at him, which he simply just brushed off as if it was


    nothing. Brothers.


    I noticed that thedy was now gone and half way up the trail, but I didn''t miss the fresh bouquet of


    flowers she left in the ce where she stood.


    I carried them to the training grounds, carefully cing them in a corner where they wouldn''t get


    trampled.


    We trained for two hours straight this time, and we learnt that as we proceed, our breaks will get


    shorter. Not that it affected us though, but they thought it did.


    Zack was having a hard time getting me on the floor, since I wouldn''t let him. My ego was too big; I


    soaked up Aiden''s when we were in the womb.


    Aiden was fighting in his wolf form, since that consisted of part of his ''training''. I, on the other hand, will


    only ''learn'' in human form.


    From the corner of my eyes, I saw Aceing forward, which directed my focus slightly as


    Zack almost tackled me. I quickly reversed his trick, making him fall t on his back instead. I smirked


    triumphantly at him as he stared at me in shock.


    "How-how did you do that?" He asked as he stretched out his hand for me to help him up.


    "I''m a fast lear-" I was cut off as he pulled me down, pushing himself up and on top of me, taking me


    completely off guard. It was his time to smirk.


    I didn''t miss the growl that came from Ace, as footsteps came closer to us.


    "Not fast enough princess" Zack smirked, feeling as if he''d won.


    I quickly kneed him in his stomach, taking the advantage of his crunched position to flip him over my


    shoulders, taking him by surprise once again.


    By now Aiden had already shifted, wearing shorts as he came closer to us, screaming in our mind link


    to tone it down. I got up and was about to walk to him when Zack swept under my foot with his right leg,


    making me fall once again. Except this time, I heard a crunching sound when I fell.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    A cry of pain escaped my lips as I clenched my ankle which was throbbing in agonizing pain. Zack


    scurried to his feet, trying to help me, but a low warning growl from Ace stopped him in his movements.


    By now both Aiden and Ace had made it to where we were. Ace threw a swing at Zack, punching him


    square in his face before he plummeted to the ground once again. Aiden examined my ankle and the


    damage, but I was sure it was a sprain.


    "What the hell Zack! You f**king hurt my mate! " Ace shouted with his Alpha tone in anger, something I


    have never heard since I got here.


    Zack shook in fear, trying to move away from his wrath. Over the weeks, I''ve learnt that Ace was a


    stern but an approachable Alpha, so his pack wasn''t scared of him. But now, he was really scary.


    "I- I''m sorry. It was just a part of the training Alpha. I-I didn''t mean to hurt her" He stuttered out as Ace''s


    chest rose and fell in anger.


    His apology didn''t seem to calm Ace, but in that minute I wasn''t up for the back and forth--or forth and


    forth rather, since Zack wouldn''t dare speak back to his Alpha.


    Aiden tested my joint movement, causing another rush of pain to run through me, and I cried out in


    agony once again. For a person who spent years training, trust me, I have very low tolerance for pain.


    This caught Ace''s attention as he quickly rushed to me, leaving a shivering Zack as he peered at my


    foot to assess the damage.


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    "I''ll take you back to the house and call a doctor toe check on you" He said as he attempted to lift


    me, but Aiden had other ns.


    "I''ll take her, she''s my sister" Aiden stopped him, giving him a stern look. Ace didn''t appreciate this, as


    he growled low and threateningly at him.


    "And she''s my mate" He gritted out, staring equally deadly at him. This mate-brother feud was cute and


    all, but I had no time for this.


    "Aiden it''s okay, just get my flowers" I smiled reassuringly, knowing we wouldn''t leave until Ace had me.


    When a wolf''s mate is hurt or in trouble, their first and only instinct is to deal with the threat and keep


    their mate safe. It didn''t matter how much I pushed him away, he needed to know that I was safe, and


    to him and his wolf, that was only in his arms.


    He gently scooped me up as if I would break, keeping my feet a few inches apart so they don''t hit


    against each other.


    "You''re not doing any more physical training," he said sternly as if it wasn''t up for discussion. I scoffed.


    "Yes I am, that''s a part of my contract. Plus I only get one day a week to do the good stuff so you wont


    take that from me."


    "The hell you are! You could''ve gotten much more hurt," he argued with his voiceced with hurt.


    "But I didn''t, and I''ll be fully healed by tomorrow Ace." I softened my voice in an attempt to sooth him,


    which worked since he sighed in defeat.


    "Fine but I''ll be here with you every Monday" He dismissed but I didn''t answer. So much for keeping


    him away.


    That didn''t seem like a good idea. The more we spend time around each other, the less I''ll be able to


    push him away and the less the chances of him hating me and moving on.


    We didn''t talk the rest of the way, leaving mepletely to my thoughts.


    He seemed to have already informed the doctor, since he was there when Ace carefully ced me on


    my bed.


    He growled ever so often when the doctor would touch my foot, making me roll my eyes at his


    protectiveness. I was about to tell him to leave and let the doctor do his thing, but the he spoke before I


    could talk.


    "It''s just a slight fracture, but it should heal within a day or two, depending on how fast you heal. For


    now Luna, you should just stay off your feet" The doctor smiled warmly at me, which I returned with a


    thank you.


    I tried to ignore the fact that he called me Luna, but it felt so right. My wolf felt proud at that, and the


    look on Ace''s face told me that he was too.


    He sat beside me on the bed, gently rubbing circles on my thigh, which I allowed him to. After a few


    minutes of silence he finally spoke.


    "You know, when I turned sixteen, the first thing I wanted to do after I shifted was to find my mate" He


    started, while I suddenly got ufortable by the topic.


    "When I saw you for the first time, I felt as if I could finally touch the sky" He let out a low chuckle,


    shaking his head. "But when I noticed something wasn''t right, I vowed to make it better, find a way


    make you love me" My breath hitched as my eyes stung with tears.


    Ace please don''t do this.


    "Every night I stay upte, thinking of ways to win you over. And I don''t mind that you''re distant, I will


    wait however long it takes to finally have you in my arms" He whispered, and a tear finally rolled down


    my cheek. "I''ll wait for you Roxy, however long it takes" He kissed away the tear, making me shut my


    eyes tight.


    My heart broke for the millionth time this week as a sob escaped my lips. He held me to his chest as I


    cried, not really saying much, just holding me.


    All I could think about was how my heart felt. How I''ll never be fully happy if I let him go. How I''ll see


    that look on everyone''s face if I chose Ace. All I could think about was how messed up my life felt right.


    I heard Jane''s voice in my head from that day telling me about the only way that I could possibly be


    free and set Ace free also.


    I cried even harder as I decided what needed to be done--has to be done. I just wished it didn''t have to


    be like this.


    I pulled away from him and dried my eyes as I leaned against the bed head. I dared not to look into his


    face, knowing damn well I wouldn''t make it if I did. More tears stung my eyes, but I managed to keep


    them at bay, yet my sniffles were still frequent.


    I prepared myself, as I gathered the words to say.


    ¡®Just do it fast, it''ll hurt but it will make everything easier.¡¯


    I closed my eyes as I pushed my wolf down, already getting a headache from her loud whimpering.


    It''s now or never.


    "I Roxanna Gilbert," I started, looking up to his face which shut me up immediately.


    My tears started to flow again, and he looked confused as he sat there quietly waiting. I didn''t attempt


    to stop my crying, but I decided to start again.


    "I, Roxanna Gilbert, reje-" His hand flew up and covered my mouth immediately as he picked up on


    what I was about to do. His eyes started to glisten, and for the first time since I''ve met him, I saw fear


    on his face and in his eyes.


    "No Roxy please don''t do this. Whatever it is, we''ll work through it, I promise just please" He pleaded,


    but I shook my head through the tears.


    "Yes we can. We''re mates Roxy, you''re my gift from the moon and I got you for a reason. But Roxy


    please don''t do this" A tear fell down his cheek as I watched the man that weakened me in pure hurt.


    My heart felt heavy and my mind was all over the ce, but in that moment while I stared at Ace''s face,


    I knew that there was only one that was the right thing to do. I removed his hand from, and leveled my


    sniffles as I gazed into his beautiful hazel eyes.


    "I, Roxanna Gilbert," I started again, while he tried to cover my mouth again, but I held his hands in one


    ce. "ept you as my mate" I ended, leaving him inplete shock and relief as he looked at me


    lovingly.


    "What? " He gently whispered, as a smile grew on his perfect face.


    "I ept you Ace."

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    "What the hell did I do!?"


    I groaned in frustration as Janeughed on the other line.


    "You epted Ace" She replied as if I didn''t know that.


    Last night was really emotional for me. After I epted Ace, he became so excited and happy, and I


    couldn''t help but join in on his excitement.


    The way he talked andughed ever so often made me wish we could stay that way forever, it was just


    too perfect.


    Shortly after, he epted me too, which made me and my wolf feel as if we were in the clouds. The


    first stage of the mate bond wasplete, and this meant Ace and I were a bit more connected than


    before.


    It felt good until he left.


    We spent hours on end talking,ughing and staring at each other, every tear from before long


    forgotten. But then it gotte, and Ace went to his room, and that was when it all came rushing to me


    like a mighty wind.


    It literally knocked the breath out of me.


    My wolf was still happy, and I couldn''t help but share her happiness, but then everything else came


    poking at my brain, one by one.


    First was the fact that Aiden was going to be pissed, and surely he''ll either tell dad, or demand I don''t


    take it further. Of course, I could just keep it hush, but what then?


    Will I forever keep it hush and stillplete the mission, living in secret with my mate? Will I have to


    choose a side, which will lead to heartbreak either way?


    I knew for a fact that Ace wouldn''t stay away from me now, and if I was being honest with myself, I


    didn''t want him to. But everything was still soplicated. I knew there was no going back on Ace at


    this point, but at the same time, I didn''t want to go back on my pack either.


    I''m still Silent Moon blood.


    "Jane, it is serious, why do you seem so chill about this?" I asked in annoyance, not really sure why


    she was so calm. She sighed, just like she always did before she got serious.


    "Rox, what did I tell you when you first called me about the issue?"


    "You told me to reject him," I replied casually. I could hear her gasp from through the phone, which


    made me chuckle a bit.


    "I did not!" she eximed. "I simply told you that it was the only way that you would be free of him if you


    really wanted to. But if I''m remembering correctly, I told you to make the choice which will make you


    happy, and that was either Ace or the mission. I''m not judging you love, I actually betted on you


    choosing him" I could hear the smirk in her voice, and I couldn''t help butugh. Only Jane would make


    a joke out of something so serious.


    "But let me ask you this, do you regret epting him? "


    "No" I replied honestly. I felt guilty as hell at the fact, but it wasn''t a lie.


    "Not even the slightest bit? "She urged, and I shook my head no.


    "No" I mumbled after realising that she couldn''t see me. "A bit guilty and selfish, but I don''t regret it" I


    sighed.


    "Well that''s all that matters. Look Roxy, I know how much this mission means to you, and if I''m being


    honest, it is to us too. But you know what would be selfish? If all of us expected you to give up your


    mate for us. I know I wouldn''t "


    I thought about what she said carefully. It made me feel a little better, but I still wasn''t sure how to move


    forward.


    "A mate is one of the most sacred and important gifts to a wolf, so trust me, you aren''t wrong or weak


    for epting him. You just need to find a way to work this all out. I suggest talking to him if you''re really


    serious" She added when I didn''t respond.


    "I''ll think about it," I whispered, already developing a headache.


    "I know you''ll work it out Rox, just be careful okay? "


    "I will. Thanks Jane, I really needed that"


    We said our goodbyes and I was once again left with my thoughts. I was being let off training today


    since my foot hasn''t healedpletely, and I was grateful for that. I barely sleptst night, so I was


    more than exhausted.


    I thought about what she said about talking to Ace about it, but I knew I couldn''t do that. Aiden would


    freak and call dad, and that would''ve most likely lead to a war that no one was ready for.


    I don''t want that.


    But how was I going to deal with it all? I had no clue.


    Sighing, I decided to go get breakfast. Ace told me he would bring it up for me once he knew I was


    awake, but I couldn''t stay a moment longer with my thoughts.


    I grabbed the crutches that wereying beside my bed, courtesy of Ace I''m sure, and slowly hopped


    down the stairs.


    Everyone including baby Asia were in the kitchen. Lilly was preparing breakfast, while all the men sat


    patiently as if they were three year olds waiting on mommy to finish cooking.


    "Hey Asia" I cooed excitedly as I wobbled over to Calum who was holding her,pletely ignoring


    everyone else''s presence.


    "Hey hey what are you doing out of bed" Ace frowned as he quickly jumped up and held my waist.


    I smiled at him warmly as I gazed into his memorizing eyes,pletely forgetting everything that I''ve


    been thinking about since he leftst night. That was the thing with him, when I was around him, all my


    worries seemed to vanish and I''m the perkiest person in the world.


    "I''m fine Ace, it''s already healing."


    I giggled as he lifted me into a chair. Everyone except Aiden watched us dreamily with huge smiles on


    their faces.


    "Well at least you''re in a better mood than your brother today" Calumughed as he ced my


    precious Asia in my hands.


    It was then that I really took notice of Aiden''s demeanor. He seemed tense and really upset. Only I


    would''ve known how upset he was since I knew him so well. He held his shoulders back a little too


    much, and his eyebrows were a bit straighter than when he was calm.


    "I''m not upset " Heughed as he faced me, but I knew it was fake. "Ace here was just telling us that


    you guys epted each other" My eyes widened as he continued.


    "I''m just heartbroken that my baby sister is being taken away from me" He ended with a strained smile.


    I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at him calling me his baby sister, he always assumed he was born first.


    Ace, who waspletely oblivious to his true mood, hit him on his back reassuringly.


    "I''m not taking her away bro, your pack is right next to us, she can visit anytime" We both tensed at him


    mentioning our pack, as Aiden threw daggers at me with his eyes.


    "Yeaaa our packs are sooo close" Aiden dragged, making me more ufortable.


    I felt the guilt creeping in again the more he watched me usingly. I couldn''t hold his stare any longer,


    so I hung my head in shame.


    "Since you''re up, I''m gonna leave you guys to it. Lilly will fix you something to eat" Ace said as he


    gently kissed my forehead. A series of awes erupted through the room, while my heart did a backflip


    and my cheeks redden in a blush.


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    "I have some work to do so I''ll see youter okay ?" I simply nodded with a small smile, then I carefully


    looked to Aiden to see his reaction. To my surprise, he wasn''t even looking.


    Lilly took Asia away and ced her in her high chair, while she served us bacon and eggs and ced a


    small bowl of mashed potatoes in front of Asia, feeding her now and then.


    I couldn''t help but admire how well she was at this, and it got me wondering if I would be a good mom


    too. I couldn''t even be a good mate and sister, not to mention pack member, so how would I be a good


    mom?


    I quickly shook the thought away, deciding that I had a long way to go before thinking about kids.


    We gulped down the food faster than expected, and I felt as if I wanted more.


    Aiden hadn''t looked at me, and he wouldn''t let me into his mind. I didn''t even know why he wasn''t at


    training, so I asked him.


    "Rule number two, always look out for each other. You''re hurt so I took the day off to be with you" He


    stated without looking at me.


    I sighed as a pang of pain ran through me, knowing he must be feeling betrayed. In his mind, I already


    broke the first two rules.


    By now everyone else could see the tension between us, but they said nothing. I tried prying in his


    mind to talk to him, but he kept shutting me out. So, I did the one thing I knew would get his attention.


    "Aiden, can we talk? " I asked onest time before I took action.


    He mumbled an excuse about understanding that Ace won''t take me away from him, to sell his act to


    the others, but I knew it was his way of saying no.


    Well I guess it has to be like that then.


    I threw the crutches down, getting his full attention already. With a sharp breath, I jumped from the


    chair, hard. I cried out in pain as I felt the bone that was healing slip pack out of ce, but it surely got


    the job done.


    "My gosh Roxy are you crazy! " He bellowed in frustration and concerned as he grabbed me. A series


    of gasps and curse words came from everybody else, and I knew they must''ve been thinking that I was


    insane.


    "Take me to my room, and let''s talk" I whispered loud enough for him to hear. He let out a dry huff, but


    obliged anyways.


    After cing me on the bed and making sure my ankle was fine, he plopped down beside me, giving


    me a death re.


    "That wasn''t necessary Roxy, you were almost healed" He scolded in a stern tone.


    "I know," I sighed. "But you weren''t talking to me"


    "And I have a right to Roxy! You epted him? " It came out more as a question, as if he''s just


    processing it


    "Aiden it''s harder than it looks" I tried.


    "Oh is it Roxy? You know what is hard? Keeping all this from dad. You''re getting attached Roxy and


    that will lead to nothing but failure"


    "You don''t get it." I pinched the bridge of my nose as I felt a slight pound in my head.


    "Yes I do get it. I get that you weren''t cut out for this miss-"


    "No you don''t get it Aiden! " I cried as my eyes welled up with tears. "It. Is. Hard!" I shut my eyes tight,


    not wanting to cry in front of him. He stayed quiet, which told me he was surprised by my reaction.


    "From the minute I smelled him it''s been hard Aiden. You think I want to fail my mission? I tried to reject


    himst night!" His eyes widened in shock as I continued. "It wasn''t supposed to happen this way, and


    everyday I have an internal battle about who I''ll be betraying. It HURTS Aiden"


    The tears I''ve been holding spilled, and Aiden''s expression softened as he saw this. I never cried, so


    he knew how bad it was.


    "It hurts that I''m letting you guys down and it hurts that I can''t have my mate without doing that. What


    would''ve you done if you came here and found your mate?"


    He simply looked away, not knowing how to answer, but knowing the answer nheless.


    "Exactly...When I tried to reject him, I-I just couldn''t" My voice broke as my crying got heavier. "I


    couldn''t do it Aiden, and my wolf would have ensured that I flunk this mission if I did anyways."


    He finally pulled me to his chest after wiping my eyes with his thumbs.


    "I don''t know what to do." I whispered truthfully.


    He stayed quiet for a while, rubbing soothing circles on my back. I knew this was a lot for him since


    he''s never had to do this with me.  I was the type of sister who cringed when he acted too mushy, and


    here I was, a whole mess. I knew he had no clue about what to do.


    "I''m sorry I''ve been so hard on you sis. I didn''t consider how much you might be hurting. It''s just that


    this mission means a lot. " He sighed, pushing me back slightly so he could face me.


    "I know, and it still means so much to me too. But if I''m being honest, so does Ace" I whispered without


    looking at him. "He''s my mate Aiden, and this is his pack. I made a vow to my pack which I don''t intend


    on breaking, but I''m at a dead end"


    "So what do you suggest we do? I still have to give a monthly report to dad, or else he''ll be suspicious.


    Not to mention we can''t just abort mission and fail our pack" He said. I chewed my lip as I thought


    about my next move.


    "I don''t know," I sighed, feeling defeated. "I''ll figure something out before the four months end, but for


    now, we resume mission as if nothing happened okay?" He nodded slowly, as if he was not really sure


    if I woulde through.


    "And what if the four months end and you don''t figure something out?" He asked. "You can''t tell Ace


    and we have to start the real work by the end of the week tops"


    "I will figure it out. Don''t worry.¡± He simply sighed and pulled me back to his chest.


    Whatever n I''ll need toe up with so I can have the best of both worlds seemed far fetched, but I


    guess I''d have to find a way.


    And I''ll have to do it before the four months end.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    The week has been better.


    My heart hasn''t been bleeding and my wolf hasn''t been whining, which meant I hadn''t been having


    headaches.


    Things with Ace have been good so far. He hasn''t been pushy and I liked that. Maybe he thought that


    my earlier statement about not wanting a mate was true, and so he doesn''t want to throw it all on me at


    once.


    And I was grateful.


    It''s not that I don''t want him, but merely because I still didn''t know how to bnce my two lives, and


    taking it too far with Ace too quick will only make me more distracted.


    Aiden was still weary of it all, but he seemed to be happy that I was kinda happy. It warmed my heart


    that he was somehow supporting me despite the fact that I hadn''t been honest all along. But


    nheless, he was still 100% mission.


    Yesterday he informed me that we would have to start digging around soon, and knowing Aiden, his


    soon was less than two days. I still hadn''t made any progress with my n, but I made a promise to


    Aiden that we would execute mission as originally nned.


    So as much it hurt me to be going behind Ace''s back, I had to until I figured out a way to save my


    people and my rtionship.


    I threw open the door to my balcony that I''vee to love, while the cool Saturday breeze whipped my


    hair all about. I pulled it into a high bun and watched as the birds sped by in their swirls of freedom. I


    smiled at the thought. Their life seemed so open and adventurous, free to roam without a care in the


    world. Just being happy with the ones they love, or even alone.


    I aspire to be like a bird one day.


    Someday.


    It was sometime around ten in the morning, given that I got to sleep in today. Zack informed us


    yesterday that we would be getting weekends off, courtesy of my mate.


    Aiden and I didn''t protest. To Aiden, weekends off meant that we had more time to snoop around and


    study the people here. To me, it meant more time with Ace, whom I''vee to love being around every


    time when we weren''t upied. I suspected that it was the same reason why he had us take the


    weekends off.


    But here I was once again, stuck between using the new free time to be with Ace or Aiden. This double


    life was really getting tiring.


    My stomach growled, letting me know it needed to be filled, so I ventured off to the kitchen to get food.


    I made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with some ck coffee. I wasn''t tired, but I felt in


    need of an energy booster.


    Slowly and quietly I ate, while I scrolled through some random posts on pinterest,ughing ever so


    often at something I found funny.


    "Good morning" I looked up from my phone and beamed at Ace, as he gently kissed my temple. I


    blushed slightly at the gesture, loving the way it made my body feel.


    Throughout the week he''d give me small kisses on my forehead, cheeks or temple, and hug me once


    in a while. I loved how the skin to skin contact with him made me feel, but I never initiated anything.


    It wasn''t that I didn''t want to, I was just a shy person.


    "Want one? " I asked, gesturing towards the sandwich that he was eying.


    "No thanks, I already ate" I gave him a weird and confused look, since I didn''t know why he was


    looking at it. He chuckled softly.


    "I want to take you somewhere, but I can wait until you''re done"


    I suddenly got excited at the thought of going somewhere other than the training grounds, so I quickly


    gulped down the rest of my breakfast, which didn''t go unnoticed by Ace, making himugh a little.


    "Ready? " I asked and jumped from my seat.


    "As long as you are"


    We walked at a steady pace through the forest,ughing now and then at something funny that Ace


    would say. Around everyone else he was kinda stern, but with me he was always chill and vibrant.


    Out of nowhere, he scooped my up, throwing my legs around his waist and holding my back. A yelp of


    surprise escaped my lips, which was followed by a bellowingugh.


    This was why I enjoyed being around him. He always made me somehow forget my messed up life.


    "You''re a slow walker, you know that?" He asked as he started to walk again. I giggled as he kissed the


    tip of my nose.


    "I think I walk fast enough" I nuzzled my face in his neck to hide my blush. "Are you in a hurry?"


    "No. I just wanted to hold my mate in my arms. Can''t me a man for having needs" He pped my


    bum softly, making me yelp in surprise once again. But instead of feeling strange or ufortable, I


    laughed in delight, trying to ignore the twinge in my lower area.


    "You''ll satisfy those needs soon enough" I surprised us both by saying. Even though I wasn''t looking at


    him, I knew it affected him, given that his steps faltered at my words.


    The thought alone got me excited. I''ve never been intimate, nor have I ever had thoughts about it. But


    I''vee to learn that with Ace, there''s a lot of things about myself that I''ve yet to know or experience.


    It made me want him even more.


    "We''re here" He announced. His voice was gruff and low, showing me that he was having the same


    thoughts as me. I giggled at how much I affected him, and pulled me head from his neck.


    "Where did your mind wander off to? " I asked, biting my lip. Where did this boldnesse from?


    "You''ll find out soon enough" He mimicked my words, which once again made meugh loudly and the


    waves of my voice getting lost in the cool air.


    I jumped from him, stillughing as I turned to see where he took me. Myughter immediately ceased


    as I gaped at the sight in front of me.


    It was a beautiful open area, filled with small yellow flowers everywhere. The short grass was green


    and lush,plementing the flowers wonderfully. A narrow path was cut out in the middle of the


    beautiful meadow, stopping in front of a small stream that didn''t look more than a foot deep.


    I walked more into the area, taking in all that could be seen.


    On the other sides held more trees like what we just emerged from, making the area look like a clearing


    in the middle of the forest.


    The stream looked as if it appeared out of nowhere, but it went far down into nothingness. I suspected


    that it led to the river that marked the border of my pack, but that''s the thing with nature; you never


    know.


    "This is beautiful," I whispered, catching a butterfly on my finger.


    "Beauty admires beauty" He said, holding me from behind. I leaned into his hold as I continued to


    admire the area.


    "How did you find it? "


    "I was angry one day, so I went for a run and stumbled into this. I''vee here ever since whenever


    I''m angry, sad or just want to be rxed." He told me, breathing out a rxing sigh.


    "It feels so peaceful and..... free" I whispered again, this time turning around to face him.


    "You cane here whenever you want, with or without me, and do whatever you want to." He


    caressed my cheek with his thumb as I smiled widely at him, already ready to steal this ce from him.


    "You know what I wanna do now? " His eyes lit up with excitement at my question. He cocked his head


    to the side, indicating to me to continue.


    Instead of saying anything else, I stepped away from him and pulled my shirt off. His eyes widened in


    shock, and I even shocked myself for not being shy.


    He watched carefully and with anticipation as I pulled my sweats down. I smirked at him, turning my


    back to him and unsped my bra. I didn''t have to, but I waspletely out of my mind today it


    seemed.


    I heard a low growl from him, and soft footstepsing towards me.


    In a quick movement, I ran and shifted into myrge white wolf.


    My wolf had more control when I shifted, and she was more than happy at the moment. I turned around


    to see Ace, and his facial expression had me even more happy.


    I thought he''d be even the slightest disappointed that what he must''ve been thinking wasn''t what was


    happening, but I was wrong. He looked amazed and excited.


    He watched my wolf in awe, taking slow steps towards me. I closed the distance between us, and he


    immediately brought his hand to my nozzle.


    He smiled brightly as he ran his other hand through my fur.


    "You''re so incredibly beautiful Roxy," he whispered in amazement.


    A lot of people always ogled over our white coat. Aiden and I were the same colour wolf, something my


    father said we got from our mom.


    I wagged my tail and rubbed my cheek against him. Heughed shortly, but backed away and started


    to strip also.


    From the back of my mind, I took a chance topletely drool over his rock hard abs and toned arms.


    If I was in human form, I''d totally run my hands over his body.


    He shifted in his wolf seconds after; his toned skin now reced with his dark brown and gray fur.


    As expected, his wolf was bigger than me by a significant amount. Even though I was Alpha blood and


    my wolf wasrge, Alpha males are always going to be bigger.


    This was the first time our wolves would be meeting, and it was obvious that we both were very excited.


    The first thing he did was lick my nose continuously, which I followed shortly after. In my mind Iughed


    at the situation, our first ''kiss'' was in wolf form.


    He wagged his tale as he slowly circled me. Getting tired, Iid t on my belly. His wolf took me by


    surprise by licking my fur in a grooming way.


    Dad always said that the male wolf would always find the need to groom his mate, but it was lost in my


    head somewhere.


    It felt weird being nurtured like this, so I jumped up and ran off into the meadow, hanging my tongue out


    and wagging my tail in a yful manner.


    He picked up fast, chasing me through therge clearing, tackling me whenever he caught me.


    After a few minutes of ying, I got tired and went for a drink from the small stream.


    Ace, however, seemed as if he''d just started, darting after me once again. I shrieked in surprise, and


    ran off once again.


    I couldn''t remember thest time I had this much fun, or if I''ve ever had so much fun. I felt like I hadn''t


    got a care in the world.


    I felt adventurous and vibrant. Bold and fearless.


    I felt happy and free, just like the bird.


    ***


    "Are you hungry?" Ace asked while we satfortably under a tree in front of the clearing, with his


    back against the tree and me between his legs.


    "Yes, but I wanna stay here a little longer" I admitted, snuggling deeper into his chest.


    We spent about an hour in wolf form and the next two either sitting or ying like kids in human form.


    It was just me and him for the past three and a half hours, and I knew it was the best three and a half


    hours I''d had in my life.


    "What are you thinking about?" His lips brushed my temple as he asked.


    "Just how happy I am with you," I admitted. "I never knew such joy existed"


    He stayed quiet for a while, rubbing small circles on my hand.


    "Does that mean you''ll stay with me then? You know, after your mission and all" His voice was careful,


    like he didn''t want to upset me.


    I thought about it for a while, and I noticed that his body grew tenser each second that I didn''t talk.


    "I don''t see why not" I finally said. He blew out a breath he was holding and held me impossibly tighter.


    I guess when I find a way to bnce both lives , and make everyone happy, I can be with Ace. Right?


    I had no reason not to.


    "You don''t know how happy I am to hear that "He spun me around so I was facing him. "You''ll finally be


    mine"


    I smiled at his words, loving the thought of me being this happy all the time.


    "I''ve been thinking... " He trailed, looking hesitant to continue, but I urged him to continue.


    "I was thinking that maybe I can introduce you to my pack."


    That, I wasn''t expecting.


    I had a little interior panic attack. What if dad hears about it? Surely everything would be ruined.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Maybe we could wait a bit," I suggested as calm as I could. "We can just get to know each other first,


    then after my four months here isplete, I''ll go back to my pack and transfer all my knowledge to a


    new trusted warrior, then I''lle back"


    He looked deep in thought for a while, but then a small smile yed on his lips.


    "Whatever that makes you happy, ma cherie" A sigh of relief left me, feeling grateful for such an


    understanding mate.


    Never in a thousand years have I ever imagined myself being so lucky.


    "Thank you," I whispered, pecking his cheek.


    "Anything for you." He held my face, staring at me intensely.


    His eyes darted to my lips for a while, and I bit my bottom lip as my insides lit up.


    His thumb trailed my lips as he watched me with so much want. My breath got unleveled and he


    seemed more and more rigid by the minute.


    He slowly brought my face closer to his and my heart beat got faster. I''ve never kissed anyone before.


    Will I like it? Will I be good? What do I even do?


    "You don¡¯t know how long I wanted to do this" He whispered, then smashed his lips to mine.


    The fire ignited in me instantly, but never burned. His lips were soft and sweet, as they moved slowly


    against mine. I followed in sync as we kissed in a beautiful rhythmic manner. Hell, I didn''t care if I was


    good or not, but all I knew was that I''ve never felt such a strong connection before.


    He lifted me and sat me on hisp so that I was straddling him. He reconnected our lips instantly, this


    time with more passion and want.


    For a while I felt like the world around us stopped, like it was just me and him in this lifetime.


    And in that moment, it was okay. I liked it with just us.


    No one else, no problems, no pack, no brother and no damn mission. Just me and him.


    And I loved it.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    "Ow! What was that for? " Ace whined after I hit him on his arm.


    We were walking back to the Alpha house after having a long, long make out session. Once we started,


    it was almost impossible to stop.


    For me at least.


    "That was for not kissing me sooner! I can''t believe how much I was missing out"


    "In my defence, if this was two weeks ago you wouldn''t have let me touch you " He chuckled, pulling


    me closer to his side to give me a quick peck.


    I pondered on his words for a while, knowing how true it was. "Good point " I smiled sweetly at him.


    "But maybe if you did, I would''ve warmed up sooner"


    He gave me a lopsided smirk and held me in ce. "I guess that''s my weapon if I should ever get you


    on your bad side again" He mumbled and brought his lips to mine again. I dly returned the kiss since


    it was now my favourite thing to do.


    A gasp from behind us made us pull apart. I turned to see a woman around mid forties staring at us in


    some kind of daze.


    Actually, she was looking at me in some kind of daze.


    My mind finally cleared, and that''s when I picked up her scent. She wasn''t a member of Ace''s pack,


    she was from my pack. I matched her reaction as I slowly stepped towards her. But before I could


    reach her, she shifted and ran off in the woods.


    I stood awestruck, not knowing what to do or say. Do I follow her? Why did she even run?


    Ace gently held my shoulder, and I noticed I had unintentional anger towards him. I jerked away from


    his hold and red at him.


    "She''s from my pack"


    "I know," was all he said, looking as if I just told him that I''m a girl.


    "That''s all you have to say? You have my pack members captive here and all you can say is I know?"


    "I don''t have anyone captive Roxy" He tried to sound calm but the vein popping out of his head said


    otherwise.


    "Why are you upset? You''re the one who has people locked up in your pack that DON''T BELONG


    HERE! "


    "I''m not my father Roxy!" I was taken aback by his tone and volume that I even stumbled a little. "I''m


    not my father" He repeated in a softer tone. "And I don''t intend on being like him either"


    "So let my people go" By now I was already hurt and quite irritated.


    He pinched the bridge of his nose as his jaw clenched. "It''s not that simple" His voice was surprisingly


    calmer than I expected, but I didn''t feel any less angry.


    "That''s bullshit!" I shouted which he obviously didn''t like.


    "Stop trying to tell me how to do my work when you clearly don''t understand!"


    I just scoffed at him and shook my head in disbelief. Without another word, I shifted into my wolf and


    ran away. I didn''t know where I was going, but I had a good sense of direction.


    He called after me a few times, but I didn''t stop my movements. Luckily my wolf was on my side since


    she didn''t like the way he talked to us. She also didn''t see why he couldn''t let them go.


    How dare he use me of not understanding? I understood clearly. I understood that his father took


    what was ours, and even when he was in power he didn''t want to release them.


    During the week, I actually started to think about ways how I could get back everything to my pack and


    still be with Ace. The thought of simply asking him came to my mind.


    Maybe if this went differently, minus the shouting, we could''vee to some sort of mutual agreement.


    I''m his mate after all--pull a few strings and maybe we could be home free. No war, no more


    investigation.


    But today, that n just ran right through the door. It was obvious that he was stern about his decision


    to keep them. But why?


    What benefit could it possibly have to him? Did he want power that much?


    He made it clear that he wasn''t his father, so I wouldn''t jump to conclusions like that, but could you


    me me?


    I knew some of my pack members were here, but it didn''t quite ur to me until I saw that woman.


    She obviously recognized me, even though I was just a toddler when they were taken.


    I also noticed that she didn''t be a member of this pack. Maybe the former Alpha had some


    decency and didn''t forcefully make them members.


    I guess that''s the one good thing.


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    I ran until I noticed that I was indeed lost, but I wasn''t worried. Ace had also shifted and was chasing


    me, but thanks to my unnatural speed and all the twist and turns I took, I was able to lose him.


    I could run really fast in wolf form. On a good day, I could actually outrun Aiden. It wasn''t easy to outrun


    an Alpha, but the rage and hurt I was feeling was enough fuel for me to lose him.


    I trod slowly with my tongue hanging out as I took in my surroundings. I was still on high alert since I


    was in strangends and alone. My ears perked up as I heard at the sound of running water, so I


    followed the sound until I saw the river.


    It was the river that marked my pack boundary. I didn''t even notice that I ran this far.


    I whimpered softly andid down beside the rushing water. It was nice being close to home. I missed it


    and everybody already.


    So I just stayed there with my eyes closed, calming myself with the soothing sound of the river and


    creatures roaming by.


    I was slowly drifting away, but the sound of ruffling made my ears perk up. It could''ve been some


    random animal, so I remained calm with my eyes closed.


    "Aiden?"


    I quickly jumped up, almost falling into the river as my eyes searched for whoever just called.


    On the other side of the river I saw a very confused Jace. He smiled brightly at me and I got excited at


    the sight of him.


    "Roxy! " He corrected, seeing clearly that Aiden would''ve been bigger. I barked at him and wagged my


    tail, pacing side to side in excitement. I missed them.


    ~"What are you doing here? Isn''t it dangerous out here on your own?"~ he asked through our mindlink.


    It was days like this that I was d I had it.


    ~"I was upset about something so I went for a run. I didn''t expect to get this far"~


    ~"But is it safe though? Where''s Aiden?"~ I internally rolled my eyes. He was always such an over


    protector.


    ~"I can take care of myself Jace. I''m a fully trained wolf, remember?¡±~ I saw him chuckle from the other


    side of the river and shook his head.


    ~"Okay I believe in your skills. Are you okay though?"~


    I huffed out loud, not knowing how to answer that. I was far from ''okay'' but I guess I still kinda was.


    ~"I know the Alpha is your mate,"~ he stated when I didn''t respond, shocking me out of my skin.


    ~"What? Psh no he''s not Jace, that''s ridiculous,"~ I knew he could feel the panic through the link, but it


    was worth a try.


    ~"Roxy, it''s okay. I''m not upset or anything. Just don''t talk to Jane while you''re on speaker phone."~


    Curse Jane and her hate of putting the phone against her ear like normal people.


    ~"Please don''t-"~


    ~"I won''t tell anyone Roxy. I can see how important this is to you."~


    ~"It''s hard Jace"~


    ~"I know Rox. But you''ll make it work, I know you will"~


    ~"How are you so sure?"~ I felt helpless now that my one n was ruined.


    ~"You''re Roxy Gilbert. You always find a way"~

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    "Where have you been? Ace has been freaking!" I rolled my eyes at my brother''s first words to throw at


    me.


    "I''m fine thanks." I yanked the dress that I asked him to bring me and threw it on in a swift


    movement. He stood with his hand on his hip like an expectant mom, while I just gave him a bored


    look.


    "We had a fight so I took a run," I simply put it.


    I left out the part about seeing Jace, since he would ask what we talked about and if Aiden knows that


    Jace knows about Ace, he would go into panic mode and probably ruin my whole non-existent n.


    Jace can be trusted, but Aiden would see it as one step closer to dad finding out.


    "Couldn''t you link me and tell me where you were? The dude''s got the whole house looking for you. "


    I sighed, feeling a tad guilty that I worried him. A tad. "Where is he now?"


    "He''s on his way back. Lilly saw when you ran in so she linked him." He gave me the look that''s


    normally followed by ''why''. "Why?"


    "The fight was about our pack." He perked up at this. "I saw one of our pack members, and she just ran


    from me. I tried talking to him and he freaked. I don''t like this Aiden. It''s not right"


    "I know Rox" He had a determined look on his face as he pulled me into a hug. "Don''t worry, we''ll get


    them back. I was actually nning on doing some searching today" He gave me a smirk which I


    returned smugly.


    "Sounds good to me." A pang of guilt rushed me, knowing I''ll be going behind Ace''s back. But at this


    point, I had no alternative n, I promised Aiden we would do it and I was still pumped from our fight


    earlier.


    It would''ve been easier if Ace just listened to me, but I guess life never takes the easy route.


    "Great meet me in the hallway by 6" He said as he turned to leave. "Oh and Rox, don''t be suspicious "


    .


    I waited in the hallway for Aiden as nned. We already came up with the n through our mind link,


    so it was now for us to execute it.


    Despite my protest, I was to keep Ace distracted downstairs. Aiden would sneak into his office to


    search for some files that would be beneficial to us.


    Files on the amount of pack warriors and their level of training, weapon inventory, pack number, border


    information, training schedules, days of most leisure, map of the pack-grounds and a few more things


    that I already forgot.


    That''s why it was Aiden''s job to find them.


    With all that information, my dad will be able to strategize a discreet n of where, when, how and who


    they will be fighting.


    By knowing all this, he can get the warriors trained ordingly and use the element of surprise, just


    like they did eighteen years ago. With this, they will have a better chance ofing out victorious.


    Of course, I didn''t intend for it to reach that level, but I still had to do this with Aiden. That is, until I find


    an alternative.


    If I do.


    Everything went smooth on his part, and luckily, I didn''t have to do much but watch Ace eat dinner in


    silence. Once he got back, it was quite obvious that he was upset about me running off earlier. The


    only thing he uttered to me was ''I''m d you''re safe'', and that was it. I tried to hide the disappointment


    after seeing that he wasn''t making an effort to ''fix'' things, but I was too stubborn and prideful to do it


    myself.


    I forced down some also, in order to be less suspicious. So when I got the ''okay'' from Aiden, I excused


    myself to meet him.


    "That dude has a shit load of documents in there!" He eximed quietly as soon as I met him.


    "I know, I''ve been in there. What did you get?"


    "I tried to get onto hisputer, but that was taking too long, so I went through some of the files and I


    found these"


    He showed me a few pictures of the training schedules and the warriors'' levels. I bit my lip as I saw that


    most of them were already at expert level.


    "That''s all you got?"


    "Yea, I had to put them back exactly how I got them, and given the time span, I couldn''t get more since


    I need you to hack into hisputer and remove the footage of me in there"


    I cursed under my breath as I remembered the cameras. I was more technologically inclined than


    Aiden, since he would prefer physical training than our tech sses.


    "You got to hurry. Given my calctions, Ace should be done with dinner in about fifteen minutes, then


    he''ll go for his shower and lock himself in the office till around nine, give or take a few minutes"


    I watched him in awe as he mapped out Ace''s evening schedule so well. I didn''t even know that.


    "What? We''re supposed to study their behaviour so that we don''t crash into them in the middle of an


    assignment. Now go!" I rushed inside the office, and stopped in front of theputer.


    Without a glitch, I was in his system and already searching for the footage. However to my dismay, they


    weren''t there.


    "What do you mean they aren''t there?" Aiden asked frustrated, running a hand through his hair when I


    told him what I found.


    "They aren''t there." I repeated sternly. "And don''t tell me to look better"


    "Does he have aptop in his room? " I pondered the thought for a while. Surely, it was possible."Go


    check, and hurry Rox. You have approximately five minutes before he gets here"


    I moved on impulse and sighed in relief when I saw aputer on a small desk tucked away in the


    corner of his room.


    I quickly did my magic, feeling exhrated when I found it. I quickly deleted the footage of thest hour,


    recing it with an extended version of the nothingness in the office that should have been there.


    ~"Got it"~ I told him through our link, feeling the relief from him, but quickly it turned into panic.


    ~"Damn Rox he-"~


    "Roxy" I tried to mask the shock and guilt on my face, as I stood casually in his room.


    ~"Don''t worry, I got this"~ I quickly shut out Aiden so I could focus.


    "Hi," I said.


    "Hi."


    "You must be wondering why I''m in your room..." I trailed, trying to find a reason to give him.


    "Yes..."


    "Well um.. I was thinking about what happened today."


    "What about it? " He folded his arms over his chest and watched me curiously.


    "I had a really good time before the whole ..you know.." I tucked my hair behind my ear and pulled my


    best ''cute and innocent mate'' look to loosen him up a bit. "And I guess I might have overreacted with


    my temper"


    "Are you trying to apologize?"


    Uh no, my ego was way too big.


    "Yes" I muttered instead and looked away.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "You had me worried as hell Roxy" He sounded hurt, and I knew then that he wasn''t upset about our


    argument. He was upset about me running away.


    "I know" I closed the distance between us and hugged him. A part of me didn''t want to, but another part


    of me knew that''s what we both needed.


    He finally sighed and held my waist tightly. "You don''t know thend like that Roxy, and who knows


    what danger could''ve been out there? Please don''t scare me like that again"


    I simply nodded at his request and mumbled a sorry.


    I guess the matter of my pack wouldn''t be brought up tonight, but it was nice being with him like this.


    ~"We good?"~ I heard Aiden poke inside my brain.


    ~"We good"~


    And just like that, the night went well. I guess this is what killing two birds with one stone felt


    like.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    "Awe someone had an ident."


    Asia giggled as I lifted her from her highchair to get her cleaned up.


    "Oh that''s okay Roxy, I can do it" Lilly said nonchntly.


    "It''s really not a problem Lilly. Before I turned sixteen, I used to volunteer at one of the pack''s day-


    cares. I don''t mind a little poop"


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    Lilly giggled at my statement as she followed me to the closest room. "You don''t really talk about your


    life much. How was it back at home? "


    I sighed as I contemted answering or not. I can''t always blow her off. She''ll surely get suspicious.


    "It was quite average. I didn''t have this much mushiness like what you guys have here" She giggled at


    my choice of words, but I could see that her curiosity was piqued.


    "Aiden and I lost our mom a few weeks after we were born, and we didn''t actually have a normal


    childhood or teen-age years. It was always work and school"


    "Oh my Roxy I''m so sorry" She whispered with a sad voice , but I simply smiled and brushed it off.


    "Don''t be. Sometimes I would long for a feeling of having a mother and a normal childhood, but since I


    don''t know what it actually feels like, it doesn''t hurt as much as you think it does"


    She looked like she didn''t know what to say or how to say it, so I justughed at her expression.


    "See that what you''re feeling right now, forget it" I pinned Asia''s shorts and ced her in Lilly''s hand.


    "I''m fine with the way I grew up. Don''t feel sorry for me"


    "I just can''t imagine-"


    "I know. But really it''s okay" I smiled when Asia leaned against her shoulder while her eyes drooped. "I


    just always hoped that one day when I''m a mom, I''ll give my baby the life I never had"


    She was quiet for a while, so I turned to see what she was doing. Her eyes were filled with tears as she


    regarded me weirdly. I grew ufortable under her gaze, since I had no clue what she was thinking.


    "You know, Ace is your mate for a reason. I don''t know everything about you and how your rtionship


    will go, but I know for sure that the happiness you desire deep down under that tough shell of yours,


    you''ll find it with him"


    And deep down even though it seemed so far fetched right now, I hoped she was right.


    ***


    "Yes! It''s Friday! " Aiden eximed when Zack dismissed us.


    I had to admit, as much as we were already fully trained, getting up everyday to spend hours with Zack


    was physically draining--even when I''m not doing anything but ''observe''.


    The end of yet another week has arrived, and I was still nowhere in my endeavours to save my pack


    and my mateship. I decided to give talking to Ace another shot. I''ve known him for three weeks, so I


    was sure I could hit a nerve if I tried hard enough.


    I had to. In a week, we''ll be required to give a report to dad, and the information that Aiden and I have


    collected so far would be enough for dad to start making his ns. He''s not the man for waiting after


    all.


    I''ve been around Ace''s pack in my free time, and I''vee across a few of my pack members. They all


    were either too shocked to talk, or refused to say anything that would ''get them in trouble''.


    I didn''t spread any information about Ace being my mate, so they had no sense offort talking to


    me without fearing punishment.


    Was Ace cruel to them? Why won''t any of them speak to me?


    I sighed as I walked with Aiden to the Alpha house. I saw the woman who left the yellow buttercup


    flowers for me that day. She had a shawl over her head again, and she was tending to the same


    flowers. I was about to go thank her, but she ran away when I got closer to her.


    ¡®That was weird,¡¯ I thought with a frown. She didn''t smell like someone from my pack, so why did she


    run?


    I shrugged and nced back at Aiden, who was watching me curiously. I was about to head back to


    him, but I noticed that a bunch of yellow buttercups were in the spot where she was minutes ago.


    It made me wonder. Why would she leave my favourite flowers here and run away from me?


    "Who was that?" Aiden asked as he approached me.


    "I don''t know," I answered truthfully. "But I''m gonna find out"


    "Are you gonna talk to Ace? " He asked in an using tone. I knew what he was thinking.


    "Yes I am. And don''t worry Aiden, I wont blow our cover"


    "I don''t know Rox. You''re kinda a softie with no head around him" I gasped with hurt as he just


    shrugged casually. "It''s true sis. You do realize you intimidate everyone else in the house, right?"


    I raked my thoughts for images of the moments I spent around them. I mean, sure they don''t really talk


    to me much and they might''ve always steered clear of me.... Okay he had a point.


    "Lilly isn''t intimidated by me" I tried to dig myself out of the whole I fell in.


    "That''s because you''re the only other she-wolf in the house, and you''re nice to her daughter"


    "So what''s your point?"


    He rolled his eyes and stopped me just before we entered the back door. "My point is, no one else in


    the house sees that side of you, except him."


    "Whatever," I mumbled as I pushed the door open.


    Ace''s scent immediately filled my senses, making me whip my head in his direction. He was already


    beaming at me as he strode in my direction and grabbed me in a hug.


    "I missed you" He whispered as he buried his face in my neck. A giggle escaped my lips as his nose


    tickled my ears.


    "I missed you too."


    "Softie" Aiden said through a cough which made me roll my eyes at him.


    I''ll show him! I''ll talk to Ace and sort this all out, then I''ll tell him all about it in the morning and bask in


    the shock on his face.


    I can already see it.


    "Um Ace? "


    "Hhmm? "


    "Can I talk to you about something upstairs? " He brought his face from my neck and stared at me in


    concern.


    "Is everything okay?" He asked while his eyes searched mine. I gave him a gentle smile before


    answering.


    "Everything is fine. I''m fine" The look of relief on his face made my heart flip. It felt nice to have


    someone care so deeply for me. "I just wanna talk to you about something. I''ll go take a shower now


    but I''ll leave my door open"


    "Okay " He mumbled against my lips as he left a soft lingering kiss there.


    After my shower, I pulled on one of Aiden''s tee shirts and braided my hair over my shoulder. Ace was


    sitting on my bed when I entered. His eyes met mine when the bathroom door clicked. I saw as they


    slowly moved down my body and darkened with desire by the second.


    The intensity of his gaze made my insides burn, and I pressed my thighs together as the warmth


    reached my core. He slowly licked his lips as he took steady steps towards me, his eyes not once


    leaving mine.


    "Do you know how incredibly beautiful and sexy you are?" His voice was husky as he asked.


    "N-no." My breath hitched when his hands gently gripped my waist.


    "Then I''ll show you."


    With that, he captured my lips in a rough but steady kiss, expressing just how much he wanted me. I let


    him stay in control of the kiss, since my mind was too foggy to process anything.


    He pulled my hair back so that my head was tilted up, giving him better ess as he ravished my lips


    with his. I yelped in shock when he lifted me and wrapped my legs around his waist, but he rejoined our


    lips in the split of a second.


    I felt him move backwards, then sat on the bed when he reached so that I was straddling him. His


    tongue swept over my bottom lip before he thrust it into my mouth, taking mepletely by surprise.


    All the times we''ve kissed have never been like this, but I would be a liar if I said I wasn''t enjoying it.


    Slowly, his hands moved from my waist to my ass, and they tenderly kneaded the flesh making a moan


    rise from my throat. The kiss was broken in a sh, but he continued kissing down my cheek and to my


    neck as he sucked on the sensitive spot, receiving yet another moan from me.


    "Ace" I managed to choke out and he grunted in response. "We need...oh god.. To talk"


    "Is it a pressing issue?" He mumbled against my ear.


    "No."


    "Then it can wait" And with that he was back at harassing my neck.


    I felt the build up in my region getting more and more overbearing, and I realized how I''ve never felt like


    this before.


    Before I knew it, I was on my backying on the bed with Ace on top of me. I bucked my hips forward in


    an attempt to sooth the feeling in my lower abdomen, but it only made it worse when I felt his hard


    member against me.


    "Ace please" I moaned when he ran his hands down my side.


    "You sure? " He asked against my neck. I only nodded frantically, since my words were stuck in my


    throat.


    He moved to the left side of my shoulder and ced hot kisses all over the area. He used one hand to


    grip my waist firmly, while the other was moving all over my body in it''s endless teasing.


    He finally stopped at the area where my neck met my shoulder, and flicked his tongue over the spot


    slowly and teasingly. It was then that I knew what he was about to do, but nothing in me was protesting.


    He stopped for a moment, as if contemting, but I had no more patience nor self control left in me for


    contemtion.


    "Aceee" I cried when he wouldn''t continue. But that seemed to be all the confirmation he needed, as he


    gently ced onest kiss on the spot, then sank his canines in my flesh, marking me as his.


    I winced at the pain that coursed through me in the first few seconds, but then overwhelming pleasure


    like I''ve never felt before rushed through every fiber of my being.


    I moaned out loudly as I hit my climax, my body shaking violently under Ace''s. I panted hardly after the


    high wore off slowly, while Ace licked the blood from the area where he marked me.


    Slowly, my eyes fluttered open and met his. They were filled with adoration, and I felt all his feelings


    rush through me. It was all so wonderful.


    Happiness, relief, joy, excitement, contentment.


    It was all so weing. I smiled brightly at him, but his face held a bit of uncertainty which confused


    me a bit.


    And that''s when it hit me.


    Ace just marked me, iming me as his.


    Our bond was stronger than ever, as our wolves were more connected than before. For the first time in


    fifteen minutes, my mind was clear, and I could see how everything was now.


    But I didn''t regret it one bit.


    "It''s okay Ace, I''m happy you imed me" I whispered softly, as I ran my finger against his perfect


    jawline.


    All doubt was swept from his face and reced with joy. Pure unspeakable joy. And in that moment, I


    knew that what Aiden said was true. I was a softie for Ace, but I liked it.


    I''m always tough and secluded around other people, so it was quite nice to have that one person who I


    can be free with. Just to let down all my walls and just be happy. I can do that with Ace.


    So if I''m a softie for him, that''s quite fine with me.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    "My gosh Roxy what were you thinking!"


    Yep. He''s mad.


    After Ace left the next morning, I felt nothing but pure joy. I had his im, and my wolf was extremely


    giddy.


    I then remembered Aiden and his earlier statement. And since I didn''t actually have a talk with Ace like


    I was supposed to, that pushed him over the edge.


    "Aiden it''s not as easy as you think it is" I tried to exin but to no avail.


    "And you know what''s not easy Rox? Breaking my word to dad because of this" He ran his hands


    through his hair with a frustrated look on his face.


    "Aide you said you would support me"


    "And I am Rox, I am. I want you to be happy, trust me, but don''t you think you''re going a bit fast? I


    mean, now you''ll have to shut him out of your head every time we talk! Didn''t you think of that? Don''t


    you think he''ll get curious? "


    I hung my head with a sigh, but said nothing. I guess I wasn''t thinking about that part.


    "Look sis, I''m not saying you should put your life on hold, but you''re yet toe up with a n to


    change the oue of things, and as long as you''re nless, I still have to do my part. You''re my baby


    sister and I want nothing more than your happiness, but you have to consider the fact that we''re still


    under his roof going behind his back. The more you''re connected to him, the easier it''ll be for him to


    figure us out"


    "I''m not your baby sister" I whispered loud enough for him to hear. He chuckled lowly and pulled me to


    his chest.


    "Out of everything I said, you had to pick that out"


    "That''s me" my words were muffled but they were clear enough for him to hear.


    "Okay but for real now Roxy. Once your heates and you''re fully mated, I''m not sure how long we''ll


    have until he finds out"


    "Shit" I cursed softly. I had totally forgotten about my heat. "When''s the next full moon?"


    He clicked his tongue as his eyes wondered, something he did when he wanted to remember


    something. "In a week"


    I groaned loudly and fell onto his bed.


    More than anything I wanted toplete the mating process, but Aiden was right. The more connected


    I was to Ace, the closer I am to getting our cover blown. What if I slip up and he feels my guilt? I can''t


    shut him out forever.


    "Wait, you said the full moon is in a week?"


    "Yea. Why? " Aiden mumbled in confusion. I jumped up in excitement as I remembered one of our


    conversations fromst night.


    "That''s great! He''s leaving for some meeting in a week and he won''t be back for a few days" And to


    think,st night I had the total opposite reaction to him leaving. "That gives me enough time to get a


    new n before the next full moon"


    "I think you''re forgetting a big issue Rox" I gave him a look to tell him to continue. "It''s gonna be


    unbearable if you don''t mate. I can stay with you to help, but you''re gonna have to stay away from


    Ryan and Scott"


    "I can bear the pain."


    He gave me a pointed look.


    "Okay I know I have low tolerance for pain, but I can do it. I have to"


    "And what if Mr Alpha realizes that you''ll be in heat and cancel his meetings? You know he won''t want


    you going through that by yourself. " He suggested, and I saw that he had a point. I pursed my lips in


    thought for a while, but ultimately came to a conclusion.


    "I won''t let him," I said with a little too much confidence. Aiden didn''t look convinced, but I''m sure it


    would work. "Look Aide, he''ll be gone before the full moon, so he won''t even be here to have thoughts


    about canceling"


    He held me at arms length and peered at me. "This is yourst shot Roxy. You get a n and we end


    this"


    "I will."


    ***


    "Good morning!" I smiled brightly at Calum and Lilly as I entered the kitchen. They looked at me as if


    I''ve brown another head, then I saw them sniff the air slightly.


    "Well you''re in a good mood today" Calum smirked. I blushed under their gazes, knowing that they


    figured out what happenedst night.


    "Uughh I can''t wait just lemme see it! " Lilly squealed and pulled my hair away from my neck. I was a


    little startled, but I giggled at her reaction.


    "Yes finally! " she pped her hands together excitedly beforeunching herself at me. On another day


    I would''ve refused the physical affection, but today I was in for it.


    "What''s all the squealing about" Scott entered from the backdoor holding dirty gloves in his hand.


    So the Gamma likes to do gardening. Nice.


    "Roxy''s in a good mood today" Calum casually told him, and to my surprise, he actually looked


    shocked.


    Well I guess I really was that bad as Aiden said.


    "You all have me to thank" My heart rate picked up at my mate''s familiar voice and scent. Before I


    could turn to see him, he wrapped me in his arms from behind, and gently ced a kiss on my neck.


    "So I see we''re at the PDA stage" Scott mumbled. "And I''ve just realized how single I am" Weughed


    as he shook his head and headed for the exit. "If you need me I''ll be searching for my mate!"


    With one final wave, he disappeared into the massive house, as ourughs followed behind him.


    I watched carefully as Lilly made breakfast. The way she skillfully poured the milk into the bowl.


    Marvelous.


    "Thank you" I smiled at her when she passed me my cereal and Ace settled down beside me.


    "I like this smell on you " He poked his nose into my neck again, making me giggle from how it tickled.


    He kept his nose there, not even moving for a breath of fresh air.


    "And I like to eat in peace," I chuckled. He pouted in the cutest way, but I just gave him a peck and


    continued my meal.


    "So what are we doing today?" I asked. He scratched the back of his neck with a guilty look on his face.


    "Well actually, I knew I said we would spend the day together, but I got a call from the Alpha of the


    Brightwater Pack, and he wants to formte that alliance I suggested. I''m leaving this evening."


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    I gaped and stared at him in utter distress. "You''re leaving!?"


    "Yes but I promise I''ll make it up to you" He tried with a regretful look on his face.


    It''s not that I was being selfish or inconsiderate; being an Alpha''s daughter meant I knew how very


    important alliances were. But I just couldn''t help my hurt. The first few days after a wolf is imed were


    the most emotional days of her life.


    My wolf was always itching to be around her new mate until she gets used to the changes somewhat.


    Not to mention the fact that my heat was in a week. It was like PMSing but ten times worse.


    "Just go" I croaked out and dashed for the stairs. Well there goes my good mood.


    "Hey hey Roxy" I was stopped before I could emerge further. "Roxy I''m sorry, believe me I know how


    emotional you are right now, but-"


    "I know Ace. It''s important "


    "And so are you. That''s why I only made it one night. I''ll be home tomorrow evening " I felt a little at


    ease then, but still upset.


    "And you''ll be gone again in one week"


    He sighed and sat on the stairs, then gently rested me on his thigh. He brushed my hair from my face,


    tucking it slowly behind my ear before continuing.


    "Roxy, I want nothing more than to stay here with you forever. But I am the Alpha now, and my dad


    wasn''t like me at all. Alliances are really important, especially now since I''m new at this. So in every


    way possible, I have to ensure that my pack is safe"


    A pang of guilt rushed through me at that, but I quickly pushed it away before he could pick it up


    through the bond. I already knew all of this, but my hormones were blocking it from my head. I knew he


    had to do what''s necessary for his pack, especially now since more powerful Alphas can target him


    since he''s new at this.


    Alphas like my dad.


    "I know Ace. I''m sorry for being a spoiled bratty mate"


    "You''re not a spoiled bratty mate. You''re my perfect mate" His lips automatically met mine in a slow,


    majestic kiss.


    Perfect mate, he said.


    ''But only if you knew.''


    "Only if I knew what? " He asked after pulling away as he looked at me expectantly. ''Shit did I just push


    that through the mind link? I forgot we''d be connected through that now.''


    "Yes we''re connected through it now" He chuckled softly after once again hearing my thoughts. Luckily,


    he wasn''t suspicious or anything, just curious.


    "If only you knew how wed I am" I said truthfully. I wasn''t perfect. Far from it actually.


    "I can live with that," he smiled sweetly. "In fact, I want to live with them all." My heart warmed at his


    words, and I connected our lips once again.


    ''God what did I do to deserve a mate like this?''


    "Exist," he mumbled against my lips and Iughed again before shutting him outpletely and


    resuming the kiss.


    I could see that the mindlink was fully up and functioning. I had to be careful. I didn''t even try to, and


    my thoughts were pushing their way into his head. It was always challenging at first to control a new


    mind link, so I had to be cautious.


    One slip up and it''s over for Aiden and I.


    "I''ll help you pack" I suggested once we stopped eating each other''s faces off.


    "I''d like that," I returned his smile and followed in suit to his room.


    I spent the rest of the afternoon with Ace after I helped him pack. At first, I thought I would be fine


    without him, since I wasn''t feeling emotional anymore. But the minute he left, I felt like crying a river,


    and so I knew I was anything but fine.


    Aiden saw it as a perfect opportunity to do some investigating, though I wasn''t in the mood. He then


    pulled the guilt card on me, and I eventually gave in.


    "This time, I''ll stay out here and keep watch. I just need you to get onto hisputer and gather what


    you can from there " He instructed casually.


    I lowly whimpered at the thought of going against Ace''s back again. Not to mention the fact that my


    wolf was calling out to his.


    "Roxy you got this. Just don''t focus on the im"


    ''Hard to do that when I''m breaking into my mate''s office, with his scent everywhere.''


    "Yea sure" I said instead.


    I didn''t wait for him to say anything else to make me feel even more worse about myself. Ace''s office


    looked exactly the same as how I saw it thest time--shelves of stacked folders, neatly and precisely


    ced in a specific order.


    His camera lights blinked red, and the light breeze blew through the window, making me shiver a bit. I


    slowly walked to hisputer, loving how his scent in the room surprisingly calmed me.


    I guess I''ll be sleeping in his bed tonight.


    Theputer was again easily essible for me, and I browsed through his software to see if I could


    find anything that Aiden would find useful.


    I suddenly stopped halfway through, when I said a folder with my pack name on it. The folder held


    numerous files, even some that I didn''t even think dad owned .Then, my eyes stopped on something


    interesting. It was a document with the names of all the pack members that were taken from my pack.


    I slowly scrolled through the list of fifty, carefully ncing over each name. A light knock on the door


    captured my attention for a while, since Aiden was probably getting antsy.


    However, I just ignored him and went back to my list. My breath suddenly hitched when I hit the fiftieth


    name-- a name I knew too well. Not from experience, but from stories or random pictures from home.


    Dianna Gilbert.


    The name that belongs to my mom.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    ¡®"Eeep!"


    I jumped from my former sitting position when I felt a ticklish nibble on my arm. I knew it couldn''t be


    anything dangerous, but the female in me had to scream.


    The little bunny looked startled at my reaction, as it stared at me in utter shock. I almostughed at his


    expression, but it ran away before I could blink.


    Sitting back down against the tree, I relished in the cool summer air. The breeze was light and rxing,


    and the meadow looked as beautiful as when I first saw it.


    The sun shone in all its glory, and I ensured to appreciate it''s warmth before my enemy ascended in the


    night.


    It was the day of the full moon, and I would go in heat once the moon takes the ce of the weing


    ball of fire in the sky.


    Such irony.


    I came here to think and clear my mind at the same time. My mind still throbbed with possibilities, as I


    remembered the document I found nights ago. I didn''t bother to tell Aiden, since a list of pack members


    wouldn''t be of use to dad. And I also wasn''t sure if it was our mom.


    But who else would it be?


    My dad had no other siblings, and as far as I knew, we had no other rtives by the name of Gilbert.


    But what coincidence? My mother happened to have the same name as this person. Could it be?


    No. Dad would never tell such a lie.


    Would he?


    On many asions I nned to approach Ace with the matter, and demand he tells me all he knows.


    But what much could he know about my pack members? His father was the one who took them. That,


    and the fact that I was a coward.


    I was afraid it would indeed be my mom. I would''ve been thrilled to know she''s still alive of course, but


    I refused to believe that my whole life had been a lie--that my childhood could''ve been different.


    That my father was a liar.


    It made me hate Ace''s dad even more, and if Ie to learn that she is indeed my mom, I personally


    will dig him up, raise him, and kill him again.


    But then it had me thinking, was this mission a lie too? Did dad create this whole n, just to get his


    one true mate back?


    My mind spiralled with possibilities and questions. What was the true purpose of the attack? How did


    they even manage to take her?  Why didn''t dade get her back? It all didn''t make sense to me.


    But then again, it may not even be her.


    My tummy growled in misery, demanding that I get something to fill it. It has been hours since I came


    here, but it felt like mere minutes.


    Ace had left for his other meetings two days ago, and he wasn''t meant to be back for another three


    days. It wrenched my heart really, but I had to think about Aiden.


    If he was here today, we would''ve been fully mated by midnight, and down goes everything.


    I dreaded the pain I''ll go through in another couple hours, and that I''ll go through it for the whole night. I


    actually hoped my body would give up and I passed out. But I''m an Alpha blooded wolf, I''m stronger


    than I wish I was.


    I''ve heard of heats and how awful they were, especially if your mate isn''t near. A heat is the wolf''s way


    of ensuring the mating process isplete by the next full moon after she''s marked.


    But some shewolves rather to wait, so they endure the pain until they are ready. The difference


    between me and them are: one, my mate wasn''t near me so my heat wouldn''t be subdued in any way.


    Two, being Alpha blooded means my wolf is much more eager to get it done, making it he harder and


    three, I''m Roxy.


    Roxy and pain doesn''t mix.


    Can''t my wolf see that Ace wasn''t around and just call it off? But of course that wouldn''t happen, since


    a heat is solely natural. Aiden and I have found a few ways to help me endure it, but I still had a bad


    feeling.


    Is it toote to call Ace home?


    I made my way back to the house, going through the back door which led me straight to the kitchen. I


    took out some leftoversagna from the fridge and warmed it in the microwave.


    "Hey Roxy."


    I nced around to see Lilly as she entered and ced Asia in her high chair. "Hey Lilly. How are


    you?"


    "I''m fine. But you don''t look so good, are you okay?"


    I nced at my reflection in the shiny refrigerator, before groaning at my pale skin. I also noticed that


    my head had a slight throb, and I could already feel the cold sweat forming on my neck.


    It was only four in the afternoon for Pete''s sake! Couldn''t it wait until six to start showing signs like


    normal shewolves!?


    The few moments I wished I wasn''t highly ranked.


    "I''m fine, just a little tired I guess" I muttered while I took fiverge gulps of cold water.


    "Don''t tell me you''re fine when you''re not. Your skin is always glowing, even when you just got out of


    bed"


    Really?


    Her motherly instincts kicked in, as she ced her palm against my forehead. A light frown yed at


    her lips as she examined me carefully.


    "You''re a little warmer than usual," she muttered as she turned my cheek to examine me more. Her


    eyes then fell on my neck, and her eyebrows shot up in realization.


    "It''s a full moon" She said mostly to herself, but I nodded anyway. "Shit Roxy you know Ace is miles


    away" I nodded again as she watched me in concern.


    Her eyes then zed over, indicating that she was linking someone. I felt slightly ufortable since I


    didn''t want anyone else to know about my heat. I knew my scent would change, but I intended to be in


    my room by then.


    I didn''t really mind if they knew, but I knew Scott and Ryan were unmated, and I still didn''t know them


    that much as yet to know if I could trust them.


    "It''s okay Roxy. I just told Ryan and Scott to sleep at the pack house tonight. They didn''t mind. " I


    smiled gratefully at her. At least Aiden won''t be fighting anyone tonight.


    "Let''s get you ready shall we? When my heat came, I started burning up by six, and it''s not like I was a


    highly ranked wolf, I was just marked by a Beta"


    I involuntarily gulped at that. She was just marked by a Beta and she started her heat before the moon


    rose. Imagine me who was of the highest ranked wolves.


    "What-what about Asia? "


    "I''ll take care of her," Calum announced as he entered. He looked at me with sympathetic eyes, then


    nodded at Lilly as she pulled me from the kitchen.


    "Ace should have never left for that meeting " I heard Calum mumble to himself, causing another rush


    of panic to run through me.


    Oh dear moon, please have mercy on me.


    ***


    "Just kill me please! "


    The agonising pain and heat was too much to bear. If they killed me now, it''ll be better since I already


    felt like I was going to die. So what''s the difference?


    "We can''t do that Roxy, then Ace would kill us" Lilly stated, and I moaned at the sound of his name.


    In addition to the terrible pain and heat, I was extremely over the top horny. My skin tingled for his


    touch and my core throbbed ever so often. And all that without getting release, it was torture.


    "What-what time is-s it? "


    "7:30" Lilly mumbled with a pained expression on her face.


    7:30!?


    The moon hasn''t even reached its apex as yet, and I was already dying!? I felt like I was going to cry,


    but even the tears radiated from my burning skin.


    Remember when you were eight and you had that terrible fever? Well that''s what I felt like, but ten


    times worse. When Lilly ced the thermometer under my armpit to check my temperature, it broke.


    I was naked in the bathtub, my water already getting warm. Aiden and Calum brought ice to cool down


    the already cold water, but in thirty minutes it was already at room temperature.


    My stomach churned with another shock of pain, and I clenched it hard in attempts to ease the pain. A


    loud cry escaped my lips and I felt like I already hit my maximum for the night.


    "I can''t do this. I can''t do this. Please knock me out or something please" I pleaded desperately. Aiden


    and Lilly watched me in pure pain. I couldn''t imagine what I looked like from their eyes.


    "Ace should''ve never left. Didn''t he know what she would go through? " Aidenined angrily.


    Through my despair I regarded him quizzingly. Wasn''t he the one against Ace being here?


    "I know Rox. I didn''t want you toplete the mating process. But if I knew your heat was going to be


    this bad, hell I would''ve gone to the bloody meeting for him" He seemed to have read my questioning


    expression perfectly as he answered.


    The look of utter regret and guilt flooded his features. I knew he felt bad for demanding I didn''t mate


    with Ace tonight, but how could we have known? We were never around anymore who''s been through


    heat, we only heard stories. In our minds we thought it would be bearable, but it wasn''t.


    Maybe if Ace was here, and stayed in the room next to mine, his wolf would''ve calmed mine from the


    distance, making it somewhat better. But he was far away. Too far.


    "Don''t feel bad Aide. You being here to help makes it better" But another cry of pain ran through me,


    contradicting that statementpletely.


    I could see that he was ufortable too. Not because I was naked, that was kind of normal for us.


    But even I could smell my arousal though I waspletely submerged in water. Smelling your sister''s


    arousal is very cringy I''m sure.


    "Aiden can you get another ice pack? This one is almost melted" He nodded at Lilly''s request and


    headed through my bathroom door. All my windows were open, even the door on the balcony was


    open, but it barely helped.


    Indeed, the ice pack that Lilly had on my forehead no longer had ice, and the worry sketched on her


    face made me want to cry. She was such a wonderful woman. She stayed with me from the minute she


    found me in the kitchen, tending to me like I was her daughter.


    My heart clenched at the betrayal Aiden and I were to bring if things didn''t work out in my favour. She


    didn''t deserve this.


    They all didn''t deserve this.


    Scott, Ryan, Lilly, Asia, Calum...Ace.


    I''m not worthy of their love and care.


    A whimper sounded from my throat, and Lilly hushed me like a child, pulling my matted hair from my


    forehead. Little did she know that it wasn''t the heat that caused that whimper. It was my heart.


    A door banging open pulled me from my thoughts to reality, and I heard thudding footsteps


    approaching us.


    "Where is she?! " A voice I knew too well asked in desperation.


    My heart leaped and my eyes and ears perked. I could already feel my body feeling better, but my


    excitement at the centre just got worse.


    He''s here.


    Ace is here!


    As if right on cue, he appeared at the bathroom door looking equally worried as everyone else. He was


    only wearing a pair of shorts and his chest had a shimmeryyer of sweat, telling me one thing--he ran


    here.


    "Roxy" He whispered as he approached me. Lilly looked relieved, as she joined Aiden at the door, who


    looked equally relieved. Hell, even I was relieved! I didn''t think I could go on a minute longer..


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Ace. You came." My eyes welled up with tears of joy, but they didn''t make it past my eyeshes.


    "Of course I came chere. I couldn''t let you go through this heat all alone" He cursed under his breath


    when his hand touched my burning skin.


    "I''m sorry I didn''te earlier, I left as soon as my meeting ended today with enough time to get home


    before it started, but my engine gave out and I gave up on waiting on someone toe fix it-"


    "So you ran the rest of the way" I ended for him as my heart warmed. How extremely chivalrous.


    "I did" He smiled. "Ten miles. But I didn''t care, I just needed to get to you "


    "Awe."


    Both our heads snapped to the doorway, where Lilly and Aiden still stood. Lilly blushed at her outburst


    and turned to leave.


    "Thank you" Ace smiled wholeheartedly to them before they turned and left. It was then that I


    remembered how on fire my body was.


    "Ace" I whined. "This is torturous "


    "I know love" He picked me up gently from the water. "I''ll make it better"


    The skin to skin contact made me moan in delight, as my body got even more stimted due to the


    closeness. I even saw his eyes turn dark with desire when he got the full whiff of my scent, with a low


    groan rumbling from his chest.


    He brought me to my bed as my body got more excited with each step. A low whimper sounded from


    my lips when he ced me on the bed, since my body already missed his touch. But I felt his warmth


    only seconds after as he hovered above me. His lips immediately caught mine in a slow, sweet and


    lingering kiss. My heat was already subsiding, only pushing forth my burning desire for him.


    He kissed down my neck and to my chest, teasing my sensitive bud with tongue. My back arched and


    my toes curled, as each kiss left a burning sensation at the spots.


    Ace kissed every inch of my body with nothing but pure admiration. He made me feel beautiful, loved


    and wanted. He appreciated every curve of my body with his finger tips, and every dip with his kisses.


    I moaned and whimpered ever so often as he took his time with making me feel loved, then he slowly


    kissed back his way to my mouth.


    "Are we gonna mate now? " I asked with a shaky breath. He chuckled lightly as his eyes danced with


    admiration, and he kissed my nose with a shake of his head. My heart dropped at that.


    "Not at all, my sweet sweet Roxy. I''m going to make love to you."

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Never in my life have I felt more dedicated to anything. Not even my mission.


    Every day I learn something new about Ace and I was always reminded of how amazing he is. I


    believed that we could have the greatest adventures of all time, only if I let him.


    After we mated, it was almost impossible to stop. I never felt so connected to someone before--never


    felt so loved.


    He had spent the whole day with me since he still had more meetings to get to, but that day was by far


    one of the best days ever. I felt all his emotions, all his adoration. It was almost overbearing.


    He left the next day to continue with his meetings, but it was like he was still with me. Sometimes when


    I think about our rtionship, I wonder: what does the future hold in store for us? What surprises are


    right around the corner? We have already had so many wonderful, exciting adventures, and it only has


    been a month and a half.


    I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. With him at my side, I knew that life will always be


    exciting. From the bumps in the road to the wonderful times, with our fair share of both heartbreak and


    laughter. I knew that there was no one I would rather spend my future with.


    He was my special person.


    When I thought about the fact that he is in my life, I truly cannot believe how lucky I am to have found


    him, despite the circumstances.


    Over the past month, things have been both great and heart wrenching.


    Aiden submitted the first report to dad, and I knew the n was already in progress. Aiden didn''t seem


    to mind that Ace and I were fully mated, but he released me off undercover duty until I ''learnt how to


    properly control my link with Ace''.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    If I was being honest, I purposely didn''t try, since it was still too much to bear. It hadn''t helped that Ace


    wouldn''t talk to me about my pack. Every time I brought the topic up, he would shut it down before it


    even started, and I didn''t understand why.


    I still had my questions about the woman that could possibly be my mom, but Ace wouldn''t say


    anything for some reason, and no one else knew about it.


    I still had to do my part at training, and I convinced Ace to let me do physical training on Fridays too. I


    needed it.


    The end of the month was drawing near, and Aiden will submit another report as long as I was


    nless.


    And nless I was.


    Nheless, things with Ace have been great and I''ve allowed myself to develop a rtionship with


    the others. I refused to believe that this war will be the end of us. Something will work out.


    It has to.


    "Happy birthday Ryan!" I eximed excitedly as I approached him. He flinched when I attempted to


    hug him. He was still afraid of me a little--so cute.


    "Chill bro I''m not going to crush you "


    "Sorry. It''s just reflex, I guess. And thank you" He returned the hug shortly after we shared a life, and I


    proceeded to get water from the fridge.


    It was a cool Friday evening, and I had just got back from training. I didn''t forget his birthday, but it was


    too early when I left this morning and he wasn''t awake yet.


    "Lil bro is finally 16" Calum teased as he ruffled his hair.


    "I''m 19 you dick! " Ryan defended as Calum burst out inughter.


    "Well whether 16 or 19, you have a party in two hours. Go get ready" Lilly ordered sweetly. Ryan rolled


    his eyes at that.


    "I''m not a girl you know. I don''t need twenty hours to get ready" He chuckled while he grabbed an apple


    and left anyway. I scoffed.


    "I don''t take twenty hours to get ready" I mumbled and red in the direction he left.


    "I''m sure you don''t. But let''s go get ready anyway" Lilly sounded excited as she dragged me out the


    kitchen despite my protests.


    "I can get ready in thirty minutes Lillyyyyy" I whined when she wouldn''t let me go. However, she still


    dragged me up the stairs. I saw Ace on the way to my room and he just smirked at me.


    "Ace help" I pouted, but he just smirked wider and nced at Lilly then me with an amused look on his


    face.


    "I''m gonna stay out of this one babe"


    "You traitor! " I shouted but the door closed in front of me before I could get the words out.


    "Now now Roxy, not everyday is about sweats and leggings" Lilly sounded as if she was scolding a


    child.


    I cocked my eyebrow at her and crossed my arms over my chest. "What''s wrong with my clothes? "


    "Nothing. You rock them better than anyone. But...." She trailed as she picked up a dress bag from my


    bed that I didn''t even notice was there. "Some days you gotta dress up"


    I looked between her and the bag like they were kidnappers, then backed away slowly. "I don''t know...


    Can''t I just wear a pair of jeans and my cutest top? "


    She gave me a deadpanned look then pointed at the bathroom door.


    "Shower and fix your hair. I''ll be back in thirty minutes" And with that, she left.


    Red heads. Always so bossy.


    Thirty minutester I was sitting in my armchair, fully showered and my hair neatly pulled into a high


    ponytail with a few loose strands.


    As promised, Lilly emerged in a robe with her hair let loose in all its fiery beauty. She held another


    dress bag, and I saw that she wore light makeup.


    She already looked so lovely.


    From my whole heat incident, I realized that we weren''t ashamed of our nakedness around each other,


    so we got ready together.


    As much as I didn''t like dresses, I had to admit that mine was absolutely gorgeous. I didn''t even think I


    could pull it off, but Lilly said I looked great in it.


    It was a mid thigh purple bodycon dress, with a half shoulder design with a silver lining around the top


    and bottom. It was simple but beautiful. Lilly got me matching silver heels to go with it, and she spent


    thest thirty minutes helping to learn how to walk in them.


    She also gave me a lightyer of makeup to ''enhance my features'' but I actually liked it. Once we were


    both dressed and I was confident enough that my feet won''t break, we headed to the living room to


    meet the others.


    Ace and Aiden were talking when we entered, and the moment they saw me their conversation


    stopped. At first I felt self conscious, but then the look on Ace''s face made it go away.


    The others had already left and it was just the three of us.


    "You look great Rox " Aidenplimented, breaking the silence.


    "Thanks Aide. It was all Lilly actually. If it was up to me I would''ve worn my leggings"


    "And you would''ve looked stunning nheless" This came from Ace as he made his way to me. Aiden


    smiled and left us, so it was just the two of us.


    I suddenly felt shy under his intense gaze and my stomach churned a bit. When I thought about it, I


    was getting sick quite regrly nowadays. If I didn''t know better, I''d thought that I was-


    "You look beautiful" Ace whispered once he reached me, cutting me from my thoughts.


    "You don''t look too bad yourself Mr Handsome" I smirked.


    "Give me one good reason why I shouldn''t take you to my room and have you all night" He cupped my


    cheeks and stripped me with his eyes.


    "Because it''s Ryan''s birthday and we can''t miss his party" I said sweetly, biting my lip at the thought.


    "Right.. " He trailed and clicked his tongue against the top of his mouth. "But I can have you after that"


    "Hmm... Be on your best behaviour and I''ll consider it" I attempted to pull my best seductive look and


    voice, and it seemed to work.


    He harshly gripped my bum, making me yelp in surprise. He gave me a victorious smirk when he saw


    how affected I was.


    "No promises there love"


    I simply chuckled and pulled him in the direction of the kitchen towards the back yard.


    "Wait one more thing" He said as he stopped me.


    He gently tugged at my band that I used to hold my hair, never stopping until it waspletely gone.


    My hair fell all over my shoulders in all its bundles, and he smiled widely at it.


    Hebed through it with his fingers, and ruffled to his heart''s content. When he was done, he sighed


    contentedly and gazed at me lovingly.


    "There. Now everything is perfect"


    He bent down and captured my lips in a sweet kiss, something I''vee to learn that I can''t get used


    to. I only pulled away when my lower body started to get vivid.


    "Let''s get to that party before we don''t make it" I suggested breathlessly, as I attempted to reapply my


    lipstick.


    "I suggest you go lipgloss free. Unless you want to reapply every ten minutes" I rolled my eyes at him,


    but didn''t say anything else as we entered Ryan''s party.


    But indeed I took his warning seriously, since I know I''ll give in every time.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    "What do you mean we have to go home?"


    I stared at my brother expectantly after he just dropped a bomb on me. It was the end of the second


    month and I knew he was just supposed to submit a report. But go home?


    There was nothing in our agreement that said we had to go home.


    Going home would actually be great if I wasn''t marked and smelled like the Alpha of the enemy pack.


    There''s no way dad wouldn''t notice.


    And then what? He certainly won''t scrap the n for me, he would just lock me up at home and tell me


    that I will find a new mate.


    But is the mission that important to him, even for me? I really didn''t want to test the theory.


    "Woah why are you so surprised? I thought lover boy would''ve told you by now"


    "Wait Ace knows? " I asked bbergasted.


    "Yea he''s the one who told me. Dad called him and asked him to excuse us for two days. "


    "Two days?! Aiden I wouldn''t survive two minutes" He rolled his eyes at how extra I was being, but it


    wasn''t a lie.


    "We''ll figure something out. We can try and mask your scent as much as possible, and once you greet


    dad you can give an excuse to leave. You know he wont keep you around for the boring conversations"


    "He''s an Alpha Aiden. He''ll wonder why I don''t smell like him anymore. And if you mask my scent, he''ll


    wonder why"


    He sighed before answering. "Look Rox, it''s our best shot. You don''t want him to know about Ace, and


    that''s the only way it will work. We can say you were going somewhere and you didn''t want to be


    noticed, so you masked your scent. Strong masks normallyst for like three days so you wouldn''t


    draw suspicion"


    I pondered on his words for a while. That would work, and I could always hide my mark. It can''t be too


    bad. After all,  I really missed home.


    "Okay, we''ll do that. When are we leaving? "


    "Tomorrow"


    "Tomorrow!? " I repeated.


    "He wanted to see us ASAP, and Ace didn''t have a problem with us leaving"


    Something struck my attention, and it had me panicking all over again. "Wait so if dad talked to Ace,


    and Ace doesn''t know that dad doesn''t know about us being mates, do you think he said something? "


    Aiden''s expression matched mine as he thought of the possibility.


    "One way to find out" I nodded in agreement and left him in my room to go find Ace. He was in his


    office looking over some papers. I didn''t want to bother him, but if we were leaving tomorrow I had to


    know.


    "Um Ace? Got a minute? " He looked up from the papers and smiled when he saw me.


    "Of course. You don''t have to ask"


    I returned his smile and walked closer to him, fiddling with my hands. "I heard you talk to my dad"


    "Yea he called me to ask me to let you guys go for a few days. Is something wrong? "


    I bit my lower lip and contemteding out with it on one go. "It''s just-why didn''t you tell me? He


    called yesterday. "


    He went around his desk and sat on the edge of if, then he pulled me between his legs with concern


    etched on his face.


    "Are you upset that I told Aiden before you? I''m sorry I didn''t say it sooner but I assumed he would''ve


    mind linked you right away"


    "No it''s fine. I just -" I took a deep breath as I decided to just ask him straight up. "Did you bring up the


    fact that we are mated? "


    A small smile yed on his lips before he answered. "I didn''t. He was solely professional and showed


    no signs of knowing, so I assumed you didn''t tell him "


    "Ace I''m sorry -"


    "Hey hey" He cut me off by holding my cheek gently. "Don''t be. I''m not upset that you haven''t told him


    yet. I know you must have your reasons"


    ''Reasons such as backstabbing you'',  I thought. But instead I said, "Yea it''splicated. I''ll tell him


    soon though "


    "Whenever you''re ready love" He dropped a kiss on my head before going back to his chair. At first I


    felt bad that he was going back to work, but then he gestured for me to sit on hisp.


    His hand snaked around my waist as he stared at me as if I was the best thing in the world.


    "I''m gonna miss you" he whispered sweetly.


    "I''m gonna miss you too. But it''s only two days"


    "Two days without you" he mumbled as he nuzzled his head in the crook of my neck. I noticed that he


    really liked to do that, since he made it a habit. Not that I minded.


    We stayed like that for a while, nobody saying anything,  just enjoying each others'' presence. He then


    brought his head up and regarded me weirdly.


    "You smell kinda different." He told me.


    "A good different or bad different?" He buried his head in my neck once again and took a deep breath.


    "Definitely a good different. But I can''t seem to put my finger on it"


    I shrugged at it and decided to forget it. Maybe it wasn''t a big deal, so I just enjoyed the rest of the day


    with him. I tried not to distract him from his work, but I was leaving soon so I had to cherish my


    moments with him.


    Lilly helped me pack, and I was all set and ready to leave the next day. Ace saw us off, that is, after he


    kissed the life out of me and made me promise to stay safe.


    Ryan was driving us home and Aiden showed me the substance he made that will mask my scent.


    ~"Will this be enough?"~ I asked through our link.


    ~"I think so. I couldn''t make it too strong since I wasn''t sure how harmful it might be to you"~


    ~"Harmful? What''s in it? "~


    ~"Water, shec, karaya and... "~ he trailed off and gave me an unsure look.


    ~"And? "~ I urged. He sighed


    ~"And wolfsbane"~


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    My eyes shot out of my head as I tried really hard not to yell at him.


    ~"Wolfsbane! Aiden you really don''t expect me to drink that right?"~


    Ryan looked at us through the rare view mirror with a look on his face. He obviously saw that we were


    arguing. But Ryan being Ryan just minded his business. I liked that guy.


    ~"Don''t be ridiculous Roxy I wouldn''t try and poison my little sister"~


    ~"I''m not your little sister. And how exactly do you expect me to use it then?"~


    ~"You''re just supposed to spray it all over you like a perfume. Just close your eyes, mouth and cover


    your nose. It will stink for a few seconds but then it works like a charm"~


    I narrowed my eyes at him and slowly took the small bottle from him.


    From what I''ve learnt, wolfsbane was dangerous to us once it enters our system. Silver on the other


    hand was harmful inside and out. But he was my brother, of course he wouldn''t try to harm me.


    ~"How do you know so much? Where did you even get it from? "~


    ~"I have a guy"~ He said tly, and I decided not to question him. We listened to the radio quietly as we


    drove home, and luckily Ace''s pack was close to ours.


    Once I left the car, I tested Aiden''s experiment, and I had to say it was good.


    After the ten barfing seconds, Aiden assured me that itpletely masked my scent all together, and I


    only used a little. I''m sure it would wear off soon, but for now I just needed to get past greeting dad and


    Phillip.


    As nned, our greetings with dad went smoothly. Once we passed the ''I''m masking my scent so you


    don''t find out that my mate is the enemy but I won''t tell you that because you will trap me here forever ''


    stage, we had a good bonding moment.


    Iter left Aiden to his boring politics talk and ventured to find Jane.


    A squeal from behind me caught my attention, and I turned around quickly at the sound to see that


    Jane was running down the hall towards me. I braced for impact, and she jumped on me with all her


    might.


    "You''re here! I missed you, I missed you, I missed you so much! "


    "I missed you too" I mumbled in her neck as I hugged her back tightly. It was then that I realized how


    much Jane and Lilly were alike. They would''ve been good friends if only things were different.


    "Lemme see it lemme see it! " She shouted, pulling the scarf away from my neck.


    "Could you be any more obvious! " I pped away her hand and pulled her into my old room.


    When I pulled the scarf away, she gazed at it with so much awe and...longing.


    "I can''t believe you''re marked" she said mostly to herself as she ran a finger over it. "But why can''t I


    smell you? " I chuckled at how weird that sounded and exined the situation to her.


    I then proceeded to tell her about Ace and how much I''vee to adore him. I was grateful that she


    didn''t ask me how I was gonna fix things with the mission and having my mate. I just needed to forget


    about the whole mess and just talk about my happiness with my best friend.


    We spent hours together, and I said hello to Jace and Jane''s mom before going back to my room to


    change for dinner. The whole family was seated like old times, and it was a nice feeling.


    Nothing about the mission was brought up, and so it just felt like family dinner instead of a business


    dinner. It was lovely.


    So far, I could say my trip home had been great, even though I missed Ace.


    After dinner, I showered and made my way to Jane''s room. Since she insisted on meeting Ace and I


    still hadn''t called him, I decided to kill two birds with one stone. I had told Ace about Jane, so luckily it


    wouldn''t be awkward.


    "So you''re the one who stole my wife away" Jane stated when I introduced them over the video call.


    Ace chuckled lightly then shed  his charming smile.


    "That would be me, yes" He told her, at which sheughed. They talked for a few more minutes, then it


    was my turn.


    Jane wasying beside me and watching something on herptop as I chatted away with Ace and ate


    onion rings. It was like we werepletely cut off from the world.


    Then out of nowhere, Jane stiffened and shed her head in my direction. It got me alert, but before I


    could ask she spoke what was on her mind.


    "Your scent ising back" She whispered so that Ace wouldn''t hear. "And you smell different "My


    panic immediately died down as I smiled at her.


    "Ace, I''m gonna have to call you back," I said. He mumbled an okay before I ended the call and gave


    Jane my full attention.


    "Jane, sweetheart " I turned fully to her and held her hands like a parent exining something to their


    child. "I didn''t trust the wolfsbane, so I used very little hence why my scent came back so fast. And you


    know when a wolf is marked, their scent changes right? "


    She looked at me dumbfounded and pped me. Hard.


    "Oooo! " I cried and stared at her in hurt.


    "I''m not dumb Roxy! I know that" She was whisper shouting for some reason. "But this change isn''t just


    a mark change it''s-"


    I couldn''t wait to hear what she said, I just ran to the bathroom to empty my stomach contents. I knew I


    shouldn''t have eaten those damn onion rings.


    Jane was right on my tail as she crouched beside me and rubbed my back soothingly, which


    surprisingly helped.


    "Rox," she started, her voice was low and careful. "Remember when we used to volunteer at the


    daycare? But you left because you started training? "


    I nodded slowly and looked at her from the corner of my eyes. Where was she going with this?


    "And then I started those tracking sses because I didn''t want to be at the daycare all alone?"


    "Yes... "


    "But I still visited once or twice, since I loved it so much. My smelling senses were already very much


    stronger, and I could sniff out the expectant moms when they came in for their early registrations"


    "Jane what are you saying? " I shifted my position so I was now sitting in front of her, and her


    expression was a mixture of excitement, unsurety and concern.


    "Roxy, you''re pregnant. "

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    The words kept ying over and over in my head for the whole night.


    ''Roxy, you''re pregnant.''


    I''m pregnant.


    It was so incredibly exhrating, but at the same time scary as hell. I always wanted kids, but at a time


    like this? In the middle of war? Was that safe?


    Could never be.


    I had re-masked my scent the next day so that nobody else would sniff me out, and I didn''t call back


    Ace that night. I decided to tell him when I got home. That is, if he doesn''t notice right away.


    It made me wonder how I didn''t notice before. I guess with all the stress it made me oblivious to the


    changes in my body. It''s not like it was impossible. Ace and I had a lot of sex. I mean a lot. So I was


    stupid not to consider it.


    But I was going to be a mother in a matter of months, and I have to do what''s right for my baby. No


    matter what it takes.


    So when I got back to Ace''s pack, I dragged Aiden aside to talk to him before I faced anyone else. We


    were in the driveway when I stopped him before he could go off to his room. I had used thest of the


    masker before I said goodbye to dad, so it should be wearing off soon.


    "What''s wrong Roxy? " He asked once he saw that I was serious.


    "I have something to tell you, but you have to have an open mind about it okay? " He nodded slowly


    with a worried look on his face as I continued.


    "When I was with Jane and the masker wore off, she noticed that I smelled different "


    "Well yes Roxy you''re mated-"


    "No Aide, not like that." I almost chuckled, remembering that I thought the same thing when Jane told


    me that I ''smelled different''.


    "Like what then? " His former worried demeanour returned. He must''ve been thinking that I was sick.


    "I''m-" I took a deep breath before continuing. Who knew that this would be so hard. "I''m pregnant


    Aiden"


    I let out a breath I was holding as I waited for some sort of reaction. His eyes shed to my face, then


    to my belly then all over the world before meeting mine again.


    "Are-Are you sure? " He asked finally.


    "Yes. I didn''t notice before because I was so stressed. I''ve been ignoring my wolf''s motherly instincts.


    When Jane told me, I reached out to my wolf and indeed I''m pregnant"


    He ran his hands through his hair but said nothing. I knew he was thinking the same thing that I was


    thinking-- bad timing, but not a bad thing.


    My worry eased for a second when I saw a smile on his lips as he thought about it.


    "My sister is pregnant. I''m gonna be an uncle" He whispered in awe.


    But then reality struck him and he remembered why we were even here. I knew, because I went


    through the same when I first processed it. He met my eyes with an unsure look on his face and asked


    the question that I''ve been dreading.


    "Where does this leave us? It''s not healthy for you to be stressing over this mission"


    "I know, that''s why I''ve been thinking..."


    "Thinking about? " he urged.


    "I was thinking that I would tell Ace about the mission" And that was all it took for him to go from


    supportive uncle to rampaging Alpha.


    "Are you crazy Roxy! What''s your n huh? Tell him and then what? "


    "He''ll understand Aiden but I can''t have a baby in a war" I semi-screamed desperately, trying to make


    him understand.


    "And you think telling him will stop the war? Don''t you think he''ll want to act on this betrayal?"


    "He wouldn''t hurt me" I tried.


    "I know Roxy but he would sure as hell hurt me. And when he kicks me out and sends me home, what


    do I tell dad? That his daughter got pregnant by the Alpha and abandoned mission? "


    I sighed at him and gave him my most rational answer. "I''m not abandoning mission Aiden. This will


    help us both. I can talk Ace into having an agreement with dad to give him back what was his."


    "Haven''t you noticed that your ''talks'' with him haven''t been effective? If the dude wanted to, he


    would''ve already"


    "I don''t believe that" I defended, though I felt like I was losing.


    "You see Roxy, this is why we were instructed not to get attached. Your emotions are clouding your


    judgment."


    I sighed again, feeling a headacheing on. I rubbed my temple with my fingers and decided to end


    this conversation.


    "I''m pregnant. He''ll want to do what''s best for our child and once he gives back dad what he wants, he


    won''t have any reason for attacking anymore. Dad will be upset with me for a few months, but it will


    blow off. Everybody wins"


    "You''re making a mistake Roxy" He shouted after me when I walked off.


    "Yea maybe I am. But I''m tired of sitting around and watching everything fall apart. I didn''t ask for this


    Aiden. I didn''t ask the moon to make Ace my mate, but maybe it was for a reason. Maybe this baby


    was needed to bring peace and equality between the two packs. So yea I could be making a big


    mistake and maybe this will not go how I intend it to go. But I''m Ace''s mate and this is Ace''s baby.


    Waging war on Ace is waging war on both of us. And I''ll be damned if I let anything happens to my


    father''s pack and my baby''s pack"


    And with that I ran inside and up the stairs to find Ace. A part of me was eager to see him because I


    missed him so much, but the other part of me wanted to tell him everything.


    "Ace" I called once I entered his office. He was at his window looking at the forest, and his head turned


    at the sound of my voice. Relief flooded his features when he saw me, and I quickly went to him and


    jumped in his arms. He hugged me back tightly and flooded everywhere he could reach with kisses.


    "I missed you" I mumbled when I pulled away slightly.


    "I missed you too, Love" he whispered, tucking my hair behind my ear. He then brought his lips to mine


    and kissed me softly, but I wanted more so I deepened it, cherishing the taste of him.


    He lifted me by my thighs and ced me on his desk, still kissing me deeply. I moaned when his lips


    went to my neck as he slowly ran his hand up and down the inside of my thighs, then pushed my dress


    all the way up.


    My mind cleared and I noticed what he was doing, but as much as I wanted it, I had to talk to him.


    "Ace wait" I mumbled through breaths. He quickly obliged and pulled back, searching my face for


    answers.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked in a worried tone. I could see his eyes returning back to their beautiful hazel


    colour as the darkness faded. Slowly I saw him regaining control.


    His face then turned to something I couldn''t decipher as I struggled to tell him the wonderful news.


    "When I was at home, I discovered something. I didn''t want to tell you over the phone"


    "What is it? " he asked. I could tell that he was getting antsy, as he buried his nose in my neck again.


    "I''m -"


    "Pregnant " He whispered just before I could finish. He brought his eyes back to mine as he watched


    me in so much joy.


    "You''re pregnant " he repeated with a huge smile on his face. For the two months I''ve known him, it


    was the first I''ve seen him so happy.


    "Yes" I mirrored his smile as a few tears rolled down my cheek. How could one person make me feel so


    happy?


    A yelp of surprise escaped me when he lifted me from the desk and twirled me around,ughing loudly


    with so much life.


    "We''re gonna have a baby! I''m gonna be a dad!"


    Iughed as he showered me with kisses, then he slowly ced me back on my feet. He held both my


    cheeks in his hands as he gazed lovingly at me.


    "I didn''t know you would be so happy. " I mumbled truthfully in a small voice.


    "Of course I am. Aren''t you? " He asked.


    "Yes! One hundred percent. I always wanted to be a mom. I just thought you would''ve thought it was


    too soon"


    I was twenty and he was twenty-one. Having a kid so young wasn''t bad, but some people rather wait. I


    wasn''t sure if he would''ve been one of those people.


    "The timing is always perfect once it''s with you Roxy" He pecked my lips and rested his forehead


    against mine."I love you Roxanna Gilbert" He announced, making my heart stop for a moment. It took a


    few seconds to register what he said, and I searched his eyes and face for a sign that he wasn''t sure.


    But I found none.


    He loves me. Ace loves me!


    Unexinable joy clouded my heart, as I stared at the man in front of me. Never in a thousand years


    have I ever thought someone would make me feel the way Ace does.


    He is such a gift to me. Having him in my life was such a blessing. Every day I''m thankful that he is in


    my life and that he is by my side.


    This was it. This was what love felt like, I just knew it.


    I knew I loved him too, maybe even more than he loves me and I had to make him know that.


    "I love you too Ace" I whispered back.


    The look on his face made my whole body shiver. His former happy face was nothingpared to


    what he looked like now.


    It was like I just gave him a perfect day.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    And so, I knew I couldn''t ruin it by telling him about the mission. He deserved this day to be happy and


    that was exactly what I gave him.


    We spent the remaining of the day together, and I had to push Aiden out of my head multiple times


    when he learnt that I hadn''t told Ace yet. I knew I had to, but I gave him the day to relish in the bliss


    and good news.


    I''ll tell him tomorrow. For sure.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    The next day, I woke up feeling determined to talk to Ace. The day before was wonderful, but I had to


    make today count.


    I pulled onfortable clothes after my shower and let my hair loose, since Ace liked it better that way.


    With a pep in my step and a firm hand on my tummy, I made my way towards Ace''s office. I knocked


    two times before pushing my way through, but unfortunately, he wasn''t there.


    Deciding to wait in there, I sat on his chair around his desk and really took my time to appreciate every


    detail of his office.


    My eyes caught something on his desk, and I reluctantly retrieved the file that was opened. It was a


    monthly report of a woman''s condition. I knew, because it was written in bold at the top of the paper.


    MONTHLY REPORT OF JENNA WILSON.


    As if right on cue, Ace walked in. He looked slightly surprised by my presence, but he didn''t look


    annoyed or upset.


    "You''re up early" He said as he gave me my good morning kiss.


    "Yea I wanted to see you"


    His eyes flickered between me and the file that I was still holding, and I saw a small smile ying on


    his lips, but it was kinda sad. "I see you''ve found my mother''s file"


    My eyes popped out of my head as he said that, and I stared at the picture and name of his mom.


    "This is your mom? " I asked as if he didn''t just say that. He simply nodded and sat on his desk in front


    of me. Of course! How didn''t I see that? They had a slight resemnce, and they had the samest


    name.


    "What happened to her? " I asked carefully. I knew it might be touchy for him so I didn''t want to push it.


    But of course, Ace was more open with me than I with him. It was unfair really.


    "She has always had a mental condition, but it was easily treated by her meds. But after dad died, not


    even the medicines worked" He had a regretful look on his face, but he was being strong.


    "It says here that she''s getting better. She''s stable and her mind is clear" I tried to sound enthusiastic


    as I read over the file. He offered me a genuine smile.


    "Yea. She''s been getting visits from this mystery best friend that makes her feelfortable. I''m yet to


    meet whoever it is to thank them"


    I truly felt happy at that. "I''d love to meet her"


    "I''m actually nning on visiting her today. You cane with"


    I checked the time to see that it was 8:30 a.m . For some reason I really wanted to meet her right away.


    "Is it okay if I go ahead? I promise I will be good"


    He chuckled lightly before kissing my cheek. "Yea sure, why not? I''ll let Ryan take you to the clinic. I''ll


    be down a littleter"


    I happily jumped up and hugged him. I didn''t know why I was so happy, but I felt like I knew his mom all


    my life. With onest kiss, I met Ryan who was already waiting at the front door. He must be tired of


    taking me everywhere, but he didn''t seem to mind.


    I made a mental note to definitely tell Ace about the missionter on, but for now I just wanted to see


    Jenna.


    A few minutester we arrived at the clinic which was surprisingly small, but incredibly beautiful and


    cozy. The nurse that greeted us led the way to the visitors'' room, and I noticed some other nurses


    giving me weird looks as they sniffed the air and gazed at my neck.


    It was then that I remembered that I asked Ace to keep ''us'' from his pack until my four months were


    over. But once we talkter, our mateship can be revealed to his members and I will officially meet


    them.


    Ryan went back to his truck once I was settled in the visitors'' loungefy on a sofa. I patiently waited


    for the nurse to bring Jenna out, and when she did, I could say I was a bit surprised.


    I thought she would''ve looked the least bit sick like in the picture, but she looked happy and glowing


    like an eight year old girl. Her hair was full and dark, not a strand of gray hair showing.


    Her eyes held life and her face was brightened by a beaming smile as she neared me. Her walk was


    tall and confident, and she didn''t even wear those depressing pale gowns that some of the women


    wore. She wore a pinkce looking blouse and skinny jeans. If anyone didn''t know us, they could''ve


    easily mistaken us as sisters.


    The other women in the room beamed and waved at her as she passed, and she returned each one


    just the same. It was obvious that she was the life of this ce. I stood as she neared me, and I was


    immediately engulfed in a hug.


    "Oh my dear you are just as beautiful as he mentioned" She pulled away to stare at me, while I''m sure


    the confusion on my face was evident.


    "You know who I am? "


    "Of course I do. You''re all that son of mine talks about when he visits me. I was wondering when he


    would take you to me. "


    I smiled warmly at her and hugged her again. I wasn''t a hugger, but I was d she was so happy to


    see me. I had my doubts on the ride down here.


    "It''s really nice to meet you Jenna. I had no idea-"


    "That''s life love. I''m not crazy" Sheughed. "I know I have a condition from I was a child, but they


    mistook my mourning for being crazy"


    "I didn''t think you were crazy" I said shyly as we sat on the sofa.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "And that is why I love you already"


    We sat in silence for a while as we just stared at each other. It wasn''t ufortable, it was like we both


    needed it. She looked oddly familiar, like I saw her in a photo or something some time back.


    "So tell me about yourself" She started, breaking the silence. I raked my mind for what I could tell her


    and proceeded to tell her about myself.


    When I mentioned that I was from the Silent Moon pack, she jumped up with a gasp and stared at me


    with an unreadable expression.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    All I said was ''Silent Moon'', and it was as if I told her I met the moon goddess.


    She scared me a bit, and some nurses were rushing towards us but she waved them off and sat back


    down. I was terrified and taken aback, but when she held my hands, I rxed.


    "It''s you, isn''t it? " She smiled at me as if I knew what she meant. But before I could ask, she continued.


    "You''re Dianna''s Roxanna. Of course you are! " Sheughed. "How could I not put it together? It''s just


    that she calls you Roxanna and now it''s Roxy, but I still should''ve known. Ace told me that you and


    your brother came here to train, but he never mentioned that you were a Silent Moon wolf".


    My heart seemed to stop at that and my mind barely processed it. She knew my mom? What kind of


    rtion did they have?


    "You knew my mom? " I whispered. She watched me quizzingly and shook her head.


    "I still know her dear. She visits me all the time. Your resemnce is remarkable and it can''t be


    coincidence" It was my time to jump up and gape.


    So it all was true. My mom was still alive. I considered the possibility that Jenna''s grief was causing her


    to lose sight of reality, but from the documents I found, to the gut feeling ever since, told me that she


    was telling the truth. If my mom visited her all the time as she said, that only meant one thing. We were


    all in the same packnds, and she was very much alive.


    Did dad know all along? Did he lie to us? Does everyone know?


    "Roxy sweetheart" She stood up to steady me. "What''s wrong?"


    "I-I thought my mom was dead" I whispered almost inaudibly as tears welled up in my eyes.


    From the moment I found that file, I knew it was true. It couldn''t be just a coincidence. But I didn''t want


    to believe that my whole life was a lie. I didn''t want to face those unanswered questions that could


    break the big bad Roxy Gilbert. But I guess it was inevitable.


    "That''s what he told you huh? " My head quickly whipped back to her, since it was the first time since I


    got here that she sounded detached.


    "My dad? " I asked, though I already knew. She nodded and pulled me back down to her.


    "I know you have questions, and I have most of the answers. But you won''t like some of them." She


    informed me carefully, as if warning me.


    "Please tell me" I choked out. She looked uncertain, but she nodded anyway.


    "My mate, John, was never a bad man" She started, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. All my life


    I''ve been told that he was the bad guy, but I guess there was a story I didn''t know.


    "He did bad things, but he was never a bad guy" She met my gaze once again as if asking to continue,


    and I gave her a slight nod. "Your mother and I go way back, Roxy. We came from the same pack. She


    was the Beta''s daughter and I was the Alpha''s second child"


    This surprised me even more to know such a small thing about my mom. It made me feel warm inside.


    "We were practically sisters. We grew up together and all. We found our mates around the same time


    too, and they coincidentally were friends too. So Dianna and I felt like we hit the jackpot, since we


    would be in neighbouring packs. Weter learnt that your dad and my mate were never friends. THEIR


    dads were friends, and they were forced to be too since they would rule so close together, but they


    always hated each other. "


    This broke my heart a little. I couldn''t imagine how awkward that must''ve been for my mom and Jenna.


    "They would always be at each other''s throats, and Dianna and I were the ones who brought a little


    peace between them. When I got pregnant, I told Dianna even before I told my mate, and she swore


    she would get pregnant too and our kids would be mates."


    We both chuckled at how urately that turned out. Good job mom, good job.


    "She had you and your brother a year after I had Ace, and believe it or not Roxy we betted on you guys


    bing mates. " She smiled at the memory with a glint in her eyes. "My mate and your dad cursed


    the idea, but us girls still rooted for you guys" We shared another shortugh before her expression


    went grim.


    "Then I got pregnant again" Her voice came out as a whisper, and I gasped at the new news. As far as


    I know, Ace had no siblings.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    "What happened? " I dared myself to ask. She offered me a small smile before answering.


    "I was six months pregnant when ke and your mom came to my pack. Dianna didn''t know why they


    came, but she was happy to see me and Ace. We heard ke and John shouting in his office, and


    Dianna and I ran in to see what happened. ke was spouting some nonsense about some of our


    lands being theirs a hundred years ago, and he demanded that my mate gave him back. Of course,


    John wouldn''t have that, so he refused." I nodded, knowing that much was true.


    "ke threatened to take it by force, but John knew he was bluffing. One thing went to another and


    they started to throw punches. Dianna and I stepped in, and before we knew it we were both thrown to


    the floor"


    My eyes widened as I put it together. My eyes shed to her and her tummy as if the baby was still


    there.


    "You can imagine the rest" She sighed and I felt the need tofort her.


    "I''m so sorry Jenna" My voice was barely audible as I rested my hand on hers.


    "That''s okay love. It was a long time ago"


    ''But the pain never dies'', I wanted to say. But of course she didn''t need to be reminded of that.


    "When I lost the baby-"


    "Miss Wilson" Both our heads turned to the nurse in front of us, as she smiled at us apologetically. "The


    Alpha is here to see you "


    "Give us five minutes, then you can send him in" The nurse nodded and left, and we turned our


    attention back to each other.


    "I guess we''ll have to continueter " She smiled. But that was thest thing I wanted. I needed to


    know now.


    Why was the warunched? How did my mom end up here? I had so many questions.


    "Look Roxy, I know ke, and I know he didn''t just send you and your brother here to train. You


    could''ve done that at home. I know your warriors and Phillip"


    My breath hitched and I tried not to look her in her eyes while I panicked. "I -I.. Please-"


    "I''m not trying to scare you or warn you. I''m just saying whatever ke''s n is, learn the whole truth


    before youbel your bad guy. I knew that if you wanted to hurt my son you wouldn''t havee to see


    me, so I trust you Roxy. But whatever the n is, just ensure you know the truth before you make


    moves. "


    I nodded, since my words were stuck in my throat. I was grateful that she trusted me, and I was d


    she wasn''t angry. But I knew I couldn''t say anything to Ace, dad or Aiden before I knew the truth.


    "Ace mentioned that you had a best friend visiting. Is she-um.. "


    "She''s your mom" She confirmed. And with that, my water works started again. She grabbed a piece of


    paper and scribbled a few words on it.


    "Here''s her address. I''m sure she knows you''re in the pack. But knowing Dianna, she just wouldn''t want


    you to view your dad differently for not telling you the truth. So maybe that''s why she hadn''t revealed


    herself to you. Talk to her. Catch up and hear the rest of the story before you do anything else. She''ll be


    happy to see you."


    "Does Ace know? "


    She shook her head. "Even up to three years ago when my mate died, he didn''t know the truth. All he


    knew was that there was unfinished business. If you choose to tell him after you learn everything, feel


    free. I was too much of a coward to tell him anyways"


    I nced at the address scribbled across the paper andunched myself at her in a crying mess.


    "Thank you so much. Thank you for telling me and thank you for understanding"


    "You''re wee hun. But remember what I told you Roxy. "


    "I will" I mumbled as I let her go.


    "What''s with all the tears? " Both our heads snapped to Ace as he spoke, and I quickly shoved the


    paper away.


    "Girl moment" We both said in unison as I wiped my eyes. Ace looked pleased that we were getting


    along, and luckily he didn''t ask about the conversation.


    Everything that Jenna told me today was news to me, and I had to try extremely hard to keep my


    emotions at bay so that Ace didn''t notice.


    But once I had the perfect moment, I''ll go see my mom. I''ll talk and catch up, cry and rejoice. I would


    see my mom. I could get her back.


    And for the first time in my whole 20 years of living, I''ll know the truth.


    Theplete truth.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Have you ever felt like the whole world was on your shoulders? Like the fate of everything depends on


    the choices you make?


    Well that was how I felt all night, though I may have over exaggerated a bit.


    I thought it was a mistake keeping everything from Ace for another day, though Jenna said I should


    wait.


    Could I even trust her? There was no reason for me not to, so why not?


    It only made me want to see my mom sooner to rify everything. I barely sleptst night. I woke up


    every hour to check the clock. Ace even came to stay with me around 4 a.m when he felt my


    ufortableness, and that was how I caught a few Z''s.


    Now I was on my way to where my mom supposingly lived, and I was feeling all sorts of uneasy.


    I thought about how I may not like the answers that I get. I thought about what if Ace or someone else


    finds out where I was. And most of all, I worried about whether or not Jenna was right about the reason


    why my mom hadn''t revealed herself to me. What if she genuinely doesn''t want to see me? What if


    Aiden and I are the real reason why she ended up here?


    It was all nerve wracking as I trotted down the dirt road that led to a small cozy looking cottage. I stood


    firm in my spot in front of the door for a few minutes, contemting if I should leave or not.


    Eventually, I mustered up the courage to knock once, then twice. There was no answer so I tried


    another time.


    I felt both disappointed and relieved, as I wasn''t sure if I was ready for this. But time was running out, I


    had to be brave.


    After I stood there for another minute or two and there was still no answer, I decided toe backter


    or tomorrow. Ace took me off ''training duty'' due to my pregnancy, so I had more than enough time.


    But before I could turn around, a voice sounded behind me.


    "Roxanna?"


    I froze.


    ''It was her.''


    Her voice was soft and kind, no hint of annoyance present. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn''t


    move.


    I heard light footsteps climbing the steps, and my body only grew tenser as if a killer was making his


    way towards me.


    A soft hand pressed to my bare shoulder, causing a shiver to run through my spine. She gently turned


    me around to face her, and my breath hitched when I saw her.


    It was indeed my mom. The woman that hung from our walls, and filled our photo albums. She didn''t


    look different in the least bit. Maybe just the few stress lines in her forehead, but they were barely


    noticeable.


    Her brown eyes scanned mine for some sort of emotion, but all I could do was stare at her in shock.


    "My baby girl" She whispered with teary eyes, as she used her thumb to wipe away a fallen tear from


    my eyes. I still just stood there speechless, but I was sure she understood.


    Finally, she pulled me into a hug, and I slowly hugged her back, trying to ensure this was real.


    She was here in the flesh. Blood flowing through her veins and all. She was alive, unlike what my dad


    told me all my life. It made me already doubt his judgement.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "You''re alive" I finally found the voice to whisper. She pulled back so she could look at me, and she


    smiled wide and nodded.


    "I am sweetheart. I always have been"


    I smiled through the tears and pulled her back to me. It felt good being in her arms. I''ve missed out on it


    all my life.


    It was then that I noticed that she didn''t have the scent of our pack anymore. I pulled back to give her a


    confused look.


    "What happened to you? " I asked in hurt. I couldn''t imagine what she might''ve been through.


    She sighed and gestured to the door. "Let''s go in and we''ll talk over some tea"


    I followed her inside her warm house, and she led us to a small dining room. While she was brewing


    the tea, I took the time to look around the room. Just being in there made me feel like I hadn''t lost her


    at all, like I knew her all my life.


    "So I''m assuming you have questions" She started with a gentle smile. I retrieved the tea from her,


    mumbling a thanks before focusing on my goal.


    "I do actually. But how have you been? Are you happy here? "


    She smiled and rested her cup down." I have been fine. And I can''t say I have been miserable, but


    happy? Not until recently."


    "I don''t even know where to start. Why did dad lie to us?"


    "I don''t know. Your father is a man of reason. But I''m thinking maybe he didn''t want his two kids


    crossing pack borders to go find their mom" She chuckled.


    "But would you me us?" My voice cracked as more tears left my eyes. "We had to grow up without


    our mom. We missed out on so much "


    "I know sweetie" She left her chair tofort me, and I was more than happy to ept her warmth. I


    wasn''t angry at her, and I wasn''t sure if I was angry at dad either. I was just...hurt.


    "Couldn''t you havee back? Escaped or something?"


    "Oh sweetheart I tried. I tried so many times, but John kept me as locked up as possible. Then he put a


    dog cor on me to keep me in packnds"


    I gaped at this. "That''s awful! And Jenna allowed this to happen?"


    John was terrible for doing that! And Jenna made it seem as if he wasn''t the bad guy.


    "You talked to Jenna? " She asked with a little shock. But before I could answer she added, "Of course


    you did. You''re the Alpha''s mate. I knew you two would''ve ended up together"


    "Jenna said so" I smiled at the conversation I had yesterday. I could see why they were friends.


    "How much did she tell you? "


    I exined in short everything that I learnt yesterday, hoping that it was the truth and that mom knew


    where to pick up.


    "So she left the hard part for me huh? "


    "I didn''t kno-"


    "It''s okay love. I don''t mind digging up a few graves" I cringed at how that sounded which made her


    chuckle lightly and held me closer. I cuddled further into her arms as she continued the story.


    "When Jenna lost her baby, John went crazy. I heard it was almost as if he was the one who needed


    medication. His behaviour only made Jenna more unstable, and as much as I knew John as an ass


    sometimes, he loved his mate"


    I chuckled a little at her choice of words, despite the seriousness of the conversation.


    "Having lost the baby plus John''s craziness, Jenna was worse than I ever saw her before. Even when


    she lost her mom when we were teenagers was better than this. Ace was just a three year old toddler,


    and you and Aiden just turned two when John struck us unexpectedly.


    "He med your dad for what happened to his baby, saying that if ke hadn''t hade to his pack


    demandingnd, his wife and child would still be okay. I agreed with him for that part. " I gasped at that


    and slightly flinched back, but she only held me tighter.


    "Hush child. It''s only the truth"


    I nodded and rxed back into her. She was right, but I believed that both men''s ego was the main


    cause of everything.


    "As crazy as John was, he wouldn''t dear hurt a hair on either you or Aiden''s head to avenge his baby,


    so he targeted me. Heunched a surprise attack on our pack, taking even more of your dad''snd,


    took his people and he took me"


    That was the story I heard all my life, only now it was the full version. Dad told us that Alpha John was


    just ruthless, power hungry and savage. Ruthless, he might have been, but hurt he was too. And as far


    as I know, hurt people hurt people. Mom sighed before continuing.


    "He would''ve killed me and all those people, just to make ke feel what he felt. Though we didn''t


    know who pushed us to the ground that day, it was ke who started the fight" She hung her head at


    that and I felt my inside churn. Jenna didn''t mention that.


    "Really? "


    She nodded. "When John refused to give him thend that was supposedly his, he threw the first


    punch. Even though John could''ve escorted him out of his pack immediately, his ego wouldn''t allow


    that. Jenna and I were foolish to try and break them up, but it all happened so fast"


    I nodded in understanding as my tears resumed. This was why Jenna told me not tobel my bad guy


    so quickly. But the sad thing was, even knowing all this, I still couldn''tbel dad as a bad guy.


    Was that bad?


    "John knew that Jenna would never forgive him if he killed me or anyone from my pack, so he forcefully


    mixed my blood and his, making me a member of his pack and cutting all my connections from my


    pack. He only did it with me"


    "But that''s illegal! " I gasped in disbelief.


    "I know. But apart from the members that he took with me, every other member thought I died when the


    connection broke. But ke? I knew he knew that I wasn''t dead, since the mate bond didn''t break. But


    that was enough punishment John could give ke"


    It all made sense now. That exined why everyone thought she was dead. Surely if anyone but dad


    knew she was still alive, I would''ve heard it somehow.


    I assumed he told us that she died a few months after our birth because he didn''t want us raging out in


    revenge if he told us this pack had ''killed'' her. From the minute John took her he''d been nning ways


    to get her back I''m sure.


    When everything else failed, he used Aiden an I, disguising it as a n to get back thend and his


    people. Surely he wants them back too, but he wants mom more.


    That''s why he''s been so determined about the mission. And he wouldn''t dare tell anyone that she''s


    alive, because he wouldn''t dare open any doors to mistakes because of emotions. He''s a smart one,


    my dad.


    And when John died, it just made his job easier. Aiden and I weren''t nearly finished training, so when


    Ace took over just in time when we hadpleted our training, he sent us already feeling like a winner.


    His rules made so much sense now. He wouldn''t risk us finding mom here, so he forbade us from


    wandering around Ace''s pack,beling it as ''idle and unprofessional''. When in reality, he just didn''t


    want us to see her. He instructed us to stay away from members that still had our scent, saying it would


    lead us one step closer to being found out. When in reality, he didn''t want them to tell us about mom.


    He had this all figured out. Yes he wanted back hisnd and members, but he just really wanted his


    mate. And I wouldn''t me him, but he went about it all wrong.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Every wolf knows a mate is the most scared gift one could ever get from the moon. We would do


    anything, and I mean anything for them.


    To some extent, I could understand it all, but in the end, the truth is always suppose to be a first resort.


    Maybe I was being biased, but the minute Ace took over, he should''ve pitched a meeting and try to


    negotiate terms. But maybe he thought Ace was just like his dad.


    "I was upset with Jenna for not trying harder to make him let me go, but then I remembered how hard


    headed John was, and that Jenna wasn''t well. So that kind of pressure was too much for her. I still


    didn''t see her, since seeing her was a constant reminder of what happened. It was recently when I saw


    you and Aiden I decided to go visit her. I knew I needed my best friend, even though she needed me


    for years and I was too selfish to visit her"


    "You went through a lot. You can''t me yourself" I tried to assure her.


    "But she did too. I''m just d she''s better. If I had known all these years that one visit could help her, I


    would''ve gone from the moment John died. But life has its way of doing things"


    She eased me out of her grasp to look me in the face. Her eyes were serious and her words were


    stern.


    "I know my mate and I still love him so much. But I also know that my kids didn''te here to train.


    Whatever ke''s n is, your mate doesn''t deserve to feel the fiery part of it."


    "I know" I sighed and hung my head. "But every time I try to talk to Ace about my pack, he brushes me


    off"


    "Start with this. Tell him all that you''ve learnt, I''m sure he needs the rity"


    I cocked my head to the side and regarded her in confusion. "What do you mean? "


    "I know that boy is trying to fix his dad''s mistakes. Hees here sometimes you know, to check on


    me"


    "Does-does he know? "


    She chuckled at my scared expression but shook her head. "He doesn''t know that I''m your mom. He


    thinks I''m a second cousin or something but I know he knows that something is off. He just never asked


    me what I know"


    "So I should tell him the truth about the past, then I tell him about dad''s n? But what if he hates me


    for it? "


    "He won''t." She smiled and ced a hand on my tummy. "This baby is the agent that will bring peace


    between the two packs"


    I gave her a teary smile as my heart soared for her. "You knew "


    "A mother always knows when her child is gonna have a child" She pulled me into her arms again. "I


    just wish I was there for you growing up"


    "It''s not your fault. You did all you could"


    "I should''ve done more. I hope you got my birthday cards though"


    And yet again another gasp sounded from me as I remembered the birthday cards Aiden and I got


    every year since we turned 10.


    "Dad always said they were prewritten"


    "They were" She tucked a stray hair away that escaped my bun. "After I stopped fighting John, I wrote


    them and asked him that one favour to get them to ke. Not for me or for him, but for my kids. Even


    John had a soft spot"


    I rxed back into her chest and mumbled a ''i love you'' in her shirt. I wasn''t sure she heard it until I felt


    a tear on my forehead.


    "I love you too my sweet sweet girl. I''m so proud of the woman you''ve be. Oh I can''t wait to meet


    my baby boy"


    I suddenly felt excited at the mention of Aiden. Surely he wouldn''t fight me once he knows everything. I


    think he should know about mom before Ace. Sometimes family has toe first. He deserves to


    know.


    I spent the whole day with her, and I knew Ace would be wondering where I was so I texted him to tell


    him that I was okay. I didn''t want to mind link him, since letting down the wall to our link would flood him


    with all my emotions, and surely he would''vee looking for me.


    I had the perfect day, and though the few hours couldn''t make up for the 18 years, it was more than


    refreshing.


    "I''ll be back soon, and I''ll take Aiden with me"


    I hugged her onest time, and she held me for dear life as if I wouldn''te back.


    "I''m counting on it" She mumbled. "And before you go... " She disappeared into the living room,


    returning with a yellow buttercup flower. That''s when it hit me.


    "It was you!" I gaped. "You were always there with your shawl that covered your head and your face


    and you left the bouquets for me and and-"


    Sheughed at my babbling and ced the flower in my hair.


    "Yes it was me. I knew you loved them by just the way you looked at them. They are my favourites too.


    "


    My finger traced the flower in my hair and Iunched in for another hug.


    "You have me now sweetheart, I''m here for you. I''m happy you came"


    "Me too."


    She kissed my cheek and I gently kissed hers as she held the door for me. With onest nce, I


    exited the house and walked down the porch.


    "Oh and Roxy" She called. I stopped and looked over my shoulder, seeing an amused smile on her


    face and a glint in her eyes.


    "Just thought you should know that you were born first"


    And just like that, my day was perfect.


    ***


    I sat patiently in my room as I waited for Aiden to get home. Unlike me, he still had to go to training and


    he didn''t get back until six.


    We hadn''t been on talking terms since the whole ''I''m telling Ace'' incident, but I was sure he would be


    able to look past that.


    I mindlinked him and told him that it was urgent, so I simply waited for him toe home.


    After what felt like forever, my door flew open revealing a beaming Aiden with two sses in his hand.


    "You sounded excited so I assumed it was something to celebrate about. And it''s my way of saying


    sorry for overreacting the other day. I dealt with it"


    He handed me a ss of sparkly liquid, but I shook my head.


    "It''s nonalcoholic, sister" He teased as he nudged my shoulder.


    "Well in that case, thank you "


    I smiled at him and tilted the ss to my head, but I stopped abruptly when I smelled it.


    "It''s not non alcoholic but a hundred perfect poisonous though! " I shouted as I threw it in his face.


    He didn''t look the least bit surprised, just a bit regretful making my heart break into a million pieces.


    The ultimate betrayal.


    "What were you thinking Aiden!? "


    "Roxy I wasn''t trying to hurt you "


    I scoffed. "And spiking my drink with wolfsbane wouldn''t hurt me!?"


    I bathed in wolfsbane for two days straight when I had to go back home. Even the slightest amount of


    the wretched thing would be easy for me to scent out.


    "Trust me Roxy, it wasn''t meant to hurt you. I just wanted to... Well-"


    I gasped so loud that I''m sure my lungs were left dry.


    "You were trying to kill my baby! " I screeched. Surely, someone would''ve heard themotion by now.


    "Look I know you don''t understand now, but I had a n and your pregnancy wasn''t safe with it. I was


    doing it for you"


    I just hung my mouth wide open as I stared at him inplete and utter disgust. And the worst part


    was that he looked at me as if this n of his was the ultimate jackpot.


    "Was the mission that important to you Aiden? That you would murder your own unborn niece or


    nephew? "


    "I''m sorry Roxy but if you would just listen to what I had nned-"


    "I don''t care! I had a n too and it was far more effective than this "


    "Roxy-"


    "No Aiden" I stepped back as he took a step closer to me. "I don''t want to hear your stupid excuse! You


    know how much this baby means to me Aiden. You know! All you had to do was trust me. We still have


    two months and I would''ve ended it all by tomorrow. But you Aiden..."


    I slowly shook my head as I cried. I could slowly see his demeanour soften, but it was toote for sorry.


    "You just had to break my heart"


    And that was it for him. For the first time in my whole life, I saw Aiden''s eyes water.


    "Roxy please just -"


    "No! " I stopped him. "Don''t you dare! I know I hadn''t been doing muchtely, and quite frankly I was


    first to betray you. But I knew how much this mission meant to you so I wouldn''t have stopped until I


    found a way. And guess what Aide, I did."


    I took a deep breath to calm myself before continuing."Get out Aiden"


    His face morphed into fear, as I''m sure he heard how detached I sounded. He tried to say something


    again but I just couldn''t.


    "I said get out! "


    I could hear footstepsing up the stairs quickly, so I knew for sure that this conversation was over.


    "Go Aiden. Just go! Go home to dad tell him everything! I was gonna tell him anyways"


    Another wave of shock ran over him at my words, and I''m sure he was curious about what I was gonna


    tell him. But he lost that privilege when he tried to kill a part of me. Now he had just killed us.


    "I said go! Go now! I don''t want to see you here tomorrow"


    Was I being harsh?


    Maybe. But you DON''T try to kill a pregnant wolf''s pup. Ever.


    "Roxy i''m so-"


    "GO! " I shouted once again, this time throwing the champagne ss at him. But he ducked just in time


    and it went flying towards the door, breaking beside Ace''s head as he pushed my door open.


    He looked between me and Aiden for a few seconds before rushing to my side. Aiden looked as if he


    was about to have a panic attack, since he knew that I alone wouldn''t be angry if this came out.


    "What happened here? Why are you so upset? " Ace''s voice wasced with concern only, and through


    my tears I saw Aiden gulp.


    "He tried giving me alcohol and we had an argument. He was just leaving" I shot Aiden a warning look


    and he gave me onest regretful look before hanging his head and walking out.


    And there goes the man I thought was my brother.


    "Ie from the pack house hearing all this shouting. You look like someone really upset you and


    you''re telling me that it''s because he tried to give you alcohol? "


    Of course, it would be hard to convince Ace, but I didn''t need him angry at that moment. I just needed


    him tofort me.


    "Just please hold me"


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    And i''m sure he heard just how much I needed him to do that, since he held me all night as I cried


    myself to sleep. I was happy that he didn''t ask me the real reason, but how do I tell him that my best


    friend since conception just tried to take one of the most important things away from me?


    I couldn''t. At least not yet. And to think, the day was going so great.


    So much for a perfect day.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    I rolled to the side of my bed, being met with nothing but mountains of nkets.


    "Ace? "


    I waited but there was no answer.


    "Aceee? " I dragged a little louder than before, but still no answer.


    There was a light throb in my head, and I slowly opened my eyes. I had to squint as the light beamed


    through the slightly opened curtains, and I saw that it was no doubt around ten in the morning.


    I dragged myself to my bathroom and grabbed a few pills to ease my pain, then I proceeded to cleanse


    my mouth. I dared myself to meet my gaze in the mirror, and I actually flinched at the sight of my own


    face.


    Sad, I know.


    My face was pale, my eyes were puffy and my hair was everywhere. So, I attempted to tame my messy


    locks and applied some witch hazel to my eyes to reduce the puffiness.


    Going back to my room, I noticed a white card sitting on my nightstand, and I saw that it was a note


    from Ace.


    *I''ve gone to do some work, but the minute you wake up just link me and I''ll be there. Don''t hesitate


    Roxy*


    But of course, I hesitated.


    In fact, I had a mini panic attack when I remembered how I cried for hoursst night, not once uttering a


    word to Ace. I could feel his emotions top notch, and it was pure pain, sadness and confusion as he


    held me. I knew it was killing him not knowing the real reason for my breakdown, but I also knew he


    didn''t want to upset me more by asking me what was wrong.


    So he simply stayed with me, uttering sweet nothings now and then and rubbing my skin soothingly. I


    didn''t know when I fell asleep but I''m d I did.


    What I was worried about was telling Ace what was really wrong with me. I knew I had to tell him


    everything, but Aiden''s little stunt was never supposed to be a part of it.


    I was already scared about what Ace would do when he learned the truth. Not to mention going ahead


    and adding another thing for him to be pissed about.


    When I finally gathered enough courage to go find him instead of making hime to me, I quickly


    reached out to Aiden in our mindlink, but it wasn''t there. He didn''t shut me out or anything, he was just


    too far away. More than forty miles away.


    That only meant he listened to me and went home. By now dad probably knows everything.


    I checked my phone and indeed, I had a ton of missed calls and messages from dad, Jane and Phillip.


    This was more than enough confirmation for me to know that I had to find Ace.


    Guessing that the only ce he would be was his office, I quickly made my way down the familiar hall.


    My feet felt heavier with each step and my heart beat faster by the second.


    What if dad already called him?


    What if something happened to Aiden?


    What if Ace hates me after I tell him everything?


    I pushed away the doubt that was creeping up my neck and wing at my throat and I pushed his


    office door open without knocking. But again, he wasn''t there.


    Deciding I had no time to waste, I quickly linked him telling him that I was in his office. I also noticed


    that I was yet to have breakfast, which can''t be healthy for the baby, so I told him to bring me an apple


    too.


    He informed me that he was on his way, so I decided to getfortable in his chair.


    My hands got sweaty and my feet kept shaking. I also noticed that my senses were heightened more


    than usual: something that happens when a wolf was high on alert.


    Suddenly, my eyes scanned over the folder that sat on his desk under some books. It was the half


    hidden word that caught my attention. ¡®Silent-¡¯¡¯, it read, so without hesitation I pulled the folder from


    underneath the books.


    Silent Moon Pack.


    My pack. It was a folder about my pack.


    Of course, my curiosity got the best of me and I opened it. My breath hitched as I nced over each


    document that was fastened in the folder.


    I then suddenly wished I didn''te here at all. I wished I had never met Ace the way I did. In a lie.


    I wished I had met him in some stupid Alpha meeting or gathering. I wished someone had caught me


    running past my border into hisnd and brought me to him. Or I wished... anything! Anything but


    meeting him in my back stabbing n to take him down.


    Because the documents in front of me just proved that Ace was truly a gem, and I didn''t deserve him.


    The first document held a possession lease to all thend Alpha John took from my dad eighteen years


    ago. The second document held all the transfer information necessary, for my pack members who were


    held here to go back home.


    The third document held information of all the services Ace was willing to offer to my dad, for the


    rebuilding of pack areas, and training of younger wolves who didn''t have the opportunity to go to


    school.


    And the final document was an alliance treaty, already signed and stamped by Ace. Only my father''s


    signature was required after they would''ve had their meetings.


    But he''s my mate right? Of course he would''ve wanted to do all this to make me happy and willing to


    live with him permanently.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But oh no that wasn''t the case. Why do I say I didn''t deserve him? Because all of these documents


    were made before I met Ace. The proof was there printed in bold ck numbers that we call dates.


    Ace wasn''t doing this for me, he was doing it because it was right and he wanted to fix the problems his


    father started.


    And here we were, going to take something by force that he was gonna give willingly. And even more.


    The door swung open, revealing Ace with a smile on his face and a tray of breakfast in his hand. And to


    think, I only asked him for an apple.


    Again, I don''t deserve this wonderful man.


    His face changed from his calm sweet smile to a look of concern when he took in my teary face. I


    wasn''t crying, I just allowed the tears to fall.


    "Roxy what''s wrong? "


    He quickly rested the tray down and rushed to my side to hold my face, regarding me worriedly. I shook


    my head and tried to look anywhere but his eyes, but he kept my face put.


    "Ace you''re too great for me. I''ve never done any good thing for you and I don''t deserve you and-"


    "Hey hey baby look at me" he gently forced my face to his so he could look me in the eye. He sweetly


    ced a lingering kiss on my lips before continuing. "All you have given me from the minute I met you


    was pure joy inside, knowing that I''ve found you. And you have given me so much more than you could


    imagine. Now what is this all about Roxy? Why are you saying such things?"


    My words got stuck in my throat as I eyed the folder that I ced back on the table. His eyes followed


    to where it sat and a small smile yed on his lips.


    "So I see you''ve found my surprise"


    "Surprise?"


    He sighed in  content and ced the tray full of food in front of me, before gesturing for me to sit and


    eat.


    "Ace I can''t eat right now"


    He gave me a stern look. "I know you''ve been upset sincest night, but you have to eat Roxy. You


    need to stay healthy and you''re pregnant "


    I listened to his reasoning and decided to eat the food. He then proceeded to tell me about his little


    surprise.


    "I was never a dumb kid, so even before I became Alpha, I started looking into the case with your pack.


    With all the information I dug up about my packnds, and all the information I found regarding the war,


    I was able to pull together everything that is rightfully your pack''s. "


    I sniffled through a mouth full of bacon, but Ace only rubbed my back soothingly as he continued.


    "I know there''s more to the war that I don''t know yet, but what I do know is that I had to give back your


    dad what''s his. My dad really had no reason keeping those people and thend. I don''t know anything


    about their rtionship, but I don''t want any bad blood between us. "


    "Ace"


    "Let me finish. When I met you, it was just a cherry on top. It made me want to do it more and faster, so


    I was gonna reveal it to you when you and Aiden''s four months were over. You see Roxy, I was never


    good with surprises, hence why I always shut you down when you asked about your pack"


    Oh how I wished you had told me.


    "But since you saw it two months early, I really hope it makes you happy. I know you were affected by


    this war as much as I was, and my dad may not have done the right thing, but I will. "


    "Ace-"


    He cut me off by breaking off a piece of toast and putting it in my mouth.


    "Eat up sweetheart" I gave him a desperate look, but he just smiled. "I''m actually d you found it. I


    hope it can cheer you up a bit from whatever happenedst night. I just want you to be happy "


    I took a big gulp of my orange juice and finally turned fully to him. He had an expectant look on his


    face, and I''m sure the sadness in my eyes confused him.


    "Ace there''s something I have to tell you. " I admitted desperately. He shifted on his desk as he


    watched me expectantly. I knew he saw that I was still upset.


    "I''m listening "


    "Aiden-um.. Aiden didn''t give me alcohol "


    "Well I kinda suspected th-"


    "He gave me wolfsbane. To try and kill our baby" I blurted out.


    And that my friends, was the look I had been dreading all night and morning. The look of total anger


    and betrayal. And the worst part was, I''ve barely even started.


    "What!? That was the reason why he wasn''t here this morning? I swear to god I''ll kill him! "


    I held onto his now pacing and shaking form, and gently pulled him back down to me.


    "Ace I promise I''ll exin everything, you just have to calm down okay? I know things about the war,


    things that you''ve been trying to find out. I don''t think I could ever forgive Aiden for pulling that stunt,


    but I have to tell you why he might''ve done it. I have to tell you everything "


    This seemed to get his attention, as he sat on his desk with a neutral expression on his face. My heart


    hurt at that.


    I''ve seen a lot of Ace''s faces. But his stern, serious or emotionless face was never directed at me. I


    took a deep breath and fiddled with my shirt as I started.


    "When I saw Jenna, we more than talked about girl stuff. She told me a lot of things I didn''t know. She


    answered some of my childhood questions and she revealed things to me that I never thought existed"


    I nced up from myp to see his face pretty much the same, but it had a twinge of curiosity. He gave


    me a short nod, encouraging me to continue, and that I did.


    I told him everything that Jenna told me, I told him the version I grew up knowing, I told him how I


    believed my mom was dead and I told him that the woman he saw wasn''t a cousin, but my mom and


    the best friend of Jenna.


    I then told him everything my mom told me, being sure not to leave out a single detail. And by the time I


    was finished with that section, he looked deep in thought.


    After the longest five minutes of my life, he finally finished processing. He turned to me and my


    shoulders rxed a little when I saw kindness in his eyes.


    "I''m sorry you had to grow up thinking your mom was dead." He looked down and lowly cursed. "I feel


    like I could''ve done something. Once I was old enough to understand I could''ve -"


    "No Ace!" He was totally caught off-guard when I jumped up and cut him off. His face held shock and I


    couldn''t help the warm liquid that once again found its way down my cheeks.


    "You can''t me yourself for this. Please don''t me yourself. This was all my dad and even knowing


    the truth I still have this stupid loyalty welled up in my heart for the bastard. Gosh forgive me Ace"


    "Roxy I don''t understand "


    I muffled a sob in my hand as my heart churned for the millionth time in 24 hours.


    "Aiden and I didn''te here to train Ace" I finally found the voice to say.


    He stood up and moved closer to me with confusion written all over his perfect face.


    "What do you mean? "


    "I''m a fully trained wolf Ace" I whispered, though I knew he heard. To say he was shocked was an


    understatement.


    "I probably can''t win you in a fight, but on any day I could take you down with a few broken bones.


    Aiden is just the same. We''ve been training since we turned 16"


    "So if you''re fully trained, why did youe here to train? "


    I tried to blink back a few tears as the words got stuck in my throat.


    "We-"


    "Hold on"


    He held up a finger as his eyes zed over, indicating that he wasmunicating with someone. I


    slowly watched as his face ranged on a scale of surprise, anger, panic, determination and finally, a look


    I knew too well, Alpha mode.


    Something was happening, and I think I already knew what it was.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Panic rose in me, because after all this time, I never expected it to happen now. Why now?


    I anxiously watched as Ace''s eyes zed over, as if he was mindlinking someone urgently.


    His eyes quickly snapped to me, and in two seconds he was in front of me gripping my face.


    "Roxy I know this is very important, but I have to go. There was a breach in our border and I hear it''s


    over two hundred wolves. I know for sure this isn''t a surprise party so I need you to stay here okay? I''ll


    get some extra men to guard the house just don''te outside okay?"


    I was barely processing the words when he went to a fuze box looking thing and pushed a big red


    button. On the outside I could hear a loud rm going off, and wolves were scattering to their


    respective homes.


    "Ace what''s wrong? " I started to panic as I saw him move around swiftly doing a million things at a


    time.


    "It looks like someone is raging war on us, baby girl. And you are staying far from it. " He quickly did


    something on hisputer as he muttered to himself.


    "How did they even get past my border patrol? The area that they entered from would''ve been


    impossible to find "


    And that''s when it hit me.


    That was when my whole stomach felt like it was falling out to the point where I doubled over and held


    it. Ace was still busy on hisputer and so he didn''t see my reaction.


    I reached for Aiden in our mindlink, and of course just as I expected, he was in linking range.


    ~"Aiden! "~


    I knew he heard me but he said nothing.


    ~"Aiden!!" ~


    I tried again, but still nothing.


    ~"Look! I''m not really in the mood for talking either, brother, but you have to stop this! Call it off now


    please! "~


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ~"I''m sorry Roxy"~


    And with that, he was gone,pletely blocking me from his mind.


    I recovered when Ace jumped up from his chair and started heading for the door, not before gripping


    me to his side first.


    "Ace! Ace you have to listen to me. I have to go down there" This obviously caught his attention, as he


    stopped abruptly to face me.


    "Are you crazy? No way am I making my pregnant mate go into a war zone. Fully trained or not "And


    with that, he started moving again.


    "Ace listen to me! That''s my pack and my dad. It''s Aiden and I faults why they are here"


    "What? " He asked as he slowed down.


    "Aiden and I were sent here to spy on you, get information from your files and help my dad strategize


    an attack n."


    And so, he stopped again. But this time he wasn''t holding me anymore. He was already six feet away


    from me, ogling me with utter pain and disbelief. My eyes started to water again as I tried to approach


    him.


    "Ace I''m so-"


    "Ryan will be taking you to the safe house. A few more of my men will join you shortly. Just stay with


    him in there and don''te out" His voice was monotone and sharp as he spoke, and he didn''t even


    look at me.


    Before I could even hear what he said properly, he was moving again.


    "Ace wait I have toe"


    "I said no Roxy! " His voice bellowed through the hall and I had to shrink back into the wall. He


    clenched his jaw and balled his fists as he kept his eyes shut.


    "When I get back" he started in a calmer tone, "we''ll talk. But I cannot do this right now. I''m alreadyte


    and MY pack is in danger."


    "Ace please just let mee "


    "Roxy.. " he warned lowly, and an involuntary whimper escaped my lips at it.


    Even in his angry state he still had the heart to look concerned for a split second, but once he saw that


    I was staying put, he turned and left without a nce back.


    I slid down against the wall and buried my face in my knees as sobs racked my body.


    I really hoped this wouldn''t have happened; and two months early at that. I knew that Aiden got enough


    information for them to attack, but I had still hoped that I could fix it in time.


    Now I have a mission crazed brother, probably disappointed father, angry mate and deep self hatred for


    myself.


    "Roxy?"


    My head quickly snapped up in hopes that it was Ace, but I sighed when I saw that it was only Ryan.


    For the first times since I met him, he gave me a sympathetic look and offered me his hand to pull me


    up.


    "I''m sorry this had to happen, but we have to go" I simply nodded and followed close behind him down


    the stairs.


    My eyes flickered to the front door, then to Ryan''s retreating back in the opposite direction. With a gulp


    of courage, I wiped my eyes and with all on my might, I ran to the front door, opened it and threw


    myself out.


    "Roxy! " I heard Ryan call after me as I bolted down the driveway and onto the dirt road. The wind


    rushed past me in a mocking melody, and I pumped my legs to go faster each second.


    "Roxy! "


    Sorry Ryan, but I have to get down there. And you would have to catch me, fight me then tie me to a


    post with silver if you want me to stay put.


    And quite frankly, I don''t see that happening today. Or any day at that.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    My legs ached with each contact it had with the ground, and my chest constricted more by the minute.


    One, because I was running at full speed, and two, because my heart felt like it had been struck with a


    silver daggerced with wolfsbane.


    I was getting closer to therge training ground where I sensed them to be gathered, and I silently


    prayed that nothing had started yet. Ryan was still behind me, but by a few meters. It was obvious that


    he was struggling to keep up, but no way was I going to let him catch me and just end up slowing me


    down.


    Relief bathed my tingling skin when I saw that there were no bodies, fighting or blood. Ace seemed to


    have gathered a lot of his people in the short time, and they were already in defensive and attack


    mode. More men emerged from the trees in wolf form, making Ace''s army bigger.


    Dad''s army was just as big, and I could recognize a few of my trainers and warriors. I also saw Phillip


    and Aiden, and Aiden was the first out of the two groups to see meing.


    ~"Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"~ He bellowed through our link, watching me with wide and


    disapproving eyes.


    ~"Stay the hell out of my head"~ I snapped back thenpletely blocked him from my mind.


    Ace and dad were ring at each other and baring teeth. Every wolf on each side, both shifted and in


    human form did the same with each other, so no one even noticed when Aiden left the group and was


    running towards me.


    I ran straight for him, but quickly wooshed around him once he was close enough to grab me. I knew


    he was taken off guard, so I had a little advantage of getting away from him before he recovered.


    Unlike Ryan, Aiden could catch me in a few seconds.


    "Roxy! Roxy, stop now!" He shouted at the top of his voice, and if I wasn''t annoyed with him then, I was


    sure as hell annoyed with him now since his voice made every single head snap towards me, including


    Ace and dad.


    Ace''s eyes darkened when he saw me running towards them, but I tried to ignore his burning gaze by


    facing dad. But that too was a mistake, since he had the very same expression as Ace. For different


    reasons of course.


    Ace told me to stay away, and here I was defying him. And dad? Well I wasn''t sure about how much he


    knew, but I surely knew that he was pissed.


    "I told you to go to the safe house with Ryan" Ace gritted out as soon as I was in hearing range. I


    opened my mouth to reply as I slowed down, but I was grabbed by the shoulders and spun around


    harshly.


    "What the hell were you thinking? Do you want to get hurt?"


    I yanked my hand from Aiden''s grasp and gave him my best re. "Like you care"


    His face shed with something that looked like hurt, and I took the opportunity to go closer to the


    confused looking wolves on both sides. Four hundred eyes watching as you walk into a war zone


    wasn''t exactly a walk in the park.


    Wolves from my pack watched me as if waiting for me to make a move, while wolves from Ace''s pack


    watched me in irritation, wondering how and why one she-wolf could disrupt a pack-to-pack stare off.


    They didn''t know who I was after all.


    I heard thudding sounds and heavy breathing behind me, and I saw that Ryan had finally caught up to


    us.


    "I''m sorry Alpha. I tried to- to catch her¡­ But she''s so fast" Ryan muttered very out of breath. I kinda


    felt bad, but I barely got to muster up an apology since dad''s voice interrupted my thoughts.


    "What kind of business do you have trying to lock up my daughter Alpha Ace? This is ridiculous!"


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    I turned to give Aiden a confused look, and simply shook his head, answering my silent question. He


    didn''t tell dad? But why?


    Ace opened his mouth to answer, but dad beat him to it.


    "And you youngdy" He started, turning to me. "This is not what I sent you here for. How dare you


    refuse toe back home with Aiden because you got attached to these people?!" His face was


    burning red as he shouted at me loud enough for ska to hear.


    "If you knew you were soft hearted, you should have never-"


    He stopped mid sentence when I saw him stare incredulously at something on my neck. His eyes


    widened a fraction, and I watched as Phillips''s eyes followed his to my neck. I knew what they saw, but


    I made no move to hide it.


    "Roxanna Isabe Gilbert! What is the meaning of this?!"


    He took a step closer to where I was with a look on his face that made me believe he would kill his own


    daughter. But before I could react, Ace stepped in front of me in a protective manner and growled


    loudly at dad.


    I couldn''t see dad''s reaction, but from the corner of my eyes I saw Beta Phillip''s face light up with


    realization. He then met my eyes from behind Ace''s back, and I felt like I wanted to hide under a rock. I


    felt like I had let Phillip down.


    But instead of looking at me in disappointment or rage, he gave me a small smile with those kind eyes


    of his. He then gave me a short nod, and his defensive demeanour quickly changed to calmness.


    For the first time since morning my heart didn''t feel like it was getting stepped on, and I immediately


    remembered why I was even down here.


    I quickly jumped from behind Ace, cutting off his growling and stood between them. My eyes searched


    for Aiden, and I found him not too far away from where dad stood.


    "You didn''t tell him" I said more as a statement than a question, and he hung his head with a short sigh.


    I too sighed as I took a deep breath and faced my father once again. I sized up to him and squared my


    shoulders as I started.


    "Dad, Alpha Ace is my mate" A series of gasps echoed from both packs, since this was news to


    everyone.


    "Nonsense!" he dismissed immediately. "You bastard, why did you forcefully mark my daughter?! I will


    ki-"


    "Alpha ke!" I shouted.


    He stopped suddenly at my outburst and watched me in shock. I always called him ''dad'' or ''father'', so I


    knew I got his attention with that. I took another firm step closer to him and continued with what I hoped


    would be both packs'' redemption.


    "Ace is my mate, whether you like it or not. Whether you and John cursed it or not, he is my mate" His


    eyes grew impossibly wider at that, and I knew what his follow up question would be.


    "How did you know about that?"


    Iughed humorlessly. "You are so selfish, dad, and maybe it''s you who I got it from. Because you were


    so selfish, you hid the truth from Aide and I ,pletely ruined our teenage life just for your own


    benefit. Just because you were a coward. "


    His facepletely drained of colour, and I knew I had him then.


    "Roxanna, I told you not to wander around the pack" He tried to sound firm, but failed miserably when it


    came out wavering and weak. I could''ve smirked if it was any other situation, but this was serious.


    "Yea and for what? So that I don''t find out the truth and mess up your whole n? You never really


    cared about the pack''s benefit did you? You just strategized all this for alllll these years for your own


    benefit." I took a step closer to him as I stared him dead in the eyes.


    You were gonna ruin this man" I stopped and pointed at Ace for effect, "Just because you were too


    scared and prideful to do things in a civilized manner. And I was so blind to how stupid, inhumane and


    childish this n of yours was. You made us believe that Alpha John was power hungry and ruthless,


    and took what was ours without reason"


    I noticed from the corner of my eyes that Aiden was looking very much confused, and dad''s face only


    got paler.


    "I''m not gonna point fingers and say it was your fault, but it was as much yours as much as it was


    John''s. And you know what makes you look like an even bigger dick?" Eyes widened and mouths fell at


    my words. Hell, even I was surprised at mynguage, but I didn''t regret it.


    "The fact that Ace was willing to give you back everything and more, even before he met me, just


    because it was the right thing to do and because he''s actually mature"


    "Wh-what?" His eyes quickly flickered to Ace before they found back mine.


    "I found the documents of the transfers, leases and even extra help that he was willing to give you


    without a war. And hell I was so freaking stupid to keep this from him all this time, and I know I''m


    undeserving of such a wonderful mate, but he''s more of a man than you ever were"


    By now everyone just watched and listened silently, war long forgotten. Dad looked like he was being


    run over by a bus, but he just stood quietly.


    "You see this?" I gently took his hand and ced it on my tummy.


    He gaped at me as his eyes shed between me, Ace and my stomach. A series of mutters went


    around the crowd, and Ace was standing really close behind me again, as if he thought dad would rip


    my stomach out.


    "This is Ace''s baby, and this is Ace''s pack. So if you rage a war on Ace, you wage a war on his baby,


    and that automatically means you''re waging a war against me."


    And for the first time since I got here, I saw him back down. His eyes no longer held malice or anger,


    just regret and realization.


    "I was stupid to even agree to do this, but I was brainwashed with a lie. We both were" I turned to


    Aiden as I spoke that part. "And I was even stupider to keep the truth from you Ace" I then turned to


    Ace as I spoke. "But it was just a constant war with myself. I felt like if I told you, I would be betraying


    my pack and my family. But I knew that by not telling you, I was betraying you and your pack. I didn''t


    know what to do"


    And just like that, my tears started to flow again. I rested a hand on my t stomach and gazed down at


    it.


    "But I knew that even if I couldn''t do it for myself, my pack or for you Ace, I had to do it for our unborn


    child. And I swear to you, I was gonna tell you everything the day I came into your office, but then I


    learnt the real truth"


    I sniffled as I turned once again to Aiden. "Mom''s not dead Aiden. She''s here"


    Despite what he tried to do yesterday, my heart broke for him as I saw the expression on his face. I


    knew exactly what he was feeling, and that made it hurt more. Dad simply hung his head as expectant


    eyes from our pack gazed awestruck between the two of us.


    "What?" Aiden''s voice was barely audible, but it was there.


    "She''s been here for eighteen years. Dad''s motive wasn''t only to get back thend and people back, it


    was to get her back. So he trained us like lions to go on this crazy mission, just because he was too


    prideful to talk to John and too cowardly to pitch a meeting with Ace when he took over.


    "He lied to all our lives, making us believe our mom was dead. He kept the truth from the pack too. He


    didn''t feel the mate bond break, only the pack bond. So when everyone thought she was dead, he


    knew the truth all along"


    Torn faces and sad eyes could be seen everywhere. Even Ace''s pack members looked as if they would


    hug us to make us feel better. We were all victims here, controlled under the Alpha''s influence and lies,


    just to avenge his mate from a man who''s dead. Dad''s eyes finally met mine again, and it was safe to


    say it was the first time I''ve seen him like this.


    "Why dad?" I whispered through my tears.


    "I-I.."


    "ke?"

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    I knew that voice too well, even though I''ve heard it so minimum since the day I learnt that she was still


    alive.


    I grew anxious, because I knew that she couldn''t have had better timing.


    It was then that I realised that even after everything I said, I still couldn''t have made it all better. But her,


    my mom, was the answer indeed.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    She was the reason this whole mission existed in the first ce, so it was only logical that her


    appearance would end it too.


    Still, I grew anxious as I watched my dad tense. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Aiden tensing


    too, and an involuntary whimper escaped his lips. He has never met her, but his wolf would surely be


    calling out for her even without knowing her.


    It all made me wonder how I''ve never known that she was still alive. As wolves, we should''ve been able


    to sense the life of our mother. Maybe we were so far deceived, that evente at nights when we


    thought w felt her, it was overshadowed by doubt and trust in our father''s words.


    Now, that very father of ours looked like he was on the verge of breaking down at the very sight of the


    woman he loved.


    "ke?"


    Every head whipped to the source of the voice, and there stood my mom in all her beauty. My eyes


    went back to dad as he just stood there with a look on his face that would make a big man cry.


    My eyes then travelled to Aiden, and all my anger for him vanished when his face mimicked dad''s. We


    were twins and we went through the same thing, but I knew that he was always a little bit more affected


    by our mom''s absence.


    Dad took a step towards where she emerged from the trees. His steps were slow and she seemed


    glued to her spot too. Her eyes glossed over and her face daubed with a mixture of relief, want and


    pain.


    Everyone just watched in awe as he stopped a feet away from her and fell to his knees. He wrapped


    his arms around her slender legs, buried his face in her skirt and I watched as my father, the big bad


    Alpha, broke down in raw and fervent tears.


    And that''s when I knew that it was over. All this that has been going on for eighteen years was finally


    over. He waspletely broken and defeated at the mercy of his one real reason for everything. I''ve


    never seen my father so vulnerable, and I never thought I would ever see the day. But as I stood there


    and watched as he cried on her, I knew that he was done for.


    He''s got what he always wanted; to hell if he was gonna lose it again. At that moment I knew he didn''t


    care about the pack, the war or even his kids. He will probably even give the pack to Aiden tomorrow.


    But all I knew was that it was over.


    "Retreat" I ordered quietly to my pack members. Some nodded and turned to leave, some red at me


    and some just continued to stare at my parents.


    "She said retreat" Phillip repeated sternly after clearing his throat. The remaining pack members left,


    and I saw Ace nod at his members too, making them leave just the same.


    It was just me, Phillip, Ace, Aiden and my parents left.


    Aiden slowly walked over to where mom was still holding dad, and she let go of him shortly to embrace


    her son. I saw his shoulders shake violently, indicating that he too was crying. I kept my distance


    though, I let him have his moment.


    I slowly turned around to ogled Ace''s reaction. He had a nk look on his face as he watched the


    reunited family. And even after all that happened today, I knew he would still follow up on his work to


    dad. He didn''t even look mad, he just looked at peace for them. Despite everything that happened, he


    understood-- he cared.


    But that all changed as he turned to me. He wasn''t angry anymore, but he certainly wasn''t okay. He


    didn''t even say anything to me. He just looked at them again, then to me, turned around and walked


    away.


    Of course he would feel more hurt towards me, even if I didn''t form the n. The fact of the matter was


    that I kept something from him that could''ve potentially ruined him and his pack.


    No matter my reason, no matter my attempts and no matter what I did to try and fix it, I had hurt him.


    And no amount of training could''ve prepared me for this kind of internal battle.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Seven days had already passed and things weren''t getting any better. Well, for me at least.


    On the outside world, things were just fine and were already back to normal. It was likest week didn''t


    even happen.


    By now, word had already gotten around that the Alpha found his mate, and most knew the real reason


    why I came here which always made me nauseous when I thought about it.


    What pack would ept a Luna who had a n to overthrow them just two months ago? I didn''t


    deserve their respect.


    But somehow it seemed like Ace''s pack adapted his heart. When I walked around and saw a few


    people, instead of scowling or resenting me, they smiled shyly and said sweet nothings. It had me


    confused.


    Lilly had said most people believed that no rtionship starts perfectly, and that they were a very open


    minded and weing pack. They were too good to me.


    Even the ones I lived with in the house, who I was right under their noses digging around for


    information about  them still didn''t hate me. Ryan seemed to like me even more, Calum and Lilly were


    just Calum and Lilly and Scott was more impressed than upset.


    It just wasn''t realistic.


    I kept looking out for someone to say something, anything to call me out, but they all seemed so


    normal. At first, I thought they were plotting secretly against me. But when the suspense got too much


    for me and I asked them if they were, they had justughed and assured me that they knew exactly


    who I was, and that Aiden sorta cleared my name. Plus, they already considered me as family, and I''m


    carrying the pack''s heir, so they had ''no reason to hold anything against me''.


    I eventually just brushed it all off as a pack of golden hearts and moved on.


    Dad had already given up his title to Aiden. One, because people had lost respect for him since he lied


    to them about mom''s death; and two, he had all he really needed again, and Aiden was more than


    ready to step up.


    As much as I was still furious with him, I was happy for him. I knew I''d be at his Alpha ceremony, upset


    or not. If he asks, I''ll just tell him that I was supporting Jace and whoever they chose for Gamma.


    So far they were doing a good job, and he and Ace had finished with the transactions. People were


    already respecting him, and he seemed to be right where he belonged.


    So yea, the world was okay. The packs weren''t at each other''s throats and everything was fine.


    But in my world, there was no progress. Ace has yet to talk to me, and I was getting tired of his


    constant rejection when I tried to talk to him.


    I''ve cried myself to sleep every night since that day, and I ensured to keep my walls down so he could


    feel all the pain I was feeling. He had his walls up, and I partially knew he didn''t want me to know what


    he was feeling.


    However, in the middle of the night, he would sneak in my room and sleep beside me, then he would


    leave early in the morning before I got up. He confused the hell out of me. Why sleep with me if you


    don''t want to talk to me?


    But deep down, I knew he did it so we both could get some sleep, so I never really said anything. I


    didn''t want to mess it up. But today, the seventh day after the whole almost war thing, I had enough.


    I ensured to stay awake until he snuck in here like he usually didte every night. I was always asleep


    by then, so I was nning to use the element of surprise. My eyes stung for sleep, but I dared not to


    close them.


    Finally, the door squeaked open and the heavy scent of my mate flooded my senses. My body grew


    tense and my heartbeat increased, but I ensured to keep my breathing steady so that I didn''t give


    myself away.


    I felt the sheets being lifted, then the right side of the bed dipped as he crawled beside me slowly,


    immediately wrapping his arms around my waist like he always did. I prepped myself to turn around,


    but he sighed deeply and rested his chin on my head.


    "Why Roxy?" He whispered, though I didn''t know whether or not he knew I was awake. "Everything


    was so perfect"


    And then he did it. He let his walls down, and as much as this sounds selfish, I wished he had kept


    them up.


    I suddenly knew why he kept his feelings from me. He knew that it would''ve destroyed me. And that it


    did.


    Everything that I feared from the first day I met him to now was exactly what he was feeling. Hurt,


    betrayed, used, deceived, angry, afraid, sad, heartbroken, and worst of all, disappointed.


    I knew right then that he didn''t know that I was awake, because as much as he was angry with me, he


    wouldn''t have let his walls down. He would''ve still wanted to protect me from this feeling that I''m feeling


    right now.


    I wanted to turn around and tell him how sorry I was, and how he''s the best thing that ever happened to


    me and I needed him to forgive me. That I love him with every cell of my being, and I would do anything


    to gain his forgiveness and trust again.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    But I couldn''t.


    I couldn''t bring myself to even move. I justid there, trying my best not to give into the trembling of my


    body. I couldn''t find the courage or resist the guilt or shame enough to open my mouth.


    He had a right to be upset, even if it doesn''t bother him that much anymore with the others, I was his


    mate. And that made all the difference.


    As much as I tried to deny it and just thought that he was just being difficult and unreasonable about


    not talking to me, I understood now.


    I should''ve just told him the truth long before. It was stupid of me to keep the truth from him and try to


    come up with my own n. The minute I saw how reluctant he was about talking to me about my pack,


    I should''ve seen it as a sign to tell him.


    That''s the thing with should haves-- they are in the past. And you can''t change the past. You just have


    to do right in the present to make a better future.


    But even in my current present, I couldn''t say or do anything. So, Iid still as long as possible, until I


    felt his thoughts subside and his breathing level.


    Then I cried.


    I tried really hard not to make my body shake too much, and I tried my best to swallow my sobs.


    I messed up. This one was on me. And I couldn''t me dad or John or Aiden. It was just me.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    I woke up, as expected, to an empty bed. My memory of the night before was still pretty clear, and I


    tried my best not to cry again. Ace''s walls were up again, and his scent was still heavy in my room,


    telling me that he left not too long ago.


    I sighed as I got out of bed to take a long, warm bath. My body needed it.


    Feeling somewhat rxed and refreshed, I wrapped myself in a robe and headed back inside my room


    without drying off. Sometimes I preferred to sit and air dry.


    I almost screamed and broke Aiden''s neck when I saw him standing beside my desk. Didn''t he know


    he shouldn''t do such things?


    I suddenly remembered that I was still very upset with him, and worse now that I had nothing or nobody


    to channel my guilt to, him being here wasn''t the best--for him at least.


    "I''m pretty busy Aiden" I snapped as I moved some hair from my face.


    "Come on Rox" He pleaded, already looking defeated. "By the time you''re finished drying I''ll be done


    with what I have to say"


    My heart clenched at the fact that he knew exactly what I was doing. It made me remember that


    nobody knew me like he does.


    I mustered up my sternest face and folded my arms over my chest. "Speak"


    "Will you listen to me this time? " He asked slowly. I gave him a short nod, and I watched as he readied


    himself.


    "Thest thing I wanted was to hurt you"


    "Yea right and-"


    "Just listen to me Roxy, please" I shut my mouth and watched as he gave me a pleading but pointed


    look. Huffing, I plopped down on my bed and did a zip impression across my lips.


    "What I did was disgustingly terrible and I know that. I had a lot of time to think about it, and I saw ways


    how I could''ve gone about doing things differently now. That n was stupid. So so stupid. I''m a big


    idiot"


    I almost chuckled at that, but managed to keep my mouth in a thin line.


    "I''m gonna tell you what happened okay? But you have to listen" His tone changed to a bit more


    serious as he took a different stance. I shifted on my spot as I felt a little bit more nervous.


    "The day I tried to.." He cleared his throat but didn''t say exactly what he tried to do. "I was panicking. I


    had just gotten off a call with Jace, and what he told me made me go crazy. I couldn''t think, so I just did


    the first thing that came to my mind."


    I knew he said no interruptions, but the look on his face prevented me from keeping my mouth shut.


    "What did Jace say Aiden?"


    "I didn''t know that Jace knew about you, so I was confused at first"


    "Yea the day Ace and I fought for the first time and I ran to the border, he saw me. He told me that he


    overheard Jane and I talking."


    "Well when he called me, he was all panicking and shit. He and Jane were talking about you, but they


    thought they were alone. Jane told Jace that you were pregnant, and they spent quite a while talking


    about it. Jace said that after a while, he noticed that they weren''t alone. Do you remember Dennis?"


    I nodded impatiently. Of course I remembered Dennis!


    "Well, Dennis heard them. When Jace found him eavesdropping, he went totally ''Dennis crazy'' on


    them. He was furious"


    I cringed at the thought. Angry Dennis is a scary Dennis. The guy was six-five, bulky and bald. Even


    the smallest scowl gave anyone shivers, not to mention when he was angry.


    "My pregnancy is none of his business" I retorted with a scoff.


    "Yea but he thought it was very much his business. He went on and on to Jace about the mateship


    being an abomination, not to mention what he said about the baby. Roxy you know that apart from you,


    me, dad and Phillip, the mission was the most important thing to the guy, and you know how hard


    headed he is"


    I bit my lip and nodded. I''ve never spent much time around Dennis like Aiden has. Dennis was our top


    warrior and trainer apart from Phillip. He taught us to fight and be tough. Hell, the guy broke every bone


    in my body at least ten times already.


    He was mean, stubborn, determined and closed minded. I heard that he used to be nice, but when he


    lost his mate in the same war eighteen years ago, he toughened everything about him, inside and out.


    I guess that was why this mission meant so much to him too. So I knew exactly what Aiden meant


    about how hard headed he was.


    "He said that you already ruined the mission by epting Ace, and that you were gonna pay. But he


    also didn''t believe that you were pregnant, saying that you couldn''t be ''that stupid''."


    Ouch Dennis. Ouch.


    "He told Jace that if you were pregnant, he would... -he..h-"


    "Tell me Aiden" I urged, though it wasn''t that hard to guess.


    "He was gonna kill the child, but spared you since you were the Alpha''s daughter. But he promised it


    would be painful and dreadful. He said that even if things worked out fine, he would still do it to punish


    you"


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Anyone would think that he couldn''t have ever gotten away with hurting an Alpha''s daughter and


    another Alpha''s mate, but I knew Dennis. And if he really really wanted to, he could''ve and would''ve.


    "Jace promised to warn us before Dennis could n, but that was hell of a mistake on Jace''s side. Why


    do you think dad attacked two months early?" My eyes widened as I snapped my eyes to his. Dennis


    really wasn''t ying around.


    Our pack had no current Gamma, but Dennis basically yed the role. Somehow, he always seemed


    to wiggle his way into dad''s mind and make him do things that weren''t originally nned. I had no idea


    how one man could be so persuasive.


    "Jace said he marched off in our house''s direction, no doubt going to convince dad, so he called me


    immediately" Aiden sat beside me on my bed, by now I was dry, and took my hands in his.


    "Roxy I panicked. I know Dennis and I knew one way or the other, he was gonna get to you. He has his


    little posse in our pack and some of them know this pack all too well. I knew that once he got onto the


    lands, he would''ve immediately went looking for you, with help of course"


    I nodded in a little understanding. Dennis had his little mini pack of about twenty wolves, who were


    solely loyal to him. Dad knew but he didn''t mind, since Dennis was loyal to him, so automatically they


    would too. I never liked it though, and see what it brought?


    "He had swore to Jace that he would find you and kill that child if you were indeed pregnant, and I got


    scared, Rox. That''s all I heard. ''If you were indeed pregnant''. And I snapped"


    My eyes met his, as I heard his voice break. He was on the brink of tears, but if I knew my brother, I


    knew they wouldn''t fall.


    "I was actually scared that he would somehow find a way andplete his mission. And Rox, I knew


    he would''ve. So I - I "


    "You tried to get rid of the pregnancy so he wouldn''t hurt me" I finished for him lowly.


    You see, that was always Aiden. Protecting me at all costs. No matter the damage, he would pull any


    strings to ensure my safety. But there could''ve been other ways.


    "And I knew there were other ways." He started again, wording my hidden thoughts. "But my mind


    wasn''t working Roxy. I just knew I had extra wolfsbane and I knew the baby would..."


    I smiled slightly and urged him to continue without saying it. I could see how much it pained him to


    even think about what he almost did.


    But no doubt that once I swallowed that wolfsbane, the baby would''ve been gone within thirty minutes. I


    would''ve had to get him removed immediately so that I wouldn''t get poisoned, and by the time Dennis


    found me, I would''ve been baby free. Aiden knew what he was doing.


    "It was after you kicked me out, when I was running back home I saw numerous other ways that we


    could''ve dealt with it. But Roxy please forgive me. Please. I was just so scared and I-"


    "Panicked" I said before he could repeat it for the tenth time. " I know Aide, I understand. And though


    I''m not okay with what happened, I can see how you would have resorted to that"


    He sighed as I pulled him into a short hug.


    "Dennis apparently convinced dad that the warriors were ready, and since he had enough information


    about Ace''s pack to have some advantage, he had affirmation. The jackass even used our names,


    saying that we would get toe home sooner. When you kicked me out that night and I went home,


    the three of them sat me down and told me the n. The warriors were ready, and so they were too.


    "I had given dad ame excuse about why I was home, saying that I got in a fight with the Alpha and


    needed some home time. When he asked me why you didn''te with me, I might''ve told him that you


    refused to because you got attached. Sorry"


    I smiled as I rubbed his hair. That exined dad''s outburst and why he was so angry.


    "Dennis knew I was bullshitting them, and so I came up with another n--A sensible n at that. I


    threatened him, telling him to call off his n or I tell dad everything. At first he thought I wasn''t serious,


    but I should''ve known he would be smarter than that"


    He leaned up from my shoulder as he gave me an unbelievable look.


    "He had already sent some of his men here from the night before, using the routes where no border


    patrol was. The little piece of shit threatened you again, saying that if I tell dad about him trying to hurt


    you, he would order his men to do the deed that same night in honour of the death he would''ve


    received." He sighed.


    "And the dude watched me all night, so that I didn''t contact Ace." He stopped to look at me and said:


    "He literally watched me all night, while I was sleeping"


    I gasped at that. Dennis was really set out for me. I couldn''t help feeling hurt. Yes I knew we weren''t


    close or anything, but he was still sorta family. Not anymore though.


    "So we had an agreement. I keep hush about his n to get to you, and he keeps his men under strict


    orders not to touch you. And I couldn''t even kill him there and then. I knew I could''ve, but it would''ve


    taken a fight. And he kept a few men in his mindlinking region so that if anything was happening and he


    couldn''t get to make a call to the ones over here, he would''ve just quickly mindlinked the ones he kept


    behind, telling them to ry his orders to the attack team"


    We both shook our head slowly and simultaneously, something we always did when we both couldn''t


    believe something.


    Quite frankly, I couldn''tprehend how one man could be out to kill an innocent child, just because its


    mother was the mate of the Alpha of the pack that killed his mate. I mean, if you have a twisted head


    you would have understood his reasoning, but nobody''s head should be that twisted.


    I knew he lost his mate and he wanted nothing more than revenge. Dad''s intentions were somewhat


    pure, since we just wanted our rights back.


    But Dennis didn''t care aboutnd or people, he just cared about revenge. And since one of the persons


    sent to help him get his revenge basically switched sides on him, he felt the need to punish me.


    Hell, I don''t wanna ever lose my mate. I fear the person I might be.


    "Above all, I was just trying to protect you. I came along with dad that day with no intentions of fighting.


    I just wanted to talk to you and Ace before Dennis did anything"


    "Why didn''t he try anything? He stared me dead in the face that day" I just realized that I was still very


    much pregnant, without an itch or mark. He sighed with a grateful look on his face.


    "He saw mom," he smiled. "Even if the bastard was willing to do that to dad, he wouldn''t do that to


    mom"


    I nodded in understanding. Dennis was basically a big brother to mom, from what I''ve heard. His mate


    and my mom were pretty close too, so I guess it struck a nerve of humanity and memory when he saw


    her.


    "I still had to lock up the bastard though" Aiden added and I chuckled. "He''s lucky he and his men are


    alive. Ace was gonna kill them"


    My eyes widened. "Ace knows?"


    Aiden gave me a ''duh'' look. "He was the first one I told everything. Good thing he was willing to listen.


    He forgave me, which I''m happy for. We have a meeting about forming an alliance soon."


    I rolled my eyes at his Alpha talk so soon, but I couldn''t help the twinge in my stomach. That exined


    why Aiden was here the other day, and why he left looking not bloody and broken. But if he can forgive


    Aiden, he can forgive me. Right?


    "So we''re good?" He nudged me with a nervous smile. I nudged him back and kissed his cheek, then


    rested my head on his shoulder.


    "We¡¯re good baby bro"


    He groaned but held me anyways. I smiled at finally winning this argument. Mom must''ve told him that I


    was born first.


    "In that case, I have a surprise for you"

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    I perked up at surprise, already jumping up and getting dressed. I really needed a mood lifter after the


    week I''ve had.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "What is it?" I asked eagerly, pulling on a top.


    "Right this way"


    I followed him down the stairs and towards the living room where I heard muffled voices. They got


    clearer as we walked, and a very familiar scent washed my nose.


    "Jane!" I squealed as I entered the living room, cutting off her and Lilly''s conversation and jumping on


    her.


    "And Jace" I heard him say with a faked hurt look on his face. I quickly shot him a smile as I released


    Jane and hugged Jace too.


    Soon after, I pulled both of them in a long, long , long hug.


    "You guys don''t know how happy I am to see you."


    "I thought you might need someone to talk to. I''m here for you sis" Jane mumbled and my heart soared


    for her.


    It''s not that I couldn''t have talked to Lilly, but I wasn''tfortable talking about my mate that I almost


    screwed over, to the Beta''s mate who I almost screwed over.


    "Thank you, I really do"


    "We can go right now if you li-"


    She stopped suddenly as I felt her body grow tense in my arms. Jace noticed it too as he stepped away


    from our embrace and watched her weirdly.


    She slowly turned around and her eyesnded on something in the doorway. I followed her gaze,


    seeing a very stunned Scott mimicking her reaction.


    I looked between the two of them as I knew too well that type of feeling. Soon after, Scott''s face broke


    out in a grin and in two steps he was already in front of her and scooping her up in his arms. She


    giggled sweetly as he lifted her and spun her around, her eyes filled with tears.


    Lilly, Aiden, Jace and I watched them in awe. It was such a beautiful moment.


    "You don''t know how long I''ve been waiting to find you" He whispered as he tucked her hair away. She


    just stared at him in adoration, already seeming in love.


    "Can we go and talk?" He asked as he beamed at her. She quickly nodded, as he held her hand and


    started leading her out of the room, not seeming to notice our presence.


    Then out of nowhere her eyes widened and she looked back to me. "Oh my gosh Roxy we were


    suppose to talk"


    I waved her off with a ''are you serious'' look. "Go it''s okay. We can talkter"


    "I love you" She cooed before turning to leave again.


    I smiled at their retreating forms, hearing herugh at something he said.


    It made me think about my first time meeting Ace. Oh how I wished it could''ve been like this. Like how


    normal mates act when they meet.


    But it also made me realize that even if we didn''t start off as a fairy tale, we had a pretty good thing


    going. And I believe it was still there.


    My dad once told me that there''s nothing a real heartfelt apology and some making up won''t fix, and


    that''s exactly what I was going to do.


    I quickly jogged upstairs to Ace''s room, since he was barely ever in his office nowadays. I barged in


    without knocking, seeing him sitting in his couch with his head in his hands, obviously totally oblivious


    to the wonderful union that just happened downstairs.


    "Ace" I called, and his head immediately shot up at the sound of my voice. He looked drained, tired and


    sad. I didn''t like it. My wolf didn''t like it. My heart didn''t like it.


    "Ace can we please talk?"


    He looked unsure as he gave me a once over. It wasn''t with disgust or repulsion, it was with longing


    and want. But nheless he was still being difficult.


    "I don''t wanna talk" He mumbled, resting his head in his hands again.


    I huffed at how he wasn''t even giving me a bloody chance. I decided that whether he liked it or not, we


    were gonna talk today. I''m pulling an Aiden move on his ass.


    "Ace" I started again, this time with a little more sternness and determination. I definitely caught his


    attention, since he raised an eyebrow at me.


    "We need to talk. And we''re going to"


    I waited for him to protest and again, but instead he just stood there with an emotionless expression. I


    took that as a sign to begin. With a deep sigh, I softened my demeanour and looked him deep in his


    eyes.


    "I''m hurt Ace" I said almost inaudibly, and his face shed with concern as he rushed across the room


    to check every inch of my body.


    "Where?" He asked as he scanned my body.


    "Here" I pointed to the left side of my chest where my heart sat, and I watched as his eyes found the


    area that I was showing him. At first, he looked relieved that I wasn''t physically hurt, but for the first


    time sincest week, his eyes softened.


    "Ace I cant express to you how sorry I am. I hate that I hurt you and I hate that you feel like you can''t


    trust me" I paused as I took a step closer and held his hand. "But I assure you Ace that you can, and I


    really am sorry."


    He sighed and looked deep into my eyes. " We''re mates Roxy. You should''ve told me"


    "I know Ace. I know that now. But please understand, at first I was so conflicted. My whole life I''ve been


    told how evil your pack was, and when I learnt that you were my mate, I didn''t know who or what to


    trust. Inside my heart I knew that the moon wouldn''t have mated me with the enemy. So trust me, deep


    down I knew you weren''t but I wouldn''t admit it to myself."


    "When you tried to reject me" he mumbled, but it wasn''t quite directed at me. He looked like he was


    remembering all the times I gave him the cold shoulder.


    "Yes" I admitted "But that night when I epted you instead, I stopped telling myself that you were the


    enemy. But that was the problem, I didn''t know who to choose. I knew that I could have never brought


    myself to hurt you and your pack, but Ace I didn''t want to betray my pack either.


    "I came here on a promise to get my pack back what was theirs, and I wanted that as much as I


    wanted you at first. But I couldn''t have told you without hurting my family, and I just didn''t know what to


    do. So I tried toe up with ways to fix it, and one of those was to talk to you. But since you always


    shut me down, I just didn''t know if I could really tell you"


    I sighed and sat on his bed. I was happy when he sat beside me, actually looking as if he was willing to


    listen.


    "On many asions I swore that I would''ve told you. But then I was also worried about what you


    would''ve done to Aiden, or what you would''ve done to me" I looked up to meet his eyes, and they held


    so much assurance that he wouldn''t have hurt me. "I didn''t know if you would''ve felt so betrayed, that


    you would hate me or reject me"


    "I could never hate you Roxy"


    "But I thought you would. I was living under your roof, going behind your back. Even by the time I


    would''ve told you, Aiden would''ve already sent half the information on your pack to dad. I just thought


    that you would be so mad that-that-"


    "I wouldn''t have done anything to hurt you" He told me again.


    "But you would''ve hurt Aiden"


    "Did I?" He asked, making me realise that even before Aiden apologized, he didn''t hurt him.


    "No but I didn''t know that. So I tried to fix it by myself. I tried to help my pack without jeopardising what


    we have."


    "That''s too much pressure on you alone Roxy. You could''ve said something" His soft voice took me off


    guard, and I felt my eyes well up with tears as I noticed that he was loosening up.


    "I was scared. And Aiden didn''t want me to" I sniffled as my throat closed up.


    He pulled me onto hisp and I buried my face in his neck. "I know. I forgive you. It''s all over now"


    "Why didn''t you want to talk to me sooner?" I mumbled, remembering all the times he would shut me


    out.


    "I was hurt. I didn''t want to believe that my Roxy did this to me"


    "I''m sorry" I repeated with a small voice. He simply pulled me closer as I gotfortable on him.


    Then all of a sudden, he let his walls down for the first time in a week. I panicked for a moment, but it


    was gone when I noticed that the emotions he feltst night were reced with love, relief and content.


    "Ace?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Last night when you came into my room, I wasn''t sleeping" He stiffened at that but he didn''t say


    anything. "When you let your walls down, I felt everything"


    He eased my head from his shoulder so he could look me in the eyes, and he had a look of regret on


    his face. Leave it up to Ace to feel bad about me knowing how he was hurting.


    "Roxy I-"


    "Ace no. You shouldn''t feel guilty for hurting. I knew you were trying to protect me from falling into


    deeper hurt, but I hate that you went through that alone." I held his face in my hands and leaned my


    forehead against his.


    "Promise me that if something should happen in the future, you let me know how you feel okay? We''re


    in his thing together, and even if I can''t make it better, at least you won''t be going through it alone" He


    sighed, looking unsure. But I urged him. " Promise me Ace"


    "I promise" He repeated with promising eyes. I smiled warmly at him as I softly pecked his lips.


    "Good." I mumbled "I love you Ace"


    "I love you too baby" He replied sweetly just before his lips caught mine in a kiss, and I immediately


    returned it.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    ~Chapter Contains Mature Content~


    Ace''s lips caught mine in the most majestic kiss, that it already had my body calling out for him in pure


    bliss.


    At first it was soft and slow as we relished in the wonderful feeling of being together once again. But


    just like any other kiss, it ignited a me of desire that I knew and loved too well. In no time, the kiss


    transformedpletely --It was rough and filled with want.


    ''Oh how I''ve missed this.''


    "I missed you Ace" I told him after I broke the kiss for a quick second. He groaned lowly in response as


    he turned around and dumped me on the bed, before crawling over me with lust filled eyes.


    "I missed you too Roxy. So f**king much"


    And with that, he started kissing me again. His lips moved roughly against mine, as if he hasn''t seen


    me in years. My hands went to his hair where I slightly pulled on it now and then, since I''ve learnt how


    much he liked it.


    My body grew hotter by the second, as he buried his head in my neck, kissing, sucking and nipping the


    flesh all over it. I tugged on the hem of his shirt, and he stopped for a moment and pulled it off swiftly,


    then he was back at harassing my neck. I glided my hands up and down his toned chest, loving the


    way each dip of his abs and curve of his muscles felt.


    His lips trailed kisses all the way back to my lips, and I felt my shirt being torn from my chest as our lips


    made one . Luckily, I didn''t wear a bra today, so his hands immediately found my plump breast, as his


    fingers kneaded and flicked my swollen buds. My moans were muffled in the kisses as I felt myher


    regions frolic in want.


    His hands found the waist of my sweats where he pushed it off my body, getting rid of it and my panties


    in one swift movement. He kissed down my neck again as I fumbled with the button of his pants, trying


    to get rid of them too.


    Full skin to skin contact. That''s all I wanted.


    Ace finished the job for me and got rid of the rest of his clothes, and I could feel his projection thick and


    hard against my leg, ready to fill me up with all its exotic want.


    He kissed every inch of my body, leaving my brain dazed and clouded with nothing but desire for my


    extraordinary mate. My hips bucked slightly when one of his thumbs traced over the silky wetness of


    my sensitive spot.


    "Ace" I gasped as his index filled me with an urgency, causing ripples of sensation to rock my body,


    quiver after quiver of need. He worked greatly and skillfully, throwing me over the edge with sensational


    glee.


    I felt empty when his finger left my body, but the disappointment vanished when he entered me, hard


    and full just as always.


    I forgot about everything wrong that happened before. I forgot the reason why I cried myself to sleep


    every night for the past week. I forgot all the hurt and pain we both felt. I just focused on this moment,


    relishing in the pleasure that rushed through me with each and every hard, filling stroke.


    He tilted my head back, crashing his lips to mine again without slowing his pace once. There was a


    wildness in him that I recognized as new. This time wasn''t sweet and steady like the other times.


    Instead it was fast and hard, filled with longing desire and built up frustration. He released himself with


    each movement, closing the door on this tragic week and situation we were in.


    And I loved it.


    It was after a while when we both recovered from our high. And we justid tangled and sweaty


    together, breathing heavily and reliving the moment. I knew that all the time we spent away from each


    other only made the moment better.


    "I really did miss you" He whispered as he stroked my hair with his fingers in a soothing manner.


    I didn''t reply; I just hummed in response and snuggled closer into him, appreciating his presence so


    close.


    "Do you think you would be ready to meet the pack now?" He asked when I didn''t say anything.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Panic flooded my veins when I remembered that they knew who I was. Will they even ept me?


    Surely I''ll have to prove myself.


    "They''ll love you Roxy" He answered my unspoken question. It soothed my nerves slightly, but I still felt


    anxious.


    I knew I had to meet them sooner orter. Maybe it''s best if it was sooner. I guess I didn''t need to feel


    worried. From what I saw so far, they didn''t resent me for my actions.


    "Can Jane be introduced on that same day? Since she''s now the new Gamma female?" I asked, which


    made him ogle me in shock.


    I giggled slightly at his reaction as I watched it change from shock to happiness. His eyes then zed


    over, as if he was asking Scott if it was true, then his face only grew happier.


    "That''s great!" He eximed, which made meugh again. He then met my eyes again as his


    expression softened.


    "Anything you''d like ma cherie"


    I smiled brightly as I pecked his lips and snuggled into his chest again.


    Everything felt right and I felt happy.


    Even before the whole revtion and I was happy, I always had the big secret hanging over my head.


    But now it felt different. I felt free and open and all warm inside. Things will be great now. Ace has


    forgiven me, we can move forward, raise our baby and be a normal happy couple.


    I''ll have my best friend here with me, and we''ll all live happily. Aiden will do a great job with the pack,


    mom and dad will be okay, Jenna will be out of the clinic soon from what I''ve heard and there''s no more


    conflict.


    No more war. It felt right.


    I yelped in surprise as Ace lifted me up and carried me towards the bathroom. He rested me in the


    shower then stepped in after me. I winced slightly when I moved, feeling the soreness between my


    legs. Ace gave me an apologetic look, but I quickly kissed it away as the water streamed down our


    bodies, washing the sweat and the ugly  past away.


    I pulled away to watch the water run down the drain and smiled at it. ''There goes all the pain, betrayal,


    secrets and heartbreak.''


    Ace watched me strangely, not understanding my metaphoric thoughts, but I just kissed him again and


    I couldn''t contain my smile, even in the kiss.


    He pulled away and looked me deep in the eyes with a radiant smile on his face.


    "Marry me" He announced, whichpletely knocked the breath from my body.


    "Wh-what?"


    "Marry me Roxy" He repeated confidently, not a hint of reluctance in his voice. For a minute, only the


    sshing of the water on the tile could be heard as I just gazed at him.


    "But-but wolves don''t get married"


    "Some do. And I want to. I want you to be mine in every way. I want to see you walk down that aisle


    and be mine both legally and by fate. I want the three of us to have the same name, as a family. I


    want you Roxanna Isabe Gilbert, for the rest of my life. So please, will you marry me?"


    My tears kept washing away with the water as I beamed brightly and threw myself in his arms. "Yes yes


    yes yes Ace! I''ll marry you"


    Heughed in joy as he lifted me and spun me around. He then ced me back on my feet, and he


    didn''t hesitate to kiss me again.


    I suddenly felt excited. A matebond was enough to bond two wolves together for life. And so, some


    wolves never saw the need for such a mundane union, since the bond was greater than any wedding


    vow.


    But if I was being honest, I always wanted to be one of the wolves who did. My mom and my dad got


    married, and though I wasn''t born, the pictures always made me want to get married someday.


    Even if he didn''t know it, Ace just made one of my dreamse true. Do you believe in perfect mates?


    "Will you move into my room with me? You know officially?" He asked and I nodded in response. We


    would sleep in each other''s rooms now and then, but I think it would be great to share a room now.


    "Good. Cause I already asked Lilly to pack your things" He beamed innocently. I simplyughed at his


    confession as I squeezed some soap on his back.


    Yup. Perfect mate.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    "I still can''t believe you''re gonna be living here with me" I beamed at Jane as she curled her hair in my


    mirror.


    We were getting ready to be introduced to the pack, and I was still in awe that my sister from another


    mother would get to live with me.


    "Better believe it" She squealed excitingly. "Hey Lilly can you pass my dress?"


    Lilly smiled brightly and passed Jane''s dress to her. Over the past week, I''ve noticed how much Jane


    and Lilly got along. I wasn''t surprised though, since they had the same type of personality.


    I was already ready and waiting for Jane to be ready. I didn''t bother dressing up since I was a simple


    person, but I looked decent. I wore a simple cute top, jeans and my converse sneakers. I pulled my hair


    in a bun and applied a little lip gloss.


    It was a very casual introduction, but Jane made me feel underdressed. She only wore a blue casual


    dress and ts, bute on. It''s a dress.


    "I''m ready" Jane sang excitedly, looking like nothing less than a model. She wore her mark naked and


    proud on the left side of her neck, and I felt so proud of her.


    Scott and Jane have really made moves. Fast moves.


    They were always in each other''s arms, and the only time I had her to myself was when he was


    working. I wasn''tining though; It was really heart warming since she always wanted to find her


    mate. I was nothing less than happy for her.


    We exited my old room where we got ready, and Lilly led us to the pack house where wolves were


    already gathered and excited. It was really a happy day for everyone. They would be officially meeting


    their Luna and new Gamma female.


    I spotted Ace, Calum and Scott at the side of the stage in the huge backyard at the pack house. It was


    able to hold all four hundred wolves and about half of them were already present.


    Scott''s face immediately lit up when he saw Jane, and so did Calum''s when he saw Lilly, and Ace''s


    when he saw me. It was indeed so cute.


    "Are you ready?" Ace asked me as soon as he held me and gave me a kiss. I nodded and shot him my


    biggest smile.


    "I am"


    "Good. We''re just waiting on the other pack members and some from your former pack"


    My eyes widened at this new information."Some people from my pack areing?"


    He chuckled and pointed in a direction where I saw some familiar faces. "Aiden ising. And I''m sure


    some of his members wanted to see you and Jane off"


    I nodded in understanding and pulled my lip between my teeth, something I did when I was thinking.


    "What''s on your mind?" Ace, who obviously saw my reaction asked.


    "Will um-will my parents be here?"


    He gave me a gentle smile and pulled me to his chest. "Yes they will. Are you ready to face your dad


    yet?"


    I shrugged and buried my face in his chest. I haven''t talked to dad from the day of the almost war. At


    first, I told myself that I was giving him and mom space, but I talked to mom almost every day so I knew


    I was just making excuses.


    I tried to forgive him for hiding the truth from me by looking at the situation from his point of view. But


    what dad robs his kids of their childhood to do a job he was too afraid to do by himself? Plus lying


    about it all along?


    I knew I still loved him, and mom has been telling me that he wanted to talk to me, but I couldn''t.


    Surprisingly, he manned up and talked to Ace, so they were sorta on decent terms. He''d talked to


    Aiden and made a public apology to both packs for all he''d caused, but facing him felt so hard.


    Ace pulled me away at arms length and gazed into my eyes. He tucked an escaped curl back into my


    bun and pecked my lips softly.


    "It''ll be okay, I promise. But now, focus on your day"


    I mustered up my best smile and turned to see that the backyard was almost full. I was never a shy


    person, but this was somehow uneasy.


    I spotted Aiden and Jace making their way towards us, causing me to instantly feel better.


    They smiled brightly as they neared us, and I closed the space between us and hugged Aiden. It has


    been a week since I''d seen him, and that felt too long. I was never away from him for more than a day


    in our twenty years of living, so this was kind of new for both of us.


    "Congrats sis" He praised as he hugged me tightly.


    "A little too early for that Aide." I chuckled as I pulled away. "Where''s mom?"


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "Here I am!" I heard her sing from behind me, and I quickly whipped around and grabbed her to me.


    Even though we talked regrly, I hadn''t seen her in four days. I noticed that dad and Jenna were with


    her, and I hugged Jenna but only waved awkwardly to dad. He looked hurt by the gesture, but I couldn''t


    bring myself to do more.


    "I''m so proud of you sweetie. You''re gonna be a great Luna" Mom said as she pulled me yet again into


    another hug. I mumbled a thanks as Jenna too expressed her wishes. Dad stayed silent, staring at the


    ground.


    Ace then came up beside his mom and ced a kiss on her temple before greeting mom, dad and


    Aiden. It was really satisfying to see everyone together like this.


    "We''re ready," Calum announced, and Ace, Jane and I made our way to the stage.


    I noticed that everyone was present, and they all looked so happy. I recognized some of my pack


    members, and they had proud looks on their faces as they watched Jane and I. I was such a lucky gal.


    Ace stood in front of the small podium and mic, with Jane and I on his left and Scott, Calum and Lilly on


    his right. Scott was nothing less than beaming at Jane, and she would momentarily steal a nce at


    him and send him a wink.


    Her parents stood beside mine at the front of the crowd, and Phillip shed me a thumbs up before Ace


    started speaking.


    "Thank you all foring. " He started, and their excited mumbling died down. "As you may know,


    Gamma Scott, as well as myself have found our mates"


    A series of cheers echoed throughout the people, and Jane and I shared a look.


    "So, for the first time ever, I would formally like to introduce to you, Luna Roxanna Gilbert, and Gamma


    Jane Fraser. "


    He then turned to us and gestured for us toe closer. He handed Jane the mic and she thanked him


    before facing the crowd with her signature bright smile.


    She then proceeded to tell them about herself, receivingughs now and then when she would say


    something funny. That was so Jane. Always popping jokes.


    "So I look forward to not only just living among you guys, but loving and cherishing you all, as much as


    I love and cherished my former pack. I am more than happy to be a part of the Truemoon Pack, putting


    our differences and past aside, and moving forward together as a family. Thank you once again, from


    your new Gamma female and my wonderful mate" She ended confidently as she beamed at the crowd.


    We all cheered as Scott took her hand and led her away from the podium, not before leaving a kiss on


    her cheek. It was my turn to speak, and my stomach felt uneasy again. No way could I make them


    laugh like Jane did, but I did my thing.


    The cheers died down as I took up the mic, and expectant eyes watched me all around.


    "Hi everyone, I''m Roxanna but I prefer Roxy" I shifted from side to side as I prepped myself to continue


    talking. I didn''t prepare or anything, so I was basically winging it. But as always, my demeanour was


    straight and confident.


    "There isn''t much about me to tell, except that I have a weird obsession with turtles and I was


    convinced that the universe was somehow against my existence. " I chuckled at myself for admitting


    that, and I was surprised when theyughed too.


    "But these two and a half months being here made me realize that everything in this life happens for a


    reason, and though I never deserved it, I found peace. " I smiled to myself as I felt the words flowing. "I


    came here with a purpose that I waspletely blinded by, and I know I''ve made my mistakes but I''ve


    learned to embrace them rather than resenting them or acting like they didn''t happen. I guess when


    you really think about it, it was the universe''s messed up way of doing its job... A friend of mine once


    told me that it would all work itself out, and I didn''t believe her. But little did I know that she was right."


    I paused for a moment and nced at Jane with a smile.


    "So yea, I''ve learnt that maybe the universe isn''t against my existence" I chuckled again before


    continuing. "Maybe it was just preparing me for what was toe. And when I got in its way, it just had


    to deal with me the hard way. But at the end of the day, it all worked out. I''ve found peace, family and


    love all because of fate"


    I looked to my left where Ace was standing, gazing at me with a proud and loving expression.


    "So if you ask who Roxy Gilbert is, that''s your answer. Just Roxy Gilbert, sailing along with the waves


    of life that the universeid out for me. I don''t know what I will do tomorrow or years from now, but I''m


    leaving that up to destiny." I sighed in content, feeling at ease with myself.


    "I''m the shewolf who found her way in the arms of someone I once thought was the enemy, and has


    found refuge in thend I saw as anomalous. Funny isn''t it? But that''s the thing with life, you just don''t


    know what will happen"


    I paused and looked over the crowd once again before a small smile yed on my lips.


    "But one thing I do know, is that I''ll be by your side every step of the way. Being the Luna, leader,


    protector and friend to each and everyone of you. Because I''ve found my home, and I''ve found my


    family. And nothing in this world will tear me away from my people. And you, Truemoon Pack, are my


    people... Thank you"


    I stepped away as the crowd erupted in deafening cheers again. My mom had tears in her eyes and my


    dad stood tall and proud with a smile on his face. I turned to face everyone else on the stage as they all


    pped and beamed at me.


    "You were great" Ace whispered as he wrapped me in his arms.


    "I was?"


    He nodded. "You always are"


    I blushed at his words and he released me and collected the dagger from Calum.


    My eyes immediately found Aiden''s and he had the same torn expression as me in that moment. Once


    my blood mixes with Ace''s, I''ll be a Truemoon wolf, and all my Silent Moon connections will be gone.


    Including Aiden.


    I poked in his mind onest time as Ace cut his palm and Jane''s.


    ~"I''m gonna miss this"~ I said to Aiden, staring in his eyes.


    ~"I will too sis. I can''t believe I''m gonna have to call you if I need to talk to you. Like who does that!"~


    I chuckled and sent him a blow kiss. He sent it right back and I acted like I was catching it and ced it


    on my heart. We gave each other another look before Ace reached out for me.


    "Ready?"


    "As ready as I''ll ever be" I sighed contently as I ced my hand in his.


    He nodded and made a slice across my hand before cleaning Jane''s blood from his hand and


    connecting his open wound with mine.


    "Remember what to say?" He asked, and I nodded and took a deep breath as I readied myself.


    I threw onest nce at my pack members present, then to Aiden. He gave me a reassuring nod


    before I faced Ace again.


    "I Ace Wilson, Alpha of Truemoon Pack, wee you , Roxy Gilbert, into our pack to lead by my side


    as Luna. You are to love, cherish and rule these people with dignity, wisdom, and perseverance until


    our heir is fit to take over as leader of this pack"


    I met his eyes, and suddenly, I wasn''t scared anymore. It felt right. This felt so right. I smiled brightly


    and gave him a curt nod.


    "I ept"


    And with that, an awful pain rushed through me, as I felt my bond to my former pack break. I


    whimpered loudly when I felt empty for a while. But in a matter of seconds, I was flooded with an


    overwhelming feeling of a brand new pack bond, and it was an extraordinary feeling.


    My mind was immediately flooded with the voices of Ace''s pack members expressing their love and


    happiness. It took a while to die down, and I didn''t even mind the slight headache I got from hearing so


    many voices at once.


    Ace released my hand and I could see that the wound was already healing. Jane came and stood next


    to me, as we both looked at our new pack in our new home.


    "Our new members everyone!"


    They all apuded, and members of Ace''s pack did a little bow before returning to their apuse. I


    looked to Aiden as he watched me with a proud gaze. He nodded once before winking at Jane.


    This felt right. I felt at home, and though I will miss my pack, they''ll always be a part of who I am.


    Ace came and hugged me around my shoulders then pressed a kiss to my temple.


    "Wee home, my Luna," he mumbled proudly against my hair. I turned fully to face him, tiptoed and


    ced a kiss on his lips.


    "I was always home, my Alpha."

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Dresses.


    Growing up, I was never a fan of the retched things. I was more of a sweats and leggings kind of girl. I


    still am actually, but I had to admit, this dress was to die for.


    I would live in it forever.


    Well maybe not forever, but let''s just say, I had no problem wearing this dress.


    My wedding dress.


    A beautiful dress for a beautiful day. It was all every girl dreamt of.


    Elegantce ran from my wrists up to my shoulders, cutting down to connect with the fitted sweetheart


    bodice. The thick fabric hugged my body, showing every dip and curve I never knew I had. It then


    spilled out right above my knees, giving it that perfect mermaid guise, and the six foot trail behind me


    gave it that touch I needed.


    My hair was pulled back into a Greek goddess updo, with a few curls left to tumble around my plump


    cheeks. Lilly gave me a beautiful natural make-up look, and though I wasn''t the girl to ogle over such


    things, I was indeed impressed by it.


    I looked like myself but prettier. Ace doesn''t know what was about to hit him.


    Finally, I wore a crown shaped pin that mom gave me , where my veil fell to the middle of my back. She


    said she wore it when she was getting married, and it only made me love it even more.


    Jane forced me to wear heels under the dress, and we''ve spent the past month breaking my feet until I


    was able to walk somewhat straight in them. I mean, who even invented these things? The ones Lilly


    gave me to wear on Ryan''s birthday weren''t half as high as this one. But, I made it out alive.


    Jane and Lilly were my bridesmaids and they left a few minutes ago to do something. I was alone in my


    old room staring at myself in the mirror.


    It has been a month since I''ve be a member of the Truemoon Pack, but Ace didn''t want to waste


    any time.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    The minute we got back, he started talking about the wedding, and I didn''t stop him. I was only in my


    first trimester of pregnancy, so my dress fit perfectly as if I wasn''t pregnant.


    I turned to the side to nce at my reflection again, and I gave myself an encouraging smile as I saw


    that it was almost one p.m.


    "You''ve got this Roxy."


    I rubbed my hands in my hand towel that I kept, since my hands kept getting sweaty. I didn''t even know


    why I was nervous. This was my mate; nothing could be more right.


    I heard a knock on my door, and I instantly knew it wasn''t Jane or Lilly since they wouldn''t have


    knocked. I also noticed that it wasn''t anyone from our pack either.


    "Come in!" I shouted, not really paying much attention. The door squeaked open, and the scent got


    more distinct and I instantly knew who it was.


    "You look beautiful sweetheart" My dad said as he neared me. He wore a ck crisp tuxedo, and his


    hair was slicked back, enhancing his forehead.


    I wanted to cry seeing him here. And not because I didn''t want him here, but because we weren''t on


    best terms on my wedding day. Things over the weeks have somewhat improved. We would speak


    casually if I visited, but no one addressed the elephant.


    "Thanks. It was all Jane and Lilly"


    "They aren''t the ones who''re standing in front of me now though. So I would say it was all you" I


    blushed lightly at hispliment, feeling even more confident than before. I didn''t have anything else


    to say, so I acted as if I was fixing something on my desk.


    We were silent for a long while. Even a butcher''s knife couldn''t cut through the tension in the room.


    When I had enough, I was going to disobey Lilly''s orders and wander around, but he finally spoke and


    broke the silence.


    "Roxy" He sighed. "I never told you how sorry I was"


    I noticed where he was going and I immediately tried to shut him down. "Dad please not right now. It''s


    my wedding day"


    "And that is why I want to fix this now. You''re turning a new page in your life, and I want that page to be


    completely white. No old coffee stains" I sighed as he continued.


    "I shouldn''t have lied to you and Aiden about something like this, and I especially shouldn''t have put


    your lives in danger to try and fix something I could''ve done myself in a much civilized way. I''m a


    terrible father, Alpha and role model, and I know I hurt you and I don''t deserve your forgiveness. But


    please Roxy, give me another chance."


    I stayed silent as I tried hard not to cry and release all the welled up emotions. He sighed when I didn''t


    say anything, and took my sweaty hands in his.


    "That day on the field, I acted so terribly towards you. But I wasn''t myself Roxy. I wasn''t myself for


    eighteen years, and I regret letting you and Aiden grow up in that cross fire. I should''ve kept myself


    together for my pups"


    A stray tear rolled down my make-up filled cheeks, and I almost pped him for making me potentially


    ruin my look. He pulled me to his chest and when I didn''t resist, he squeezed me tighter but careful


    enough not to mess up my appearance.


    "I love you sweetheart. I always have, even though I didn''t show it. You grew up in such a rigid


    environment, that you had no room to explore your emotions and femininity. I took so much from you. I


    took too much from you" He pulled back so I was looking him in the eyes, as I tried so hard not to let


    another tear fall.


    "I''m so proud of you. Everything you''ve achieved was all you, and that makes me prouder. You''re


    gonna be a great Luna, wife and mom; I just know it" He ended with an encouraging smile.


    The build up in my chest wasn''t terrible anymore. Deep down I knew I forgave him, but hearing it from


    his lips really sealed the deal.


    "Thanks dad. And I forgive you" I mumbled after I caught a tear before it rolled down my cheek.


    "I really am sorry Rox" He mumbled as he pulled me to him again and ced a kiss on my forehead,


    something he''d never done before. In the past, he would''ve sometimes hugged me on my birthdays or


    if Aiden and I had a fight, but something about him now was indeed different.


    It made me feel as if I never knew my dad at all, and the man I grew up with was the product of what


    happened when he lost his mate. I know this sounds crazy, but I was really interested in knowing who


    he really was.


    "If you made me ruin my makeup..." I sniffled as I shuffled towards the mirror to check my face. I sighed


    in relief when I saw that everything was just the same.


    "Good thing it''s waterproof" He retorted, causing me to shoot him a weird look.


    "How did you know that?"


    "Your mom hasn''t stopped crying since she saw you, and hers looks untouched" I nodded and


    chuckled at how dramatic moms can be on their kid''s wedding day.


    Mom and Jenna had been crying all morning. I was sure they would be at the wedding wearing shades,


    since their eyes must be puffy.


    "Dad um...Will you walk me down the aisle?" I asked after a while of silence. His face immediately lit


    up, and I couldn''t help but smile at the sight.


    "Of course I will. For once I''ll do my duty as a dad"


    I smiled brightly at him before giving myself onest once over and checked the time. It was almost


    time to leave, and I felt my heart beating faster against my chest.


    The door then opened, revealing Aiden in a simr tuxedo as dad, except he was wearing a baby blue


    bowtie, since it was one of the wedding colours. He had seen me before when Lilly had just finished


    with my look, so now he was just smiling widely at me.


    "Ready to walk down the aisle sis?" He beamed as he approached me. My breath suddenly hitched. I


    forgot that Aiden was supposed to walk me down the aisle. I guess I was gonna have two men giving


    me away.


    That sounded so weird.


    The drive to the park in Ace''s pack was somewhat heart fluttering. I was anxious and itching to see


    Ace. Something about being his wife gave me more than butterflies. It gave medybugs and bees too.


    We pulled up in a traffic of people and vehicles near the park entrance. I''ve been here once when Lilly


    was helping me choose a venue, and I immediately knew that this was the ce.


    Ace''s pack was huge with a lot of beautiful scenery areas that we could''ve gotten married in. But I just


    knew this was the ce.


    The flowers and trees present were the most gorgeous things I''ve ever seen, and the way they were


    aligned naturally were even more alluring.


    The area I chose wasrge enough for people from both packs who wanted toe, and there was


    also a small spring running across thend where I asked for the altar to be.


    I could see from the car window that the area was beautifully decorated, as people rushed to park and


    get their seats before the one o''clock start.


    The sun wasn''t zing but it wasn''t overcast either. The atmosphere was just cool and weing. Just


    perfect.


    Lilly and Jane were in the car in front of us, and I assumed that Ace and the other men were already


    there. Lilly''s car took a sharp turn out of the traffic, and towards the side entrance where a white tent


    was pitched close to where the ceremony was being held.


    Aiden stopped behind them, and he and dad helped me and my trail out of his jeep. I followed closely


    behind the girls and into the tent where mom, Jenna, Phillip, Jace and Rose were waiting. My whole


    family.


    "Take me back to when you were a toddler" Phillip cooed as he hugged me. Iughed at hisment


    and wrapped my arms around him tightly.


    "You look gorgeous dear" Rosemented, as I was once again pulled into another hug.


    Jace just looked at me with the same expression Aiden had when he first saw me, and I almost


    laughed. He didn''t have to say anything, he just hugged me closely and mumbled something about little


    sister.


    We spent the next fifteen minutes getting me prepped and passing time, and the music was sounded


    from where the orchestra sat. Scott and Calum then entered, telling us that everyone was seated and


    we were ready. Right on time too.


    With a few more kisses, wishes and hugs, my family left for their seats, leaving dad, Aiden and I in the


    tent. Scott and Jane walked down the aisle first, then Lilly and Calum followed.


    It was finally my time to exit the tent, as I held dad on my left and Aiden on my right. I turned the corner


    that led to the aisle, as my heart beat rapidly against my chest. The music then changed to my


    processional one, and I could hear the rumbling of the people standing up.


    Then, I turned onto the wide, white carpet and I lifted my eyes to find Ace''s. I was immediately met with


    them, and all the anxiousness I felt automatically left.


    We marched slowly down the path, my eyes never once leaving Ace''s. He had a huge smile on his


    face, as he blinked a little faster than usual momentarily. He wore a white jacket tuxedo with ck


    lapel, and a ck dress pants and bow tie. His hair was styled neatly and his teeth shone brightly. He


    looked perfect.


    This was what I always dreamed of. The feeling of surety and adoration as I walked towards my groom.


    The closer I got, the happier I became.


    Once we were at the altar, dad kissed my left cheek and handed my hand to Ace, and Aiden did the


    same with the right after leaving his kiss too.


    The crowd sat as the music died down, and Ace and I were gazing at each other with all the positive


    emotions in the world.


    "Hi beautiful" He whispered, his smile never faltering.


    "Hi handsome"


    "We''re getting married " he retorted, causing me tough.


    "I know"


    "You''re going to be mine"


    "I was always yours Ace" I grinned before leaning in and connecting my lips with his.


    A number of ''awes'' and gasps sounded from the crowd, and I didn''t even remember that we had a


    tonne of people watching us. My mind was just on him from the moment we met eyes.


    Someone clearing their throat broke us apart, and I noticed it came from the old man in front of us.


    "If you would just wait until we''ve reached to that part, Alpha and Luna"


    Weughed shyly as we took back our regr spots, and my heart was overwhelmed with


    unspeakable and unconditional love for this man in front of me.


    My mate, and soon to be husband.

 Chapter 34- Final

    Chapter 34- Final


    Ace''s Pov?


    My beautiful wife.


    I still couldn''t believe she was all mine, so I constantly repeated the same line in my head from the


    minute we said our vows.


    The minute I saw her walk onto that aisle, I was just at loss for words. She looked so phenomenal and


    blissful, that I thought my heart would''ve exploded by just looking at her.


    Not to mention having her forever.


    All my life I would''ve never thought that I was going to get married, since I knew that the mate bond


    was strong enough to bind two wolves for life.


    But with Roxy, I just wanted all of her in every damn way possible. And now I do. I was nothing but


    delighted by that fact.


    I watched her as she carefully peered at Lilly and Calum as they did their dance. The lights were dim,


    giving everyone that eerie feeling of the moment. I looked down at our inteced hands, as her ring


    glistened in the dim light present.


    Receptions weren''t my thing, and I''vee to learn that it wasn''t Roxy''s either. But Lilly was so


    persistent. She wanted us to have the full wedding experience. She did a great job; I had to find a way


    to really thank her.


    For a whole month she had been working non stop to get everything perfect. She would pull her red


    hair into a professional bun, pick up her clip board and bark orders at the poor little staff that she hired


    for the wedding.


    I had to say, it was worth it. Everything was perfect and Roxy was really happy; happier than I''ve ever


    seen her, if I might add.


    That''s all I ever wanted, and if Lilly made that happen she deserves more than just a thank you. Hell I''ll


    even buy her that car she always wanted if I have to.


    The music came to an end and they did their final dip as they stared at each other with an emotion I


    knew too well. We all apuded as they left the dance floor and Jane and Scott took their ces.


    We''ve been doing this for the past fifteen minutes, just watching people dance. My wife and I were


    expected to do a number also, but the woman who spent years learning how to fight apparently never


    learnt how to dance. It was really cute actually.


    She would mess up all the time in rehearsal, though I didn''t mind, then she would throw a tantrum and


    tell Lilly that she wasn''t dancing at the wedding.


    She did that for the first week, until she really followed up on her promise and just stoppeding. I


    had found her in our room that day watching a movie and eating fruit loops. She told me that she was


    serious about not dancing, but I didn''t try to argue with her or change her mind. Lilly didn''t either.


    "You okay?"


    I was broken from my trance by the sweet voice of my princess, and I gazed down at her with a gentle


    smile.


    "I''m more than okay love. I just married the most beautiful woman in the world. I''m exhrated."


    Her cheeks tinted with a crimson red that was visible even under the lightyer of make-up, and I


    couldn''t help but relish in her beauty.


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    "Well in that case, I have news that will make you happier. I know where we''re going for our


    honeymoon"


    I cocked an eyebrow at the statement as I got ready for her to tell me. My Beta took the liberty in


    sending me and my wife away for a week, but refused to tell us where.


    "I overheard Calum and Aiden talking about it. We''re going to Croatia. " She whispered excitedly.


    Quite frankly I had no idea where that was and I was sure I''ll have to google it on the way. But she


    seemed so thrilled about it that I couldn''t help but genuinely share in her excitement. Besides,


    anywhere would''ve been perfect as long as I had her.


    "I can''t wait to see it. It''s so different you know? I thought they would''ve chosen a clich¨¦ honeymoon


    hotspot like Hawaii or Fiji you know? Not that I would''ve minded but ..yay!"


    I chuckled at her zest, though it really didn''t matter to me where we went. However, I was actually


    excited to see a new ce. I''ve travelled before but it was mainly for business.


    A series of apuse cut our conversation short, and I saw that the happy couple had finished their


    performance.


    It was a good thing that Lilly organized the reception to be in the pack''s conference hall. It was the


    ce where we kept our more formal pack meetings. And since so many wolves came today, it was


    able to house everybody. It wasn''t less decorated than the park that Roxy chose, and at first I didn''t


    even recognize the ce. Once again, hats off to Lilly.


    "And for our final number for the evening..." The MC announced which slightly confused me since


    everyone already performed. "The bride and groom themselves! Help me wee Mister and Missus


    Wilson everybody!"


    People everywhere cheered as Roxy red at a guilty looking Lilly. She never really took us off the


    programme. Sneaky little thing.


    She pushed through our mindlink, and from the look on Roxy''s face she heard it too. I chuckled and


    kissed her hand, getting her attention instantly.


    "Come on. Just follow my lead" I urged and she sighed as we walked to the dancefloor.


    The slow song that we rehearsed to came on, and I carefully led her throughout the short section we


    rehearsed. She missed a few steps, but she was doing great.


    I noticed that she was no longer scowling, but she had a calm, peaceful look on her face as I rocked


    her from side to side.


    She rested her head on my shoulder, and we gently swayed to Christina Perri''s, A Thousand Years. I


    pulled her closer to me by her waist, and gently ced a kiss on the side of her head.


    "I''m really d I met you Ace. Even if it wasn''t in best terms" She mumbled in my chest, sending a


    familiar wave through me.


    "It was in the perfect terms love. What we went through made us into the couple we are today. I''m


    really d I met you too baby"


    She pulled away so she could look into my eyes, and I got a perfect view of her beautiful brown orbs.


    "I love you so much. And I wont stop telling you for as long as I live"


    I bent my head to ce a soft kiss on her perfect lips. "I love you too ma cherie. And I will spend the


    rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me. You are my world Roxanna Wilson. I


    could''ve never wished for a more perfect mate"


    And it was true. Roxy may have thought she wasn''t, but in my world she was. And I will spend


    everyday showing her just how perfect she is to me.


    So, as we glided together in the middle of the room with her head against my chest listening to my


    heartbeat, that was all I could think about.


    My Roxanna Gilbert Wilson. My heart, my life.


    MY undercover mate.


    The END.

 Chapter 35- Bonus Chapter- Niall

    Chapter 35- Bonus Chapter- Niall


    Note: Huge time jump below. And I know some of you wont like it so I just wanna say this.


    Please don''t look to this chapter as a closure. Please! Your closure was in "Chapter 34-Final" so if you


    decide to see this as the final, please don''t. You''ll like the previous one better, trust me.


    Happy reading!


    ***


    Roxy''s pov


    "Asia! You get back here youngdy! "


    Ah, there it is. Lilly and Asia''s daily fights.


    Ace chuckled from beside me, given that it was just 6 in the morning and Asia was already throwing a


    tantrum.


    Teenage girls. Always so daring.


    Lilly and her daughter would have it out for each other every morning for a different reason. Asia just


    thought that her mom was being overbearing and unreasonable, but I could never tell.


    Calum would bring peace between the two, and by the end of the day they would be cuddling and


    watching a show together.


    It''s such a cute rtionship really, but I''m d I didn''t have to deal with that kind of drama.


    My fifteen year old son never fought with me. He was respectful, kind and open-minded--surely great


    qualities for a future Alpha. I never knew how I could be so blessed, but I''m d I was.


    I heard a knock on my bedroom door, and I stared at it with a knowing look.


    "Your turn" Ace mumbled in the pillow, and I dragged myself to the door with a small smile on my face.


    This was Asia''s thing. She would seek refuge with me or Jane until her dades and fetches her


    away. I never minded though. She was always like a daughter to me.


    I opened the door and was met with a sad looking Asia. Her bright auburn hair was messy and tangled


    in a bun, and she wore her cute puppy pyjamas with a pout on her lips.


    "Hi aunt Roxy" she mumbled shyly. I chuckled and pulled her into a tight hug.


    "Happy birthday sweetheart"


    "Thank you. It hasn''t started pretty happy though. " She fiddled with the strings of her pants, and I


    carried her inside and sat her on the couch.


    "Why are you fighting with your mom on your birthday?"


    She huffed and straightened her back, something she always did when she was ready to tell me about


    the fights. "I went to her room to ask her if I could go to the field and shift, but she refused to let me go!


    How is that fair? It''s my first time shifting and she''s being unsupportive. On. My. Sixteenth. Birthday! "


    I smiled slyly and took her hands in mine. "Did she say you couldn''t, or did she say you couldn''t right


    now? "


    "She said I couldn''t right now" She mumbled, knowing where I was going with this.


    "She''s just trying to keep you safe Asia. It''s 6 in the morning and no one is out yet. I''m sure she wanted


    you to goter in the day when it''s safer. You know, since the whole rogue incidentst week"


    "Yea but you guys caught him, and he was alone"


    "It''s still too soon. And don''t you think it''s just a little bit too early in the morning? "


    She chuckled and shook her head. "I guess I was just excited."


    "I know. Every wolf is when it''s their first day. Just be easier on your mom. She really loves you "


    "She is kinda pretty cool, isn''t she? " I threw her a ¡®duh¡¯ look, and we bothughed.


    "Sorry if I woke you uncle Ace" She called towards the bed, where Ace was pretending that he wasn''t


    listening.


    "Aah that''s okay love. I had to be up soon anyways, I have a meeting today. And happy birthday. I left


    you your gift in the foyer"


    "Why the foyer? "


    He smirked. "You''ll see"


    The door then flew open, and a sleepy looking Niall stepped through. His hair was messy and he was


    rubbing his eyes, and I noticed how Asia perked up by his entrance.


    My son has always been a charmer. Maybe I was being biased, but he was the most handsome fifteen


    year old in the history of fifteen year olds. This didn''t go unnoticed by Asia.


    She''s always had a crush on him, and I knew she wanted him to be her mate. But the minute he came


    closer and her face fell, I knew he wasn''t.


    Since she''s sixteen now, her wolf is awakened in her and she''ll be able to scent out her mate. But


    apparently it wasn''t my son. I felt for her, but you can''t mess with fate.


    "Do you have to wake everyone in the house even on your birthday? " He grinned as he approached us


    and pulled her into a hug.


    Ace threw me a look, and I simply shook my head, answering his silent question. Niall, who hadn''t


    gotten a ''you''re my mate'' reaction from her, looked sorta disappointed too, but he shook it off.


    "I''m sorry. I was just excited. That''s all"


    "That''s cool. Jared and I will goter to shift. I can''t wait to see your wolf"


    Jared was Jane and Scott''s son. He was just a few months younger than Niall, and the three were


    basically inseparable. They''ll work well side by side one day.


    Jane got pregnant again two years after Jared was born, but she lost the baby and they never went


    again. Well of course they ''went again'', but they never tried the baby thing again after that. It was heart


    wrenching really.


    She went through a lot at that time, and Lilly and I tried to give her as much support as possible.


    Luckily, after a long while she sorta got over it and went back to her normal peachy self, but she was


    too scared to go again.


    And so was I. But for totally different reasons.


    Ace wanted more pups, but I just couldn''t go through that again. Giving birth is like stretching your


    bottom lip and forcing it over your head. And even after so many years, I still had very low tolerance for


    pain.


    So, I stuck with my one baby boy. And I''m so proud of the man he''s bing.


    He led Asia out of our room, where she met her parents and their voices died down as they went down


    the hall. I looked to Ace who was sitting up in the bed, shirtless and looking great as ever.


    I bit my lip and locked the door, then I slowly walked to him with a sexy smirk on my face.


    "What time are Luka and Victoria getting here? " I asked in a seductive voice, tracing my finger over his


    hard chest.


    "Around 12." He replied huskily. "Why? "


    I didn''t answer. I only climbed on top of him and crashed my lips onto his.


    ***


    "Okay everyone in position!"


    They all stood up and lined the living room when we heard Alpha Luka pull up. Even though we were


    alliances for years and we''ve be friends, we still weed them formally.


    Ace went to the door to greet them, and I noticed they had their son and Victoria''s sister with them. I''ve


    never met the two, but I was eager to now.


    "Luna Roxanna. It''s nice to see you again" Victoria eximed as she hugged me. Everyone did their


    greetings, and it was nice to have the formal air gone.


    Victoria and Luka were the Alpha and Luna of one of our strongest alliances, The Brightwater Pack.


    Over the years we''ve met for various reasons, so we became friends. The formality was solely for


    work.


    "Hi I''m Zoey, Victoria''s sister. She brought me here because she thought I was gonna shave my head "


    The young girl said and we allughed.


    I shook her hand and weed her to the pds. She seemed sweet, but I understood why


    Victoria would want to keep an eye on her teenage sister.


    She looked around the same age as Niall, and she was actually very pretty. She had light brown skin


    with coily loose curls that fell to her shoulder. She and Victoria had the same brown eyes and some


    other simr features, but since they had different dads they looked slightly different.


    Levi on the other hand, who was their son, had everything for Luka. He was quite an eye catcher too,


    just like my son.


    A thudding sound on the stairs caught all our attention, and I turned to see that it was Niall himself.


    Speak of the devil.


    "I didn''t notice you guys have arrived. It''s nice to see you again." He greeted politely when he noticed


    the extra bodies in the room. "I''m sorry for intruding, I was just passing by"


    "Niall" I warned. He must know better than to just try and leave like this. "Come introduce yourself,


    don''t you notice the new faces?"


    His eyebrows shot up as he noticed Zoey and Levi who were standing across from him. I noticed how


    he watched Zoey for a while longer, but he quicklyposed himself and went towards them.


    "My apologies" He smiled down at Levi, who was already sizing up respectfully to another future Alpha.


    "Niall Wilson, pleasure meeting you" It was sweet how professional he was being with the eight year


    old. It showed us that he had character.


    "Levi Jones. Pleasure meeting you too"


    Niall then proceeded to Luka and Victoria, shaking their hands and expressing greetings.


    "Luna Victoria. Looking as beautiful as ever" He cooed, cing a kiss on her hand. I nearlyughed at


    my son''s gesture, as everyone chuckled.


    Ace shook his head amusingly, and Luka chuckled lightly while Victoria just blushed at him. As I said,


    always a charmer.


    Then he turned to Zoey, and all boldness and confidence faded. I saw him visibly swallow, and he


    looked like my six year old son who broke my favourite vase rather than the bold future Alpha.


    "Uh-hi. I''m uh..um"


    "Niall, I know" Zoey finished with a blush, and he too broke out in a burning red. "I''m Zoey"


    From where I stood, I noticed how his eyes softened a huge fraction at the sound of her name, as he


    worded it silently with his mouth.


    She then pushed out a hand to shake, and the minute they touched, both their eyes widened and they


    pulled back as fast as they touched.


    We all watched them strangely, and Ace and I shared a look before sharing a look with Luka and


    Victoria.


    "I feel like I''ve known you all my life." Zoey whispered softly, both of them still staring at each other as if


    they were the only persons in the room.


    "And you''re the prettiest girl I''ve ever seen" My son boldly stated, even catching me off guard. Zoey bit


    her lip and pushed a curl behind her ear, and my heart warmed as I realized what was really happening


    here.


    "I bet you''ve seen a lot of girls. That cant be true" She brushed him off.


    His charming smile was back as he stepped closer to her. "Oh but it is. You are. And your hair is so


    beautiful " He reached out to touch her hair and she let him.


    "And your eyes are beautiful.. " His hand trailed from the curl down her cheek, and my heart rate picked


    up when I saw how this could turn out.


    "And your lips.. "


    "Okay! " I eximed with a p, breaking them out of their daze since I knew he would''ve probably


    kissed her right there and then.


    I wasn''t against him doing so, but one, I wasn''t even sure if they were actually mates, two, I''m not sure


    how Victoria would''ve handled that and three, they''re in a room filled with adults.


    "Why don''t you THREE go find something to do" I ced Levi between them. "And while you''re at it,


    find Asia and Jared too. "


    They looked surprisingly bummed , and I ced a kiss on Niall''s head, which he tried to duck with an


    embarrassed look on his face.


    He gave Zoey another longing look before leading them through a hallway.


    We looked around at each other with knowing looks. After what we''ve just witnessed, there was a great


    chance that they were mates.


    But since none of them are 16 yet and haven''t shifted or woken their wolves, they wouldn''t know just


    yet. They would just feel attracted to each other without knowing why. But I already have my theory.


    I totally call it.


    Ace and I led Luka and Victoria into the office, and we settled downfortably before starting.


    "So do you think they are mates? " I asked excitedly as soon as we were seated.


    "Oh I know they are" Victoria chirped, sharing my excitement.


    This was so nice. Even though I felt for Asia, I couldn''t help but feel satisfied that my baby''s mate


    comes from a good family, and that which we are close to too. It won''t be our rtionship, but it will


    give me some peace.


    "I guess we just have to wait and see" Ace said as he picked up a file.


    Victoria and I groaned simultaneously. We never liked meetings, but with packs who have alliances


    together, we had to have them.


    It''s just the duty of a Luna.


    ***


    It was about six in the afternoon, and everything was settling down. Our guests left like two hours ago,


    and Asia wasing down from her birthday high.


    I got the chance to see her wolf, and she was beautiful. The day went perfectly, and even Niall seemed


    a little more pumped than usual.


    Don''t have to guess twice about the reason.


    Ace and I decided to take a bath together, so I set the water running for us. I stepped out of my robe


    and sunk into the warm rose petaled water. I leaned back and closed my eyes, as I heard the door


    open.


    Seconds after, he eased himself behind me, and I rxed into his chest.


    "This is nice" I mumbled, feeling my limbs loosen.


    "I know. I could never get tired of having you close"


    He squeezed some water from the sponge onto my shoulder, then ced a kiss there as the water


    rolled away. I hummed in approval at how good that felt, as he did it numerous times up and down my


    shoulders and neck.


    "And I can never get tired of the way you make me feel" I moaned as he sucked on the spot that held


    my im, and I had the sudden urge to get up and take this to the bedroom.


    "Are you happy we made it through everything? " He suddenly asked as he trailed more kisses on my


    sensitive skin.


    "Of course I am sweetie. Everything turned out so perfectly, and I''m with you so how couldn''t it have


    been?"


    "I told you that you were my perfect mate" He whispered. I smiled and turned around to straddle him.


    He held my bare bum as I ran my wet fingers through his hair.


    "You''ve told me that almost everyday for fifteen years."


    "And I mean it more each time"


    I giggled as he squeezed my hips, and I bent down to kiss him with all the love I could muster.


    "Well you''re my perfect mate too" I mumbled against his lips before recapturing them in a soft kiss.


    And it was so true. Over the years Ace has been nothing but loving, sweet, strong and kind. I


    understood why mates were so sacred, and I''m grateful everyday for the one I got.


    Cause even if nobody else but me believes it, he is my perfect mate.


    And I''m his.


    .


    .


    .


    ---


    PLEASE READ...


    Hello again my lovely people!


    By now you would''ve read the bonus chapter and you might''ve had two things in mind. 1. That was


    good or 2. Is there be another book?


    Well for all my ''1'' people, thank you lol. And for my two people, there is actually!? This bonus chapter


    titled- Bonus Chapter- Niall,  is sort of a pilot for the third book in the Alpha''s Mate Series, and it''s


    called:


    ''Alpha Niall And His Lost Mate''? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Please see my profile for the book.


    And as you may have guessed, it is Niall''s story.


    If you are totally confused, and you''ve only read this book, don''t be discouraged my friend. All the


    books in this series are stand alone books. You don''t have to read one or the other to understand.


    You don''t even have to read any one of them.


    The only advantage cross over readers will have are the little familiar omg moments.


    So that is all I think. I hope everything was clear.


    Y''all can check out my other book too if you''re into werewolves. It''s longer, more heartfelt and filled with


    more twists. It''s the first book in the series called: Alpha Luka And His Human Mate


    So until next time my loves. Please stay safe.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!