Ayla's 18th birthday was supposed to be the start of her happily ever after. But when Ryker, the powerful Alpha, rejects her as his mate, Ayla's world is turned upside down. As she navigates her feelings of heartbreak and inadequacy, two handsome twins, Kaid and Kieran, enter her life and spark a forbidden attraction. But with her father's plans to marry her off to the mysterious Prince Marcus, Ayla's future seems more uncertain than ever. And if that's not enough, her best friend Lilly's betrayal will change everything. Using dark magic to manipulate Ryker's feelings, Lilly marries the man Ayla loves. Will Ayla find a way to reclaim her heart and her rightful place, or will the secrets and lies surrounding her destroy everything she holds dear? Dive into this captivating tale of love, magic, and self-discovery, where the lines between loyalty, duty, and desire are constantly blurred."
Chapter 1 SHATTERED JOY
AYLA'S POV
My 18th birthday was supposed to be the happiest day. But things didn't go as planned. I looked at myself in the mirror, smoothing my dress. Our pack's big party was waiting. My name is Ayla Winter. I'm an Omega wolf. One person makes me feel special - Ryker Blackwood.
I remembered good times with Ryker, Ryker teaching me to hunt. Ryker smiling when I shifted for the first time. Ryker helping me when I was hurt.
We laughed, went on adventures, and had quiet moments. As I went downstairs, people laughed and talked. My friend Lily smiled. "Ayla, you look amazing!" "Thanks, Lil!" I smiled, looking for Ryker. He stood tall, with broad shoulders, across the room. Our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat. Ryker came over, his deep voice making me feel happy. "Happy birthday, Ayla." My face turned red. "Thanks, Ryker."
He gave me a small box. "For you." Inside, a beautiful silver necklace sparkled with a small moonstone. "It's beautiful!" I exclaimed. Ryker's eyes softened. "You deserve the best, Ayla." Then, his face turned sad. "Ayla, my parents don't approve of us. They want me to marry someone else." My heart broke. "Why?"
Ryker's voice cracked. "Our parents hate each other. I'm sorry, Ayla." Tears fell down my face. My father appeared, smiling slyly.
"Ayla, I have a surprise." "What is it?" I asked, feeling uneasy."All in good time," he replied, looking around.
I felt uneasy. The Nightshade twins, Kaid and Kieran, came over. "Ayla, we've been looking for you." Their blue eyes sparkled with interest.
A branch snapped. The twins protected me. "Who's there?" Kaid growled.
Someone ran away. "What happened?" I asked. Kieran locked eyes with me. "We'll keep you safe."
My father spoke. "Ayla, meet Marcus, your future husband." My world crashed. "You arranged this without telling me?" I felt betrayed. "No arguments, Ayla. This will help our packs."
Ryker's eyes met mine, filled with regret.
My heart hurt.
I was torn between three loves: Ryker - My true love, forbidden. Marcus - My arranged fiancé. And Kaid and Kieran - Protectors who sparked feelings.
To overcome this, I must: Follow my heart, Face our packs' hatred. And Discover the Nightshades' intentions.
Is love worth fighting for? Yes. Love knows no bounds As the night went on, I struggled. Ryker's absence hurt.
Marcus approached, smiling. "Ayla, let's get to know each other." I nodded, trying to be polite. But my heart belonged to Ryker. Kaid and Kieran watched, concerned. What did they want?
Why did Ryker's eyes haunt me? Lily whispered. "Ayla, be careful. Marcus has secrets," I nodded, thinking.
What secrets?" I asked. But Lily whispered, "later,".
I missed my mom, who passed away. If only she were here... My father's distance hurt. Why was he so cold? I'll follow my heart.
Through darkness and uncertainty. To Ryker. To love. But memories of my mom lingered.
Her laughter, her warmth. Her absence still hurt. My father's words echoed. "Ayla, you're strong. You'll make a great pack leader." But without Ryker?
Without my mom? I felt lost.
The party continued, but I couldn't shake off the sadness. Ryker's absence. My arranged marriage. My mom's memory.
As the night wore on, I made a decision. I'll fight for my love. For Ryker. For our future. Together.
The rest of the party blurred together.
I smiled and laughed, but my heart wasn't in it.
I couldn't stop thinking about Ryker. Where was he?
Was he thinking of me? The questions swirled in my mind.
As the party ended, I escaped to my room. Tears streamed down my face.
I felt so alone. But I knew what I had to do. Fight for Ryker
Fight for our love. No matter the cost.
The next day, I decided to confront my father. "Dad, I need to talk to you," I said, standing in his office. "Ayla, what's on your mind?" he asked, looking up from his papers.
"I don't want to marry Marcus," I said firmly.
My father sighed. "Ayla, we've discussed this. The union will strengthen our packs." "But what about my happiness?" I asked.
"Happiness comes second my dear daughter," My father replied. My father's expression turned cold. "You'll do as you're told, Ayla. For the pack's sake."
I felt a surge of anger. "You're sacrificing my happiness for politics?" He stood, his eyes flashing. "You're a Winter, Ayla. Duty comes first,". I turned to leave, but his words stopped me.
"You're not thinking clearly, Ayla. Marcus will provide for you, protect you. "I don't need protection," I said, my voice firm. "I need love."
My father's face darkened. "Love is a weakness, Ayla. Don't let it cloud your judgment."
I knew I had to escape. Over the next few days, I avoided Marcus.
But he persisted. "Ayla, we need to talk," he said, cornering me in the garden.
"What do you want, Marcus?" I asked. "I want to know why you're avoiding me," he replied. "I'm not interested in you," I said bluntly. Marcus's face darkened.
"You'll change your mind," he said. I shuddered. But I refused to back down.
As the days passed, tensions rose, between me and Marcus. Between our packs. But I wouldn't give up. I would fight for Ryker. For our love.No matter the cost.
One night, I snuck out to meet Ryker. We met in secret. In the old oak forest. Under the full moon. Our love shone brighter than ever. But our families' hatred threatened to tear us apart. "We can't keep meeting like this," Ryker said. "I know," I replied. "I need to see you too," I said.
Our lips met, kissing. Our hearts beat as one. But our love was forbidden. And our families would stop at nothing to keep us apart. As we parted ways, a chill ran down my spine. I sensed eyes watching me. I turned, but saw nothing.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. "Ayla," a low voice growled. My heart skipped a beat. "Who's there?" I demanded. The figure stepped closer.
My blood ran cold. It was Marcus. And he wasn't alone. A sinister smile spread across his face. "You're mine now, Ayla," he whispered. I tried to run, but my feet felt heavy. As if rooted to the ground. Ryker's voice echoed in my mind. "I'll always protect you, Ayla."
But where was he now? Was I truly alone? And then, everything went black.