Alpha's Chosen Mate
y. Arielle stood on the balcony outside her room, watching as the last rays of light d
lping with strategic planning to strengthen their defenses against Loute wolves. Yet, amid the activity, there was an undercurrent of tension-both from the threats outside and the comple
tinged with a seriousnes
d, curious about the
gesturing toward the hallway. "I wan
ping out of her room and c
gainst the wooden floors. Eric led her to a small, secluded garden at the back of the
esturing to the garden around them.
pack's best-kept secrets," Eric said with a small sm
one bench, folding her arms
thank you for everything you've done since you arrived. You'v
her at his words. "I'm just trying to
I know this wasn't what you wanted, an
f their shared responsibilities heavy between the
began, his voice steady despite the tension in the air
then spoke with a vulnerabi
Arielle. More than I ever expected."Arielle's breath caught in her throat as hi
er voice barely above a whisper. "You'
ir-a shift from uncertainty to something more tangible, more real.Eric too
could feel her heart pounding in her chest, every nerve alive with anticipation.Then, slowly, as if drawn by an invisible force, Eri
elle closed her eyes, leaning into the kiss as the world fell away, leaving
a whirlwind of emotions swirl inside her-surprise, relief,
eeks flushed with both exhi
yes filled with warmth and
ity of the moment settle around them. It was a turning point-a shift f
ght of her fears and doubts lif
we see where this goes. Together."Arielle nodded, her h
truly connected-not just to the pack, but to Eric
filled with the sound of crickets chirping. The silence between the
you arrived?" Eric asked sudd
rget? I was terrified and convinced you
I thought you'd be a pampered princess
idn't you?" Arielle teased, nudgi
light. "I was wrong. You're much stronger an
d with mock indignation. "I'
ne softening. "You've brought something to this pack, Ari
nating with her. "I feel the same way about you, Eric. You've shown
that seemed to embrace them in its quiet watchfulness. The night was
ld have chosen," Eric said, his voice low an
her fingers through his. "Me too. Wha
into something unspoken but deeply felt. The future was uncertain, and the challenges they faced were real, but for the first time, Arielle felt truly hopeful.As they walked back to the p