DESTINED TO LOVE, FATED TO CHOOSE

A'S

looked at myself in the mirror, smoothing my dress. Our pack's big party was waiting. My

ng me to hunt. Ryker smiling when I shifted for

u look amazing!" "Thanks, Lil!" I smiled, looking for Ryker. He stood tall, with broad shoulders, across the room. Our eyes met, and my

"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed. Ryker's eyes softened. "You deserve the best, Ayla." Then, his face turne

ch other. I'm sorry, Ayla." Tears fell down

t?" I asked, feeling uneasy."All in g

Kieran, came over. "Ayla, we've been looking f

wins protected me. "Who

d?" I asked. Kieran locked eyes

y world crashed. "You arranged this without telling me?" I f

et mine, fille

eart

ove, forbidden. Marcus - My arranged fiancé. And

heart, Face our packs' hatred. And D

e knows no bounds As the night went

er." I nodded, trying to be polite. But my heart belonged to

whispered. "Ayla, be careful. Marc

asked. But Lily w

she were here... My father's distance hurt

inty. To Ryker. To love. But

My father's words echoed. "Ayla, you're strong. Yo

y mom? I

ake off the sadness. Ryker's absence.

cision. I'll fight for my love. F

he party blur

ghed, but my hea

hinking about Ryk

me? The questions

scaped to my room. Tear

I knew what I had t

love. No mat

d to talk to you," I said, standing in his office. "Ayla,

o marry Marcus,

this. The union will strengthen our packs

er replied. My father's expression turned cold. "Y

olitics?" He stood, his eyes flashing. "You're a Winter, Ayla.

provide for you, protect you. "I don't need pr

ove is a weakness, Ayla. Don'

e. Over the next few

e need to talk," he said,

why you're avoiding me," he replied. "I'm not inter

" he said. I shuddered. B

rcus. Between our packs. But I wouldn't give up. I w

on. Our love shone brighter than ever. But our families' hatred threatened to tear us apart. "We

d our families would stop at nothing to keep us apart. As we parted ways, a c

," a low voice growled. My heart skipped a beat. "

face. "You're mine now, Ayla," he whispered. I tried to run, but my feet felt heavy. As

s I truly alone? And the