THE ALPHA'S FORGOTTEN MATE

a's

ped through heavy curtains, casting silvery patterns on the unfamiliar walls. My head

e chill creeping up my spine. This wasn't my room. I struggled to sit up, my muscles s

oulders, and eyes that gleamed like molten gold in the dimness. He stepped closer, his scent-a heady mix

said, his voice d

The question came out sharper than I intended, b

er of pain cross his features. "Aria," he said, as if my nam

it didn't matter. I didn't know him. I didn't know this pack. And yet, there was something

ing myself upright. My hands clenched t

t remember," he murmured, more to himself than to me. He s

te

ok my head, trying to make sense of his claim. "No," I said, my voice trembl

erritory, unconscious and alone. No one else was around. And you'

s words didn't make sense. I couldn't remember anything befo

ing. "I don't know you. I don't kno

blow he hadn't expected. He opened his mouth to speak, but befo

d eyes like ice. Her gaze flicked to me, her lips pressing i

me. Then, with a sharp nod, he turned to the

y-a faint, fleeting fragment-but it

r now, almost hesitant. And then he was gon

ms, studying me. "How

ing. "Nothing," I admitted. "I

ness in her eyes didn't completely fade.

ked, a thread of panic wind

been through more than you can handle. And your memories... they

el safe. I felt trapped, caught in a we

his mate?" I asked, d

you are," she said finally. "But it's not my story

left the room before I could ask more. The door click

leanor's guarded tone, the strange familiarity of this place-i

began to surface. A voice-deep and steady. Laughter, soft and warm.

my heart pounded in my chest. Whatever I'd just rememb

kind that