My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 18

Ayla

Ruby and I were in her room as we got ready for the mateball. I was feeling kind of nervous about meeting almost the entire pack all at once. I wonder if my father told them about me or if I’m just Nate’s mate. He is the future beta. I had a better understanding of how a pack works and the mate bond they share, but I still have so many unanswered questions. Even being a mermaid. How could we do this long distance if I’m in the water? Where would I keep my phone? And what if something important happened and he couldn’t reach me or I him? And what about babies? I didn’t want to doubt my relationship with Nate, but I’m not sure how we can make this work. Maybe we can’t until I deal with King Kaden.

“Earth to Ayla,” Ruby exclaimed. I was sitting on the edge of her bed. I was already ready to go and was waiting for Ruby.

“What’s up?” I asked her.

“Are you okay?” She asked me, sitting down beside me. She modeled every outfit she had before I finally convinced her to wear something that was sexy but still covered her. You don’t have to show the goods to get attention. And Ruby was gorgeous, with light brown hair and dark blue eyes. She was slim and not as curvy, but still gorgeous.

“Yeah, sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.” I sighed.

“Is one of those things my brother?” She asked, nudging my shoulder.

“How about you tell me why you hate his friend, Mitch, so much?” I asked her, changing the subject. She let out a sigh, stood up, and went to check her makeup in the mirror.

“I don’t hate him. I hate his sister. She’s been a b***h to me since forever and I don’t want to be involved in that family. She also has been chasing Nate for forever, so be careful around her. She plays the victim well,” Ruby explained.

“But you’re the beta’s daughter, surely your word is worth more than hers?” I asked, confused. I thought a pack was supposed to take care of each other.

“She’s also f****d half the pack and they always take her side.” She told me. And with that statement, a question I didn’t want to know the answer popped into my head, and before I could stop myself, I blurted it out.

“Has Nate been with her?” Ruby turned away from the mirror to look at me.

“f**k, I’m sorry. He’s your brother. I never should have asked. He’s entitled to a past before me.” I backtracked.

“I don’t think he has. She only chases until they give in and she has been chasing my brother since high school.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding in. Not that I had any right. I wasn’t a virgin before I had s*x with Nate and I’m sure he wasn’t. But I feel overprotective of him. I could kill Mitch’s sister if she was just looking at Nate the wrong way.

“Besides, you have nothing to worry about, Ayla. My brother is crazy about you. And I’m glad he was bonded to someone I can get along with. I wouldn’t have to be stuck with a crazy b***h as a sister-in-law.” We both giggled.

“I like you too, Ruby,” I told her with a smile.

“Now shall we make our grand entrance? I can’t wait to see my brother’s face when you walk in.” She squealed and I laughed.

“Ruby, you are beautiful. And one of those wolves would be lucky to have a mate like you. And I think you should tell Nate about what Mitch’s sister has been doing. Or speak to my father. This is your home and you shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable here.” I told her, standing up, and I gave her a hug.

“Thank you, Ayla.” She hugged me back. We pulled apart and we made our way down the stairs.

“Now let’s get this party started!” She yelled as we exited the house and made our way over to the pack house.

It was about a fifteen-minute walk but I needed the distraction. My stomach got tighter in knots the closer we walked to the pack house. I didn’t know what to expect or how to even introduce myself to people. Do I tell them, I’m the alpha’s daughter or do I say I’m Nate’s mate?

Before we made it to our destination, we had boys yelling at us for us to give them our attention. Ruby was looking sexy in her black fitted long-sleeve dress. It fell to her knees and she paired it with red heels. She curled her hair before pulling it off her neck and up into a ponytail. Her makeup was done smoky with red lipstick.

My hair was down but I made sure my mark was on full display and I didn’t shower, so I still smelt like Nate. It’s weird to know people can smell Nate on me and know we had s*x. And he was around my father and grandfather. I’m glad I can’t smell that deeply. I would hate to smell my father and know he was just having s*x. I shivered at the thought.

Ruby led me down a pathway around the pack house, which was a stone mansion. The ground shook as we made our way down some stone stairs to the back garden. Soon a white party tent that was attached to the walkout basement came into view.

I was more impressed with the garden. Fairy lights lit up the garden and it was magical. Why would I go inside the tent, when we could walk around the garden under the stars? And standing by the door opening of the tent was Nate. Dressed in black slacks, and a white dress shirt with the first few top buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up.

“Will you stop watching my brother like a piece of meat?” Ruby pulled me from my dirty thought of her brother.

“As soon as you replace yours, you’ll understand.” I giggled.

“Let’s get in there before all the good ones are taken,” Ruby exclaimed. She took my hand and started dragging me to the tent.

One of the men Nate was standing with, leaned into his ear and he whipped around to see me. He grinned when he saw me and I couldn’t help but grin back. He was so sexy and I wish he could take me upstairs already.

He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into his chest.

“Beautiful,” he whispered in my ear, causing goosebumps to erupt all over my skin.

“You look pretty sexy yourself.” I purred, wrapping my arms around his neck. Nate crushed his lips to mine and everyone and everything faded as I deepened the k**s.

It left us both breathless as he pulled away and rested his forehead against me. Ruby yelling at Nate pulled us from our moment.

“Nate, get off of my date.” She huffed and he sighed.

“I don’t want you going in there,” Nate confessed.

“Remember, I’m here for Ruby. But I do have something to ask you when we are done. Don’t let me forget,” I told him and he pulled away to look at me. I could see he was concerned.

“Nothing bad,” I reassured him and he smiled.

“Good.” He breathed out.

“Beta Nate, we need your assistance,” someone called out behind us.

“Beta Nate, it would seem you are needed.” I purred, kissing his neck.

“F**k.” He shivered.

“Pencil me in for later?” I asked, pecking his lips.

“Go, before I throw you over my shoulder.” He sighed.

“You can do that later,” I told him with a wink as I moved passed him. He grabbed my hand before I was out of reach and I turned back to look at him.

“Stay in public places at all times.” He said and I nodded before I blew him a k**s.

“Come on, you’ll see him in an hour. He’s not going off to war.” Ruby huffed, grabbing my hand, she pulled me away from Nate and into the tent.

The tent was lightly lit with candles on the tables that surrounded the dance floor. There was a DJ playing in front of the dance floor and a few bars around the tent. The tent was full of bodies, pressed tightly up against each other. Looking around, I wonder how many actually found their mates.

I wonder if Mitch knows he’s Ruby’s mate and that’s why he is working as security with Nate, instead of being part of the party. But then again, if his sister was Ruby’s bully, I can understand why she would hate him and not want to be a part of that family.

I was deep in my thoughts when Ruby dragged me over to a bar and ordered us both a champagne. I wasn’t going to judge. Ruby is under eighteen but I’d had a fake ID since I was fifteen. And I was here to keep an eye on her.

There were a few guys sitting at the bar and as soon as they sniffed the air, they moved away from us. I’m more of a cockblock for Ruby than a wingman, but she didn’t seem to notice as she downed her champagne, her h**s swaying to the music.

“Drink, so we can go dance!” She yelled over the music. I knew I couldn’t leave her alone so I downed my drink.

The music pounded through my body as she pulled me onto the dance floor. The air was thick with the scent of sweat as bodies moved to the rhythm of the music. It didn’t take long before Ruby and I were grinding along to the music. Her hands were on my h**s, her thighs pushing up my skirt as we moved our h**s to the beat.

A tall, blonde, handsome guy came up behind Ruby and grabbed her h**s, grinding himself into her backside. He was whispering to her but I couldn’t hear anything over the music. She smiled and giggled at him, looking over her shoulder at him. I could tell she was smitten with this stranger but maybe they knew each other.

“You okay?” I asked her, leaning into her ear. She nodded.

“I’m going to get some water. Stay on the dance floor.” I told her and she nodded again. As soon as she let go of me, the stranger spun her around and into his chest. She was smiling and giggling as I walked off the dance floor to replace a bar.

I felt lightheaded as I leaned against the top of the bar. I asked the bartender for a bottle of water. Sweat covered my body as exhaustion settled in. I did spend all afternoon working out with Nate. The thought of us brought a smile to my face as I sipped my water. I should go see if he’s done for the night. Before I could leave the bar, someone stepped in close behind me, pinning me to the bar.

“What’s a gorgeous girl like you doing drinking water at the bar alone?” He purred in my ear. His breath on my neck made me want to vomit.

“I’m not alone. Now move.” I demanded. And he chuckled. The bartender gave me a look before being pulled away to make more drinks.

“You look alone to me.” He teased.

“I’m taken, now please move,” I said firmly, trying to turn around to push him away.

“I don’t see a mark on your neck.” He moved my hair away from my neck, sniffing me. I wonder why he couldn’t smell Nate on me. I started to panic as his hands moved to my h**s and he pushed himself against my a*s.

Looking around, I tried to replace anyone I knew to help with this guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer. It wasn’t until I saw Ruby being pulled off the dance floor to the exit did I really start to panic. I told Nate I would protect his sister.

I whipped around and pushed the guy off of me with more strength than I thought I could possess. The action startled him and he stumbled back. I didn’t say another word as I rushed to the exit to replace Ruby. In this situation, I wish I could follow her scent.

I didn’t see anyone as I rushed through the garden, hoping Ruby was heading this way. Where was all the security? Where was Nate? I heard Ruby scream before I came upon the scene of her on the ground sitting in a mud puddle. She was about to burst into tears while others were laughing, including the guys she had been dancing with. I recognized one of the girls as the one who was making out with Nate at the bar.

“Ruby, are you okay?” I yelled, rushing over to her.

“Oh look, we have a human to play with.” The girl taunted me as I helped Ruby to stand.

“Oh f**k off,” I growled at her.

“Ayla, don’t,” Ruby pleaded with me.

“You must be Mitch’s sister,” I said, looking right at her.

“Oh, I see you’ve heard of me.” She grinned.

“Nothing good, I promise you.” I glared at her and she gasped.

“Ruby, why would you tell such lies?” She asked, sounding hurt.

“Get Nate,” I whispered to Ruby. Ruby’s eyes clouded but I’m not sure if she got ahold of Nate as I was ripped away from Ruby. One of the guys wrapped me in a bear hug, facing away from him, so I was facing Mitch’s sister and the others.

I fought against him, but he was strong. The others laughed at my attempt to escape his grip.

“Ruby, run,” I yelled before I was slapped hard across the face. My head whipped to the side and I could taste the b***d in my mouth.

“Why the f**k are you here human?” She growled out.

“That’s none of your fucken business! You aren’t the alpha!” I yelled, spitting the b***d out.

“She’s feisty.” The one holding me purred, leaning into my neck, he licked me. After that, all I saw was red. I don’t remember anything.

“Ayla, baby. I need you to let go?” I heard Nate. When did he get here and what was I holding?

I looked at where his voice was coming from, and he was blurry like he was standing in a fog. Looking ahead again, I felt someone grab my arm. It was Mitch’s sister. I had my hand wrapped around her throat, choking her. She was fighting, trying to breathe.

I let her go, more stunned with my arm now covered in black scales. My nails were also long, pointed, and sharp. The same color as my scales. When my vision cleared, I took a step back and I looked around my surroundings. The group that had attacked Ruby and I were all on the ground. I’m not sure if they were dead or just unconscious.

“Ruby?” I gasped out.

“Ayla, what happened?” Nate asked, moving closer as I stepped back, away from him. He stopped, looking hurt at my actions.

Looking around, we were surrounded by warriors and Mitch was helping his sister, who was hysterical. But I didn’t see Ruby or my father.

“Nate, where’s Ruby?” I asked him.

“I don’t know. She wasn’t here.” He answered.

“I want my dad,” I told him.

“Dad? And who the f**k is her dad?” Mitch’s sister coughed out.

“I’m her dad. Now stand down.” My father’s commanding voice came out behind Nate.

“Sweetie, are you okay?” My father asked as he approached me. I shook my head as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me against his chest.

“Get this mess cleaned up and replace Ruby.” He commanded.

“And Bailey, you, Penelope, and Chloe, to my office now!” I heard Thea demand.

“But Luna, she attacked us.” I heard someone say and then a growl.

“If that were true, you all would be fucken dead.” My father growled. I whimpered against him, scared about what had just happened. My father held me closer.

“Nate, replace your sister. And you three, stop talking back to your Luna and do what she asked. Get to her fucken office!” My father roared. I could feel his anger but he didn’t scare me. He was protecting me and, for the first time in a long time, I felt truly safe.

“How is this fair? We didn’t do anything wrong?” I heard Mitch’s sister whine. With that, I tried to move away from my father but he held on to my waist, holding my back against his chest.

“Are you fucken kidding me right now? You didn’t do anything wrong? You have been tormenting Ruby for years but you’ve done nothing wrong!” I yelled at her.

“And why the hell do you care?” She huffed and I fought harder against my father.

“She’s my mate’s sister!” I yelled and she gasped, looking at Nate and then back at me. The wolf on my chest burned with a fury.

“How the hell can the bastard of our alpha get mated to the beta’s son?” She yelled and the luna backhanded her. She whimpered, tears streaming down her cheeks from the hit. I could see Thea’s handprint, red across her cheek.

“You will not speak to our daughter like that!” Thea yelled at her and it surprised me enough to stop fighting against my father’s hold.

“Now, you three get to my office!” She yelled. Thea then turned her attention to the guys in the group.

“And you three get to the alpha’s office!” She growled. With their heads down, they rushed off toward the pack house.

“Mitch, how the hell could you let your sister torment your mate?” I growled at him.

“What?” Nate yelled.

“Don’t act so fucken innocent, Nate! I recognize her from the club! How could you? She is your sister! I thought a pack was supposed to be a family. Why the hell would you let someone hurt a member of your pack?” I cried. I couldn’t help the tears running down my cheeks. I was hurt and angry. I just wanted to hit something.

“Did you cheat on my fucken daughter?” My father roared behind me.

“We weren’t together. All of you should have protected Ruby. And Mitch, you should prepare yourself for her rejection,” I said. I could feel my father growling, his chest pressed into my back.

“Ayla, I explained what happened.” Nate tried to explain but I just shook my head.

“I get it, you were hurt and looking for an easy f**k, but did you have to go after someone who was hurting your sister? You’re her brother, it’s your job to protect her.” I told him and my father growled again.

“Nate, you felt the bond with her and then went after someone else. Ayla may not see it but you cheated the bond with her. And we will discuss your actions after you replace your sister and make sure she is safe.” My father growled out.

“And you, if you could feel the pull towards her and did nothing to protect her, I hope she does reject you. You don’t deserve her. It’s a mate’s job to protect their mates and both of you have failed yours. Now replace her and then report to my office.” My father commanded.

My father turned us away from them and whispered.

“Are you okay?” And I nodded when Thea appeared in front of me. She was looking intently at my hand and arm still covered in scales.

“So beautiful,” she whispered to herself.

“Thank you,” I said, and she looked at me.

“Ayla, you are a part of this family. We will get to the bottom of this.” She told me and I nodded. Everyone was silent for a moment before my father spoke.

“We don’t have much time, Ayla. You need to leave.”