My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 20

Future Beta Nate

“What the hell do you mean she left?” I roared, standing from my seat, I paced the room. I was angry and hurt. My heart was breaking and my chest felt tight, making it hard to breathe. Why would she just leave without saying goodbye?

“Nate, I know this is hard, I do, but Ayla needed to get back to the ocean. She shifted because she needed to protect her family, Ruby. Mermaids need the ocean like wolves need the forest.” He explained and I collapsed to my knees.

“I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t she say goodbye? Is she coming back? Who is going to protect her?” I rushed out, tears running down my face. I was showing weakness in front of my alpha, but I no longer cared. I didn’t care about anything but Ayla and our life together.

“I made her leave. I knew she wouldn’t be able to let you go. She loves you and I knew the moment she partially shifted. Ayla protected your sister because to her she was her family. I have Jim and warriors with her to take her back to Matt’s pack. Xander is also meeting them there. She will be back when the moon is full. She needs this time to replace herself. I’m sorry, Nate. It will be a hard month but it needs to happen.” Alpha Atlas said, kneeling beside me.

“Alpha, I can’t let her go. I know I f****d up. I know I cheated on the bond. But I can’t let her go.” I confessed.

“We all make mistakes, Nate. And if she forgives you, then I can. But I hope whatever it was is over.” He said and I nodded.

“It was nothing but a few minutes of making out. That’s it, I promise. I’ve only been with Ayla.” I told him. He grabbed my arm, forcing me to stand.

“This was hard on her as well. But I promise it’s for the best. I don’t want to lose my daughter and I know you don’t want to lose your mate.” I nodded.

“Matt’s pack is hosting the mate ball next and you will be at his pack for the next full moon. But do you want to go there early?” He asked me.

“I don’t know, sir. I had so much planned for this month to have it all ripped away.” I answered.

“Go get some rest. I made sure Jim left some of Ayla’s clothes in your room to help. It’s going to be rough but it will get better. I promised Ayla I would take care of you.” He said, and I looked at him.

“I was there the day you were born. I may be younger than your father, but he has been my best friend since I was ten. Out of all the wolves, Ayla could have been bonded to, I’m glad it was you. I know you will take care of her, Nate. And sometimes the hardest thing to do is to do nothing. Trust she will be back and nothing has changed between the two of you.” My heart twisted painfully at his words.

“Now, get some rest. We are starting a new training program and I know a few pack members who need a good a*s kicking.” I nodded and left his office.

Walking back to my house was a blur, unable to wrap my head around what had just happened. And when I walked up to the house, it became all too real as the SUV we drove was no longer in the driveway. Why couldn’t she say goodbye?

I heard Ruby and Mitch talking on the porch, as I came around the corner of the house. As I climbed the stairs, they were both sitting in the chairs on the porch. They seemed deep in conversation and didn’t seem to notice me as I made it to the front door.

“Nate, where’s Ayla?” Ruby called out before I had a chance to open the door.

“She left. And I don’t want to talk about it.” I mumbled before I entered the house, going up to my room.

Entering, I found most of the clothes Ayla had packed for her visit here. My room smelled like her and my heart twisted as I breathed in her scent. I missed her so much. I wanted to be the one for her. The one to always be there, but how could I when she belongs in the sea and I belong here?

“We buy a house in Alpha Matt’s pack and we move closer to the sea,” Duke said.

“We didn’t get a chance to talk about anything.” I sighed.

“It doesn’t mean we can’t go there and wait for her. She is ours and I’m not letting her go. She protected Ruby. She is our family, wife, mate, whatever you want to call her. She belongs with us. And if it means we have to wait a month until she can come back, better than before. Then we wait.” Duke whimpered.

“Duke, what if we have to let her go?” I breathed out.

“Don’t think like that! We have to wait a month. We can do this. The alpha said she was also upset about having to leave us. She loves us and that’s what you need to remember.” He told me as I sat on the bed, inhaling her scent.

Groaning, I don’t remember falling asleep as I sat up in bed. My room still smelled like her but I missed my mate. My heart felt empty as I sat up on the edge of the bed. I hadn’t even changed out of the clothes I was wearing yesterday. It was just a pair of shorts, since I ripped the suit I was wearing.

My father must have felt I was awake because he was instantly in my head.

“Son, the Alpha is here. Come down when you are ready.”

I cursed, not wanting to see anyone. I didn’t want to get up or get ready for anything. I just wanted to be alone. We were given a month to figure everything out and it was stolen from us. All because my pack couldn’t keep away from my sister.

If I was going to have to spend the next month away from my mate, miserable, then everyone who caused this was going to be miserable as well. A*****e Nate was back and he wasn’t going anywhere until Ayla was back and everything was worked out. I hesitated to leave my pack for my mate because the need to protect my pack was strong, but they didn’t feel the same way about my happiness. They didn’t feel the need to protect my sister, a member of their pack.

I always pride myself on being an approachable guy, but now I have no more f***s to give to anyone. Bailey has been trying to get with me for years and she has been tormenting my sister. She has to be seriously sick in the head to play this game. And I’m glad I never fell for Bailey’s crap.

My anger coated my broken heart. I got up to shower and get ready to meet the alpha and my father downstairs. It was going to be a month of absolute torture, but at least I can make the people responsible pay for separating me from my mate. And Bailey was going to pay for not only hurting my mate but my sister. No one hurts my family and gets away with it.

Ayla

My world was black until I felt like I was falling. As soon as I was engulfed in something cold, I let out a scream as my body was consumed with the most intense pain I’d ever felt. What the hell was happening? I felt like I couldn’t breathe as my body was consumed by fire. My body and mind were at war as I fell deeper into despair. All I could think about was Nate and wishing he would take the pain away. I needed him, now more than ever.

“Ayla, breathe, don’t fight the shift.” I heard Xander, but I don’t know if it was all in my head or if he was actually with me.

I opened my eyes to replace I was sinking in the ocean. I panicked as I tried to breathe. Looking up, I found a silhouette of what looked like a mermaid above me. I couldn’t make out their face as I sunk lower. Is the only light coming from the moon above or was it the sun rising? I didn’t know, as I screamed out again. The pain becoming too much.

When I opened my eyes again, Xander was in front of me. His scales were blue and green as I took him in. Scales cover his arms like mine, crossing over his chest, down his waist to his h**s. He shimmered under the light from above.

Xander took my arms and rested them on his shoulders as I took him in. I never noticed how sexy he was. I knew he was sexy but at this moment my heart fluttered as I stared into his green eyes. His light brown hair swayed with the current of the ocean. I’m not sure what it was about him but wow, I thought as I stared at him, staring at me. His laugh pulled me from my thoughts of us together and I snapped back to reality.

“It’s the mermaid charm. Calm down there princess. You’re taken,” he chuckled and I scrunched up my face, embarrassed I just did that.

“It’s okay. I’m having a hard time looking at you.” He leaned in and whispered.

Looking around, I noticed everything looked brighter, sharper, and more focused. The salt in the water didn’t sting my eyes and I was able to breathe. I looked back at Xander and both my arms were now covered in black and deep purple scales. Looking down, I let out a scream as I pushed away from Xander.

A beautifully scaled tail now glided through the water replacing my legs. The black and purple shimmered like a black pearl and a deep purple translucent fin swayed with the movement of my tail.

The scales went up my h**s, waist and covered my breasts. My shoulders and down the middle of my chest and stomach were the only places where scales didn’t cover me. I felt beautiful as I looked down at myself.

“Beautiful, my princess,” Xander said in awe as he swam closer to me.

“How can any of this be possible?” I whispered. He smiled, taking my cheeks into his hands.

“You’ll get used to it. But now we need to get you to the palace where you’ll be safe,” he said. I couldn’t help the smile I gave him.

I was an actual mermaid. I could breathe underwater and I had a tail. I felt giddy as he let go of my cheeks and I looked around to replace mermen surrounding us. All of them bowed their heads to me. And it was such a surreal feeling. Not only was I a mermaid, but I was a princess who was in love with a wolf.

“These are the warriors that will protect you on your journey,” Xander said, and I grabbed his hand.

“You’re coming with me?” I asked him, panicked.

“Of course. But I needed more men to keep you safe.” He said and I sighed.

“I’m sorry, Xander. This is just so much to take in. I know I’ve been selfish and I’m so sorry.” I told him and he squeezed my hand.

“It’s okay, princess. It will get easier and soon enough you’ll be with Wolf Boy.” He chuckled and I smiled. My heart still ached but it was less now that I was in the ocean. Maybe the pain of the shift helped dull the pain of my heartache.

“You ready?” He asked me and I nodded.

“Let’s take this slow.” He said before I flapped my tail and I took off, dragging Xander behind me as I swam at speeds I never thought were possible.

Since I was a child, I had dreamed of being a mermaid. Begging my mother to take me to the ocean. I used to pretend in the pool or the tub. I couldn’t believe my view as I moved around coral and rock formations. I wish I could have done this with my mother. I wonder what color she was. She wasn’t black like me, but maybe purple?

I was lost in my thoughts thinking about taking Nate with me. Even if he had to be in scuba gear to swim with me. And then he could introduce me to his wolf. We could bring these two opposite worlds together. I know I’m here with Xander, but I wish it was Nate. I wish he could see me. See me completely.

I stopped abruptly and Xander crashed into my back as the others tried to stop with me.

“Ayla, what the hell?” Xander cursed, wrapping an arm around my waist to keep me from being pushed forward.

“Xander, can I still talk with Nate?” I asked him, turning in his arms.

“Really? This is why you stopped?” He huffed.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t know if I was allowed to talk with him. How would I be able to? Are we staying in the water the entire time?” I rambled out questions now that my mind was more focused.

“Ayla, calm down. We are going to the palace on an island in the western sea. It’s protected by magic, so humans don’t know about it or see it. We also have a kingdom below the surface. Our people mostly stay in the kingdom below, but with us, we needed a place to conduct business. So you will have access to a phone and the internet.” He explained and I let out a breath, but then I remembered I didn’t know his number.

“But I don’t have his number.” I rushed out.

“I have your phone in a waterproof bag, with the rest of your things. It’s okay.” He reassured me.

“Thank you, Xander.” I breathed out, wrapping my arms around his neck. He’s always been the best. I felt him hesitate before he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“You’re our future queen. This could be seen as favoritism.” He whispered and I giggled.

“You know, you’ll also be my favorite merman,” I told him, pulling away so I could look at him. He gave me a smirk.

“Oh, I know. And I’m going to rub it in everyone’s face, but showing this much affection to a warrior who isn’t your mate is inappropriate, my princess.” He tried to scold me but I rolled my eyes.

“Are you claimed?” I asked him and he looked stunned.

“What, no.” He rushed out.

“Then stop. Yes, I have a mate, but I’m not going to throw you away. You are my best friend and I love you. So just be my favorite and shut up.” I told him, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Yes, mama’,” he smirked. And I shook my head. A pod of whales swimming close to us pulled my attention from Xander.

I gasped as I watched them swim so gracefully. Uncaring that we were so close to them. I hadn’t noticed that we swam out into open water. It was eerie but beautiful. The ocean seemed endless as I looked below, unable to see the bottom of the sea.

The whales sang their songs as we swam with them. This was a dream come true as I swam beside a beautiful blue whale. Oh, how I wish I could speak with them. I’ve always loved animals and I even talk to Bluey even if she doesn’t talk back. Being in nature, surrounded by animals, is where I’ve always felt most comfortable. Ironically, I’m paired with a man who is half-wolf.

The pod changed directions and Xander stopped me from following them. I watched until I could no longer see them before I turned my attention back to Xander, who was watching me, watching the pod of whales.

“That was amazing.” I breathed out. He smiled before I let out a gasp as a giant manta ray swam between us, heading to the surface. So beautiful as the group glided to the surface above us.

“We are getting close.” Xander leaned in a whispered as I watched from below as the manta ray broke the surface of the water.

“How do you know?” I asked, not taking my eyes off the rays.

“The rays like to hang around our underwater Kingdom. They also give birth along the shallows of our island.” Xander said.

“They are so beautiful,” I exclaimed.

“Let’s go to the surface,” Xander said, taking my hand, but I pulled back.

“Is it safe?” I asked cautiously. I didn’t need to die on my first day in the ocean.

“We’ve already crossed the barrier. No human can pass into our waters. We are safe.” He told me. I nodded and he pulled me with him as he swam to the surface.

Looking around, I was again in awe. The palace looked like something out of a fairy tale. It was made of stone and towers. I could see the gardens in full bloom. There was even a waterfall that emptied into the ocean. I wondered if it was salt water.

The sandy beaches were white as Xander pulled me closer to the shore. The coral illuminated under us, proving how magical this place truly was. When we were close, I pulled against Xander to stop.

“How do I shift back?” I asked him nervously. I didn’t want it to hurt as much as the initial shift.

“It’s okay. It won’t be as painful this time. When your fin touches the sand, think of yourself with your legs.” He explained, pulling me closer. The other men were around us now.

“You make it sound so easy,” I told him.

“That’s because it is. Come, I’ll show you.” He said, pulling me along. He didn’t stop until I felt my tail hit something. Looking down through the water, it was the underwater edge of the sand beach before it fell off into deeper water.

“Ayla, you can always breathe in salt water. Don’t worry, and none of us will let you sink.” Xander reassured me. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and imagined I was swimming with my legs instead of with my tail.

The water rushed around me as I breathed through the pain of my lower half changing from a tail back to my legs. The pain ended and just as quickly as the water started to rush, it stopped and the water fell still. My legs and arms glided in the water as I kept myself afloat.

A few gasps rang out around me and I opened my eyes a little panicked that I shifted back naked. I’m sure Nate would be unimpressed if a bunch of my warriors saw me naked. I looked down quickly, seeing my dress swaying in the water. I looked back up at Xander.

“f**k, you make this hard, princess.” Xander g*****d and I shook my head.

“You are going to have to explain this mermaid charm to me.” I smiled before I started to swim to shore.

I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until my feet touched the sand and I stumbled on shaking legs. I collapsed onto my knees and waves hit my back as I tried to catch my breath. Enjoying the feel of the sun on my body. The air is warmer here compared to where we just came from.

“Princess?” Xander kneeled down beside me. He was wearing a shimmering blue loincloth that came down to his knees and pulled up between his legs to form a pair of shorts. His chest was bare.

Seeing him, reminded me of the slit in my dress. I quickly gathered up the fabric and tied it around my thighs to keep it closed. I then turned my attention back to Xander.

“Yeah, just tired.” I breathed out.

“Come on, let’s get you settled.”