My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 35

Ayla

I was resting against Nate’s chest as I sat between his legs in the bathtub. My body felt relaxed but the hot water did nothing to ease the anxiety I was feeling. I didn’t want to see my mother or have breakfast with Kaden. I just wanted to go home, to my little house. Life was so simple when I only had myself and Bluey to worry about.

“Someone’s at the door.” Nate leaned down and whispered. He kissed my cheek before he hopped out to answer the door.

“Towel,” I called out to him and I heard him chuckle. My man was going to have his own fan club if he didn’t start putting on some clothes.

Nate came back a few minutes later wrapped in a bathrobe. He must have found it in the closet. He sat down beside the tub, watching me while I swirled the water around with my hands.

“There are some clothes on the bed for you. Breakfast should be ready soon.” Nate informed me and I sighed, my stomach twisting painfully.

“I don’t want to do this,” I whispered, and it was his turn to sigh.

“I know, baby. But the sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can go home. Or wherever you want to go.” He told me and I looked away from the water to look at him.

“Would you stay with me in the city?” I asked him and he nodded.

“Wherever you want to stay. I think it may be best to stay with Alpha Matt. But it’s up to you.”

“I would be able to get more answers about the Crimson Tide pack.” I shrugged.

“And the ocean is right there for you. I know being in the ocean makes you feel better. It’s a part of you,” he said. Being a mermaid was fun in the beginning, but now I would give it up if it meant my life could go back to normal.

“Okay. But first I want to go back to the palace. I would like to get my things and talk with my grandmother. Then I’ll call my uncle.” I told him. He leaned in and kissed my forehead.

“Sounds like a plan, baby. Now let’s get you fed so we can leave.” He mumbled, before helping me to stand. Nate helped me out of the tub before he wrapped a towel around me.

I can do this. I told myself as I walked into the bedroom to get dressed. There were clothes placed on the bed for me and Nate, but I noticed he was putting on the clothes he wore yesterday. I don’t think he liked the idea of wearing something my ex gave him. But I don’t blame him, I wouldn’t want to wear anything his ex gave me.

After I dried off, I pulled on the pair of panties and the sports bra. And of course, they fit. Kaden must have told them my size. The leggings were a little snug on my h**s but the shirt fit perfectly. I pulled on the socks and slipped on the shoes Kaden gave me yesterday before I pulled on the hoodie.

It probably wasn’t even cold but I felt better being covered. It’s bad enough that every other aspect of my life has been exposed. I placed all my dirty clothes in the hamper before I made the bed. Then I put all Nate’s unworn clothes on a chair, folded neatly. When I’m nervous, I clean. And I was feeling nervous about seeing everyone again after the show they witnessed yesterday.

Nate came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He snuggled his face into my neck and I sighed, snuggling back into him.

“Everything will be okay.” He whispered, kissing my neck.

“Let’s get this over with,” I told him. He grabbed my hand and led me out of the room where one of Kaden’s associates was waiting for us. He bowed his head before motioning us to follow him.

With my fingers interlocking with Nate’s, we walked through the palace. Everything was done in dark colors compared to our palace. Maybe it represented more of Kaden’s father.

Kaden wasn’t a sinister man. Besides leaving without a word. He was always sweet and caring. Leaving me was unlike him. Or that’s what I wanted to believe. I knew he had a hard time with his father. He didn’t tell me much about his past, but he did say he was hiding from his father.

We both had something we were running from and we had so much in common. He would make me smile when I felt like giving up. Kaden was my motivation when I wanted to give up on school and on life. He was the light at the end of my tunnel until he left.

Remembering that day still breaks my heart. I was so excited to get home to tell him I had got the job. I never got the chance to tell him. And now I understand why. And I do understand. I would do anything to protect my siblings and I don’t even know them. I just wish he would have said goodbye.

Nate squeezed my hand, pulling me from my thoughts. This overwhelming feeling of worry flowed through me and I looked at Nate to see the worried look on his face. His emotions must be bleeding into mine. And he must have felt my sadness. I smiled at him and squeezed his hand. I didn’t want him to feel my sadness and pain for something neither one of us could control. And it was over a year ago, not that I’ve dealt with it. But I’ll just move on. I didn’t leave him, he left me.

We entered the dining room and the others were already seated. Xander stood up and came over to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and I placed my free hand on his. I gave him a nod after he gave me one. He knew I would explain everything to him later.

I could feel the eyes of the others on me while Nate led me over to the table to take our seats. My stomach was in knots and I no longer felt like eating. I didn’t want to answer any of their questions. I didn’t even want to see my mother. I just wanted to get the hell out of here.

Nate pulled my chair out for me before taking his seat beside me. He rested his hand on my thigh as I looked around the table. Kaden was watching me intently when my eyes found him at the head of the table.

We didn’t really get a chance to talk yesterday. It was more me in shock and then I was yelling at him the entire time. Then I would calm myself down just to yell at him some more. There was so much I wanted to say to him, but all of that didn’t matter now. Even if I didn’t have Nate, I don’t think I would be able to forgive him.

Nate squeezed my thigh and I looked at him. I didn’t realize I was lost in my mind. I was mindlessly rubbing over the mark Nate had given me this morning. I’m not sure why, but it gave me comfort.

“You okay?” Nate mouthed to me and I nodded. I wasn’t okay and I’m sure he would feel it through the bond, but there was nothing I could do about it.

“So, where are we going today, Princess?” Prince Silas broke the awkward silence.

“I need to head back to the palace. And then I’d like to go stay with my uncle. This way I can keep an eye on that pack we are worried about,” I answered.

“What pack?” Kaden asked, but Xander answered him.

“There was a body of a female mermaid left on Ayla’s father’s pack lands. She was from our kingdom and was last seen by a pack near her uncle’s. We are planning to investigate with the help of Ayla’s father and uncle.” Kaden nodded.

“What’s the pack’s name?” He asked.

“Crimson Tide,” I answered and his face fell.

“Ayla, you shouldn’t be anywhere near that pack,” he exclaimed.

“My uncle’s pack is right there. I’ll be fine.” I told him. And he pushed his lips into a line.

“I wish you would take this more seriously. We are talking about your life here. If they get a hold of you. They will keep you in a tank and descale you every day until the salt water no longer heals you. It’s horrific not only to watch but to experience,” Kaden explained.

“I am taking this seriously. Even when others were telling me you would kidnap me and force me to claim you, I was still willing to do it to stop a war. But now that we know you will never do that, I can go home.” I exclaimed.

“Who the hell was telling you that?” He yelled, slamming his fist against the table, causing me to jump.

“The only one who defended you was Prince Chase. Everyone on the western kingdom council was convinced of it.” Xander answered him.

“For f**k’s sake!” Kaden yelled.

“And you would just willingly hand yourself over to a monster!” Kaden scolded me.

“It was better than starting a war. One life to save countless others. That’s what I was thinking. Would you not have done the same?” I retorted and he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. Nate squeezed my thigh almost painfully as he listened to my exchange with Kaden.

“And you were just going to let her?” He demanded, turning his attention to Nate.

“I wasn’t going to let her do anything. I didn’t agree with her plan, but she is an adult and can make her own decisions!” Nate retorted.

“It doesn’t matter, now. Now the plan is to hunt the hunters. There isn’t going to be a war between our kingdoms. Now we can work together.” I told them, trying to defuse the situation.

“Ayla, you don’t see the value you hold over our kingdoms. The black pearl stands for hope for all of your people. And if anything was to happen to you, we would all lose the fight we need to defeat the hunters.” Kaden pleaded with me.

“Then I’m the perfect bait,” I told him and I think I heard them all growl.

“f**k, woman, are you insane? Do you just like pain?” Kaden yelled.

“Don’t fucken speak to her like that!” Nate yelled back at Kaden.

“Bringing all the kingdoms together, Princess,” Prince Silas said, giving me a smirk.

“Will you both stop? This isn’t about me. This is about our people. They are kidnapping and killing them. And if that means I have to use myself as bait, I will. They want me and that will give you all the advantage of taking them down. I’ll implant a tracker into my arm and you will be able to follow the signal to their hideout. Then all the kingdoms can take them down.” I told them, and they all stopped to think about what I was saying.

“That doesn’t mean I want you to be the one to risk your life,” Kaden said, and I rolled my eyes.

“And whose life would you rather risk?” I asked him and he pushed his lips in a line.

“Ayla, that isn’t fair. There are plenty of female warriors that can go undercover. You don’t have to risk your life.” He sighed.

“Why are all of you holding my life above another? Maybe this is why I was born. Did any of you stop to think about that? My job is to bridge together mermaids and wolves. I don’t think it matters if I die as long as you all work together.” I told them and Nate growled.

“Not going to happen. As my mate, I hold your life above anyone else’s. I’m not going to let you die, Ayla. I don’t care what the goddesses told you.”

“Nate, we can talk about this when we get home. I don’t think you and Duke would let me die. I’m just saying, I would feel horrible if someone took my place and they ended up dead. Trained or not. They want me.” I clarified, and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me against him.

The look of hurt on Kaden’s face didn’t go unnoticed, but I refused to feel guilty for moving on with my life. Things may have been different, but I’m not going to dwell on the past when I have someone who loves me and who I love. I let him mark me because I believe in him and us. There’s no going back, not that I would give up Nate.

“Ayla, we can talk about the plan later. We still need to talk it over with your father and uncle. Please eat something, I know your mother should be here soon.” Xander said, and I looked at him.

“Now I don’t feel like eating,” I pouted. Instead, I turned my attention to Kaden.

“When did you replace my mother?”

“About a month after I left. As soon as I was back here, I killed my father and went searching for my mother.” He answered. I closed my eyes and willed myself not to cry.

“How long was she there for?” Xander asked the question I couldn’t.

“I’ll let her explain to Ayla, herself.” He answered.

After that, I picked at my food as everyone else ate. She could have found me. Kaden knew where I was and he recognized her as my mother.

“If you found her mother, why didn’t you replace Ayla?” Prince Silas asked King Kaden. My head snapped to Prince Silas before it snapped to Kaden.

“Please, don’t answer that.” I breathed out, trying my hardest to hold myself together.

“Ayla, it’s not what you think.” He started but I held up my hand, to stop him.

“It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done.” I told him firmly, wanting this conversation to be over. He did what he did and there was no going back.

“Ayla, I truly am sorry.” Kaden sighed and I looked at him.

“I know. But something’s are just better left unspoken.” I told him.

We fell into silence once again and I was thankful for that. Whatever Kaden’s reasons are, it won’t change the outcome. I know he is sorry, I can see the regret written on his face, but it doesn’t change anything.

I’ll work with him and his kingdom for the victims. And maybe one day we might actually be friends. Who knows what the future might hold?

A man entered the dining room and went to speak with Kaden. He whispered something to him and I knew my mother was now here waiting to see me.

“Your mother is here.” Nate leaned in a whispered before kissing my cheek. My stomach twisted and the little I ate wanted to come back up.

I should have been excited about seeing my mom but I wasn’t. She had so much time to replace me and didn’t. I don’t think I’d let anything stand in the way of me and my child. But like with my father, I don’t know her side of the story. But what could possibly be her excuse?

I wrapped my arms around Nate’s waist as we followed the others to where my mother was waiting. I needed something to anchor myself to so I wouldn’t run. My entire being was telling me to turn around and the moment I stepped into the room I knew why.

My mother was standing with a tall, handsome man with dark blonde hair. My mother looked the same but she had aged. She had some lines around her lips and eyes. One thing I never noticed before was her eyes. My eyes were more grey and hers were green.

But it wasn’t until I noticed her round belly did I truly understand why I didn’t want to see her. I don’t know why, but seeing her pregnant and standing with another man’s arm wrapped around her waist, twisted my heart painfully. She left me to start a new family.

I looked at Kaden and he was looking at me with pity. He knew she was pregnant and he didn’t even warn me. He tried to step towards me but I took a step back, letting go of Nate.

I looked at my mother and she had tears in her eyes. Looking around the room, I felt only numbness. She moved on without me. Everyone has. Was I really that easy to let go of? To say goodbye too?

“Ayla, baby girl?” My mother called out, moving towards me, but I stepped back and she stopped.

“It’s not what you think.” She started but I interrupted her.

“And what do I think? How long were you held captive? And when did you meet him?” I asked, pointing to the guy now standing beside her again.

“I met Noah about four years ago.” She answered and I gasped.

“Before you left?” And she nodded.

“How did you break the bond with Atlas?” I questioned.

“Witches.”

“So you met Noah, broke the bond with my father, and left me, your child for your lover?” I summed it up.

“Ayla, that’s not what happened?” She pleaded with me and a growl filled the room. At first, I thought it was Duke, until everyone but Nate had stepped further away from me. They were all looking at me with worry etched on their faces.

“Baby girl, I’m sorry I left. I’m so sorry I hurt you. I didn’t ask for any of this.” She cried.

“I know. The moon goddess told me. I was a trap baby. And now I learn I am also an unwanted baby.” I told her, shaking my head.

“I’m not sure what Atlas has told you, but that’s not true,” She retorted.

“And does it really matter, Melody? Now you and your claim can take the throne and I can move on with my life. Neither one of you wanted me. I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t have let Matt raise me?” I asked her. She stuttered but didn’t answer.

“I wish you and your new family all the best,” I told her before turning around to leave.

“Ayla, please don’t tell your grandmother.” She begged.

“She isn’t my problem anymore, just like I’m not your problem. Deal with it.” I told her without turning around to look at her.

I left the room with one mission in mind, leaving this place and never returning.