My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 36

Future Beta Nate

Watching my mate yell at her mother was heartbreaking. Her mother was clearly pregnant and had started a new life, leaving Ayla. Ayla was only fifteen when her mother ‘died’ and she had just left her daughter. Her mother isolated Ayla from her father and his family and then just left.

And her reasoning was utter bullshit. She made a choice and then blamed her choices on Ayla, who never even asked to be here. I thought my alpha was a d**k, but listening to Ayla’s mother was a whole new level of selfishness. How did she raise such a wonderful daughter?

When Ayla let out a murderous growl, my heart stopped. Everyone took a step back, away from her and she looked at me surprised. I was equally as surprised because Duke didn’t growl, she did.

“Isn’t mate wonderful?” Duke purred.

“How the hell did she growl like that?” I exclaimed and he huffed.

“How did she mark you?” He questioned before returning to the back of my mind. Why the hell is he talking in riddles? If she had a wolf, I would be able to sense it.

I was pulled from my chat with my wolf when Ayla’s mother directed her attention to me. I noticed Ayla was no longer in the room with us.

“Are you from Atlas’ pack?”

“I am, yes. My father is his beta.” I answered. I heard her say good before I stormed out of there, following my mate’s scent.

I didn’t want to talk with her mother. Honestly, I could care less about her reasons and excuses. How can anyone just leave their child? I will never understand it.

I found my mate outside watching the ocean. The sun was slowly rising and the wind blew her hair away from her face. Ayla’s hair shined like a new penny in the morning rays of the sun. She looked angelic as I watched her.

The sun was warm but Ayla wrapped her arms around herself. I could feel her emotions and they were everything I expected as I walked up behind her. I wrapped my arms around her waist, as I snuggled my face into her neck. I pushed the collar of her sweatshirt down and kissed my fresh mark on her neck. She shivered as she rolled her h**s back into my crotch, causing me to g***n. Ayla leaned her head against my chest, exposing more of her neck to me.

“I know you aren’t okay, baby,” I whispered, kissing my way up her neck to her ear. Ayla sighed and I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms tightly around her.

“I’m okay, Nate. I have you. And my dad and Thea want me in their lives. I’m not alone anymore.” She turned her head and kissed my cheek.

“And you will never be alone again,” I reassured her, kissing her cheek.

I’m not sure how long we stood there, watching the sun rise higher in the sky. Our moment was interrupted by King Kaden clearing his throat and we both turned. He was standing with the princes and Xander.

“The chopper should be ready soon. Ayla, could I have a moment?” The king asked my mate and my chest rumbled. Ayla turned in my arms and placed her hand on my chest.

“It’s okay, Nate. I’ll meet you by the chopper. Give me a minute?” She asked me. I wanted to protest but she stepped up on her tippy toes and pressed her lips to mine.

“You did that on purpose,” I mumbled against her lips and she chuckled.

“Maybe I just wanted to k**s you.” She smirked, wrapping her arms around my neck. And I rubbed my nose against hers.

“Fine, but make it quick.” I sighed.

“Thank you,” she breathed out and I pecked her lips. I hesitated at first, not wanting to leave my mate with her ex.

I could feel she was nervous through the bond as I turned back to see him approaching her. Prince Silas clasped my shoulder like we were old friends, forcing my attention on him.

“You have nothing to worry about, Wolf Toy. I’m sure she just wants to say goodbye.” He chuckled and I g*****d.

f**k, I can’t wait to leave this place.

Ayla

I made a point to k**s Nate in front of everyone, including Kaden. I needed him to know I was happy and that we were never going to be a couple again. Yes, I loved him for almost two years. And he may have been my first love, but after replaceing my mother, he could have found me. He knew I was a mermaid after meeting her.

I felt nervous as he approached me. The others were making their way to the chopper. Nothing he had to say was going to change how I felt or my decision to be with Nate, but if it made him feel better, then I’d hear him out. He was watching me intently and I was already feeling overwhelmed. I turned around to face the ocean again, resting my elbows on the stone railing.

Kaden moved beside me, so we were now shoulder to shoulder. I could still feel his eyes on me as I let out a sigh.

“Kaden?” I asked him. It was so weird to me to call him anything other than Kyle.

I loved Kyle. Kyle was such a big part of my life after my mother’s death. And yes, she may be living, but she is dead to me. I guess, in a way, Kyle is dead as well. I was never going to see that man again.

“So, that’s it then?” He sighed and I looked at him. He was now watching the ocean.

“Why didn’t you come back for me once you knew I was a mermaid?” I asked him.

“Ayla, I wanted to. After replaceing your mother, I was so excited to go to the city and explain everything to you. But then,”

“But then what?” I asked him when he didn’t continue.

“I was telling your mother how I knew you and she begged me to leave you alone. She said it was best for all of us if you didn’t know the truth. I fought with her about it. She convinced me if I exposed who you really were, they would hunt you. I can see now that most likely wasn’t the case.” He sighed. I knew he felt guilty for listening to my mother instead of his own gut feeling.

“I’m so sorry, Ayla.” He finally said after I leaned my head on his shoulder.

“I know you are. And I forgive you. I’m so sorry about your mother and for everything I screamed at you yesterday.” I told him, grabbing his hand.

“You had every right to say those words. I f****d up. I should have done things differently.” He confessed and I squeezed his hand.

“And I’m so sorry about your mom. I should have told you everything. But I didn’t want to be the one to hurt you again.

“I know.” I sighed and he rested his head on mine.

There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be with Nate. But this man had so many of my firsts. And with us both being mermaid royalty, we will be seeing each other again. I didn’t want to leave on a bad note. And it may be selfish of me to forgive Kaden and not my mother, but I understand Kaden’s reasons more. My mother left for a man. Kaden left to protect his brother and his people and to replace his mother.

Kaden gave up his happiness with me, proving just how selfless he is. Some part of me will always wish he had taken me with him, but the bigger part of me is glad I ended up where I am today. There is a reason Nate is my mate. But there also has to be a reason why I met Kaden. How did we both end up in the same small town?

“What?” Kaden asked as I let out a chuckle.

“Who would have thought two mermaid royals would meet in a small inland town? What are the odds of that?” I lifted my head and smiled at him. “I want you to know, I’m here for you, Ayla. If anything happens, I want to be your first call. Especially if things don’t work out with you and Wolf Boy.” He told me and I shook my head.

“I want you to be happy, Kaden. Don’t wait around for me because, as of right now, I want to be with Nate. And I’m not saying that to hurt you, I’m just being honest. We aren’t the same people we were last year. Hell, I’m not even the same person I was last week. But I will always be here for you. And you can call me whenever you need someone. And I promise I will call you.” I told him, sincerely. Every word I spoke was the truth. Kaden leaned in and kissed my forehead.

“Come on, princess, your chopper is about to take off.” He said. I looped my arm in his as we walked to the helipad.

Future Beta Nate

I grew more anxious the longer I stood outside the chopper waiting for Ayla. Her emotions were all over the place and I couldn’t figure out how exactly she was feeling. One second, it was sadness and then love. And it wasn’t until they walked into view, arms linked, did I really start to panic.

She wanted me to mark her this morning. She hasn’t changed her mind already, has she? Duke let out a growl when they wrapped their arms around each other and he snuggled his face into her neck. Xander grabbed my shoulder and my eyes snapped to him.

He just shook his head and I furrowed my brows at him. How can he not expect me to do something? That’s my mate and that king has his dirty hands all over her! I jumped when something touched my chest and I whipped my head to replace Ayla now in front of me. Confusion hit me first and then amusement as she giggled.

“Are you okay?” She asked me, and I grabbed her, pulling her against my chest.

“I am now,” I said, resting my forehead against hers.

“Let’s get home.” She said, with a smile.

I helped her into the chopper. She took the seat behind Xander, so they were back to back. I sat in the chair beside her, while the princes sat across from us. Xander reached back and rested his hand on Ayla’s shoulder. She reached up, placing her hand on his before squeezing it.

I tried not to feel jealous about their relationship. Ayla is wearing my mark and I’m wearing hers, but first King Kaden and then Xander have been such a constant in her life. I’ve only known her for a few weeks and I still don’t know much about her.

“You could actually talk to her, instead of just getting naked.” Duke shrugged.

“Oh, now you have decided to chime in?” I huffed.

“You didn’t have to train with the others. You could have stayed with our mate.” He scoffed.

“I’m trying to learn how to protect her.” I retorted.

“And how well did that work out? She still ended up in the middle of the ocean with her ex.” He growled. If I could punch my own wolf, I would have. How the hell was I supposed to know that two goddesses wanted to speak with her?

I jumped when Ayla placed the headset on my head. Coming back to my surroundings, we were now in the air. Ayla placed her hand on my thigh and squeezed it.

“Are you okay?” She asked and I heard her through the headset.

“Yeah.” I breathed out.

“Duke?” She giggled and I nodded.

“Awe, I love him. He’s so cute and fluffy.” She cooed and both the princes snorted a laugh.

“What?” She asked them, confused.

“I wouldn’t use ‘cute and fluffy’ to describe him.” Prince Chase answered.

“More like massive.”

“Something out of a nightmare.” They went back and forth.

“Eater of souls,” Prince Silas said.

“Oh, that’s good.” Prince Chase praised him. I looked at Ayla and she was watching them.

“Are we talking about the same wolf? Have you met Duke?” She asked them and Xander chuckled from the front.

“I shifted when we were training.” I shrugged.

“Well, I think he’s just adorable.” She huffed and I chuckled.

“It’s because he likes you. To him, you and Ruby can do no wrong.” I told her and she laughed.

“He just has good taste.” She teased.

“Ruby?” I heard Xander ask.

“Nate’s baby sister,” Ayla answered him.

“Nate, you never told us you have a sister.” Prince Silas wiggled his eyebrows at me and before I could even growl, Ayla was in a fit of giggles.

I looked at both princes and they furrowed their brows before I turned my attention to my mate who was wiping her eyes. She was crying, she was laughing so hard. Maybe she finally cracked under all the stress.

“If you think Duke is scary, Ruby would rip you apart.” She laughed and I shook my head.

“And she’s taken,” I told them.

“Besides, she would rip you apart, fish face,” I smirked, and Ayla lost it again. I was starting to worry if she was going to pass out from the lack of oxygen.

“Awe, don’t pout, you’re a pretty fish face.” She giggled. Xander roared in laughter and Ayla laughed harder while I and the princes watched them in confusion.

“Great, we broke her.” Prince Chase commented, and the laughter finally calmed down. Ayla let out a sigh as she wiped the laughter tears away.

“Better?” I asked her.

“So much better.” She smiled. I could feel her happiness. Maybe everything that had happened was good for her.

“Anyways, now that you’ve laughed at my fish face.” Prince Silas started and Ayla snuffed a giggle. He pushed his lips in a line before he continued.

“You are coming to my kingdom.” He finished and Ayla whipped her head around to look at Xander.

“Ayla, the princes are going home. We are just stopping in the northern kingdom.” I told her.

“Wait, do you have orcas and beluga whales?” She randomly asked.

“Yeah, why?” Prince Silas asked, and I could see his confusion.

“Can I swim with them?” She asked him hopefully. And before he could answer she rushed out another question.

“Does that mean you have penguins in yours?” She asked Prince Chase and he nodded.

“Ayla, what are you thinking?” Xander asked her and she shrugged.

“Maybe Prince Silas would allow us to stay until tomorrow?” She asked him.

“Are you asking or telling me, princess?” He scoffed. Duke growled, not liking his tone, and Prince Chase smacked him across the chest.

“I’m asking, of course. I would love to swim with the whales but I would never want to impose on you or your kingdom.” She told him and he sighed.

“Fine, but do not tell my father about your mother.” He demanded.

“I think I would be the best person to tell him. I’ll be talking with my grandmother when I get back to the palace. I will not be stepping up as queen of the western sea.” She told us. Xander was about to protest but she interrupted him.

“She is carrying the heir to the throne. It was never supposed to be me. My job is to bridge the gap, to align with the wolves to help against the hunters. I’m not a queen.” She continued. And Prince Silas sighed.

“This is going to kill my father.”

“I’m worried about mine as well. My mother left a lot of hurt in her wake. But I think they should hear it from us then to replace out we knew and never told them.” She told him and I agreed.

“And how are you feeling?” Prince Chase asked Ayla.

“I don’t know what to think. I grieved for her and then to replace out she was alive and just moved on with her life. I don’t know. I mostly feel awful for my father. If she had a way to break the bond, why did she wait so long?” She answered him. I placed my hand on her thigh and squeezed it.

I knew this information was going to hurt my alpha. You don’t spend fifteen years with someone and not grow some form of attachment to them. And he wanted to claim her and make her his Luna. And he wasn’t even the first man she hurt. And now she’s alive and claimed by another.

“Fine, but stay clear of my mother.” Prince Silas warned her.

“Ayla, I don’t think this is a good idea,” I told her and she looked at me.

“I’m not my mother, Nate. And I will take all of the queen’s anger.” She told me.

“Why would you do that?” Prince Silas questioned her.

“Because she is hurt. I may not know your parent’s story or how they even ended up together. But I do know none of this could have been easy on both of them or you. I just want to help.” She answered him.

“Spoken like a true queen.” Duke purred in my head. Prince Silas just gave Ayla a nod before looking out the window.

Ayla shouldn’t have to feel like she had to be the punching bag for her mother’s victims. She doesn’t have to clean up her mother’s mess or help the people her mother hurt.

“It’s what a true queen does for her people.”