My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 42

Ayla

Nate and I were the first ones to meet the queen on the back veranda. I was so excited about going for a hike with Nate. Finally, we could spend some time together away from the bedroom, not that I didn’t love him inside of me. This is just another way we can connect as a couple.

Queen Laura had a few packs in front of her as we approached. She was in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Even in her casual clothing, she still demanded respect. Her demeanor was powerful and I held so much respect for her.

“Excited?” She asked me and I nodded. I didn’t notice she was holding a handgun until she held it out for me to take.

“Do you know how to use one of these?” She asked as I took the gun. I released the magazine as I inspected the pistol. This one was similar to the one I own. I returned the magazine before c*****g and pushing the safety.

“I think I can manage,” I told her as I fitted it in the back of my waistband on my jeans.

“Why are you giving Ayla a gun? What is out there?” Nate asked her, concerned.

“There’s nothing out there that we need to worry about. But Ayla will need to prove herself to the Guardian of the black pearl. It’s just in case. I’ve been passed down the knowledge but I’ve never been inside. Only the black pearl themselves can enter and until they prove themselves, none of us will be able to follow.” Queen Laura explained and Nate growled.

“I’m not letting Ayla do this!” And I grabbed his arm.

“Nate, it’s okay. I can do this, I hope.”

“What’s going on?” Xander asked as he and the others approached.

“It’s nothing. I’ll have to prove myself and Nate is worried.” I answered him.

“The queen gave her a gun!” Nate exclaimed, throwing up his arms. Xander looked at the queen.

“She needs to prove herself. I don’t have all the answers because I’m not a black pearl.”

“But you know someone who was?” I questioned and she nodded.

“About two millennia ago, the first black pearl was born. His parents were a mermaid and a witch.” She started.

“He?” I asked her.

“He. Ayla, you are the only black pearl female. But I’ll get to all of that, but we should start moving.” The queen said and the king came to stand by her side. He grabbed her hand and gave her cheek a peck. Prince Silas turned away and gagged.

“Then maybe you should learn how to knock.” The king smirked.

“I need a new office. Ayla, you have my permission to blow that one up.” He whined and I laughed.

“What makes you think that was the first time?” I asked him and he blanched.

“Do you just hate me or something? Why do you put those images in my mind?” He exclaimed and I shrugged.

“Honestly, you make teasing you so easy.” I smiled sweetly. And the others laughed.

“Alright, boys, grab a bag.” The queen announced. Her son stuck his tongue out at me and I smirked before blowing him a k**s.

We started our hike and I was in awe at how lush the forest was. It was like walking through a rainforest. And the smell was heavenly. I could finally relax a little, even if I was carrying a gun and walking into the unknown.

“Ayla, I should probably start explaining everything before we get there.” The queen said, linking her arm with mine.

“Okay, I’m ready.” I breathed out.

“The first black pearl was half witch. He was a great leader and the mermaid world thrived under his rule. But after a few centuries, and the magic b***d faded, the mermaids were still thriving. It wasn’t until the Great War happened that my family was asked once again to step up to produce the black pearl.”

“The black pearl has always been a part of your family?” I asked her and she nodded.

“Then how am I a black pearl? I don’t understand.” I sighed.

“I’m not sure but I think it might have something to do with the last black pearl. He failed. He failed to prove he was true of heart and he was killed by the guardian.” She said and I stopped in my tracks.

f**k, I internally cursed as I tried to get my breathing under control. My chest constricted painfully and my breathing became labored as I leaned forward, resting my hands on my knees.

“Baby, breathe. It will be okay.” I felt Nate rubbing my back.

“And what if I can’t? What if I died? Oh my god, and you will feel my death since I marked you.” I shot up, panicked.

“You marked him?” Kaden growled.

“Ayla, I know you are scared but you need to do this. If you don’t, your wolf won’t be able to come forward. And the outbursts you’ve been having will become worse and they will kill you. I know you can do this.” The queen said reassuringly. And Nate pulled me against his chest.

“Ayla, you’ve got this.” I heard Xander say.

“What was the black pearl before me?” I asked the queen, pulling away from Nate.

“He was half vampire. I only know the stories of him and he wasn’t a good person. He was unable to prove himself to the guardian and he was killed. And then there hasn’t been anything until you.” The queen said.

“Vampires are real?” I exclaimed before I shivered.

“They are. But don’t worry, even after everything that happened, we are on good terms with them.” The king said, and I looked at Nate.

“I’ve never met one, so I don’t know about their relationship with us,” Nate answered my question before I was able to ask.

My mind was racing as I tried to calm my rapid breathing. I had to prove myself and I didn’t even know how. How am I going to prove to anyone that I’m a good person and I deserve to be the black pearl when I have no idea how to be the black pearl? Nate pulled me against his chest again and I let him. This was overwhelming. I didn’t know what to expect, but it sure wasn’t that.

“So, I have a wolf?” I asked, turning my head to look at the queen.

“Why do you think you were able to mark Nate? She’s there, but the magic of the black pearl is suppressing her. Everyone else is either born with one or the other, never both. The wolf on your chest is your wolf, not Nate’s.” she explained, and I was left speechless.

“And the outbursts?” Xander asked.

“That would be her wolf. She is strong enough to have broken through the magic. She was trying to protect you, Ayla. And I know you have nothing to worry about with the guardian. You are more than worthy of being the black pearl.” Queen Laura told me with a smile.

“We should get moving.” The king announced. Nate took my hand as we walked behind the king and queen.

My stomach was in knots and I could no longer focus on this place’s beauty. I can’t afford to fail. I would lose my life and Nate would lose his mate. I couldn’t put him and Duke through that.

“You okay?” Xander asked, walking up beside me.

“No. I didn’t realize my failure would be linked to my death. I won’t be able to walk away after this. If I survive, anyway,” I breathed out.

“You’re scared?” And I chuckled, nervously.

“I’m terrified. I don’t think I’ve ever been this scared. Even being attacked by rogues couldn’t compare to this.” I confessed. Kaden whipped me around to face him and I was forced to let go of Nate’s hand.

“When the hell were you attacked by rogues?” He yelled and I flinched at his anger. I’ve never seen Kaden like this before.

“A few weeks ago, I guess now.” I stammered before Nate pulled me behind him, protectively. Xander also stepped closer to Kaden.

“And that must have been your fault, Wolf boy.” He growled at Nate. Duke let out a growl that had the birds fleeing from our location.

“What the f**k are you implying?” Nate growled.

“I’m not implying anything. Why the f**k were you not there to protect her? And where the f**k were you during all of this?” Kaden turned his attention to Xander. I moved from behind Nate and stepped in between him and Kaden.

“Stop, please?” I pleaded, looking up at him. Nate wrapped an arm around my waist.

“Were you hurt?” He asked, looking down at me.

“I suffered from a few cuts. Nate’s mother treated the wounds and they healed up. Kaden, it really wasn’t anyone’s fault. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I tried to reassure him.

“Why the hell were you alone?” He growled, looking at Xander.

“This happened before I knew any of this. And I was supposed to be out there with my boyfriend at the time. He canceled and I went alone. I met Nate and a few of his pack members and after I set up camp I was attacked. Nate killed the rogues.” I explained.

“Boyfriend?” I sighed and Nate growled.

“That’s a story for another day. But right now, I can’t take any more fighting. I’m about to crumble under this pressure and I can’t deal with this.” I breathed out, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Can we get moving? We only have a little bit to go before we can stop for a break.” The queen interrupted.

“Yes,” I answered, moving away from all of them and over to the queen. The queen linked her arm with mine and we started walking once again.

We walked in silence after that, and I was grateful to just hear the chatter of the forest around us. I swear if anything else is said, I’m going to explode. Kaden has no right to question my relationship with Nate or anyone for that matter. He left me. I understand why, but it doesn’t make the pain of what I went through any easier.

And now I had to work with him because he’s the king of one of the kingdoms I’ll be overseeing. If I survive this anyway. But what the hell was the black pearl supposed to do anyway? The kingdoms seem to be running okay. I don’t know because I have no idea what to even look for. I’m not trained for any of this and now I’ll have to prove myself worthy or die.

“Queen Laura, what are the responsibilities of the black pearl?” I asked her.

“When the first black pearl was born, he was supposed to bridge the mermaid and the witches. Which he did. He took on a mermaid mate and a witch mate, to balance the alliance between both species.” The queen answered and I stopped. Two mates? She can’t be serious.

“Baby?” Nate asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. The queen turned to look at me with a smirk on her face, as I looked at her in horror.

“Ayla, I didn’t say you had to. I was just telling you what the first one did. No one is expecting anything from you. The wolves help to stop the hunters, maybe. But when it comes to mates and future children, that is all up to you,” Queen Laura said, and Nate squeezed me tighter.

“Mates?” He gritted his teeth.

“The first took on two mates. I know wolves are different. They have a fated mate, which I assume you are, Nate. No one expects Ayla to take a mermaid mate as well. I was just explaining the first black pearl.” She explained.

“So, I’m just supposed to hunt down the hunters with the wolves’ help. And then what?” I asked her.

“Then, you rule over the kingdoms. If something were to happen, you’d step in to help. But for the most part, after the hunters are destroyed, you will be the hope that keeps the people going. The face of the mermaids, if you will.” The queen said. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

“We know this is a lot to take in, princess. But the goddess’ wouldn’t have blessed you if they thought you would fail. They believe in you and we all do as well.” The king spoke.

“The other one failed, what makes you think that I wouldn’t?” I sniffled with tears in my eyes. I know I needed to stop doubting myself, but this was just all too much. I never got a chance to breathe before being thrown into something else and I was so tired of trying to live up to someone else’s expectations.

I didn’t know how to do any of this, thanks to my mother. And now I need to learn so much in such a short amount of time. How can I be so important and not know a thing about what I’m doing? I have no idea how to be a princess or a queen. Not even a beta female. I’m so lost in all of this.

“It’s okay, Ayla. We are almost at the break stop. Just breathe. I have faith in you and your ability to rule over us. Just have some faith in yourself.” The queen said.

“And how am I supposed to have faith in myself when everyone I’ve ever loved has left me so easily? People don’t love me, they leave me. I wasn’t worthy of their love, so what makes you think I’m worthy of being the black pearl? I have no experience of any of this and I couldn’t even protect myself from rogues. How the hell am I going to take down hunters?” I cried, everything bubbling to the surface.

The queen took my cheeks in her hands and whipped away a few tears with her thumbs.

“I know you’ve been hurt. And it’s hard to trust again when so many have let you down but you have so many people who love and care for you. I know you think you aren’t worthy of being loved, but you are. After everything that has happened in your life, you have always picked up the pieces and moved on.”

“Because I had to. I didn’t have a choice,” I whispered.

“You buried your feelings and hid your pain to help others. After my king found out you were a black pearl. He called me and I began my investigation into your past. Everything you have done has been for others. Even in the foster home.” She told me.

“I don’t understand, how would you have known about that?” I asked her, confused.

“The day you went missing is the day the foster monster was found dead. There was an investigation and statements made. One of the girls made a statement about you. And how you took the brunt of the abuse. Why did you do that?” She asked, softly.

“The look of horror in her eyes. I couldn’t let her go through something like that, so I did. And then I ran away and left them. I didn’t know that he had been killed. But I chose to leave them with a monster.” I sobbed and Nate buried his face in my neck as he held me from behind.

“Ayla, you were fifteen, everything that happened wasn’t your fault. And I read that girl’s statement, she called you a hero, her guardian angel. And then I spoke to the older couple who you worked for after you ran away. They had nothing but wonderful things to say about you. They even referred to you as the daughter they wished they had. Despite everything you’ve been through, you are always thinking of others. When was the last time you did something for yourself?”

“Nate. I know he deserves better but I can’t let him go.” I whispered to her, my heart twisted painfully at the thought of letting him go.

“I don’t think he could ever let you go. The mate bond is a truly wonderful thing. You may think that he would never choose you without it, but it’s there to make sure two halves of a soul are brought together. He’s your home as much as you are his. Embrace this, you are capable of anything and everything. Now, let’s get you to the guardian so he can see how truly wonderful and deserving you are.” She finished with a smile. I nodded in her hands and she kissed my forehead.

“Come on, we are almost there.” She announced before walking over to her king. The others followed while I stayed rooted to my spot with Nate still holding me.

“I love you so much, baby,” Nate mumbled against my neck.

“I love you so much,” I told him, turning in his arms.

“You can do this, Ayla. I’ve never met such a strong alpha female before. Alpha’s protect their pack, just like you protect others.” He said before his lips brushed mine.

Nate kissed my forehead before he took my hand in his and we followed behind the others. I need to be strong and not show fear, even if I’m scared to death about the unknown. I have Nate and the others and I wouldn’t let them down. Or I’ll die trying.

I’ve always helped others, even when no one was around to help me. I always tried to be a good person and fight for others. But it’s hard to keep fighting when you need help and no one is there for you. And I know I’m broken and insecure. I have been left so many times, the fear of someone I love leaving will most likely always be there.

I was going to need so much therapy, I thought, as we took a seat on a log with the others. Queen Laura was handing out sandwiches and drinks to everyone when a strange sound caught my attention.

Leaning back to look around Nate, the sound buzzing to the right of me. Listening carefully, it was more like a hum than a buzz. Looking back at the others, they didn’t seem to notice.

“Does anyone else hear that?” I asked and they all looked toward me.

“Hear what?” Nate asked, as I stood up and followed in the direction of the sound.

“It’s like a humming sound. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe,” I said, heading away from them.

“Ayla, come back, it’s not safe.” I heard Nate call out.

“It’s okay, Nate.” I turned to see that I wasn’t too far away from them. They were all standing now watching me.

I let out a scream as the ground shook and gave way under my feet, plunging me into darkness before my feet hit the ground and I was forced forward, falling on my hands and knees. I could hear the others yelling as I tried to compose myself, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the darkness.

I felt something watching me as I looked around me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I let out another scream as two glowing red eyes glowed in the darkness in front of me. There was no turning back now.