My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 52

Nate

As soon as I left the pack house after talking with Alpha Atlas, I was pushed back and almost knocked on my a*s.

“Blues!” I exclaimed as she covered me in drool. Her tail was just wagging as she jumped up to get my attention.

“I’ve missed you too, girl. And I know your momma has.” I told her, kneeling down to give her more of my attention.

“Nate, how is my granddaughter?” Alpha Jim asked, walking towards us.

“She wasn’t happy about all of this but all in all she’s doing good. We’ve discovered so much. And as of right now, we are just waiting for her wolf to make an appearance.” I told him and I heard Alpha Atlas gasp behind me.

“What wolf?” Her father bellowed. And I pushed my lips into a line. I forgot that so much had happened since I’d been gone.

“Does she really have a wolf?” Alpha Jim questioned and I sighed.

After I was done explaining everything that had happened. Both were looking at me like I had a second head. It was a lot to take in and I probably sounded crazy. Which would explain why they are looking at me like that. Both of them let out a breath.

“So let me get this straight, first she meets not only the moon goddess but the mermaid goddess. Then she was found by this king Kaden in the middle of the ocean and he turned out to be her ex-boyfriend, who she lived with. And then she blew up the chopper you were all traveling in on your way to the northern kingdom. There she was challenged by the black pearl guardian, which she won. Now scales cover her body like an armor suit. She has amazing fighting skills and she has a wolf that hasn’t appeared yet?” Alpha Atlas summoned everything up in disbelief.

“She also asked the moon goddess to gift the mermaids with the mind link. And we have marked each other.” I said.

“Marked?” Alpha Jim asked. I lifted my shirt to show my new tattoo.

“So it’s official?” Alpha Jim questioned, looking at the tattoo and the bite mark.

“Just waiting for the full moon,” I answered and Alpha Atlas growled.

“That’s my daughter,” he grumbled and I chuckled.

“And she’s my mate. Don’t you want to be a grandpa?” I teased him and Alpha Jim laughed.

“No, I don’t. Now stop talking!” He growled and I smirked.

“Well, I’m sure my dad would like to be a grandpa.” I chuckled and he g*****d.

“Well, I’m looking forward to being a great-grandpa!” Alpha Jim exclaimed.

“Can I have a few years to just be a dad before you make me grandpa?” Alpha Atlas sighed.

“Nothing is set until she claims me under a full moon. Or she gets her wolf. Actually, I have no idea. Her wolf had made her presence known. She marked me and she growled. But this is all new to even Queen Laura, who has helped so much. The first black pearl was a half-witch. And the second was a half-vampire but he was killed by the guardian.” I told them.

“Why was he killed?” Alpha Jim asked.

“He couldn’t prove himself worthy. Ayla proved herself after the first challenge. And when the moon goddess offered her a gift, she asked for the mermaids to be blessed with the mind link.” I explained.

“That was quite selfless of her,” Alpha Jim commented.

“And how did you get the wolves on your chest?” He asked.

“Mermaids give their claims the scale over their hearts. When Ayla gave me hers, I shifted and that’s what happened. Ayla’s looks the same as mine now.”

“That’s fascinating.” Alpha Jim breathed out.

“It’s definitely been a journey. And now this. We haven’t even been able to collect any intel on the Crimson Tide pack,” I said.

“It will all calm down soon. And I can keep Bluey until you two get settled.” He offered.

“Her grandmother gifted her the house that’s near Alpha Matt’s pack. She also gifted him the land around it so the pack could run patrol. But it will be nice to be able to relax. It was a great morning. Xander and I worked out a schedule with Alpha Matt. Ayla kicked Jonathan’s a*s on the training field.” I chuckled.

“And yours.” Duke huffed.

“It clearly isn’t all work, son.” My father said, coming up beside me, and clasping me on the shoulder.

“It could be less work and more play,” I said, hugging my dad. I heard Alpha Atlas g***n and my father chuckled.

“Atlas, you were twenty-two once. Give him a break.” My dad said and he growled.

“I know, and that doesn’t mean I want to know what my daughter is up to.” He grumbled.

“Well, you are about to meet the guy your daughter was dating at sixteen and he was twenty-one.” I shrugged. And I could hear the alpha gritting his teeth.

“Why would you say that?” My father scolded.

“To let him know it could be worse. And to push his anger towards someone else,” I said, and my father sighed.

“I’m going to kill that fucker.” The alpha growled.

“He’s a king. And we don’t know the story. Calm down. Besides, she was living on her own. She didn’t get pregnant. She finished school and was working. Ayla is very responsible,” Alpha Jim exclaimed.

“Fine, but I’m not happy about any of this.” He growled.

“Just had to poke the alpha,” my father said and I shrugged.

“Now, have you seen your mother?”

“I haven’t. I’ve just been getting these two up to speed about Ayla.” I answered.

“Both your mother and sister are home and want to see you. Let’s go have lunch. Jim, Atlas, you are both welcome to join us.” My father offered.

“I need to go check on my nephew and his warriors,” Alpha Atlas answered.

“I told them where to start patrol but I think your nephew is going to need a nap. He said he was up all night patrolling in his pack.” My father told him.

“I’ll make sure they are all ready for the night patrol. Go enjoy some time with your son before the king arrives.” He growled the last part and I chuckled.

“I think I’m his favorite now.”

“You’re lucky I’d rather be on Duke’s good side.” He huffed before leaving us. My father and Alpha Jim were laughing.

“I should probably get to work since now I have more of it.” Alpha Jim said, shaking his head.

“Come on Bluey,” he called out, and she followed him into the pack house.

“Let’s go see your mother, she’s been anxious to see you. Especially, since you haven’t called.” He gave me a pointed look before we started to walk towards home.

“My old phone is at the bottom of the northern sea or I would have called. I just got a new phone this morning. It’s just been one hell of a few days,” I told him.

“That’s a pretty decent excuse but she is still going to kill you for making her worry.”

“Nathaniel Greyson Winters!” I heard my mother yell before I even stepped foot into the yard. I cringed at the use of my full name. She was standing on the porch with her hands on her h**s. My father clasped my shoulder.

“Good luck son.” He said before quickly walking up the stairs into the house. He kissed her cheek before he ran into the house, leaving me with his angry mate.

My mother was glaring at me as I reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Mom, I’m sorry. I lost my phone. I just got a new one this morning. I was going to text you but I decided to just show up instead.” I explained and she huffed.

“And how is my beautiful daughter-in-law?”

“Angry that I’m here without her.”

“I’m angry that you’re here without her. Now come inside. Lunch is ready and I want to hear all about Ayla.” She scoffed before storming into the house. And here I was thinking she was worried about her only son.

We were almost done with lunch when the alpha was in my head, telling me the king had arrived. I rolled my eyes. Yes, he’s a king, but that doesn’t mean he deserves my respect. This wasn’t his world, it was mine.

My mother had to get back to work and Ruby decided to come along with me and dad to the pack house. As soon as we arrived, King Kaden was just getting out of his SUV. I heard Ruby let out a gasp.

“That’s Ayla’s ex!” She whispered yelled. And Duke let out a growl.

“I mean, sure, I guess you are good looking Nate, but damn.” She took out her phone and snapped a picture.

“I have to show him to Mom.” She giggled, taking off towards the hospital.

“Ruby is no longer my favorite,” Duke huffed.

“It’s fine, son, it’s not all about looks.” My father said and I frowned.

“Thanks, Dad, I feel so much better.” I sighed.

“Alpha Atlas,” I heard King Kaden say, shaking my alpha’s hand.

“King Kaden,” Alpha Atlas greeted him.

“King Kaden, you didn’t have to come all the way down here for this,” I told him.

“Always a pleasure, Nate.” He glared at me.

“Beta Will, can you please show King Kaden’s men where we have the body? They will be taking it with them.” The alpha told his beta.

“And you two follow me.” He demanded. I was ready to protest as I didn’t want to be around him. But the soft growl from Alpha Atlas shut me up. I needed to show my alpha respect in front of our unwelcome guest.

King Kaden followed behind the alpha and I followed behind him. I had no idea what my alpha was about to tell us, but I had a bad feeling about this. This has been the third body found within the last couple of weeks. The hunters know who Ayla is but I don’t know why they haven’t attacked her yet.

Alpha Atlas led us into his office and told us both to take a seat. We both took one of the chairs in front of the alpha’s desk. I was trying to keep my cool as I sat beside Ayla’s ex. I knew he wanted her back.

“King Kaden, it’s come to my attention that you know my daughter,” Alpha Atlas started.

“Daughter? Who are you referring to?”

“Ayla Waters is my daughter.” The alpha announced, but if King Kaden was shocked he didn’t show it.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Alpha. Ayla recently told me her father was a wolf. I didn’t expect our paths would cross like this.” King Kaden said as I sat there trying to figure out my alpha’s angle.

“Then you should know that I don’t approve of your relationship with my daughter. She was underage. Also, this is her mate. I’m aware that Mermaids don’t have fated mates but wolves do.” He scolded.

“Oh, snap.” Duke chuckled, coming forward to listen to the conversation.

“With all due respect, alpha. My relationship with Ayla was and is none of anyone’s business. Yes, she was sixteen but she was living on her own. We built a life together. I wanted nothing but the best for her.” King Kaden told him.

“And when you left her?” Alpha Atlas questioned, and the king sighed.

“I left to protect her. I didn’t handle it well, but what I did, I thought was for the best. I was running from my father. When my brother found me, he informed me our father sold our mother. I had to leave to handle the matter. I never found her and I killed my father and took over as king. And as king, I couldn’t take a human claim. I did leave her with all the money I had saved up and everything my brother gave me as well. We were moving into the city so she could attend night classes. I love your daughter and I only want what’s best for her.” He finished and I pressed my lips into a line.

Alpha Atlas leaned back in his chair and let out a breath.

“And where does your loyalty lie now?” The alpha finally asked. I wanted to be pissed off, but if King Kaden didn’t leave, I would never have Ayla.

“My loyalty lies with Ayla. Ayla is the black pearl, the beacon of hope for the mermaid race. She is everything to me and our people.” He said and I growled.

“She is everything to me.”

“And what is she to you and the wolves? Do you have a legend of a black mermaid wolf that will rule over the wolves?” He exclaimed and I gritted my teeth.

“Is Ayla going to rule over the four kingdoms?” Her father asked.

“Yes, there’s no doubt about that. Ayla will be the bridge to help us fight against the hunters and to keep our people safe.”

“And now she is a mermaid, you want her back? Is that it? Is that why you are here, King Kaden?” The Alpha questioned.

“I’m here because I care about the people of my kingdom. I don’t know how Ayla knew, but the victim is from my kingdom. She was a maid in the castle. She went missing two years ago,” he explained.

“Do you know who is responsible?” He asked.

“I don’t. I’ve raided over a hundred hideouts and I’ve only found victims and their minions. They all killed themselves before I could interrogate them. I wish I had more answers but I don’t.” He confessed and the alpha nodded.

“This is the report of everything we have found. And the body will be released into your custody. If you need help with anything, just give me a call. I want these bastards killed just as badly as you do.” Alpha Atlas said, handing him a folder.

“Thank you for your cooperation. My men have informed me they are ready. And Nate, remember to the wolves, she wolfless but for us, she is everything.” He said before he left the office.

“What the f**k is that supposed to mean?” I growled out.

“I think you should take some time to think about all of this. She may be your fated mate, but she is worth more to the mermaids than to the wolves. It may be best for her to return to the sea.” Alpha Atlas said before he left his office.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and tried to slow down the beating of my heart. The best place for Ayla was beside me and nowhere else. Even if I have nothing to offer her right now. This is just the beginning, not the end.

“And she’s not wolfless. She just hasn’t come forward yet,” Duke scoffed.

“But what if she never does?” I questioned.

“Dude, I’m off tonight. Let’s meet at the pack house and catch up. I could use a drink after the day I’ve had.” Mitch said via mind link.

“I’m already here. I was talking with Alpha Atlas and King Kaden,” I answered.

“I heard from Rudy that the king is Ayla’s ex?” He said and Duke growled.

“I’m sorry, man. I’m just going to shower and then I’ll meet you in the lounge.” He said, before closing the link.

I found myself gripping her mark on my chest before I stood up to leave the alpha’s office. Duke needed a run before I met up with Mitch or he was going to rip this entire pack house apart.

I ran into my father and alpha on the way out of the house. I didn’t feel like talking, but the alpha stopped me.

“The body was found where Ayla was attacked by the rogues. They could have wolves working for them. Be careful.” He informed me.

“I’ll be heading back tomorrow to keep her safe. I’ll do a patrol of the border, then I’ll be back.” I told them.

I ran towards the back tree line before stripping off my clothes. I didn’t even have time to put the clothes in a neat pile before Duke shifted and took off. He didn’t like the bond with his mate being threatened. And neither did I. I didn’t care how the other wolves saw her. She was supposed to be ours.

Duke ran the border of the entire pack, which should have taken a few hours, in an hour. We didn’t bother to stop to speak to anyone, too lost in the run. When we arrived back at my clothes, I shifted and pulled on my pants. I carried everything else as I made my way to the beta floor of the pack house. I needed a shower before I went to meet Mitch. A very cold shower since I missed my mate.

I pulled out my phone to text her before I went to have a shower and get cleaned up. I’ve missed her all day and have texted her a few times. I wonder if she was able to replace the book she was looking for.

When I was ready, I made my way to the lounge to meet Mitch. I didn’t expect the other guys to be there, but I was thankful for the food. As soon as I stepped in, Mitch handed me a glass of whiskey. The other guys were all shouting, holding up their glasses.

“To Nate, the first of us to replace their mate,” Mitch announced.

“To Nate, the lucky bastard that gets to f**k the alpha’s daughter,” Max called out, and I shook my head.

“To Nate,” Everyone yelled as we all downed our drinks.

“What the hell is this?” I turned to Mitch as the others gathered around us.

“It’s your ‘I found my mate, so I’m leaving everyone’ party.” He answered, clasping my shoulder. I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. I was a few hours away.

“Another round!”