The Rogue King’s Demand
The courtyard was in chaos as the wolves gathered, still shaken from the rogue attack. The air was tense, and Ayla could feel the eyes of the pack on her. Their fear and suspicion weighed heavily, but she didn’t have time to focus on that now.
From the shadows of the forest, a tall figure emerged, his silver hair gleaming under the moonlight. His presence was undeniable, his steps slow and deliberate as if he already owned the place. The wolves around Ayla fell silent.
The Rogue King.
“Alpha,” he said, his voice deep and calm as he stopped a few feet away. “I’m not here to fight. Yet.”
“What do you want?” the Alpha growled, stepping forward.
The Rogue King smiled, his sharp features cold and calculating. “I’ve come for her.” His eyes landed on Ayla, and she froze under the weight of his gaze.
Growls erupted from the pack. Cian stepped forward, his body tense. “You’re not taking her.”
The Rogue King ignored him, his attention solely on Ayla. “Come willingly, and your pack stays safe. Refuse, and I’ll turn this forest red with their blood.”
The crowd erupted into murmurs, fear rippling through the wolves. Ayla clenched her fists, trying to steady her breath.
“Why me?” she asked, her voice stronger than she expected.
The Rogue King’s smile widened. “Because you’re the key to everything. Your power, your bloodline—it’s what I need to reshape this broken system. The packs cling to old traditions, but with you by my side, we can tear it all down and build something better.”
“You mean something where you’re in charge,” Ayla shot back, her anger rising.
The Rogue King chuckled. “Of course. But don’t be naive. You’ve seen how they treat you. You think this pack deserves your loyalty? They’ll turn on you the moment it’s convenient.”
“She’s not going anywhere with you,” Cian growled, stepping between them.
The Rogue King raised an eyebrow. “And you are?”
“Someone who’s willing to protect her,” Cian replied, his green eyes blazing with determination.
“Protect her?” Another voice cut through the tension, and Zion stepped into the clearing, his expression grim. “From who, exactly? The pack that’s ostracized her, or the father who plans to use her?”
Ayla’s heart sank. “Zion, what are you saying?”
Zion hesitated, then looked her in the eye. “He’s my father. The Rogue King.”
The words hit her like a blow. She stepped back, her voice trembling. “You knew this whole time?”
“Yes,” Zion admitted, guilt in his voice. “But I stayed to protect you. I didn’t want him to hurt you.”
“You lied to me,” Ayla whispered.
“I didn’t lie,” Zion said quickly. “I kept the truth from you because I knew how hard this would be. Ayla, I care about you. Everything I’ve done was to keep you safe.”
“Safe?” Cian snapped. “You brought her straight into the hands of the enemy.”
Zion’s expression darkened. “I’ve done more for her than you ever have. You ignored her for years. Now suddenly, you care?”
“Enough!” Ayla’s voice cut through their argument, her frustration boiling over. “This isn’t about either of you. It’s about me.”
The Rogue King smiled faintly. “Then decide, Ayla. Will you come with me willingly, or shall I take you by force?”
“She’s not going anywhere,” Cian said firmly.
“Ayla.” Zion turned to her, his voice soft. “You don’t have to stay here. You’ve seen how they treat you. With my father’s help, you could be free.”
“Free?” Ayla echoed, bitterness creeping into her voice. “You mean a pawn in his war.”
“I would never let him use you,” Zion promised, taking a step closer. “You’re stronger than this pack deserves. Come with me, and I’ll make sure you’re never caged again.”
Ayla looked at him, torn. The bond between them was undeniable, pulling at her with an intensity she couldn’t ignore. But then she felt Cian’s eyes on her, filled with a different kind of pull.
“Ayla,” Cian said quietly, stepping forward. “Don’t leave. I know I’ve made mistakes, but I won’t let them hurt you. I’ll protect you—no matter what it costs me.”
Her chest tightened at the raw emotion in his voice.
“Cian…” she whispered, her heart aching.
“I love you,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. “Stay with me.”
Zion let out a low growl. “You’re only saying that because you don’t want to lose her to me.”
“I’m saying it because it’s the truth,” Cian shot back.
“Enough!” the Rogue King barked, silencing them both. His silver eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked at Ayla. “Oh, this is rich. Two wolves fighting for your affection. But this isn’t about them, is it? It’s about your future, Ayla. Choose.”
Before she could speak, Rowan stepped forward, his face twisted into a smug grin.
“Before you make any decisions, Ayla,” Rowan said, his voice dripping with malice, “maybe you should hear the truth about yourself.”
Ayla glared at him. “What now, Rowan?”
