Alpha's Chosen Mate

y. Arielle stood on the balcony outside her room, watching as the last rays of light d

lping with strategic planning to strengthen their defenses against Loute wolves. Yet, amid the activity, there was an undercurrent of tension-both from the threats outside and the comple

tinged with a seriousnes

d, curious about the

gesturing toward the hallway. "I wan

ping out of her room and c

gainst the wooden floors. Eric led her to a small, secluded garden at the back of the

esturing to the garden around them.

pack's best-kept secrets," Eric said with a small sm

one bench, folding her arms

thank you for everything you've done since you arrived. You'v

her at his words. "I'm just trying to

I know this wasn't what you wanted, an

f their shared responsibilities heavy between the

began, his voice steady despite the tension in the air

then spoke with a vulnerabi

Arielle. More than I ever expected."Arielle's breath caught in her throat as hi

er voice barely above a whisper. "You'

ir-a shift from uncertainty to something more tangible, more real.Eric too

could feel her heart pounding in her chest, every nerve alive with anticipation.Then, slowly, as if drawn by an invisible force, Eri

elle closed her eyes, leaning into the kiss as the world fell away, leaving

a whirlwind of emotions swirl inside her-surprise, relief,

eeks flushed with both exhi

yes filled with warmth and

ity of the moment settle around them. It was a turning point-a shift f

ght of her fears and doubts lif

we see where this goes. Together."Arielle nodded, her h

truly connected-not just to the pack, but to Eric

filled with the sound of crickets chirping. The silence between the

you arrived?" Eric asked sudd

rget? I was terrified and convinced you

I thought you'd be a pampered princess

idn't you?" Arielle teased, nudgi

light. "I was wrong. You're much stronger an

d with mock indignation. "I'

ne softening. "You've brought something to this pack, Ari

nating with her. "I feel the same way about you, Eric. You've shown

that seemed to embrace them in its quiet watchfulness. The night was

ld have chosen," Eric said, his voice low an

her fingers through his. "Me too. Wha

into something unspoken but deeply felt. The future was uncertain, and the challenges they faced were real, but for the first time, Arielle felt truly hopeful.As they walked back to the p