Fated Hearts

Chapter - 1

Alpha Kayden – POV

I woke up entangled in the sheets with Kate again. Rolling out of bed, I looked out the window; dawn was breaking, the first rays of the sun piercing the dark skyline. I sighed. It's been seven months since the soldiers were wounded by dark magic, and recovery has been slow. Healing them to their full strength takes time. I glanced at Kate's sleeping figure. She's been here through my grieving, and I'm grateful for her support. But last night's fight was the breaking point-she wanted the love I couldn't give, offering only physical connection instead of true affection. That wasn't the only reason we fought. Kate had failed the Luna test; she couldn't bear children, making her unfit to rule by pack standards. It's cruel, but a chosen mate for Luna must meet certain criteria, and the elders didn't see her health condition as compatible. Kate insisted I follow the pack elders' advice, as she wasn't happy in a relationship without love. We're going our separate ways, and Kate will leave the pack. I sighed, my head dizzy. I drank some water and got ready to hit the gym to vent my frustrations.

As I walked, I caught a familiar scent-one I'd longed for but had lost. I shook my head, sniffing the air; it was still present. I wasn't hallucinating like I usually do when I ask Kate to wear a scent like peonies.

"Kayden," a voice called. I turned to see a woman standing at a distance, cloaked in black, holding a child. My soldiers were escorting her towards me. I gulped as she pulled back her hood, revealing Stella. The sight of her brought up a flood of questions-had she finally left that asshole Damon? Did she come to her senses and want to be with me? My eyes fell on the cooing child in her arms, who looked so much like Stella.

"Can I talk with you?" she asked, snapping me out of my reverie, and I nodded.

"Did my guards cause you any trouble?" I asked.

"No, I think they know their Alpha considers me a friend," she replied, her words shattering the flicker of hope I had. I opened the office door.

"I came to speak with you," Stella said, placing her daughter on the ground. The child, a happy bundle of joy, wasn't afraid; she kept smiling and playing with the toy in her hand.

"I thought you'd never come to see me unless you needed help," I said, hating how angry and mean I sounded, but I couldn't help it.

"I don't need help. I came to apologize for my mistakes," Stella whispered, her voice low. I couldn't understand what she meant.

"Apologize for being with Damon? You should admit he was a mistake," I said, sounding like an asshole. Stella shook her head, saying I wasn't getting the point of her apology.

"Have you heard the hate and anger directed at me from both wolves and Lycans?" Stella asked. Her words reminded me of the newspaper slander accusing her of being weak, unable to use light selene .agic to revive people from dead which could have lessen the damage of war. News paper articles called her useless. I made sure that kind of news never made it into my pack.

"I'm sorry I heard you lost your parents. I... couldn't protect many soldiers, and many families lost their loved ones," Stella said. "Please forgive me. I know I came late to give my condolences." Her voice trailed off, serious and sad. I won't lie-I was angry, I hated that I couldn't save my parents, and for a while, I blamed Stella. She could've done better, I thought. But when I cooled down, I realized I was a fool to blame others for things that can't be undone.

"Stella, you were new to magic, and don't forget you were pregnant. I don't hold you accountable for my parents' death-that blame lies with your late husband and his mother, who..." I paused, not wanting to curse in front of the child. Stella's anxious expression showed her guilt.

"Stella, you don't need to apologize for things beyond your control. In war, many things happen, and we can only move past the pain," I said, trying not to show the depth of my grief. But Stella placed her hand on my arm, offering comfort. She gave me a sad, understanding look. I knew she had lost her adoptive parents and cared deeply; I remembered her silent cries at night during the brief time she stayed with us.

"I also came to meet you in person since you blocked me," she said.

"I didn't," I replied coldly. She chuckled, teasing me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to tease you. I came to show you my daughter, Olivia," Stella said, carrying Olivia in her arms as she played and giggled.

"She's beautiful, just like you," I said.

"Olivia is a Lycan wolf," Stella stated.

"I know," I replied.

"You don't hate her for being Lycan?" she asked.

"No, I don't think I could ever hate an innocent child," I said as I handed Olivia back to Stella. Stella paused, the way she always does when she wants to discuss something unsettling.

can you restore the alliance between the Lycans and wolves," she pleaded.

"Did Damon send you For this?" I asked, my tone icy. Stella flinched, and the child in her arms began to cry. Stella soothed her.

"No, he doesn't even know. I lied to him to come here."

"So, what's the real reason?" I asked, annoyed.

"Kayden," her soft voice replied, insisting she wasn't here to convince me of anything. "I came as a friend. You asked me to stay in touch. I'm just trying to bring peace. Do you really want to start another war and see more people die?"

"I don't, and there won't be a war unless the Lycans provoke us. I'm sorry, Stella, but I can't forgive the Lycans. I lost my parents because of them, and many in my pack did too. Forgiveness isn't my path anymore-it's only brought me more pain," I muttered, seeing Stella's eyes grow sad.

"I see, Kayden. I can't change your mind, but I wish you the best. I heard you're dating Kate; she'd make a good Luna."

"She can't be," I muttered. "We broke up because I couldn't love her. I still feel..." My voice trailed off, and Stella's eyes dimmed with sadness, her tendency to blame herself surfacing once again. "It's not your problem, Stella. It's mine. I'll move on. You should be happy with Damon and Olivia, that's all I can say. And tell Damon congratulations on leading the hybrid pack," I said.

"The hybrid pack could've been yours-you declined to be the Alpha," Stella said, sensing my anger over Damon taking the role.

"I've got enough on my plate, and unlike Damon, I don't have a Luna to help me," I snapped. Stella just looked at me with sympathy.

"Take care, Kayden. I pray you find your happy ending," she said before leaving with her daughter. I watched her walk away, the longing in my chest something I hated to still feel. Sighing, I headed back to the breakfast table to get coffee, only to find Kate with a suitcase in her hand.

"You were supposed to leave tomorrow."

"It doesn't matter, Kayden. I got orders from the pack elders to move out of your manor and stay away," Kate said coldly.

"Why leave the pack? You could work elsewhere, where you don't have to deal with me," I suggested.

"Kayden, you're the Alpha. I'd still see you at pack events. I need a change of pace, and the pack only brings me pain since you could never love me," Kate said with a tired, sad sigh.

"I tried, Kate, like you asked me to."

"I know, Kayden, you did try, but it just never worked for us. I think destiny has new plans for us," Kate said sadly before leaving the mansion. I sighed. Harris walked in with an envelope, and I drank my coffee, processing the morning's events.

"What is this?" I asked, annoyed, as I read the letter from the pack elders. It read: "Alpha Kayden, please select a she-wolf as your mate. You have exceeded the time limit to choose. Once you decide, visit us for the Luna test. Time is ticking, and our neighboring enemies grow stronger. We can't appear weak without a Luna." I growled. I hate being ordered around, but the elders were right. I can't afford to be emotional; I need to think rationally.

Heather – POV

Pain shot through me again, a fresh wave of agony rippling through my body. Doctor Zara approached, her expression tinged with sympathy as she and the nurse moved closer to calm me. My wolf was threatening to break free, ready to lash out, and I struggled to suppress it. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't tame the beast inside. Doctor Zara gave the nurse a signal, and I sensed the prick of the injection, though I was more aware of it this time than usual-it wasn't like the other moments when I'd almost slipped away.

"Don't sleep," Doctor Zara warned, her voice firm. "If you let go, your wolf will take over."

I nodded, my jaw clenched, a groan escaping as I fought to keep the wolf at bay. My fingers gripped the bedsheets tightly. I twisted and thrashed against the pain as the nurse held me down. Slowly, the unbearable burning in my chest began to fade, and the torment that had consumed my body started to ebb. My eyes blinked open to the sterile white of the hospital room. I didn't know how long I had been here. The scream of my mate still echoed in my ears-the sound of his pain as he went limp, my parents slaughtered by the undead soldiers. I'd lost everything.

Tears welled up again. Months had passed, but the grief felt fresh. I still couldn't come to terms with the loss of my mate and parents. Even my wounds refused to heal. I glanced at my arms, still marred with scars.

"Hey." A voice broke through the silence. It was my best friend, Mona. With her help, I sat up slowly. "I brought you food. Please, eat something."

"I don't want to," I mumbled, but Mona was persistent. She poured some chicken stew into a bowl-it was my favorite, something my mother used to make often. She placed the steaming dish on the bed's table, adding a glass of juice beside it. My stomach growled, and I gave in, taking a spoonful of the stew. It had been three days since I'd last eaten. The nostalgic taste stirred memories of happier times-family meals, dinners with my mate, Clive, who I had only known for three months before the war took him away.

"What is this weird juice?" I asked, wrinkling my nose at the strong herbal smell.

"It's supposed to help you heal faster," Mona explained, her voice gentle. "You need to get better and start living again."

"I have no one left to live for," I snapped. The words were sharp, but Mona didn't flinch. She was used to my outbursts by now.

"You still have your cousin's family," she reminded me. I frowned, my response silent. "I know your relationship with your extended family hasn't been the best. But Clive's family... They would take you in."

"Clive's parents hate me," I whispered, fresh tears spilling over. "They think I'm cursed, that I brought death into his life."

Mona's eyes widened, shocked. "What? They adored you! What happened?"

"They came to see me yesterday," I said, my voice hollow. "They screamed at me. Told me I killed their only son. I am unlucky women who brought such mishap to their only son."

Mona looked stunned, but before she could respond, the sound of murmurs from the next ward snapped me to attention. A nurse entered.

"All she-wolves are to report to the main hall," she announced. "Alpha's orders."

A chill ran down my spine. Was the war still not over? Was the danger still looming? With Mona's help, I steadied myself and slowly got to my feet. My body was weak, but I moved forward, joining the other she-wolves-those who had fought, those who had lost, just like me.

The doors to the hall swung open, and Alpha Kayden entered. We stood at attention, facing the alpha. Mona stepped aside, not a warrior like the rest of us. My heart pounded as Alpha Kayden paced from one end of the line to the other. His amber eyes-so unique, so commanding-locked onto mine. It was a color only the Alphas possessed, a sign of their immense power. We held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity, until a cough broke the silence, forcing me to look away. It was instinct-staring too long into an Alpha's eyes could be seen as a challenge.

"You will be my chosen Luna," Alpha Kayden's deep voice resonated through the hall. His words left me speechless.

"Me?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. He nodded once, resolutely.

"Alpha, don't we need to test if she's fit to be our Luna?" Merina, one of the captains, questioned cautiously.

"Are you doubting Alpha Kayden's decision?" Beta Harris asked sharply. Merina lowered her head in submission.

"All the she-wolves here are capable," Alpha Kayden continued. "Brave enough to be Luna. But Heather Sutton is the one I've chosen."

I swallowed hard. How did he even know my name? His voice cut through my daze again. "Follow me, Heather," he commanded. I tried to walk, but pain shot through my leg. Without hesitation, he scooped me up, carrying me as if I were a bride.

"Alpha, I can...walk..." I stammered, overwhelmed by the closeness of him.

"Call me Kayden," he replied. "You're my Luna now."

My thoughts spun in circles. I wasn't ready. I couldn't be Luna. But his warmth, the strength of his arms around me, was the first comfort I'd felt in months. As the sunlight hit my face after so long, my exhaustion overtook me, and I drifted into a sleep I hadn't known I needed.

Heather's POV

I sit on the soft bed, gazing around the luxurious room. The antique furniture, the opulent bed, the elegant drapes, plush carpets, and the fireplace in the bedroom-it all feels surreal. I slip into soft slippers and walk around, exploring the space. A bookshelf catches my eye, and in the corner, a cozy writing desk. This all feels so unreal. Opening the wardrobe, I find clothes that fit me perfectly, along with shoes, bags, makeup, and hairstyling tools. Everything I could ever need is here, waiting for me.

A knock at the door. "Luna, are you awake?"

"Yes, come in," I murmur, still feeling odd at being called "Luna." A maid in a uniform steps in.

"Luna, you need to get dressed for the meeting with the pack elders," she says softly, lowering her head.

"I don't even know which outfit to choose," I whisper, feeling nervous and unsure. She looks at me with understanding in her eyes.

"I can help," she offers, walking to the wardrobe and selecting a formal Jenny Packham midi dress, along with shoes and leggings. I follow her lead as she helps me with my makeup and hair. After what feels like hours of work, with her guidance, I finally feel put together.

"Thank you, Clara," I say softly. She gives me a small nod and smile in return. Despite looking more presentable, I feel anxious-my wounds, somehow healed overnight, are still a mystery to me. I haven't asked how that miracle happened yet. But now, I can walk normally, free from pain.

As I walk downstairs, I find Alpha Kayden, dressed in a formal white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, an expensive watch on his wrist, and black slacks with polished leather loafers. His wavy hair is slicked back, though a stray lock falls onto his forehead. His amber eyes seem distant, almost blank.

"Alpha, may I ask... how did I heal?" I stammer, overwhelmed by his presence. His scent, woodsy and sharp like pine, adds to his intimidating aura.

"I used my power to heal you," he replies simply. I gasp in surprise. Alpha healing is rare-it can heal almost anything, but I've heard it takes a significant toll on the Alpha's body and wolf. Yet, Kayden stands tall and strong, betraying no sign of weakness.

"Are you done staring at me, Heather?" His voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I flush with embarrassment.

"Yes... Alpha," I stutter, hating how weak I sound. Once we leave the manor, Beta Harris pulls up with the car. Alpha Kayden guides me into the backseat, sitting beside me. The car ride is quiet, awkward. I don't dare look at him and instead stare out the window, watching the scenery pass by. My mind drifts to Clive-his smiling face brings a tear to my eye. I remember our first date at Club Paris in Anchorage, the way we bonded over combat techniques and magic styles. It was strange for a first date, but perfect in its own way. He had shown me his water magic while I used my fire magic, and we'd sparred. It was an odd date, but it was ours.

"Heather?" A warm hand on mine pulls me from my thoughts. "I didn't mean to startle you. I've called your name twice."

"Sorry," I whisper, embarrassed again. He says nothing more but helps me out of the car, his hand on mine strangely comforting.

The manor we arrive at is old and stately, a place where the pack elders-former Betas, Omegas, and old Alphas-hold their meetings. Harris announces us as we enter: "Alpha Kayden and his chosen mate are here."

The elders file out, four men and two women. One of the women, with dark hair, greets us. "Good to see you made it on time, Alpha Kayden."

"Enough with the chit-chat," one of the older men cuts in, motioning to another woman, who fixes me with a sharp gaze.

"Follow me, Heather," she commands. Her intense stare makes my stomach twist, but I follow, casting a glance at Alpha Kayden. He gives me a calm look, silently urging me to stay composed.

Inside the test room, the elder instructs me to place my hand on a magic orb. As soon as I do, sharp pain shoots through my hand.

"You must endure the pain. Do not remove your hand until the clock chimes," she says. The pain is excruciating, but I grit my teeth and bear it. After everything I've been through, this pain is nothing compared to the agony of losing Clive six months ago. My wolf, Hana, supports me, though she's been strangely quiet since the war-barely lending me her strength. Still, I manage to hold my ground.

The elder looks at me with amusement as I withstand the orb's force, my hands trembling but holding firm. I don't know why I'm doing this-I never wanted to be Luna. I had even considered rejecting the title. Why am I even here?

Finally, the clock chimes, and the magic stops. I'm panting, exhausted. But there's more. Next, I'm led to a room where I must fight magical mannequins designed to simulate rogue wolves. Despite my fatigue, I manage to destroy them in under a minute, earning a smirk from one of the elders.

Afterward, the elder takes me to yet another test-this time, she cuts my hand, drawing blood. Using her magic, she makes the blood float in the air, its color shifting and changing like a rainbow. It's bizarre, this old-world tradition. The sight of it makes me uneasy.

When the test is over, the elder frowns slightly, her expression stern. My heart sinks. Did I fail? Is it because I can't bear children? I've wondered about that ever since the war when I was injured. Maybe I'm not fit to be Luna, after all. I don't even know why that thought bothers me so much.