HER BABY DADDY ALPHA

Three Years Ago

My father's voice jolted me awake. "Smile, darling. You look like a corpse," he whispered with a touch of irritation. I managed a forced grin, hoping to appear joyful at the Full Moon celebration. As the Alpha's daughter, attendance was obligatory, but after enduring nineteen years of the same festivities, it had grown painfully boring.

I observed the dance, music, and merriment unfold with a sense of detachment. Ryan, my father's Beta sat beside us.

Other girls in the village always giggled when they saw him but I didn't see what they saw. I didn't have a particular spec. I was content to let fate decide my mate. I have seen members of our pack live in peace with their mates even without falling for them. I wanted a strong connection with my mate, I want him to want me as much as I would want him.

Looking up at the full moon, I silently prayed, "When will I meet him, moon goddess? Please, let him be handsome, kind and very strong." But the moon only stared back blankly.

My father's glare snapped me out of my thoughts. "Stop slouching, Ashley!"

I mumbled and stood up abruptly, "I'm not slouching dad. I need some fresh air."

Without waiting for my father's approval, I stood up and hastily left the celebration. Shaking my hair free from the ponytail I had packed, I ventured into the woods behind our pack house. To many, it might have appeared creepy, but to me, it was a safe haven, especially under the full moon.

I knew I shouldn't worry so much about finding my mate, especially since I had only had my wolf for a year. But the worry nagged at me. What if I ended up like those she-wolves in their thirties who never found their mates? What if I never had one? Would I grow old and lonely without a mate?

Suddenly, my wolf, Zee, became restless, scraping at the surface of my consciousness. "Run," she urged. I glanced around in awareness. "Where am I running to?" I asked in confusion.

"Run," Zee repeated, the urgency in her voice driving me to take off. A surge of adrenaline coursed through me as I sprinted through the forest, my feet pounding on the ground, and the crunch of twigs and leaves beneath echoed in my ears.

Zee's agitation nearly brought laughter, fueling my exhilaration as I climbed the trees and leapt from one to the next. When my wolf finally calmed, I slowed my pace, leaning against a tree with my chest heaving, smiling.

A short distance away, I found a river. I immediately ran towards the water hoping to wash my face. As I got closer, a figure emerged from the water, a male, and he was completely naked.

Gaping, I froze in place, stunned at the naked body before me, silently cursing my wolf for bringing me here. The first thing I noticed was his hair, it was all grey and coupled with his grey eyes, he looked like a man who would make you sin and you would thank him. He had a strong, muscular body, glowing with sweat in the moonlight. My gaze drifted downward, captivated by his form.

I had lived a sheltered life, thanks to my father's watchful eye, and had never been so close to a man's naked body. It wasn't an entirely unpleasant experience.

"Mate," Zee said. I was shocked. I could feel her leaping. Maybe she had sensed our mate. That's why she asked me to run.

"Stay put," his voice sliced through the stillness of the night, and I gasped, my heart racing; I was caught. Ready to bolt, he added, "Don't move."

Approaching me, I stammered, "I didn't mean to..."

"Of course," he responded, a sarcastic smile on his lips. "You didn't mean to... See me naked?"

My face flushed, and I struggled for words. "I'm sorry," I muttered.

"So polite," he murmured, his fingers delicately grazing my skin. His touch, surprisingly gentle, stirred my wolf as his thumb brushed my lower lip, and I shivered. My eyes closed as his lips met mine, a slow and then more insistent kiss that parted my lips, his tongue brushing against mine. The night air echoed with my moans, and my wolf grew restless. But as I tilted my head and immersed myself in the kiss, the man suddenly broke it off, stepping back with his fingers loosening around my throat. I stared up at him, my mind still hazy from the kiss.

I think he felt the connection too. His eyes widened as he looked at me in shock.He turned away, taking steps that would lead him into the trees. I exhaled a breath I hadn't known I had been holding and leaned back against the tree.

I ran my fingers over the healing bruise on my neck, a mixture of pain and lingering pleasure making me groan. I needed to return to the pack house.

Dread clawed at my insides, anticipating my father's countless questions about my tattered dress and the fading mark on my neck.

Fingers crossed, I could only hope that the man who had ignited these unfamiliar desires within me was indeed my destined mate.

My heart raced, not just from the kiss but from the fear of the unknown. And as I made my way back to the pack house, the moonlight bathed my trembling form, leaving me to question the depths of my desires.

Three weeks later, I wandered through the thick woods, the crisp night air gently touching my skin. A mix of excitement and anxiety surged within me. It had been three weeks since my last venture into the woods, encountering the grey-haired young man. I didn't even get his name yet I let him kiss me senseless.

Moving further into the woods, The memories of our meeting echoed in my mind, growing more pronounced with each step I took towards the river.

Confusion and longing mingled in my thoughts. The undeniable, potent attraction he wielded over me transcended reason. The yearning to see him again consumed me. As I arrived at a well-known clearing, illuminated by the moon's silver glow, a sense of anticipation charged the air. My heart raced, acknowledging that I stood where it all began.

Breaking the silence, his voice emerged, startling me. "You came back," he drawled from the shadows, causing my heart to leap in surprise.

Taken aback, I stepped away, meeting the gaze of the young man lounging on a tree branch above. His intense stare sent shivers down my spine, and I realized I still didn't know his name.

"Are you a woods creature?" I questioned, my tone curious and confused.

"I have a villa in the city with an amazing view of the woods but no. I did have a feeling that you might come back." he responded, descending from the tree smoothly.

"I'm Trent Wade " he introduced himself, extending his hand. "Ashley Smith," I replied, accepting his hand.

Standing in front of me, his tall figure cast a shadow, evoking a mixture of emotions-fear, longing, and intense curiosity.

I looked up at him nervously. "What brought you here the other day?"

"The same reason as you." he responded, not breaking eye contact at all. "Fate led me here. And you?"

I paused, trying to find the right words. "I usually come here for some quiet time," I lied defensively, although the words rang hollow.

Trent shrugged and suggested, "You wanna grab a drink?"

Excitement welled up within me, and I found myself blurting out, "Yes, I'd love to." Heading to a nearby bar, we entered the dimly lit interior.

Taking a seat at a table, the anticipation for the evening's unfolding events lingered in the air. I resisted the urge to repeatedly check my watch, knowing my nerves were obvious.

"I'll be right back," Trent announced, walking toward the bar. He hadn't been gone for ten seconds when someone splashed beer on me from behind. I gasped and turned around in mortification.

"Are you going to apologize?" I hurriedly reached for tissues to dab my neck. The beer trailed down my back and I shivered in revulsion.

"Hey, sweetheart," The idiot had the nerve to smirk at me. "Wanna dance?"

"No," I was amazed at how idiotic he was being. "I want you to apologize for spilling beer on me."

"If you want me to apologize, you gotta dance with me." He raised his beer in a toast.

"I'm not going to dance with you." I snapped.

"Then I'm..." Thankfully, Trent chose that moment to come back.

"Apologize to the lady." Trent said in a voice that chilled me.

"What are you going to do, grey man?" The man taumted.

In a flash, he skillfully jerked the man up and aroind, causing the side of the intruder's face to collide with the table. The impact rattled glasses and utensils as Magnus held the man's face firmly in place, his elbow pinning him down.

"You've got ten seconds to apologize to the lady," Trent's voice was stern and unyielding. "Or you're going to see what I'm truly capable of."

Tense silence hung in the air for a few heart-pounding moments as everyone paused what they were doing to look at us. The stranger's eyes widened, registering shock and fear.

"I'm sorry." the stranger yelled, not meeting my eye.

"Good mutt," Trent uttered with a cold smile, easing the pressure on the man's face. released him, and the disgraced intruder practically running out of the bar.

Are you okay?"

"I'm ok."

"Let's go." I'm glad he knows I couldn't possibly have that drink anymore.

I observed him out of the corner of my eye as we walked, my eyes drifting to his bulging biceps. His expression gave nothing away.

"Thanks for standing up for me," I said as I reached my door, stepping onto the porch and facing him.

"It was nothing," he replied, his tone calm and collected.

I chewed my lips shyly, not meeting his eyes."I had fun tonight." I said.

"We didn't even get to have that drink," he teased.

"But I enjoyed your silent company." I shot back.

"Me, too. Let me see you go in." He said. What a gentleman! He didn't leave until I was upstairs and I got to see his back view as he walked away. I can't believe I miss him already. I couldn't stop thinking about Trent and the way he made me feel alive with his presence. It was all so new to me.

As if I conjured him up with my mind, he suddenly appeared by my window.

"Trent?" I whispered, not quite convinced that my mind was playing tricks.

"Can I come in?" Two minutes later, we were both in my room and I regarded him warily.

"I came back," he said. "I couldn't stay away."

"Why?" I managed to ask. He took a step closer, closing the distance between us. I couldn't think clearly, his presence muddling up my brain.

"I felt it, Ashley," he said, his voice a husky whisper. "The connection between us. I know you're my mate, but if you don't feel it too, I'll climb right out that window, and we'll never see each other again. So, did you feel it too?"

I could only nod. His lips crashed onto mine in a passionate, fiery kiss that made my body come alive. Heat surged through my body, and I felt my wolf, Zee, stirring.

"I need to hear you say it, darling!" He whispered against my lips.

"I feel it." I admitted,my heart pounding in my chest. I could no longer deny.

His eyes darkened with my admission and he effortlessly lifted me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, consumed by the intoxicating kiss. Trent broke the kiss only to undo my zip, letting my gown cascade to the floor. His hands cupped my breasts, and I gasped as he bit my lip.

Gently, he laid me in the center of the bed, his fingers skillfully teasing and exploring.

My body responded eagerly, and I moaned as he sent waves of pleasure coursing through me. The sensations were overwhelming, and I felt a newfound power within me.

Trent's kiss ignited a passion that urged me to delve into unexplored realms of desire. With a swift movement, he undid his pants, revealing his hard-on. I looked at him, a mixture of fear and eager anticipation in my gaze.

"That..." I began, but he chuckled, kneeling on the bed.

"It'll fit perfectly," he whispered, placing open-mouthed kisses on my neck and chin. "You're made to take me." He teased my entrance, slowly entering me. The pain mingled with pleasure, and I winced. Trent paused, his own desire evident in his eyes.

He bent down to take one of my breasts into his mouth, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned as he began moving, a slow and gentle rhythm that gradually increased in intensity.

In the heat of our passionate sounds echoing in the room, I realized this night was just the start of a journey filled with strong feelings, challenges, and a love that would test how much our hearts and souls could handle. Our deep connection left us both breathless, and with every breath we took and every kiss we shared, our bond grew stronger.

Trent's lips caressed my neck, and I anticipated what would happen next. He was about to leave a mark, to assert his ownership. I had yearned for this moment.

He stopped, his fangs lightly touching my skin, and I held my breath. I craved to feel his mark, his claim, to unite us permanently. Yet, he hesitated.

THREE YEARS AGO

The pack members gathered outside the square, there was tension in the air, my heart pounded in my chest matching the echoing howls that surrounded us. A knot tightened in my stomach as everyone's gaze fell on Trent. The accused stood at the center. His grey hair fell over his face, covering most of his features, his gray eyes that always glistened now looked dull by the weight of accusation.

Trent was accused of treason against the Alpha, the very leader we were bound to obey. Such crimes were unforgivable. I stood in uncertainty observing silently what judgment would be passed. My heart ached for him. I knew he was innocent, but my words held no strength as I couldn't prove his innocence.

The judgment came. Alpha Walker, my father, a commanding figure with an aura of authority, stepped forward. I braced myself for the sentence that would seal Trent's destiny.

"Trent Wade, accused of treason against the Alpha, by the sacred laws of our kind, you are hereby sentenced to exile."

The growls of the pack grew louder, and Trent's jaw clenched. You could see the pain of betrayal in his eyes but he didn't say a word. My father turned to me, his gaze indicating it was time to carry out his commands, and my heart shattered into pieces. We had a strong connection and now I was forced to sever it.

I stepped forward, meeting Trent's gaze. I could see the shock in his eyes, and in a desperate mind-link attempt, he pleaded with me,

"What are you doing Ashley?" I could feel the fear in his tone, but I had to carry out my father's commands,

"I'm sorry, Trent, but I have to do this" I responded through the link.

"No baby listen.." I quickly closed the link, not wanting to hear him anymore, because it would be too difficult to go on with the task. I struggled to compose myself and pushed the words out in a voice I couldn't recognize.

"I, Ashley Smith, daughter of the Alpha reject you, Trent Wade, as my mate".

Each word I spoke felt like a betrayal and as the last words left my lips, there was a collective howl in the air from the pack members. I felt like my heartbeat had stopped, the pain was excruciating as our face mirrored what we were both going through.

'I'm sorry, please don't hate me' I whispered.

**** THREE YEARS LATER

The morning sun filtered into my room through the windows, causing me to squint. I woke up stretching my arms. A sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I woke up. It grew worse when I noticed the hurried footsteps and hushed conversation of the pack members echoing through the pack house. I hurriedly threw clothes on and rushed downstairs, my eyes searching for my father among the busy pack members.

When I spotted him, his usual calm face was now etched with worry,

"Dad, what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but you could detect the urgency in it. He sighed heavily.

"Audrey, a message was sent to the Alpha last night. Trent has challenged him to a fight. The entire pack is on edge, and we don't know when he'll arrive."

My heart skipped a beat

"Trent?"

I asked again to be sure I wasn't hearing wrong. "Yes" my father responded. This was the name that haunted me in my dreams every night for the past three years. The man I rejected and severed ties with, was he returning? I could feel my inner wolf turning at the news. Since I rejected Trent, Zee has been very absent. I barely felt her, but as soon as Trent was mentioned...

"What does he want?" I asked, desperate for answers.

"We don't know, Ashley but we just have to be prepared"

The weight of uncertainty was in the air and everyone was busy. Some guards accompanied the young pups to school and were assigned to wait and bring them back. The security was tightened, everyone took precautions and nobody journeyed outside the safety of the pack for fear of the unknown. I couldn't help but wonder what his return would be like.

It was three days already since the day the letter got to the Pack. There was still tension in the air as Trent's day of arrival was still unknown. Rumors of Trebt's challenge to Alpha Ryan filled the whole pack.

A few days later, it was the day of the full moon celebration. The full moon shone bright in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the pack's celebration. Laughter and joy echoed through the square as pack members partook in the festivities.

The air was filled with anticipation, the whispers of Trent's return becoming the undercurrent of the night.

Suddenly, like a shadow emerging from the moonlit night, Magnus made his entrance. The crowd hushed, their celebration momentarily frozen as all eyes turned toward the imposing figure. Accompanied by TJ, the Alpha of the Moonlight pack, Trent moved with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes.

I quickly looked at my dad, his face showed a mix of curiosity and caution, similar to what others in the pack were feeling. The happy rhythm of the celebration slowed down, and everyone started talking quietly.

As Trent and TJ reached the heart of the festivities, a sudden hush fell over the square. All activities ceased, and the young pups were ushered back to safety by vigilant guards, sensing an imminent shift in the atmosphere.

My heart raced as I watched Trent step into the spotlight. He looked different, transformed by the passage of time and the weight of his experiences. His grey hair flowed untamed, framing a face that bore the scars of exile. The once-dull gray eyes now glowed with an intensity that spoke of newfound strength. Trent possessed a powerful aura, an undeniable force that commanded attention.

Alpha Ryan, the reigning leader of the pack, faced Trent. "Trent, after all these years, you dare to return?" Alpha Ryan's voice cut through the tense silence.

Trent met Alpha's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I've come to settle unfinished business," he replied, his voice low and filled with a quiet determination that echoed through the square.

The pack's collective breath seemed to hitch as the two Alphas locked eyes. The air buzzed with an unspoken challenge, and I felt a mix of emotions. Despite everything, the undeniable truth lingered. I still loved Trent

Zee, my inner wolf, stirred within me. Her restlessness portrayed my own conflicting feelings. She seemed to sense the depth of my emotions, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that refused to break.

Trent continued, "Your reign has come to an end, Ryan. It's time for change." His words echoed through the square, carrying an unforgiving tone.

Alpha Ryan retained an air of authority. "You are breaking the law by returning,Trent.You have no claim here," he retorted, his stance unshaken.

Trent's eyes gleamed with a determined intensity, revealing a strength shaped by the challenges of exile. "Things have changed, Ryan. Prepare to meet your end,"