The Alpha's Estranged Mate

Denise's life was carefully planned. She ended her life as a high school senior with two best friends, Emily and Sarah, and a gorgeous lover, Alex.

Since their first year together, they had been inseparable, and Denise couldn't fathom her life without them.

Denise felt proud and successful as she walked through her school's hallways. Her cheer squad, of which she was captain, had recently won the state championship. Nothing could pull her down; she was on top of the world. Or so she believed.

Denise expected to see her parents in the kitchen preparing dinner when she arrived home from school.

They were sitting in the living room, though, and they were serious. Her mother patted the couch next to her and said, "Hey, sweetie," then. "We need to talk." Denise believed her heart sank.

Something about it made her uneasy.

"What is it?" she asked, attempting to appear composed. Before her father spoke, her parents exchanged strained glances.

"We're moving to a new town," he declares. "A place called Arazona." Denise's mouth fell open. "What? "Why?" Her parents informed her that they would be relocating to Arazona in two weeks because her dad had a new job there. Denise felt like everything was falling apart.

Everything she had known and loved would have to go. Disappointed, she heard her phone ding as she made her way to her bed. Alex sent me an SMS about it. I write, "Hey, gorgeous," "What's the deal? You appear distressed. Feeling slightly better, Denise grinned.

She valued Alex's generosity and kindness. "I just found out that my parents are moving me to a new town," she said. Alex called her right away, and they spoke about the relocation for hours. After speaking with him, Denise felt somewhat better, but she was still concerned about leaving her life and her friends behind. Denise became aware of how much she would miss Alex while they conversed. After two years of dating, she found it impossible to envision her life without him.

She went on, "I'm going to miss you so much," as tears filled her eyes. "I'll miss you too, baby," Alex replied, but we'll get along. Every day, we will text and talk to each other on Skype.

And as soon as I can, I'll come see you." Feeling slightly better, Denise grinned. She was confident that she and Alex could manage.

However, Denise was about to disconnect when her mother called her. "Denise, we need to talk about something else," she responded. Denise believed her heart sunk.

What follows? "What is it, Mom?" she said, a little nervously. Her mother was silent for some time.

"There's something you need to know about Arazona," she stated. "Something that might change everything." Denise was intrigued. What could her mother possibly mean? "What is it, Mom?" she repeated quickly. Her mother, however, simply shook her head. Her words, "You'll find out soon enough," "Just be careful in Arazona, okay?" Anxiously, Denise nodded. What had been happening in Arazona? And why was her mother acting in such a covert manner? Denise couldn't get rid of the sensation that something wasn't quite right after she and Alex had finished up and gone to bed.

She was about to have a life-altering event at Arazona. She continued wondering what that thing was as she fell asleep. The following morning, Denise awoke with a sense of unease and uncertainty about what was ahead. She had made an effort to ignore the enigmatic talk she had had with her mother, but the discomfort remained.

Denise's thoughts returned to the discussion she had with her mother while she changed and prepared for school. What does "something that might change everything" imply to her? Why had she become so reclusive? As she went downstairs for breakfast before school, Denise made an effort to ignore the thoughts. Nevertheless, when she entered the kitchen, she saw her mother waiting for her at the table, looking solemn. She said, "Denise, we need to talk," in a quiet, serious tone. Denise believed her heart sank. What follows? She tried to seem nonchalant as she asked, "What is it, Mom?" Her mother was silent for some time. "I know I didn't tell you everything last night," she said, "but I want you to know that there are other reasons besides your dad's job that we're moving to Arazona." We must exercise caution since something else is going on.

Denise was intrigued. What could her mother possibly mean? "What is it, Mom?" she repeated quickly. Her mother glanced anxiously about the kitchen, as though she was afraid someone could be listening in. "I'll tell you everything when we get to Arazona," she replied. "But let's just exercise caution for the time being, shall we? Additionally, don't discuss this with anyone."

Anxiously, Denise nodded. What had been happening in Arazona? And why was her mother acting in such a covert manner? Denise couldn't get rid of the terrible feeling she was having as she left to catch the bus. She was unaware of the plot and felt as though she was living in a mystery book. As Denise went about her schooling, the remainder of the day was a blur. She found it difficult to focus in class as she began to worry about what Arazona had in store for her.

Denise packed her bags and made her way to the bus as the last bell rang. When she reached home, she couldn't wait to ask her mother some questions. Alex, however, was waiting for her with a worried expression on his face as she left for the bus. "Hey, what's wrong?" He inquired, observing Denise's nervous expression. Uncertain of how much to tell him, Denise paused.

However, she was calmed by Alex's friendly and gentle demeanor. "My mom's being really secretive about something," she stated. "And I have no idea what's going on." Alex's face grew serious. "Do you think it has something to do with the move?" the man questioned.

Denise gave a nod. In her own words, "I think so," "But I don't know what it is." Alex wrapped her in his arm. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out together," he replied. "And I'll be here for you, no matter what." Denise grinned and expressed her appreciation for Alex. Knowing that she could always rely on Arazona gave her the courage to confront whatever he had in store for her. Denise was curious about what lay ahead as they took the bus home.

But she felt like she could handle anything with Alex at her side. Her mother was waiting for her in the living room when they arrived at Denise's residence. A solemn "Denise, we need to talk," she said. Denise believed her heart sank.

What follows? However, she noticed something odd as she sat down beside her mother. Her mother appeared anxious as she held a little box. "What's going on, Mom?" Denise asked, feeling apprehensive. Before speaking, her mother inhaled deeply. Her words, "I want to show you something," "Something that will explain everything."

Denise was intrigued. What was her mother planning to show her? Denise's eyes widened in wonder as her mother opened the box. There was a small, finely crafted stone in the package. It had a sense of alien intensity despite its beauty. "What is this?" Denise asked, feeling astonished. Her mother had a serious look on her face. "This is a stone of protection," she remarked. "And it's the key to understanding what's going on in Arazona."

Denise's thoughts were racing. What was her mother trying to say? What did Arazona hold for her? Startled and frightened, Denise gazed at the stone. She was aware that unimaginable changes were going to occur in her life.

Denise got out of the car and looked about at the strange place. The little town of Arazona was encircled by undulating hills and dense trees.

The sun was shining brightly overhead, and the air was clear and fresh. Even if her new surroundings were beautiful, Denise was still depressed. Her previous life, her school, and her friends were all gone, along with all she knew and loved. Looking around, Denise saw a boy eyeing her from the other side of the street. With jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes, he was tall and slender. As their eyes locked, Denise's heart began to race.

The boy said, "Hey," as he approached her. "Greetings from Arazona. My name is Lucas. A little more relaxed, Denise grinned. "Thanks," she said. "I'm Denise." Lucas nodded while maintaining eye contact with her. "I know," he replied.

"I've noticed you in the city. I take it you're the new girl? A little self-conscious, Denise nodded. "Yeah, that's me." Lucas grinned, crinkling the corners of his eyes. He remarked, "Well, I'm glad you're here," "Arazona is a bit...boring at times. However, I believe you might just make things more interesting. Denise chuckled as she began to feel attracted to Lucas. When she said, "I'll try my best," Denise felt increasingly comfortable as they conversed.

Lucas claimed to know everything about Arazona and was clever and engaging. However, as the discussion continued, Denise couldn't get rid of the suspicion that Lucas was concealing something. Every time she asked him a question, his eyes would flicker with a tense intensity, and he appeared to be avoiding some subjects. Denise was attracted to Lucas in spite of her misgivings. Something about him made her feel at home, though she was unable to explain why.

Lucas escorted Denise to her new home as the sun started to drop. She grinned up at him and said, "Thanks for showing me around," Lucas returned the smile, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "No problem," he replied. "I'll show you around some more tomorrow, if you want." With a flutter in her chest, Denise nodded. When she said, "I'd like that," Denise shouted out to Lucas as he turned to go.

"Hey, Lucas?" His eyes were inquisitive as he turned back. "Yeah?" "What's going on in Arazona?" Denise's question was hardly audible above a whisper. "I get the feeling that something's off." Lucas's face shifted, and a serious energy clouded his gaze. When he said, "I'll tell you tomorrow," "But for now, just be careful, okay?" A chill went down Denise's spine as she nodded. What had been happening in Arazona?

Furthermore, why was Lucas acting so covertly? Denise couldn't get rid of the impression that she was going to have a crazy time as she watched Lucas leave. She had no idea that her life would soon undergo unimaginable changes. Denise saw something odd as she turned to get inside.

The following note was written in red ink on a sheet of paper that was attached to the front door: "Denise, welcome to Arazona. We have been anticipating your arrival. As Denise gazed at the letter, her heart skipped a beat. Who was anticipating her arrival? What were they looking for? Denise stared at the letter, her thoughts racing. Who was the author? What does "we've been waiting for you" mean, by the way? The realization that she was being observed sent a chill down her spine. She glanced around, but nobody was there. Denise inhaled deeply and made an effort to relax. The words made her shiver, but she convinced herself it was probably just a joke.

Denise entered the house with a nagging suspicion that something was wrong. She had no idea what was ahead and felt as though she was being drawn into a mystery. Denise was nervous when she got up the following morning. Thoughts of the enigmatic message continued to race through her head, even after she had hardly slept. Denise's mother realized something was off as she was getting ready for school. She said, "Hey, sweetie, what's wrong?" Uncertain of how much to divulge, Denise paused. "I just got a weird message on the door yesterday," she explained.

"It said 'welcome to Arazona, we've been waiting for you'." Her mother's demeanor shifted to one of anxiety. "I don't know who could have written that," she replied. However, I ask that you use caution. Come directly to me if you see anything odd. Relieved, Denise nodded her head. She was relieved that her mother was paying attention to the message. Denise wondered what the future held as she made her way to school. It seemed to her that life in Arazona would be much more difficult than she had expected. Lucas was waiting for her near the lockers when Denise got to school. "Hey," he said with a smile. "How's it going?" Uncertain of how much to divulge, Denise paused. However, she felt more at ease because of Lucas's sincere and compassionate demeanor. "I got a weird message on my door yesterday," she stated.

"It said 'welcome to Arazona, we've been waiting for you'." Lucas's face shifted to one of seriousness. "I know who might have written that," he replied. "But I have something to tell you. Something that will sound insane. Denise became interested. She inquired, "What is it?" Lucas paused, scanning his surroundings anxiously. He remarked, "Arazona is not what it seems," "This community is experiencing an odd situation. Something that has been kept secret for many years. As Denise heard what Lucas had to say, her eyes grew wide.

What was he discussing? And what did "something strange" signify to him? Denise became aware that her life in Arazona was going to become much more complicated as she listened to Lucas's explanation. She had no idea what was going to happen, and she was being drawn into a mystery. One thing was certain, though: Denise was committed to finding the truth. No matter how odd or difficult the future held, she was prepared to face it. And Denise experienced both exhilaration and apprehension as she moved through the corridors of her new school.

A voyage that would forever alter her life was about to begin. Denise felt as though she was being drawn into a world of lies and secrets as she heard Lucas's explanation. What she was hearing was unbelievable. "So, you're telling me that Arazona is some kind of... supernatural hub?" Denise inquired, attempting to comprehend the idea. Lucas gave a nod. "That's correct. And I believe there's a reason you're here. I believe you have some sort of connection to all of this. Denise's thoughts were racing. She was unsure of whom to trust and what to believe.

She was going to ask Lucas another question when the school day ended with the ringing of the bell. Denise saw an odd sign carved into the wall as they left the school building. It appeared to be an old rune of some sort. "What's that?" Denise pointed to the symbol and questioned Lucas. Lucas's face became serious. His words, "That's a warning sign," "It signals the arrival of something. Something significant.

A chill went through Denise's body. What was going to happen? What connection did it have to her? Denise observed someone across the street observing her as they left the school. She wore a white dress that seemed to shimmer in the last of the light and had long, wavy hair. "Who's that?" Uncomfortably, Denise questioned Lucas. Lucas looked after her. He murmured, "I don't know," However, I believe we ought to leave this place. "Now." The woman began to approach them as they turned to go. Her smile appeared to widen with each stride, and her gaze remained riveted on Denise. A wave of fear passed over Denise. This woman was who? What was it she desired? Denise glimpsed something that chilled her blood as the woman walked toward them.

The woman had coal-black eyes. Additionally, they appeared to be suckling out all of the light. "Run," Lucas said softly as he took Denise's arm. However, it was too late. Denise's face was touched by the woman's hand. Then everything turned dark. Denise was lying in a dark room when she woke up. She didn't know how she got there or where she was. She noticed a man standing in the shadows as she got up and looked about. Lucas was the one. His eyes, however, were as dark as coal.

He was also grinning at her. He greeted them as "Welcome to Arazona," "You're going to love it here." The sound of Denise's own heart thumping in her ears drowned out her cry. Denise experienced an odd feeling as her entire environment darkened. She seemed to be being torn apart and then reassembled. She was lying in a bright, white room when she woke up. A figure stood over her, and she was surrounded by odd machinery and apparatus. Lucas was there, but his eyes had returned to normal. He appeared relieved and was grinning at her. He remarked, "Denise, thank God you're awake," "I was worried sick about you." Denise felt a feeling of vertigo come over her as she attempted to sit up. After catching her, Lucas assisted her in getting back on the bed.

"What happened?" Denise inquired, attempting to recall. "Where am I?" Lucas remarked, "You're in a special hospital," "You've spent a few days here. You were taken here following the incident. Denise's thoughts were racing. What happened? What was happening? Then she recalled. The woman whose eyes were black. The wall's insignia. the sensation of being torn apart.

When Denise learned the reality, her eyes grew wide. She questioned, "I'm not in Arazona, am I?" Lucas's face shifted. He looked apprehensive and looked around the room as though he was worried about being heard. The words "No, Denise," he said. "Arazona is not where you are. You're not even on this planet. Denise's mind went blank. What was Lucas discussing? What was he trying to say?

After spending a few days at Arazona, Denise began to feel as though she was settling into a routine. She was beginning to form friendships with several of her classmates that she had met. Even while everyone was friendly, Denise couldn't help but feel that something wasn't quite right in the town.

There were rumors of a secret that only a few people knew, and everyone appeared to know her family. Denise once noticed Lucas waiting for her by the mailbox as she was making her way home from school. He appeared dapper and at ease as he leaned on the post. He smiled and said, "Hey," to her. "How was your day?" Denise approached him with a flutter in her chest. She remarked, "It was good," "I'm starting to get used to the school." Lucas gave a nod. "I'm glad to hear that," he offered. "Maybe we might study together at some point, I thought. I could assist you in making up lost academics. A beat skipped across Denise's heart.

Was she being asked out by Lucas? She said, "That sounds great," in an attempt to be informal. "I could use some help." Denise couldn't help but become excited as they made their way to the house. Ever since they first met, she had been attracted to Lucas, and now it seems that he could be too. However, when they got closer to the house, Denise's mother emerged onto the porch, appearing anxious. She said, "Denise, I need to talk to you," "The town is at issue. You must be aware of something." Denise felt her heart sink. What was happening? Denise couldn't get rid of the uneasy sensation she had as she followed her mother inside the house. And Denise knew her suspicions were right when her mother began to speak.

According to her mother, "Arazona is a special town," "It's a place where...where things are not always as they seem." Denise's gaze expanded. What was her mother discussing? She questioned, "What do you mean?" However, there was a knock on the door before her mother could respond. Lucas was the one. His words were, "Hey, I'm sorry to interrupt," However, I must speak with Denise. It has to do with something that's happening in the town.

A beat skipped across Denise's heart. What was happening? Denise couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling she had as she followed Lucas out of the house. And Denise knew her suspicions were right as Lucas began to speak. According to Lucas, "Arazona is in danger," "There's something coming, something that could destroy the town." Denise's gaze expanded. What was Lucas discussing? Denise saw something that chilled her as she gazed up at him. Lucas had an unearthly radiance in his eyes. Everything turned black after that. Denise was laying in bed, feeling confused, when she regained consciousness. However, she became aware that something was wrong as she looked around.

The window was open, and the room was different. Then Denise's heart skipped a beat as she saw anything. On her nightstand was a sheet of paper with the following note written in red ink: "You're not who you think you are." Denise gazed at the message, her eyes widening. What was meant by it? Then she heard someone speaking from behind her. It said, "Welcome to Arazona, Denise," "You'll blend in perfectly." In an attempt to find out who was talking to her, Denise turned around. However, nobody was present. The voice echoed off the walls and appeared to be coming from everywhere. "Who's there?" Denise shouted, attempting to maintain a steady tone.

No response was found. Then, however, Denise heard footsteps outside her room. They were cautious and light, like someone attempting to blend in. As Denise waited for whoever it was to enter her room, her heart was pounding. Although she was making an effort to get ready for whatever might come next, she couldn't get rid of the feeling that she was in serious danger. Denise noticed a figure emerge in the doorway as the footsteps got closer. It was a woman wearing a white outfit that seemed to shimmer in the low light and had long, curly hair.

"Who are you?" Trying to sound firm, Denise demanded. With a knowing gleam in her eyes, the woman grinned. "I'm someone who's been waiting for you, Denise," she replied. "My name is Ariana, and I have a message for you from...from the other side." Denise gazed at Ariana, her eyes widening. What was "the other side" to her? And what message would she be trying to convey to Denise? Denise experienced an odd feeling as she waited for Ariana to explain. She seemed to be drawn toward Ariana, as though they were being drawn together by an invisible force. Everything turned black after that. Denise was laying in an unfamiliar room when she regained consciousness.

She could hear the sound of water trickling down the walls, and it was cold and gloomy. Denise noticed a man standing in the shadows as she sat up, attempting to orient herself. Lucas was there, and he was staring at her intently. "Where am I?" Trying to sound firm, Denise demanded. Lucas took a step closer, a knowing light glinting in his eyes. "You're in a place where the truth will be revealed to you, Denise," said the man. "A place where you'll discover the secrets that have been hidden from you for so long." Denise gazed at Lucas, her eyes widening.

What secrets were he discussing? And what truth was she going to learn? Denise experienced an odd feeling as she waited for Lucas to clarify. She seemed to be drawn toward Lucas, as though they were being drawn together by an invisible force. Everything turned black after that. However, Denise was not alone herself when she regained consciousness this time. She stood among people who appeared to know her in a packed gathering. Then she caught sight of him. A boy with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes. He stood on the other side of the room, staring at her intently. "Who are you?" Trying to sound firm, Denise demanded.

With a knowing gleam in his eyes, the child grinned. "I'm your brother, Denise," he declared. "And it has been a long time since I last saw you." Denise gazed at the boy, her eyes wide with surprise. "My brother?" she asked again in a trembling voice. However, that isn't feasible. I'm without a brother. The child grinned once more, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Denise," he replied. You have a brother, yes. And I'm him. As Denise attempted to comprehend the boy's words, her mind was spinning. There was no brother for her. She was the lone child. But something deep inside her was triggered by the boy's remarks. A flashback to a childhood she had assumed was over. Denise's gaze met the boy's as the recollection came back. There, she noticed something that chilled her to the bone.

Her eyes were just like the boy's. It has the same color, shape, and shine. Denise staggered backwards, away from the boy, her heart pounding. "No," she said in a tremulous tone. "This can't be." Denise noticed a brief flash of melancholy in the boy's eyes as his smile wavered. He said, "I'm sorry, Denise," "But that's the reality. We are identical twins, you and I. As the boy's comments replayed in Denise's head, her entire world darkened. Are they twins? How could that have happened? Denise was on the verge of fainting when she felt a hand seize her arm. Lucas was standing next to her when she turned around, his intense eyes blazing. "Denise, come with me," he urged, yanking her away from the boy. "We must leave this place.

"Now." Denise staggered behind Lucas, questions racing through her head. What was happening? This boy was who? What did Lucas know that she was unaware of? Denise glimpsed the boy's face as they hurried from the room. His eyes glinted with a knowing light as he smiled at her. Everything turned black after that. Denise awoke to find herself lying in a pitch-black room with her head thumping. Trying to recall what had happened, she sat up. Then she noticed it. There was a sheet of paper on the ground with a message written in red ink. "Your twin isn't who he looks like. Never put your trust in anyone. Denise stared at the letter, her heart pounding.

What was meant by it? Who was the author? Denise became aware that she was alone herself while she searched the room for solutions. There was no sign of Lucas. Then there was a sound behind her. The boy was standing in the doorway, staring at Denise when she turned around. He murmured, "Hello, twin," in a voice full of hate. "I have been anticipating your arrival."