The alpha's claim

Silent gusts of wind swept through the forest, causing the leaves to sway in gentle, hushed movements. Aria's face curved into a smile as she watched the leaves dance in the moonlight, guiding her path through the woods.

Although she knew that venturing into the forest at this time of night was imprudent, Aria found herself drawn to the ethereal beauty of the woodland. Her original objective had been to conduct research on the forest, but instead she found herself lost in capturing the images of nature through her camera lens.

With her grey eyes transfixed on the woodland vistas, Aria continued to journey deeper into the heart of the forest. The stillness was perceptible, and the only sounds that could be heard were the soft rustling of leaves and the melodious chirping of crickets. She gathered her scarlet tresses in a ponytail and took a snapshot of the moonlight beaming on a tree from a picturesque angle.

"This place is truly breathtaking," Aria murmured in awe.

However, her delight was short-lived when she heard a mysterious sound emanating from the woods. She paused in her tracks, her senses alert and her head swiveling in search of the source.

"Hello?" she called out tentatively, her ears straining to pick up a response. But the forest remained silent, as if it was holding its breath.

"Is there anyone here?" she called out again, but once more, there was no response. Just as she was about to dismiss the noise as her imagination, the same sound reverberated through the woods, louder and closer this time.

It was a howl, but not like any she had heard before. Aria had read myths about extraordinary creatures that roamed the forest, but she had always viewed them as works of fiction. However, this sound was too real to be ignored.

She was sure it wasn't a dog, although it sounded like a howl. She had only heard such sounds in movies and had never encountered it in real life.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of someone running at her direction with speed. Someone, or something.

She thought to run but her legs wouldn't carry her, and also she didn't know which direction to run to.

Aria was trembling and her teeth chattering as she thought of the hundred and one reason she should have stayed back at home.

Suddenly, a creature emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixed on the girl with a fierce hunger.

It was a wolf.

That's definitely a wolf, she thought.

Just as the wolf was about to pounce on the girl, another figure leaped out from the undergrowth, crashing into the wolf with a fierce growl. The two wolves collided, snarling and snapping as they fought for dominance in the darkened forest.

The first wolf, the one with the girl in its sights, was larger and more muscular than its opponent, but the second was faster and more agile.

The smaller wolf had a silvery grey fur,similar to the color of the moon on a clear night. It's eyes almost a bright gold.

It dodged and weaved around the larger wolf, slashing at its flanks with sharp claws and delivering powerful bites to its hindquarters.

The largerwolf howled in fury, its fur bristling with rage as it lunged at its opponent with a powerful swipe of its massive paw. The other werewolf dodged the attack with ease, leaping onto a nearby tree and launching itself at the larger wolf with a devastating kick that sent it crashing to the ground.

Aria watched in amazement as the two

wolves battled it out, their bodies colliding in a frenzy of fur and fang.

She tried to run, but her feet felt heavy as though she was rooted to the spot. She knew that the smaller werewolf was fighting to save her, and she could not leave it to face the larger wolf alone.

Summoning all her courage, the girl reached for a nearby branch and snapped it in two. She stepped forward, holding the makeshift weapon tightly in her hands, and charged at the larger wolf, hoping to distract it from the fight.

The wolf turned its attention to her, snarling with hunger as it lunged at her with jaws gaping wide. The girl held her ground, raising the branch high and striking the wolf with a fierce blow that sent it reeling.

Seizing the opportunity, the other wolf leaped onto the larger wolf's back, sinking its teeth into the soft flesh of its throat. The larger wolf howled in agony, its body writhing as it tried to shake off its attacker.

But it was too late. The smaller wolf held on with unbreakable tenacity, its teeth digging deeper into the larger wolf's neck until the sound of cracking bones echoed through the forest. The larger wolf fell to the ground, lifeless.

The girl stood in awe as the smaller wolf approached her, its eyes fixed on hers with a fierce intensity. She felt a strange connection to the creature, as if it was trying to tell her something.

In that moment, she knew that the wolf had saved her life, and she would be forever grateful. She reached out her hand, and the werewolf nuzzled against it, its fur soft against her skin.

As soon as the wolf drew near, Aria felt a sense of comfort that she had never experienced before; her fear dissipated instantly. "You are so beautiful," she said, as she nestled closer to the animal. Bending down, she rubbed its head and it nuzzled closer to her, closing its eyes. "What are you?" she asked, scrutinizing the creature that had just saved her life.

The wolf responded with a soft howl and looked straight into her eyes, but the gaze wasn't meant to scare her away. On the contrary, it exuded a sense of calmness that she had never known. Aria couldn't comprehend how she could feel so drawn to a wolf. She wondered if she was mistaken; was it really a wolf? She had no idea they existed.

"What's your name?" she asked as she stroked its fur, even though she knew it couldn't answer. The wolf blinked its eyes as it looked at her. "How about Archie? It's a nice name, and it means brave," she said, smiling sweetly at it. She found it strange that she was conversing with an animal that couldn't talk back, but she didn't feel awkward about it, which was unusual for her. Aria wasn't one to fawn over animals like her roommate, but this one was different.

However, her excitement was short-lived when she heard another howl from deep within the bushes. The wolf stepped back from her, and Aria asked, "Hey, are you okay?" as if it could answer. Its eyes fixed on her for a moment, and before she could say or do anything, the wolf ran back into the bushes, disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared.

"Hey!" Aria cried. "Archie! Don't leave me here!" she called out, but the wolf was already gone. Looking around, she realized that it was no longer safe for her to be in the forest without her savior. Involuntarily, she began to walk out of the forest, heading back to where she could find other human beings.

***************************************

As soon as Michelle heard the door squeak open, she shouted, "Aria, is that you?"

Aria replied innocently, "Yes, it's me. Expecting someone?"

Before Aria could make sense of anything, Michelle reached her and hit her forehead with her palm. Aria stepped back and cried, "Hey! What's that for?"

"That's a foolish question to ask, darling. Sometimes I wonder how you were presented with the 'best graduating student of the year' award!" Michelle said as she walked back into the sitting room.

"Ouch!" Aria exclaimed, holding her chest.

"I'll hit you again if you don't tell me where you were and why you left your phone here. I've been calling you for hours!" Michelle threatened.

Aria realized why Michelle was angry. "Research. I needed to add more to my portfolio. I need to give my best," she explained.

Michelle looked at her for a moment and said, "By this time of the night? You've been gone for five hours straight."

"You act like my mother sometimes, you're such a grandma," Aria teased.

"Oh, stop it," Michelle replied, rolling her eyes.

Aria couldn't help but smile. "The way you're smiling is creepy," Michelle commented.

Excitedly, Aria said, "Okay, I know it sounds unbelievable, but I saw the most enticing thing in the whole world. I saw a wolf. Two, actually. One died, though."

Michelle's amusement turned to worry. She worried that her friend had lost it. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Aria asked suspiciously but still smiling.

"So let me guess, after failing to fall in love with the finest of men who wanted you, you decided to fall for this 'wolf' you met in the forest?" Michelle said sarcastically, folding her arms across her chest.

"I mean, it's crazy how you understand the story this well without my explanation," Aria retorted, matching Michelle's sarcasm.

"Mmm," Michelle hummed.

"Hey, Michelle, I'm serious. I saw a wolf, and it saved me and rubbed itself against me," Aria insisted.

Michelle sighed. "I just want to be sure. Have you seen a dog before?"

Aria glared at her. "And there are different kinds of dogs... you know that?"

"Stop it! Those were wolves. Don't make me feel stupid. One saved me and ran into the forest!" Aria said with conviction.

Michelle knew that Aria was smart, and if she claimed to have seen a wolf, then she must have seen a wolf. Not only was Aria doing an unusual course, but she was also interested in unusual animals. She loved animals.

"The thing is, you know that I can't believe that you saw a wolf without thinking it was a werewolf, right?" Michelle commented, making Aria's face fall.

"You know what your problem is? You've watched too many movies and read too many mythological books," she uttered in resignation, no longer attempting to persuade Michelle that she had indeed glimpsed a werewolf.

Regret coursed through her as she wished she had kept her observation to herself.

"The issue with you is your incapacity to comprehend that this world extends beyond what we perceive," Michelle retorted, persisting in her stance.

Aria murmured under her breath, "I should have kept my mouth shut."

"You--"

"I need to rest and nourish myself; tomorrow is a significant day," Aria interrupted her, putting a stop to the escalating discussion.

Michelle conceded with a heavy sigh. "There's pizza in the microwave."

"Thank you, my dear," Aria replied, her face lit up with gratitude.

"I've heard that your sponsor had a thing for punctuality and has high standards. It's advisable that you attend the sponsor pitch meeting on time," Michelle reminded her.

"Indeed, I've heard the same. I'm feeling quite anxious ," Aria confessed.

"Rumor has it that he is young and handsome. Don't let anxiety overwhelm you. People like him exude a commanding presence," Michelle encouraged her.

Truth be told, Aria needed this boost of confidence.

"Asher Hunter? Just his name gives me thrills"

"The seminar is about to begin in twenty minutes. Are you prepared?" Scott, one of the scholars, asked Aria while adjusting his tie.

She swallowed, acknowledging that claiming she was ready would be dishonest. "Yes, I am," she replied, mustering a bright smile.

Narrowing his gaze at her, he nodded and positioned himself next to her. In a whisper, he said, "I believe in you. You're incredibly intelligent."

Aria had noticed Scott's fondness for her, perhaps just a crush. His heightened sensitivity and genuine interest in everything related to her were evident. She chose to feign ignorance about it.

"Thank you so much, Scott. You're equally remarkable. Let's give it our best, alright?" she responded with a smile.

"I will give it my all," he affirmed, his smile doubly radiant.

They walked together to their designated seats and settled down, attentively listening as the program commenced.

"I don't see him anywhere," Aria remarked, her eyes discreetly scanning the area, causing a slight dizziness to creep in.

Scott began to search as well, assisting her in the hunt. "There he is," he whispered, his voice hushed and strained.

"Where-" she began, but her words trailed off as her eyes caught sight of the captivating Adonis entering the room with an aura of grandeur. The presence he emanated...

"That's him?" she found herself questioning, perhaps silently to herself, as her voice unintentionally turned into a whisper.

As far as Aria was concerned, she had just witnessed a deity, and no one could convince her otherwise.

The man, Asher, wore a partially unbuttoned navy blue shirt, his sleeves rolled up to reveal the veins on his hands. A limited-edition Rolex watch adorned his wrist, enhancing his allure.

Aria could practically see the contours of his chest beneath the partially unbuttoned shirt, showcasing his finely sculpted physique. Well, almost exposed, but still undeniably captivating.

Was it appropriate to dress like that for a seminar? Aria didn't seem to care, but she wondered how people would pay attention with his appearance distracting them.

No, she hadn't anticipated Asher to look like that. She had imagined an older man, possibly in his forties. Instead, she was faced with a man who didn't make an effort to dress formally. She had expected his hair to be neatly combed or brushed, but that wasn't the case.

His hair was slightly disheveled, yet it suited him, making him look attractive. His hands were casually tucked in his pockets. And if she wasn't mistaken, she could spot a hint of an earring on his left ear.

His lips were pressed together, not in a frown. Aria observed him closely and noticed a shift in his expression. He appeared disoriented. It was as if she had called out his name because his gaze immediately locked onto her, unwavering.

Aria felt her heart race. Why was he watching her, she wondered. She swallowed, blinking rapidly. He abruptly halted, drawing everyone's attention to him and making it evident who he was looking at.

"Is there something on my face?" Aria whispered to Scott, who silently observed the exchange of glances.

He scrutinized her face and replied with a smile, "No, you're as beautiful as ever."

She tried her best to smile, but it felt forced. Asher, observing them, furrowed his forehead in irritation. Then, abruptly, he averted his gaze and resumed walking.

"What was that all about?" Aria muttered to herself, finally able to take a breath.

Once Asher settled down, the host acknowledged his presence, prompting applause from the audience. Aria and her team sat tightly, observing other teams as they presented their topics and projects.

Essentially, this seminar was designed to entice Mr. Asher into providing funding for a specific project.

So, her competitors were heavily embellishing their projects, using sugar-coated language.

Aria listened intently, though deep down she knew it was a blatant falsehood. She couldn't be fully attentive because the piercing stare of Mr. Asher weighed heavily on her.

His unwavering gaze fixated on her body and face, a fact she was acutely aware of. Aria struggled to maintain her composure, forcing herself to look straight ahead and avoid meeting his eyes.

It was a daunting task, considering he was seated directly across from her but at the far end of the room.

By the time her group was called to present, Aria's nerves were frazzled, evident in her ragged breaths and scattered thoughts.

Rising from her seat alongside her teammates, she began silently counting to one hundred in her mind, deliberately avoiding any eye contact with Mr. Asher.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Aria Booker, and these are my teammates," she stated, sweeping her gaze across the room, allowing the audience a moment to take it all in.

"Today, we will be discussing Forestry, a topic that personally..." she began.

The audience listened attentively, offering applause where necessary.

"Thank you," Aria acknowledged once her team had finished speaking and concluded their presentation on the screen. As she made her way back to her seat, she had to grasp Scott's hand for support, fearing she might stumble and fall.

The program concluded, and the recipient of the scholarship would be announced sometime in the following week.

Suddenly, Aria rose from her seat and caught a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, of Mr. Asher leaving the hall. A sigh of relief escaped her lips.

"Everyone did an excellent job," Aria remarked, turning to her teammates. They all smiled and nodded in agreement.

"You did exceptionally well. But are you alright? You seemed short of breath," Helene, one of her teammates, inquired.

Aria, fully aware of her true condition, dismissed their concern, "It was just the crowd," she replied, although it was a feeble lie. Aria was not one to be intimidated by a large audience.

Her teammates nodded, accepting her explanation, before bidding their farewells and going their separate ways.

As Aria gathered her files to leave, she felt a tap on her arm, causing her to startle before turning around.

"Oh, I apologize for startling you. I just needed to get your attention," said a timid, red-faced young man, unable to contain his smile as he spoke to Aria.

"Oh? Who needs my attention?" she inquired.

"My boss," he stated simply.

She speculated that among the many people organizing the seminar, he might be one of them.

"Alright," she replied, trailing behind him. Through the hallway she followed, taking a right turn until they reached a door, where they came to a halt.

"You can go in; he's waiting for you," the man informed her.

"Enter," a cold, deep voice came from the other side of the door. Aria hadn't even knocked.

Carefully, he grasped the handle and turned it, opening the door with caution.

She entered and closed the door behind her as she began walking towards the table. However, Aria abruptly stopped in her tracks upon seeing who was inside.

Her initial instinct was to turn around and flee, but before she could act, her eyes locked with his.

Seated in a chair, legs crossed, he stared directly at the door. What captivating eyes he had.

"He has golden eyes," she whispered in awe, her eyes widening, and her nostrils flaring.

She became completely absorbed in them.

Initially, she had noticed that the man was handsome, but as soon as his gaze fixated on her, she had averted her eyes. From a distance, his eyes had appeared to be a bright brown color.

But what she was witnessing now... how was it even possible?

"You don't like it?" he inquired, as she continued to gaze into his eyes, bewildered.

She blinked, completely unaware that she had spoken her thoughts aloud.

"Uhmm... I... I do. Of course, I do. They are... beautiful," she stammered, before quickly looking away.

A chuckle escaped his lips as he stood up, causing Aria to take a step back.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling.

He didn't respond. Instead, he approached her until he was standing right in front of her. Slowly, he raised his hand, guiding it to lift her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Reluctantly, she lifted her gaze, her heart pounding forcefully within her chest.

"Aria," he uttered, as if rehearsing the pronunciation of her name.

"That's an unusual name," he whispered softly.

Should she respond to that?

Because she was uncertain of what to say.

"How old are you?" he inquired.

She truly wanted to assert that he had no right to ask such a question, but when she opened her mouth, different words spilled out.

"Twenty-three," she replied, biting her lower lip in an attempt to control her breathing.

"Mmm," he hummed, moving behind her and positioning himself directly behind her.

Aria felt as though the blood in her veins had ceased its flow when he lowered his head and deeply inhaled the fragrance of her hair.

This was followed by a low, guttural growl escaping his throat.

Aria startled, completely caught off guard.

Suddenly, he stepped away.

She spun around to face him, meeting his eyes that held... was that hunger she perceived?

"Did you just smell me?" she asked, her voice quivering.

He stared at her, scrutinizing her from head to toe, taking in every detail with a curious gaze.

Then he cleared his throat.

"When we meet next, provide me with a more comprehensive overview of your project," he stated, and before she could respond, he swung the door open and departed.

Aria pondered, what did he mean by that?

Did he approve of her project?

Hunters mansion

The manservant waited for a while after knocking on the door, anticipating a response.

"What is it?" Asher's cold voice echoed from behind the door.

"I apologize for the disturbance. Your father wishes to speak with you," the man replied in a calm tone.

He knew better than to disturb the boss when he was in his study, but since his father, the Alpha, had specifically asked for Asher's presence, the other available servants were unwilling to deliver the message.

There was a moment of silence that made the servant fear he had brought upon himself an unbearable punishment.

"I'll be there in a minute," Asher responded, a contrasting tone to his previous coldness.

Elliot, the manservant, breathed a sigh of relief. Asher had been in a better mood in recent days. Nodding to himself, Elliot departed.

Although Asher had been on a mission for hours, he hadn't found exactly what he was searching for. Taking one last look at the person on his screen, he stood up from his chair and headed towards the door. His physical presence was there, but his mind was wandering.

He had been preoccupied with thoughts of a particular person.

"You called for me?" he asked upon reaching the sitting room where his father was waiting.

"It's been a while since you've been home. Is work that demanding?" Mr. Dylan, Damon's father, inquired as soon as his son came into view.

"Indeed, it has been. What brings you here? Has something come up?" Damon asked, pouring himself a glass of wine from the table.

"You don't seem thrilled to see me, but I won't dwell on that. It's typical of you. Yes, something has come up," Dylan replied, uncrossing his legs and fixing his gaze on his son, who had taken a seat across from him.

Damon nodded, urging his father to continue. He took a sip of his wine.

"The alpha of our rival pack was attacked a few days ago. They initially thought he had perished, but it appears he survived after receiving intensive care," Dylan informed him.

Damon remained silent, his eyes fixed on his father, seemingly unaffected by the words spoken.

"Did you hear what I just said, son?" Dylan inquired, slightly irritated by his son's indifference.

"I did," Damon replied simply.

"Apparently, he was engaged in a fight with a wolf, possibly an alpha. Our pack is now under suspicion, and you know what that entails," Dylan's voice betrayed his concern.

"I'm aware," Damon acknowledged.

"Damon, do you have any involvement in this?" Dylan abruptly asked, narrowing his gaze at his son.

At that moment, Damon swallowed, and a smile slowly formed on his face.

"Yes," he admitted honestly, devoid of remorse, and took another sip from his wine.

"Damon! Do you realize the consequences of your actions? It's unbelievable how unaffected you appear! Have you lost your mind?" Dylan roared.

Although Damon was the alpha in charge of the entire clan and family business, Dylan never failed to assert his dominance as the alpha when necessary.

"No, I haven't," Damon replied as he set down his glass. The truth was, his father's rage had little effect on him. He didn't even flinch.

"What if he had died?"

"Alexander needed to learn a lesson. I intentionally held back; it wasn't enough to kill him."

"And when did you start taking it upon yourself to teach people lessons without a valid reason?" Dylan asked, completely perplexed.

Damon chuckled. "Without a reason? He nearly killed a girl."

"When did you start caring about anyone? You've never cared about anyone!"

Damon glanced at his father, sensing the absence of falsehood and having no intention to argue. It was an undeniable truth-he didn't care about anyone. Well, anyone except his mate.

His father's eyes widened, unable to conceal the shock that washed over him. Damon, at the age of 27, had lived for years without finding his mate. As he grew older, the conclusion became widespread that Damon was destined to remain mateless. Consequently, he was left with a pool of eager women vying for his attention, hoping to be chosen as his mate. Yet, none of them appealed to him; he used them and discarded them, claiming they didn't meet his standards.

"You've... found your mate?" Dylan asked, his confusion palpable.

Damon smirked devilishly, knowing that the next revelation would only further astound his father. "Yes, I have. And she's human."

***********************************************

Entering her apartment, Aria clutched her files tightly. She quietly made her way to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. Suddenly, her best friend's voice startled her, bringing her back to reality.

"Jesus, you scared me. I didn't realize you were there," Aria exclaimed, her hand pressed against her chest.

"How could you not? The TV's been on for crying out loud. Are you alright? You seem lost in thought," Michelle asked, a concerned look on her face.

Aria let out a sigh and finished the water in her glass. "Don't mind me. I guess I'm just anxious about the seminar results. I really want him to choose us," she confessed, joining her friend in the living room.

Michelle smiled warmly at her friend. "Darling, I'm sure you did great. Actually, you did amazing. Do you know how brilliant you are? Only a fool wouldn't see it. And I'm positive he's not a fool," Michelle reassured her with unwavering confidence.

It was true; the man didn't seem like the type to be easily fooled. However, Aria couldn't help but worry. He was incredibly good-looking, and that unsettled her. She knew it was an odd concern, but she feared that exceptionally attractive individuals often pursued equally stunning partners. Not that she considered herself unattractive, but her competition was exceptionally attractive. The woman possessed alluring curves and dressed provocatively, as if her intention was to seduce. Aria admitted to herself that if she were a man, she would undoubtedly be swayed. This constant fear plagued her thoughts.

"I suppose," Aria finally replied after much contemplation.

"Good, so cheer up and look forward to working with the famous Asher Hunter!" Michelle exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

At the thought of it, Aria couldn't help but gulp. Would she really be working with him? Because she believed all she would do in his presence was stare and daydream.

"Except..." she began, but her words trailed off. Except what? She wasn't sure.

There was just something about this Hunter guy. Something about his aura that she couldn't quite grasp.

"Except what?" Michelle asked, confused.

"Well, that's exactly what I'm asking myself. I mean, Hunter... the guy is so handsome and reserved, and his mere presence... whoosh! It gives me goosebumps all over my body, I'm not even joking," Aria explained.

Michelle playfully tapped her forehead. "Hey! What's that for?" Aria exclaimed, rubbing her forehead.

"It's because you're essentially reconsidering working with the only guy who could make your dreams come true just because he gives you goosebumps," Michelle scolded.

"Well... that's true," Aria admitted.

"I'm aware."

Just then, Aria's phone began to ring. She glanced at the screen and furrowed her brow before answering.

"Hello? Who is this?" she asked as she held the phone to her ear.

There was silence on the other end. For a moment, nothing, until she heard the soft sound of someone breathing. It was slow and steady.

"Hello?" she called again, prepared to hang up if there was no response.

"Miss Booker?" a resonant yet unfamiliar voice spoke from the other side of the phone.

"Um... yes?" Aria replied, unsure of who it was or how to respond.

"You don't know who is speaking, do you?" the man inquired.

Aria paused for a moment. The voice sounded oddly familiar, but she didn't think it was possible. Could it be?

"I don't," she finally admitted, not wanting to guess incorrectly.

"That's sad. I assumed you knew me well enough to seek my support for your project. It seems I was completely mistaken. My apologies. I suppose you're not the right choice," he said, sounding as if he was about to end the call.

"Wait, wait, wait! Oh, shoot! I'm so sorry. I should have recognized your voice. I just didn't expect you to be the one calling me. Please forgive me," she pleaded, mentally scolding herself for not recognizing the caller.

"I see."

"Who is it?" Michelle suddenly asked, eyeing her friend suspiciously.

Aria whispered "Asher" to her, and everything went haywire. It wasn't the best choice because now Michelle was jumping and screaming with excitement.

"Is everything alright over there?" he asked, sounding concerned.

"Um, yes. Everything is perfectly fine," she replied, silently begging her friend to quiet down.

"Is there something you need, Mr. Asher?" she asked when he remained silent for a while.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I need you to come to my office tomorrow around 9 am. We have to discuss your project, don't you think?" he requested.

Excitement surged through her. "Of course, most definitely! Um, where..."

"My driver will come to pick you up," he stated simply.

Driver?

"Why would... um? I think I can find my own way, and besides, he wouldn't know exactly where I live," she explained.

"Just be ready by 9," he said dismissively before ending the call.

Aria stared into space, her mouth slightly agape.

"Don't just sit there, tell me what happened!" Michelle cried.

Aria swallowed hard, "he wants to meet"