My Alpha's Wolfless Daughter
My Alpha’s Wolfless Daughter – Chapter 38

Ayla

I heard gasps as my dress hit the deck and it exploded into purple flowers. The wind blew them away as Nate wrapped the blanket around me, tighter. I’m sure he didn’t want anyone to see me naked. I shivered as Nate led me into the superstructure. I didn’t realize how cold it was here.

“I’m sorry, Nate. For everything.” I sighed as I sat on a chair. There were clothes in a pile on the chair beside me.

“Hey, it’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.” Nate said, kneeling in front of me.

I knew I was being selfish. I didn’t want to be alone, but the thought of hurting any of them was overwhelming. Nate didn’t sign up for a broken mate. And that’s just what I am. I’m broken and I may never be able to piece myself back together. And Nate doesn’t deserve a mate that he constantly has to save or comfort. He deserves an equal.

“Stop. Whatever you are thinking, stop, Ayla.” Nate warned, and I looked at him with tears in my eyes.

“Nate, I almost killed you,” I whispered.

“But you didn’t. If anything, I would have died without you. You are more than this power. And you will find a way to control it. Just breathe. I’m not going anywhere. Officially, you are stuck with me and Duke.” Nate chuckled and I giggled through my tears.

“It’s more like you are stuck with me,” I told him and he leaned up and pressed his lips to mine.

“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He whispered, pulling away, he stood up.

“Now, let’s get you dressed.”

“Come on, princess, we are docking.” Prince Silas announced from behind Nate.

I nodded before I stood up to get dressed. Nate held the blanket in front of me so no one but him could see me. After pulling on the clothes and getting warm, I felt a little better. But now I was just heading into another unknown. Dealing with Prince Silas’ mother and then telling his father about my mother.

Can I not catch a break, I thought as I followed Nate out onto the deck. I gasped as I took in the magnificent island and palace. The palace was hunter green and it blended in with the forest around it. The only reason you could see the castle is that it stood taller than the trees. It was beautiful here and it felt like being up in the mountains where I first met Nate.

This place felt familiar but I didn’t understand why. I have never been here before but as the ship pulled into port, I felt a feeling of safety. Until I noticed King Samual standing on the dock with his queen. I didn’t want to face the woman that hated me because of my mother. Before, I was uncaring and more confident, but after my episode, I felt like a freak.

My mother didn’t want me and my father wasn’t given the choice. And then my mind wandered to how it would have been if my mother had just let my father raise me or even his brother. I would have grown up with a family. I would have been better prepared for all of this.

I never would have met Kaden, but I would have met Nate sooner. There is so much in my life I wish I could have changed but had no control over any of it. But I don’t think I want to ask my mother. Her reasons seem selfish and not logical. I’m always going to live my life with what-ifs.

“Princess, you’ve met my father, King Samual. And standing beside him is my mother, Queen Laura. I’m going to apologize in advance for anything she might say that will offend you.” Prince Silas said, pulling me from my thoughts.

The ship was already docked and crew members were setting up the ramp that leads from the deck to the dock. I gulped as I stared at both of the royals. Nate interlocked our fingers and squeezed my hand.

“It’s okay, baby. I won’t let anything happen to you. And we can leave in the morning once you have slept and have eaten.” Nate whispered, his hot breath on my ear causing me to shiver. I think this meeting would be better without an audience.

As soon as my feet hit the dock, Queen Laura was standing in front of me. She was beautiful with her long white blonde hair and light blue eyes. Looking at the king and then back at the queen, I would say that the king was lucky. His queen is beautiful and he has spent all these years wailing over my mother.

‘Mom, this is Princess Ayla,” Prince Silas started to introduce me but the queen held up her hand, stopping him.

I jumped when she pulled me in for a hug. I was confused, but I let go of Nate’s hand and hugged the queen back.

“We have been waiting a long time for you,” she whispered.

“We?” I asked when she pulled away. She gave me a nod.

“So, you don’t hate me?” I mumbled. And she grabbed my cheeks so I would look at her.

“Of course not. Yes, I know of your mother, but that’s not your fault. Even if you weren’t the black pearl, I would never blame you.” She answered and I could feel the tears building in my eyes.

“Now, let’s get you all inside.” She said, rubbing my arms to warm me up.

“This must be the wolf?” The queen asked, turning her attention to Nate. He gave her a nod.

“Good, I’m glad you both have found each other.” She said before lacing her arm in mine and leading me to where a few SUVs were waiting. With the rocky coast, we would have had to climb stairs or the cliffs but they had built a road that leads up to the palace and I assume the city.

“Ayla, how are you feeling?” Queen Laura asked as she led me down the dock.

“I’m so sorry about what I did and putting your son in danger.” I rushed out. She stopped us and turned to face me.

“What happened isn’t your fault, Ayla. There is a reason why the other kingdoms know so little about the black pearl mermaid. Our kingdom has been guarding their secrets for centuries.” She told me and I was stunned.

“I don’t understand, you can help me?” I questioned.

“I can and I will. But first, you need to rest and get something to eat. You’ve been through too much these last few days. And you are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. You and your mate.” She said, smiling at me.

“I need to speak with my grandmother. And I was planning on going home, but if you can help me, I’d like to stay.” I told her and she nodded.

“I’ll invite Queen Andrea for a visit so you may speak with her. But until she arrives, let’s get you four into your rooms. I’m sure you are all exhausted from your ordeal.” With that, the queen locked arms again and we finished making our way to the waiting vehicles.

I’m glad the queen doesn’t have an issue with me, but I still feel guilty, even though I shouldn’t. If what Prince Silas was saying about his parent’s relationship was true, then his dad is an i***t. His queen is lovely and gorgeous. She could easily get any man she wanted, so why would she settle for someone who was in love with someone else? And did my mother love him?

She could have had me and then broken the bond with my father and still have been with King Samual, but she didn’t. She stayed with my father until she found her claim now. I didn’t even get his name, not that it matters.

Now my stomach twisted painfully at the thought I had to break King Samual’s heart. He must have truly loved my mother and she just left him. She moved on while he was stuck in the past and now I’m going to have to break the news to him. f**k, I wish my mother would just clean up her own mess.

“Ayla, sweetie, are you okay?” The queen’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. We were now standing beside one of the SUVs.

“Yes, sorry. Just have a lot on my mind.” I stammered out and then internally cursed myself at the sound of my voice. I’m talking to a queen, not some random person.

“I’ll meet you at the palace.” She squeezed my arm before heading to another SUV where her king was waiting.

Nate opened the door for me and I climbed in. Sliding over so he could sit beside me. Xander climbed into the front passenger seat. Nate sat in the middle with a hand on my thigh as I pressed my face against the window. This place was the best of both worlds. The ocean sea breeze blew through the forest.

“Ayla, how are you feeling?” Xander asked from the front seat. Nate squeezed my thigh.

“I’m in love with this place,” I said in awe.

“Prince Silas might get a new roomie.” Xander chuckled and Nate growled.

“He would get two roomies.” I giggled, looking at Nate.

“If I have to,” he pouted.

“Nothing is set in stone. Besides, we still have to go visit my uncle. But I do really love it here and I’m curious to hear what the queen has to tell me. And dreading my chat with the king.” I sighed.

“Maybe do the chat first to get it over with,” Xander suggested.

“That’s probably best. I’ll never be able to eat if I’m worried about my conversation with him.” I told him. Nate gave my thigh another squeeze.

“Everything will be okay, baby. And hopefully, it will bring him closure and he can finally move on.” Nate said, reassuringly.

Pulling up to the palace, I was awestruck as Nate helped me out of the vehicle. The palace was in forest green with gold accents and it was beautiful. There was a gold statue of a mermaid king and queen, in the center of a fountain, in the middle of the driveway roundabout.

The gardens were done to perfection even in the chilly weather. There was also a massive waterfall off to the side and I assume it heads to the ocean like ours does. I’m sure all the kingdoms have something similar, even Kaden’s, but I was too busy yelling at him to notice anything about his palace.

“I see you like our little slice of paradise?” The queen asked, stepping beside me.

“This place is beautiful. Everything is perfect.” I breathed out.

“Come, you must be hungry.” She said, motioning me to go with her.

“Ugh, is there somewhere private I could speak with you and the king?” I asked, hesitantly.

“Princess?” Prince Silas questioned.

“I need to get this over with,” I told him. He finally let out a sigh and I let out the breath I was holding.

“Dad, let’s head to your office first. The princess and I have something that we need to discuss.” Prince Silas turned to speak to his father.

“Nate, why don’t you, Xander and Prince Chase go get something to eat? And we can all meet up in the dining room after.” I asked him. Nate pushed his lips into a line, clearly not liking my plan. But I don’t think the king would like an audience for what we have to tell him.

“I’ll be okay. And I know you are starving.” I told him, walking into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me and snuggled his face into my neck.

“I don’t want to leave you.” He whispered against my neck. Goosebumps covered my body and I fought the urge to shiver.

“I’ll be okay, Nate. I promise. Besides, if I can blow up a chopper, an office should be easy.” I chuckled.

“Please don’t blow up my future office.” Prince Silas laughed.

“I’ll try not to. But no promises.” I teased the prince.

Nate lifted his head and looked at me. I knew he feared not being with me in this unfamiliar place. But I did trust Prince Silas. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me.

“Ayla, are you sure?” Xander asked me.

“I’ll be fine. Both of you stop. Go eat and I’ll meet you both in the dining room.” I told them both.

“It’s okay, you two. I won’t let anything happen to her. Follow this gentleman, he will show you three to the dining room.” The queen said. Nate sighed, resting his forehead against mine.

“Ten minutes.” He grumbled and I pressed my lips against his.

We walked into the palace, hand in hand before we parted ways. I followed the Northern kingdom Royals as we walked to the king’s office. The further we walked, the more my stomach twisted. This is going to be a very awkward conversation. And I could tell Prince Silas was also tense as we entered the office.

Prince Silas and I sat on the leather couch and his parents sat down across from us on the loveseat. The office was huge, with bookshelves lining the inner walls and floor-to-ceiling windows on the other two. The office had a fantastic view. The only thing missing would be a balcony.

There was also a huge dark oak desk with a couple of chairs in front of the desk. And we were sitting in the sitting area in front of a fireplace. I wish I could just curl up with a good book. This place, even this office, had a homey feel to it.

“So what is it you two would like to discuss?” The king asked, and both of us shifted uncomfortably.

“Umm, well, King Samual, it has something to do with my mother.” I stammered.

“And what about your mother?” The queen questioned as the king tensed.

“She’s alive!” Prince Silas blurted out and I cringed.

“What?” The king stuttered.

“It’s true. I’m so sorry. She’s been living in the eastern kingdom. She broke the bond with my father.” I started.

“And now she is claimed and pregnant.” Prince Silas finished.

“I don’t understand.” He mumbled, resting his head in his hands. His queen was trying to comfort him.

“After meeting this guy, I don’t even know his name. She faked her death and left with him. I’m sorry, King Samual. I know you love her, but I think it’s time for you to truly move on from her. You have a wonderful queen and mother to your son.” I told him, trying to be as sincere as possible.

“She left you?” He murmured, not looking at me. The queen’s eyes snapped at mine.

“She did. I saw her when I was in the eastern kingdom. I don’t want anything to do with her. She didn’t want me anyway,” I answered.

“Son, can you please take Ayla to the dining room?” Queen Laura asked her son.

Before leaving the office and following Prince Silas, I rested my hand on the king’s shoulder.

“I am so sorry. But you have something I never had at the time. A family who loves you.” I told him. The queen gave me a nod before I followed Prince Silas out of the office.

Walking into the hallway, I felt like I could breathe again.

“Well, that was unpleasant,” Prince Silas said as we walked.

“I think I would have rather sat on a cactus,” I told him.

“Yeah, it was bad. But hopefully, it will bring those two together. Thank you for what you said. My father has had an obsession with your mother and nothing seemed to be able to break it. I’m hoping this will be the end to it and he can move on.” Prince Silas shrugged.

“Your mother seems wonderful. And I can understand both sides. And I knew it couldn’t have been easy, loving someone who was in love with someone else. And then trying to love someone who wasn’t the person you love. Or think you love in this case. I don’t think my mom truly loved your father.” I told him.

“So, what do you want to talk to your grandmother about?” He asked, changing the subject.

“I’m going to tell her about my mother. I don’t want to be queen. And my mother needs to stop running from her responsibilities. I need to be somewhere where Nate can still have a pack. Wolves need their packs and I won’t let him give that up for me,” I confessed.

“For the record, I think you’d make a wonderful queen.”