ALIYAH

“Grandma,” I choked out as I stumbled into our room. Everything was thrown off when I abruptly entered, and clothes spilled into a disorganized mess on the floor. “Brayden... he’s a beast. I saw him change from a wolf into a human!”

I stared at her, expecting her to be as shocked as I was. But she remained quiet, continuing her task of transferring the clothes from the luggage to the dresser. I tilted my head in confusion, unsure of how to interpret her lack of response.

“Did you hear me?” I asked softly, reaching out to touch her arm. “He’s a monster, Grandma. And not just because of how he acted toward me.”

Grandma Estelle paused, lowering herself to sit in front of me. Her eyes held an odd calmness. “I know, Aliyah. The Connor family, including the servants, is not ordinary.”

“N-no way...” My mouth parted as I gazed at her. “Are you saying that the entire house is full of... of werewolves? And we’re living among them?”

It was a fact that I was curious as to why Grandma Estelle seemed so unbothered by what I’d just told her. But the confession itself made me even more uneasy and terrified. So all the Connors were unordinary, and that was in a bad way. It was as though anytime soon, there was someone who would attack our door and hurt us. Or perhaps someone was actually listening in and watching us right now!

I wrapped my arms around my body as goosebumps formed on my arms. The idea that we were literally trapped in this mansion with potentially dangerous secrets was making it hard for me to breathe.

Grandma Estelle nodded gently. “Yes, dear. I know it’s a lot to take in, but this is the world we now live in.”

Feeling dizzy, I stumbled over to the small water station in the corner of the room and poured myself a glass. The cold liquid did little to quench the fire of confusion burning inside me. Taking a deep breath, I sat down again in front of my grandmother, my questions bubbling up like a pot about to boil over. “Grandma, how can this be real? I mean, werewolves, supernatural creatures... It all sounds like something out of a storybook.”

“Oh, Aliyah,” Grandma Estelle said, reaching out to hold my hand. “I know it’s hard to believe, but there are many things in this world that we don’t fully understand. And sometimes, those things find their way into our lives, whether we’re prepared for them or not. Okay, let me enlighten you a little...”

I just stared at her, not knowing what to say. I kept my mouth shut, but I did listen as she continued to disclose the secret about the Connor family and the world of wolf shifters.

“Alpha Theon and Luna Layla are the leaders of this pack, and their children, Brayden and Brenda, are Betas. But soon, Brayden will take his father’s place as Alpha, and Brenda will be arranged to marry another Alpha. She will marry another Alpha from a different pack. It’s preferable if her husband is also her mate.”

“Mate?” My confusion deepened, and it felt like my head was about to explode. “What does that even mean?”

“Ah, that’s a bit more complicated,” Grandma Estelle said with a small smile, patting my hand reassuringly. “But for now, just know that it’s an important part of their culture and traditions.”

“Grandma, this is all so... so overwhelming. I don’t understand any of it. And to think we’re here because of Dad’s hospital bills, I just can’t imagine how we’re ever going to pay off such a huge debt.”

The sharp sting of reality settled in my chest like a cold, heavy weight, and I couldn’t help but feel that life was cruel and unfair. Why do the less fortunate always bear the brunt of life’s hardships? And why did those in higher positions do nothing but push us further down, exacerbating our struggles?

“Grandma, I can’t believe the Connors would require us to pay off this debt. Dad worked for them for years, and they never mentioned it before. They must know how much we’re struggling. How are we ever supposed to repay such a massive debt?”

Grandma Estelle’s face softened as she hugged me close, her warm embrace somehow brought me enough comfort to ease my nerves. “Aliyah, don’t blame yourself or the Connors for our financial situation. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes hardships are unpreventable.”

I reluctantly pulled away from her hug. “But Grandma, how can you say it’s not their fault? They’re forcing us to live among these strange people. It’s terrifying and surreal!”

“I know it’s difficult, Aliyah, but the Connors are actually good people. Your father chose to work for them because he believed in their cause. The outer world is not safe, especially for someone like you. The Connor pack is our safest haven.”

“Someone like me?” I echoed, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. But instead of pressing further, I chose to wrap my arms around her again, looking for comfort in her warm embrace.

As we continued to sort through the mess of clothes and belongings that now cluttered our room, Grandma Estelle paused for a moment and squeezed my shoulder, saying, “Remember, Aliyah, you must call Theon ‘Alpha Theon’ and Layla ‘Luna Layla.’ Sir or Ma’am won’t do here. And don’t forget to address Brayden and Brenda as Beta.”

I nodded reluctantly, though my unease only grew. “Okay, Grandma. I’ll try to remember all of this. But please, promise me that we’ll find a way out of this debt someday. I can’t stand living like this.”

Grandma Estelle’s eyes filled with determination as she took my hands in hers. “I promise, Aliyah.

***

That night, I was expecting to be working in the grand lobby since I wasn’t yet familiar with the kitchen. But to my surprise, Beta Brenda assigned me to serve in the upscale dining area as the other servants were already occupied with their tasks. Preparing for the evening made me feel both nervous and excited. And when I entered the dining area for the first time, the upscale atmosphere and the aroma of delectable food filled the air.

I tried my best to move efficiently around the Connors’ dining room, acutely aware that their eyes were on me. It was as though my breaths were being counted as well as my every step. The room’s luxurious atmosphere seemed to increase my nervousness, making me hyper-aware of the delicate china that adorned the table. I was careful not to spill anything or make any sudden, clumsy movements as I served each dish. My hands were shaking a little.

Calm down, Aliyah. I kept reminding myself. There is no way they will eat you. The food on their plates is much tastier than you.

Alpha Theon sat at the head of the table. His dark hair was slicked back, and his chiseled features held a stern expression, making me feel even more self-conscious. Luna Layla, on the other hand, exuded an air of poise and grace, her auburn hair falling in loose waves around her delicate features.

Brenda, sitting quietly and mostly unnoticed, appeared lost in her own thoughts. She seemed to be doing her best to ignore the tension that crackled around us, her eyes downcast and lips pressed into a thin line.

And Brayden...

The guy’s eyes seemed to follow me as I worked, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. His gaze made me feel exposed, like he was trying to pry open the thoughts that swirled inside my head. I couldn’t help but wonder if his curiosity in me stemmed from my being a human girl or our earlier encounter when he had shifted from wolf to man before my very eyes.

“Is your name Aliyah?” Alpha Theon’s deep voice broke through the silence, causing me to nearly drop the serving dish I was holding. I felt my nerves heighten as every pair of eyes turned towards me. My posture stiffened, and I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond to his direct question.

“Y-yes, Alpha Theon. My name is Aliyah Martin.”

To my surprise, he softened slightly. “I’m sorry for your loss, Aliyah. Your father, Ruben, passed away only a month ago. His untimely death has left us all heartbroken.”

“We will always remember Ruben Martin as a kind and honorable member of our pack. You are not alone in your grief, Aliyah. We are here for you during this difficult time,” Luna Layla added as she placed her tea cup back on the saucer. “If there’s anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

I blinked back tears, trying to compose myself. Despite the Alpha and the Luna’s intimidating presence, I hadn’t expected them to have such a tender and genuine side. They seemed to really care. Guilt washed over me for feeling so much anger towards them earlier.

“Thank you, Alpha Theon, Luna Layla,” I murmured, gazing down at the table. “I appreciate your kindness and willingness to help. It means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome,” Luna Layla said with a smile. “You are now free to leave and prepare your own meal. We’ll call you if we need anything else.”

Lowering my head slightly, I couldn’t help but think about how wrong my first thoughts about them had been. It made me realize that I should never judge someone by their cover.

As I retread back to the kitchen, I could feel my cheeks flushing. Seriously, why was I assigned to the dining hall when there were so many maids in the mansion? And why was Brayden staring at me as if I were food in his mouth? I took a few deep breaths as I prepared a vegetable salad for me and Grandma Estelle.

Bloated by my thoughts, I jumped when someone entered the kitchen. Expecting it to be Alpha Theon or Luna Layla, I turned and forced a smile, only to find Brayden leaning against the doorway, his gaze locked onto mine.

“We need to talk, Aliyah.”

I felt a chill in the air as he strode toward me. His piercing blue eyes sparkled, and he seemed to radiate a constant source of power from within. I trembled for a split second before our eyes met, and his enchanting smile seared my entire body.

“I’m so sorry,” he said knowingly, seeing my surprised expression. “But, before you storm out of here again, let me say this—friends?” He extended his hand. “Come on, I know it’s unbelievable, but we have to put our differences aside and try to be friends instead. So, can we start over?”

“Y-you want us to be...friends?”

‘Why is he befriending me right now?’ Aside from our awkward first meeting, I was just one of their maids.

“Am I hard to treat as a friend?”

I was taken aback by his question, but I appreciated his effort to make me feel comfortable. “No, it’s not that,” I replied with a smile. “It’s just that I never thought someone like you would want to be friends with someone like me.”

He chuckled and said, “Well, you never know. Maybe I’m just pretending to be nice so I can lure you into my lair and eat you alive like a big, bad wolf.”

We both laughed and the next thing I knew, I was accepting his gesture of friendship. “Friends, it is.” I beamed, feeling my heart rate slow as I realized he meant no harm.

“Cool.” He flashed a charming smile, placing the plate on the counter in front of me. “And as my first friendship offering, I made dessert.” He gestured toward the pasta.

I couldn’t help but be suspicious, wondering what his hidden agenda was. But then I remembered Grandma telling me about the Connor family being werewolves with their own code of ethics and honor.

“Thank you,” I said gratefully, reaching for the plate and taking a bite of the creamy food. It was delicious; the flavors mixed on my tongue, leaving me wanting more. “This is really good.”

Brayden’s face broke out into a grin at my words. “Thanks,” he said, looking pleased with himself. “I love cooking. It helps soothe my wolf side.”

“Wolf side?” I repeated it, still struggling to come to terms with the fact that werewolves were real.

“Yeah,” he elaborated, leaning against the counter next to me. “We’re not just humans; we’re also wolves. We have two sides to us, and sometimes it’s hard to balance both.”

“That’s so interesting,” I said, genuinely intrigued. “So, do you feel like a wolf all the time?”

Brayden chuckled, showing off his dimple on the right cheek. “Not all the time. Only when the moon is full or when my emotions get too heightened. It takes practice and control to keep it at bay.”

His answer left me with even more questions, but I didn’t want to pry too much. His unique situation genuinely intrigued me, and couldn’t wait to learn more about it.

“Well, you’re really good at cooking.” I complimented him, feeling a strange sense of companionship with him despite our initial tension.

“Thank you,” he said, locking his gaze on mine that made me feel like I hadn’t felt before. “And welcome to Pack Connor.”

We stayed there for a while longer, chatting idly about nothing in particular as we finished our meal. I realized that my initial fears about living among werewolves were slowly dissipating. Perhaps this house wasn’t so bad after all.

ALIYAH

"Such a lovely day," Grandma Estelle commented as she wiped her brow. "Perfect for working in the garden."

"It is." I nodded, sniffing their calming scent that filled the air. We were spending the morning renovating the garden into a tranquil haven. Our activity helped to calm my rushing thoughts, but I was still distracted by Brayden's smile from our previous encounter in the kitchen.

It had been a week since he offered me his friendship, but that didn't mean we spoke every day. In fact, I hadn't seen him at all since then. I admit that his absence left me yearning to know more about him. And now, as I worked alongside Grandma Estelle, I couldn't help but wonder if our paths would cross again soon. Would he remember our brief conversation and seek me out? Or was it just a short moment that held no worth to him? He was the first one to make a move and offer friendship, wasn't he? It might be stupid of me, but I was clinging to that small hint of hope.

As I snipped off a few extra twigs from the rosemary bush, I asked Grandma again. "Grandma, how old is Brayden?"

She paused at her work and looked at me with a raised brow. "Brayden is twenty-five now. He just became a beta after extensive training from Alpha Theon a few months ago. Now he's still under training, but it's much more serious.”

“What’s the next training about?” I asked.

“It’s for him to become the next alpha. Why do you ask, dear?"

"Nothing," I whispered, avoiding her gaze and getting back to trimming the rosemary bush. "It's just that he seems too young for such a big responsibility."

Grandma smiled knowingly and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Well, that's because werewolves mature at a faster rate than humans. Brayden has already proven himself to be strong and capable, which is why he was chosen for this important role. Age is not the only factor considered when determining leadership within their pack."

"Is the son of the alpha automatically his beta?" I inquired again, curious about their hierarchy.

Grandmother Estelle shook her head. "In some other packs, a beta is not related by blood, and the title is earned because of their abilities and skills. But since Alpha Theon didn't want to give the rank to others, he trained Brayden when he was eight. That's what I know since Ruben, your dad, worked with the Connors."

"Are humans in a pack always made into low servants?" I wondered aloud, seeking more understanding of my place in this world.

"Actually, not always," Grandma Estelle explained. "If there is a human in the pack who is very capable and intelligent, they might be chosen to be a consultant or mediator between the pack and the human community."

Her words brought some comfort to my conflicted heart as I tried to find my place in this new life. Would I and Grandma be servants all our lives, or was there a chance for us to contribute in a different way? I couldn't help but wonder if there were other roles we could fulfill within the pack, ones that would allow us to showcase our unique skills and talents. Would I be able to practice my medical skills here and help heal injured pack members? Perhaps Grandma could use her knowledge of herbs and plants to assist in the pack's healing rituals. I have actually read about how some wolf packs have individuals known as "healer wolves" who play a crucial role in tending to the health and well-being of the pack.

I was lost in deep thought when I noticed Grandma Estelle's labored breathing and the sweat on her brow, so I rushed to her side and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's it. Grandma, why don't you go take a rest in the room? I can finish up the gardening for today."

"Alright, dear," Grandma Estelle agreed, giving me a warm smile. She hugged me tightly, whispering in her ear, "Take things easy, okay? And tell me, are you beginning to like Brayden?"

"Um, no," I stammered, avoiding eye contact with her. I could feel my cheeks heat up at the question. "But you can't blame me for being curious, though. This is the first time I've lived with werewolves.”

Grandma Estelle chuckled softly, patting my back. "Oh, dear, there's no need to feel defensive. It's natural to be curious and take your time adjusting to new surroundings. Just remember not to fall in love with him. He could become an obstacle to your goals in life. Keep your head clear."

"I will, Grandma. I promise," I replied, feeling a rush of guilt in my chest as I watched my grandmother leave.

Alone now, I continued pruning the roses, but my thoughts drifted to Brayden. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't help but seek out Brayden's presence, his laugh, and the way his steel blue eyes seemed to see right through me. Why couldn't I stop thinking about him? No. It couldn't be love since I had only seen him a few times. And to think that he was not a human but a black ball of claws and fur, it was just impossible!

But maybe it was just a crush since Brayden was handsome, and I had always been drawn to good-looking guys. It was normal to feel this way, wasn't it?

I just couldn't entertain the thought of being in love—not now. I needed to focus on my goal; once we have paid our debt, we're out of here, and I will forget about Brayden. Plain and simple. I couldn't let myself get distracted by these feelings, especially when there was so much at stake. Besides, Brayden and I came from completely different worlds, and it was unlikely that anything could ever come of it.

As I continued my work in the garden, I suddenly heard a low, rumbling sound from the distance. I looked up from the roses and squinted into the fading sunlight. My eyes widened at the sight of men running in my direction. They were shirtless, sweat glistening on their torsos as they raced towards me.

Anxiety bubbled up inside me, so I grabbed my basket and started walking away, trying to put some distance between myself and the approaching group. Unluckily, I stumbled as a thick vine tangled around my feet and brought me to a sudden halt.

"Oh, no. No. No." I struggled to free myself all the while keeping my eyes on the herd of men. But they seemed not to notice me. And then my stomach clenched when they shifted into growling, huge wolves right before my eyes.

Though I had seen Brayden transform from wolf to human form, witnessing these men change made my body cold with dread. I wanted to scream for help, to make them stop and see me, but my voice failed me, and I remained silent, mentally blocked by fear.

Just when I thought the pack of wolves would trample me to death, a massive black wolf lunged forward, blocking their path. The familiar figure growled aggressively at the other wolves, causing them to stop in their tracks and back off. As I felt like I might throw up, the black wolf turned its gaze toward me. I realized it was trying to communicate, but I couldn't understand the message.

The black wolf seemed dismayed as he roared at the others once more, and they all retreated into the woods.

My hands were trembling as I looked down at my trapped foot, and the sight of a little cutter blade glinting in the sunlight caught my eye. I choked out a sob as I reached for it. Why on earth didn't it show up when I needed it the most?

"Useless cutter!" I gritted, cutting the vine that had ensnared me. The blade sliced through the thick vegetation effortlessly, freeing my foot.

Trying to regain my composure, I stood up and glanced back. But then my heart jumped when Brayden appeared next to me in a bare sweated torso and pants. His nose seemed to be flaring as he glared at me and yelled. "You've almost killed yourself. What the hell are you doing here in the first place?"

"Were you... the massive werewolf who saved me from getting hit?" I managed to stutter.

"Of course I was!" he scolded, baring his teeth. "But you shouldn't have been here in the first place. This is the werewolf runway, and I can't always be here to check if someone's blocking the way." He glanced down at my bruised foot and I caught his eyes softened. But he immediately regained his stern expression as his chin jutted out defiantly. "I was kilometers away, shouting for you to move over... but then I remembered that you're just a human girl who can't hear me from that freakin' distance and has no particular skills at all!"

My heart ached as Brayden's harsh words echoed in my ears, and I couldn't help but feel like my entire world had come crashing down as he turned away from me. How could he speak to me like that? I thought we were already close friends, but his hurtful words made me question everything. Clenching the basket firmly in my hands, I suddenly hurled it at him, watching as it collided with the back of his head. I knew it wouldn't hurt him, but the anger bubbling inside me demanded some form of release.

"What the fu—"

"Thank you for saving my life, Brayden. But you have no right—no right—to insult me just because I'm human. I can do a lot of things. I'm literate and educated, and I knew how the world worked until I stumbled across you wolves!"

I turned away from him, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill, and walked away. The pain in my foot only intensified, both physically and emotionally. It was as if his insults had seeped into my very being, leaving me questioning my worth and place in this world.

"Okay, wait..."

To my surprise, Brayden was quick to reach out and grab my shoulder before I could get far. His touch startled me, causing me to freeze in my tracks. I hesitated, unsure if I should give him another chance to speak. But when I turned and looked up at him, the way his blue eyes dilated made me pause and listen.

"I'm sorry, Aaliyah. I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. I was just having a bad day at training."

It was then that I remembered that he was being trained to become the next alpha. It must have been challenging for him. Undergoing such drills must have taken a toll on his emotions.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded slowly. "I accept your apology, Brayden. And... I'm sorry for screaming at you," I whispered, feeling a pang of guilt for my own outburst.

A small, tense silence settled between us before Brayden suddenly took my hands in his, causing my heart to skip a beat. His frown deepened as he noticed my trembling. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I assured him, attempting a smile. "You should go back to your pack training."

But Brayden shook his head. "I won't leave until I know you're okay. Let me show you around, so you don't end up in trouble like this again."

I hesitated, worried that Beta Brenda might scold me. But Brayden quickly reassured me, saying, "I have a higher command since I'm next to my father—no one will question us."

-ALIYAH-

The large doors of the training hall loomed before us, and I suddenly felt very small in comparison. When Brayden mentioned showing me around, I didn't expect that we were going to end up here. The size of the training hall was overwhelming, with its high ceilings and complicated architecture.

As Brayden pushed the doors open, I was met with a wave of warmth and the scent of sweat. The room echoed with grunts and thuds as individuals sparred with one another or practiced their combat skills on dummies. In the center of the room, the floor was padded with mats for wrestling and hand-to-hand combat practice.

I looked around, my eyes adjusting to the dim but sharp lighting. And then my focus lingered longer at the swords and knives that were lined up at the wall. And those modern firearms that were neatly displayed in a glass case. The sight of them made me gulp as I realized the intensity of the training taking place in this room. I wonder if those weapons have already taken some life or if they were purely for training purposes.

My attention then shifted to the people in the room, who had all paused to stare at me. The men wore nothing but tight-fitting shorts that showed off their muscular torsos, while the women donned equally explicit sports bras and leggings. Their bodies glistened with sweat, bringing out every curve and firm muscle. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. If ever I were to join this training, would I be required to wear similar revealing attire? Would I have to conform to this standard of dress in order to fit in and be taken seriously?

"Come on," Brayden urged, leading me further into the room. "I want you to meet my friends."

Reluctantly, I followed him, trying to ignore the stares and whispers that seemed to follow me like a shadow. As we approached a group of men and women, they stopped their conversation and turned to face us.

"Hey, guys," Brayden began with a smile. "This is Aaliyah. I want her to meet everyone."

One by one, they introduced themselves, shaking my hand and offering friendly smiles.

"Nice to meet you," a tall man with broad shoulders and a warm smile said, offering his hand. "I'm Marcus."

"Likewise," I replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Then another guy in the group stepped forward, his hair disheveled and with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hey there, I'm Alex," he said with a playful grin. "I apologize for almost hitting you earlier. It's that being in wolf form wasn't easy to control.

"I understand and have forgiven you all," I assured him as I looked around. "It was my fault too. I should have known that the place is part of the training grounds for werewolves." I urged myself to smile, trying to ease the tension that seemed to hang in the air.

"Don't worry, I promise not to accidentally hit you again." One man in the group chimed in, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll make sure to be more careful in the future, especially when we're in wolf form."

I nodded gratefully. Although they seemed to be confident beings, I could see the sincerity in their eyes. But I couldn't stand gazing at them for too long, as their piercing yellow eyes reminded me of the danger they posed. Nonetheless, their words did provide some reassurance given the intimidating atmosphere of the training grounds.

As I continued to meet Brayden's friends, I couldn't shake the feeling that not everyone was pleased by my presence. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a woman standing off to the side, her arms crossed over her chest. Her narrowed eyes seemed to bore into me, and I could practically feel the jealousy radiating from her.

My heart raced as I tried to focus on the conversation around me, but the woman's gaze felt like a weight on my shoulders. It was as if she were silently communicating her disapproval to the others, who in turn became more guarded and wary.

"Is everything okay?" Brayden asked, noticing my discomfort.

I forced a smile. "Yes, everything's fine. Just... overwhelmed, I guess."

"Hey, don't worry about it," he reassured me, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "You'll get used to everything soon enough."

I nodded, hoping that he was right. But as I glanced back at the woman and the barely concealed animosity in her eyes, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something deeper going on. It was clear that her disapproval was not just directed at me but at something or someone else in the room.

I wish I was only imagining things, but the tension in the air was noticeable. It was as if there were unspoken secrets and hidden agendas lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed.

Leaving the training hall behind us, Brayden led me down a winding path through the forest. As we walked, I was curious about where he would take me next. My heart still raced from the tension that lingered in the air back at the training hall, but Brayden's presence was a comforting reassurance. Being with him in private allowed me to let my guard down and relax.

"Since you're new here, let me tell you a bit more about our pack and its customs," Brayden said, breaking the silence between us. I gazed up at his eyes, and I almost lost myself in their deep, mesmerizing blue. "Aside from the regular training sessions to enhance our physical abilities and combat skills, we also have communal meals where everyone in the pack shares food."

"Like a big family dinner?"

"Exactly," he replied with a warm smile. "And we have ceremonies to mark significant events, like full moon gatherings or initiation rituals for new members."

The thought of being part of such a tight-knit community filled me with a fuzzy feeling of belonging I hadn't experienced before. What could be better than having a group of individuals who not only train together but also support and celebrate each other's successes? I guess this was the one thing I liked about them; they truly understood the importance of unity and camaraderie. Unlike in the human world, where some people, especially those greedy ones, only care about themselves and their own success, Worse, most people want to hurt and put others down in order to elevate themselves.

"Hey, you are silent again." Brayden chuckled and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, causing me to smile. "Tell me what's on your mind."

I took a deep breath and replied, "At the training hall, you all seem to talk silently to each other..." I tilted my head slightly, trying to find the right words. "Are you wolves talking to each other using telepathy?" Actually, I have already read about it, but I wanted to confirm if my suspicions were legit. The idea of wolves communicating through telepathy seemed too good to be true.

Brayden's face lit up with amusement as he pressed my nose with his index finger. The gesture made me giggle, breaking the tension in the air. "Mind-link, indeed." He grinned, allowing me to see his playful side. "You're right about the telepathy thing. But it actually allows us to coordinate and unite within the pack, regardless of distance or language barriers. And through mind-link, we can share thoughts, emotions, and even memories, creating a deep buzz of connection among pack members."

"Wow. Just wow." I marveled at the idea of such a bond and couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to experience it myself. So I asked, "Can humans mind-link too?"

Brayden shook his head. "No, mind-linking is exclusive to werewolves due to our heightened senses and supernatural nature."

His explanation made sense. No wonder I failed to hear him when he was already screaming for me to move over back in the garden.

"Say, Aaliyah. Would you want to be connected through a mind-link?"

I slowly met Brayden's eyes—the same deep shades of blue that made my heart flutter—and in that moment I was overwhelmed with surprise. His expression, on the other hand, was so earnest that I couldn't look away, even if I wanted to.

"Me... why would you ask me that?"

Brayden remained unfazed and gave me a reassuring smile. "Because since I met you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you," Brayden confessed, raising my hands to his lips, and my breathing literally stopped when he kissed them. "You're unique and interesting, and I want you to be part of my world, so you won't be alone anymore...so I can protect you... so I can be mated to you."

His last words made my heart skip a beat. "M-mated to me?" I stuttered, not sure if I heard him correctly.

"Yes, Aaliyah. Mated to you." Brayden's eyes bore into mine, his hand still holding mine tightly. "I feel a strong connection with you, one that I haven't felt with anyone else before. Who knows, you might be my fated mate?"

My mind was reeling, trying to process what Brayden was saying. Werewolves, mating, mind-linking—it all seemed impossible. Yet, I couldn't deny the flutter in my stomach. There was something about Brayden that drew me to him—something I couldn't quite explain. What if I was the mate he'd been anticipating all along? And my sudden stay with the Connors was actually my fate?

"As werewolves, we mate for life and connect through a bond that's deeper than anything else," Brayden explained, still holding onto my hands. "And I want that with you. I know it's sudden and I might be destined for another she-wolf, but I can't help how I feel. So what do you say, Aaliyah? Would you love to be turned and mated to me?"

My knees almost wobbled the way he asked me that. Was I ready to leave my humanity behind? I knew I was getting impulsive, but there was something deep within me that urged me to accept this new life. How could I resist such a man I was starting to fall in love with? His voice was like a lullaby as he asked me to be his mate. His eyes were like a peaceful ocean, making me lost everytime I gazed at him. If this was a dream, I would rather choose not to wake up at all.

"I...yes. I want to become a werewolf and be your mate."

His face brightened up, as if he had finally received the answer he had been searching for. And before I knew it, he had closed the gap between us, crushing his lips against mine in a passionate kiss that sent shivers down my spine. For goodness sake, he was my first kiss, and it felt like rockets exploding in my chest. I had no idea what to say, but his lips directed me, and I found myself responding excitedly, lost in the moment.

When we separated, I almost lost my balance. But he caught me, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively as he said, "From now on, you're my girlfriend."