The Alpha's Forbidden Mate

DARMEN P.O.V I glanced out through the tinted glass of my sleek vehicle, marveling at the impressive landscape before me. Humans truly deserved credit for their remarkable sense of development. As my bodyguards escorted me to the entrance of Moonlit Tech, my prestigious office building, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Stepping into my office, I sank into the plush leather chair, exhausted from the challenges of the season. The weight of responsibility pressed upon me, but I needed a moment to collect myself. Seeking solace, I gravitated towards the balcony, drawn to the gentle caress of the breeze against my face. As I stood there, inhaling the invigorating air, my mind began to wander. Thoughts drifted through my consciousness like fleeting clouds, carried away by the wind. Lost in contemplation, I was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of my ever-reliable personal assistant, Carl. "Good morning, boss," Carl greeted me with a respectful nod. He proceeded to list my to-do activities and meetings for the day, but it was the last item on the list that seized my attention. "We have a crucial meeting today, where we must finalize the ownership of the land in the south region," Carl informed me, his voice filled with urgency. "And what is Drake's stance on the matter?" I inquired, my eyes still fixed on the captivating structure before me. "He remains steadfast in his previous position," Carl replied, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "I see," I murmured, allowing a half-smile to grace my lips. The challenge piqued my interest, as my long nails played on the balcony metal. "Summon a group of capable men to accompany me," I instructed Carl. As the sun began to set, my guards and I pulled up in front of the Delmarn house. Nestled in the outskirts of town, surrounded by lush woods, it exuded a certain charm. Despite the absence of a fence, the small house stood there, shrouded in mysterious tales passed down by the locals. They claimed it was haunted, but I knew better. It was once the dwelling place of the wisest wolf that ever lived, a man named Delmarn, whose legacy inspired the naming of the building. Exiting my car, I observed Drake stepping out of the house, accompanied by his own contingent of guards. His welcome seemed warm, but I could see through the facade of insincerity. He looked at me, recognizing that I wasn't interested in playing his childish games. I meant business. "Well, well, welcome Darmen," he greeted me, his words dripping with false sincerity. I knew exactly who he was, and his attempt to manipulate the situation didn't fool me. The mention of the lands from the south region, the ones he still claimed as his own, irked me. It was rightfully mine, and I couldn't allow him to continue his deceit. "Dear brother," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and determination, "you know I can't give you what you're asking for." I was unclear whether it was his casual reference to our relation or his audacity to challenge my rightful ownership that provoked me. But the fire within me burned fiercely, and I couldn't back down. "I'll give you three days to stop the riots you're inciting and relinquish your claim," I declared, a smirk forming on my face. Drake's surprise was evident as he tried to question my intent. "What do you mean by that?" he inquired, his voice laced with disbelief. A dark amusement played in my eyes as I responded, "You wouldn't want me to handle others the way I dealt with Anna, would you?" His rage flooded forth, and I reveled in it. "How dare you!" he exclaimed, attempting to approach me with his guards. But before he could take a single step, he noticed crimson spots on his body—a clear sign that I had my own men positioned strategically around the building, ready to shoot at my command. "Don't you dare test me again," I warned, fixing him with an icy stare. Leaving him seething in anger, I turned and made my way back to the car. With a confident air, I got behind the wheel and drove away, leaving Drake and his guards behind, pondering their next move. As we sped off, I knew some of my guards remained behind, observing Drake's actions, ready to report any developments. The game had been set into motion, and I eagerly awaited the outcome. As we drove back home, the anger within me continued to simmer, consuming my thoughts. Clenching my fist in frustration proved futile, and I could feel my claws instinctively extending. Unable to contain myself any longer, I commanded the car to stop with a loud voice. I swung open the car door and darted into the nearby woods, the transformation taking hold. Running and running, I sought solace, desperately attempting to release the anger that coursed through my veins. Eventually, I came to a pause at the edge of a serene lake. Gazing up at the moon hanging in the night sky, I let out a resounding howl, a manifestation of the turmoil within me ROSE'S POV "But she didn't do as the sister said," I pleaded, attempting to reason with Sister Agnes. Yet, the wicked woman paid no heed to my words. With a swift motion, she pushed me out of the small orphanage, casting me into the darkness of the night, deeming it a punishment for daring to challenge her. The heavy door locked behind me, leaving me stranded outside, vulnerable in the dangerous woods. I pounded on the door, begging for mercy, but my pleas fell upon deaf ears. Alone and frightened, I resigned myself to sleeping outside, seeking refuge under the watchful gaze of the moon. After some time, thirst gnawed at me, urging me to find water. Guided by the moonlight, I ventured toward the nearby stream. With cautious hands, I cupped the water, quenching my thirst when I noticed an odd rustling among the trees. Fear gripped me, and I instinctively sought shelter behind a towering stone, peering out to investigate. To my astonishment, I laid eyes on a creature unlike any I had ever seen, only read about in tales. A magnificent wolf, surpassing all descriptions, stood before me. Its size was awe-inspiring, and its howl carried a sense of pain and longing. The wolf's pristine white fur captivated me, its beauty unmatched. Though my heart raced with fear, something in its presence compelled me to remain rooted in place. I wondered why I wasn't running like any normal human would. DARMEN'S POV Lost in my thoughts, I fixated my gaze upon the moon, its luminous glow casting an ethereal light. But amidst the tranquility of the night, a flicker of awareness tugged at my senses. Someone else was near, concealed behind the rock that stood by the stream. Curiosity guiding my movements, I approached the stone with measured steps, my eyes scanning the shadows. And there, hidden from view, I discovered a lady ROSE'S POV Fear was exchanged for my curiosity Approaching me with grace, the wolf stood before me My body was glued to the rock for some minutes but then I slowly let go of my fears I extended my trembling hand, yearning to touch its magnificent fur and to my surprise it yielded In a stunning display of audacity, I caressed its coat, and the wolf allowed me to do so. The unexpected tenderness in its touch brought solace to my soul. I played with its ears, marveling at the gentleness of this creature before me. Then, as if understanding the unspoken connection, the wolf knelt down, its eyes meeting mine. A warm, comforting smile graced its face, and I felt an indescribable peace washing over me. For an unknown reason I felt a bond with the creature but then our meeting was halted as the wolf immediately stood up and had ran back to the bush DARMEN'S POV As Carl's presence drew nearer, I swiftly retreated into the safety of the bushes. My large footprints and the toppled trees, remnants of my massive form, likely led him straight to my location. Reaching Carl, we wordlessly acknowledged one another before making our way back to the main road where the car awaited. Without uttering a single word, I approached the vehicle and smoothly transitioned back into my human form. Our guards provided us with a large coat to conceal ourselves from prying eyes and cover our naked selves. Once inside the car, we embarked on our journey home, the atmosphere heavy with silence. It had undeniably been a long and eventful night. However, amid the weariness that settled upon me, my thoughts invariably drifted back to the enchanting woman who had managed to captivate and calm my restless spirit within mere minutes.