The forbidden alpha

The bass from the nightclub pulsed like a heartbeat, shaking the crystal glasses lined across the polished bar. Every woman in the room noticed him. Some looked away. Most couldn't. He is the most feared of his species. He fought his brother which led to him dethroning him as the alpha. Took his wife a slap on her face. Marking his territory and dominance of her, he stripped off her shirt pushing her into his bed. He platted his lips on her n****e. He locked her hands with just one of his hand, she was non reactive and dumped her after he was done. He doesn’t stay longer with woman. Cause he believes love is a weakness Alpha Kael Blackwood entered without a word, dressed in a black suit that fit his powerful frame like armor. His icy gray eyes swept across the crowd with the confidence of a predator who had never known defeat. Women whispered his name. The Forbidden Alpha. They say he never stays. They say he breaks hearts for sport. Kael ignored them all. Until a soft laugh drifted through the room.His eyes settled on Selena Hart, a stunning brunette known for capturing the attention of wealthy businessmen and pack warriors alike. She met his gaze with a playful smile, neither intimidated nor desperate. You've been staring, she teased as he approached. I don't stare, Kael replied. I decide. She laughed. So, have you decided? Instead of answering, he offered his hand. Moments later, they were dancing beneath the golden lights, surrounded by jealous eyes. Selena leaned close, drawn in by his magnetic confidence. Their conversation became quieter, their smiles more private, until they slipped away from the crowded dance floor together. By sunrise, Selena understood what every woman before her had learned. Kael Blackwood could make a woman feel like she was the only person in the world. But when morning came... He was already gone. No note. No promise. No goodbye. Just another name added to the growing list of women who had fallen for the alpha who belonged to no one. Kael climbed into his black SUV, emotionless as ever. Love was weakness. Attachment was dangerous. And mates... Mates only got you killed. As he drove through the mist covered forest, a strange scent drifted through the open window. The annual Mooncrest Festival drew wolves from every pack across the northern territories. Music echoed through the village square as warriors competed in combat trials, merchants displayed enchanted relics, and young wolves searched for destined mates beneath glowing lanterns. Kael Blackwood hated festivals. They were loud, crowded, and filled with people pretending peace could last forever. He only attended because every Alpha was expected to. Women flocked toward him the moment he arrived. "Alpha Kael!" "Would you honor me with a dance?" "My father would love to meet you." He offered each one the same polite smile before walking away. Then... A scent stopped him. Wildflowers. Rain. The same scent from the forest. His wolf growled inside him. Mate. Kael froze. Impossible. His eyes searched the crowd until he found her. She stood beside a small bookstall, completely unaware that the most feared Alpha in the kingdom was staring at her. She wasn't dressed like the noble daughters surrounding her. Simple jeans. A white blouse. Long black hair swaying in the breeze. She looked... ordinary. Yet she was the most breathtaking woman he had ever seen. As if sensing his gaze, she looked up. Their eyes met. Time seemed to stop. His wolf roared. Mine. Instead of blushing Instead of smiling She frowned Then she looked away and continued browsing the books as though he didn't exist. Kael blinked. No woman had ever ignored him. Curiosity replaced confidence. He crossed the square until he stood beside her. You didn't bow. She turned a page without looking at him. Was I supposed to? His jaw tightened. You know who I am. I do. And yet you ignore me. Now she finally met his eyes. I've heard enough stories about Alpha Kael Blackwood. Oh? They all end the same. He folded his arms. And how is that? The woman cries. Her words struck harder than any warrior's fist. My name is Aria Ashford," she continued calmly. And I have no interest in becoming another one of your stories. Without another glance, she walked away. Kael watched her disappear into the crowd. His wolf growled louder than ever. For the first time in years... The legendary Alpha didn't know what to do. He only knew one thing. He wasn't going to let her walk out of his life. Not this time. Wildflowers. Rain. And something ancient. His wolf stirred for the first time in years. Somewhere in the darkness, a woman he'd never met was about to change everything. Kael didn't know it yet... The hunter had just become the hunted. Aria Ashford had one rule. Never trust a man whose smile came too easily. Especially if that man was Alpha Kael Blackwood. By the next morning, the entire festival buzzed with rumors. The Alpha asked for her name. She rejected him. She walked away! No woman had ever embarrassed Kael in public. Most people expected Aria to apologize before sunset. Instead, she spent the morning helping her elderly grandmother at their herbal shop, arranging dried lavender, moonleaf, and healing roots on wooden shelves. The bell above the door chimed. I told you I'd find you. Aria didn't need to look up. I was hoping you'd prove me wrong. Kael leaned against the doorway, his expensive black coat drawing curious glances from everyone outside. I've been called many things, he said with a crooked smile. Persistent isn't usually one of them. You've also been called a heartbreaker. He shrugged. People love stories. They also love the truth. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Kael studied her. Unlike the women who surrounded him with admiration, Aria met his gaze without fear or fascination. It unsettled him in a way no rival Alpha ever had. You've judged me without knowing me. I know enough. Do you? She stepped closer, folding her arms. I know women follow you everywhere. I don't ask them to. I know none of them stay. They choose not to. They leave because you never give them a reason to stay. The words lingered between them. For the first time in years, Kael found himself without a clever reply. Just then, a young woman named Lydia, dressed in a shimmering crimson dress, hurried into the shop. "There you are, Alpha! she said brightly. Everyone is looking for you. The council meeting starts in ten minutes." She slipped her arm through his as naturally as breathing. Aria simply raised an eyebrow. You should go. Kael gently removed Lydia's hand from his arm. I'll be there. Lydia looked from Kael to Aria, instantly understanding the situation. So... she's the one. The one? Aria asked. The first woman who's ever made Alpha Kael wait. Lydia smiled knowingly before leaving. Kael looked back at Aria. Dinner. No. One dinner. No. A walk? No. A conversation? Aria laughed despite herself. You really don't hear the word 'no' very often, do you? He smiled. Not from someone who makes me want to hear yes. Aria shook her head, hiding the small smile threatening to appear. You're impossible. And yet... He took a step back toward the door. I'll be here tomorrow. As he disappeared into the crowd, Aria released a slow breath. She had expected arrogance. She had expected charm. She had not expected patience. For the first time, she wondered if the stories about the Forbidden Alpha had left something out. And somewhere deep inside Kael, the wolf that had slept for years lifted its head. This wasn't a game anymore