BOUND TO THE ALPHA WHO HATED ME

Ayla’s morning had started like any other—until the coffee spilled. She rushed into the café, juggling her bag and a mental checklist of errands. One wrong step and the steaming cup slipped from her hands, flying through the air before landing squarely on the man standing in front of her. “I… I’m so sorry!” she stammered, grabbing napkins. The man didn’t move at first. He stared at her with piercing silver eyes that made her shiver. “You’re clumsy,” he said finally, his voice low and sharp. “I—I didn’t mean to—” she began, but he cut her off. “Not everyone is patient with accidents,” he said. Ayla felt a strange chill run down her spine. Something about him unsettled her, yet drew her in. Her wolf inside her growled softly, sensing a power she didn’t understand. “I really am sorry,” she whispered again. The man finally handed her a napkin. “Name’s Kael,” he said, clipped and cold. “Alpha of Ravens Hollow. And you… will regret spilling coffee on me.” Ayla blinked, unsure what to say. Her chest tightened, heart racing for reasons she didn’t understand. ⸻ Later, she sat on a park bench, trying to calm down. That’s when she felt it—a strange pulse running through her veins, making her hands tingle. Her fingers glowed faintly, veins shimmering with energy. “What… is happening to me?” she whispered. Her wolf howled inwardly, restless and eager. A gust of wind swept around her, though the air was still. The glow flared. Her heart raced. Something inside her had awakened. Something powerful… and dangerous. ⸻ A movement in the shadows made her freeze. Three figures emerged—rogue wolves, eyes glowing with malice. “Hand over your bag,” one growled. “That’s a pretty little girl with secrets we want.” Ayla’s wolf growled, instinctively alert. Her hands tingled again, and the Thorn energy flared, forming a faint shimmering barrier. The rogues froze, startled. Before they could act, a shadow leapt between her and the attackers. Kael. His presence was overwhelming, his silver eyes glowing faintly. “You don’t touch her,” he said, voice low and dangerous. The rogues lunged. Kael moved faster than she could see, intercepting them. Within moments, the threat vanished, and the rogues retreated into the shadows. Ayla stared. “Y-you… saved me?” Kael’s gaze softened just slightly. “You’re mine. No one harms what’s mine.” Her wolf whimpered, conflicted. Her chest ached. She wanted to run. She wanted to stay. She wanted to fight—and to lean into him at the same time. ⸻ “You have a rare power,” Kael said finally, voice low. “You’ll need to learn control, and fast.” “I… I don’t know how,” Ayla admitted. “You will,” he growled. “And I’ll make sure of it.” Her pulse quickened. He was infuriating, impossible, and yet irresistible. A cold wind blew, and with it came a flicker of silver in the shadows—another Alpha, watching, waiting. Kael’s eyes narrowed. “They’re already here,” he murmured. “And this is just the beginning.” Ayla’s wolf growled low, her Thorn power surging. Danger, desire, and a bond she couldn’t deny… were only just beginning.