Mated To The Beastly Alpha

"You've all come so far," Nicole remarked, to the group of people sitting around her. "You've faced unimaginable hardships, but you've found the strength within yourselves to rise above them. You're warriors, every single one of you." "Thank you, Charlene," an older woman chorused. An applause resounded around the circular space formed by a group of chairs.

Nicole's heart warmed as she took her hand. She was happy with the progress she had made, but at the same time, she didn't know why thoughts of Nicole drifted into her consciousness.

She believed that by changing her name, she could escape her past and forge a new life. Yet, despite the new identity she had adopted, she couldn't shake the memories of Liam or the deep ache in her heart that yearned for his presence. When in Silverwood, a place that welcomed wolves of all kinds, she found solace in helping others who had experienced similar traumas.

Nicole immersed herself in the community of Silverwood. She discovered a sense of purpose. She became a tutor, offering guidance and support to those who had endured pain and suffering.

Through her own experiences, she understood the struggles they faced and empathized with their journey toward healing. Still, she was always yearning for him. She knew that she should hate him because she only remembered him as mean, but she always had dreams of him caring for her, professing his love for her and being there for her.

"Tasha, you're next," She said to the youngest girl in the group.

Natasha nodded and launched her story on how she had started letting go of her pain. Nicole's pastime had become listening attentively to the stories of those who had been enslaved, abused, and tormented. Her heart broke for them each, but she remained steadfast in her commitment to help them reclaim their lives.

Tasha shared her story of survival and the nightmares that haunted her every night and how she was combating them. Nicole gave her a gentle smile, extending a hand of compassion.

"I understand how difficult this journey can be. But you're stronger than you realize. Together, we can find ways to overcome the pain and build a brighter future."

Tasha looked into Nicole's eyes, a glimmer of hope shining through her tears. "Do you really think so, Charlene? Sometimes, it feels like the darkness will never fade."

Nicole's heart broke. Tasha was so young, she was even younger than she was when her parents sold her.

Most people in her group were either lone wolves before they suffered abuse or slaves before freedom.

Nicole's voice was filled with reassurance. "I promise you, Tasha, that with time and support, the darkness will recede. It won't happen overnight, but each step you take toward healing brings you closer to the light."

Tasha nodded slowly, understanding seeping into her. She turned to the next person in the group and froze immediately as a familiar scent caught her attention. Liam!

Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned around, expecting to see him standing behind her. But it was only her desire, playing tricks on her senses. The ache in her chest intensified, reminding her of the love she had left behind.

Nicole's internal struggle grew more intense with each passing day. She yearned to return to Liam's embrace to seek solace in his presence, but the fear of the past repeating itself held her back. She couldn't bear the thought of putting him in danger or experiencing further heartache.

Her eyelids fluttered close as she found herself lost in thoughts of Liam. The wind whispered its secrets, and she closed her eyes, imagining his strong arms enveloping her once more. Tears trickled down her cheeks...

"Nicole?"

Startled, she opened her eyes to find her support group looking at her. Another young wolf, Ethan, was standing before her. Concern etched his features as he approached her cautiously. "Are you alright? You seemed lost in your thoughts."

Nicole wiped away her tears, offering a weak smile. "I'm just... missing someone dear to me."

Ethan's eyes softened, and he sat down, his voice filled with empathy. "I understand what it's like to miss someone. Sometimes, we have to make difficult choices to protect those we love."

Nicole's gaze met Ethan's, finding a kindred spirit in his understanding. "You're right. It's just hard to let go."

Tasha placed a comforting hand on Nicole's shoulder. "Maybe it's not about letting go completely. Maybe it's about finding a way to heal and rebuild so that when the time is right, you can reunite with the one you love."

Her words resonated deeply within Nicole's heart. It was a reminder that she couldn't remain trapped in the past forever. She needed to continue her healing journey, finding strength and resilience within herself. But how could she? How could she when the Alpha that plagued her memories was a terrible beast?

She smiled at her, clearing her throat she returned attention to the group. "I'm not immune to this fight," she said. "It's bad because my memories are incomplete, and my dreams are even worse. But I'm here, fighting every day."

They all cheered, making Nicole smile. It wasn't easy, and the few weeks she had spent amongst people who she felt understood her for the first time in her existence was the best thing to ever happen to her.

After the group session, Nicole made her way back to her new family in Silverwood. Recently, she learned that after training her mind to heal, it was also important to train her body.

Training her body was the part of the day she enjoyed the most. More importantly, Emily and Lucas joined her little reprieve and made it a lot more amusing. She walked faster, eager to see them and teach them.

"Are we ready to train, Charlene?" Lucas asked, his eyes shining with enthusiasm as soon as she stepped into their makeshift training area.

Nicole nodded, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Absolutely, Lucas. Today, we'll focus on refining our reflexes and learning some basic self-defense techniques."

Emily's eyes sparkled with determination as she stood alongside her brother. "I can't wait to become as strong as you, Charlene. I want to protect myself and others."

Nicole's heart swelled with pride at their determination. "You both have incredible potential. Remember, strength comes from within, and it's not just about physical abilities. It's about believing in yourself and standing up for what's right."

With that, the training session began. Nicole guided them through a series of warm-up exercises, teaching them the importance of flexibility and agility. As they moved through each routine.

Nicole couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, a flicker of a memory dancing at the edges of her consciousness. Her body seemed to respond with a fluidity that surprised her, as if the skills she was teaching came naturally, ingrained within her very being. "Alright, let's move to some basic techniques," Nicole instructed, after being stunned for a while. "Remember, the key is to find the balance between strength and control."

Emily and Lucas nodded eagerly, their eyes shining with excitement. They had become her loyal disciples, eager to learn from her every word and movement.

Nicole demonstrated a series of punches and kicks, her movements graceful yet powerful. She guided the children through the motions, offering tips and corrections along the way.

"You're doing great, Emily! Remember to keep your stance firm," Nicole praised, her voice filled with encouragement.

Lucas grinned as he practiced a high kick, his enthusiasm contagious. "Emily wants to be as strong as you. I want to be stronger, Charlene!"

Nicole beamed with pride and affection for the young ones. Their innocence and thirst for knowledge reminded her of the simple joys in life. But even in those moments of joy, a nagging feeling tugged at the corners of her mind, a sense that there was something important she was forgetting.

As the training session continued, Nicole couldn't shake off the persistent feeling of déjà vu. The patterns and techniques felt ingrained in her muscle memory as if she had trained countless times before. Yet, the memories remained just out of reach, tantalizingly close yet frustratingly elusive.

"Wow! You're a natural." Emily exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration. "How did you learn all this?"

Nicole paused, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. "It's hard to explain, Emily. Sometimes, things just come to us instinctively, as if they've always been a part of us."

Lucas looked up at Nicole with wide eyes. "Do you think you were a warrior before?"

Nicole chuckled softly, a mix of amusement and uncertainty in her voice. "Who knows, Emily? It's a mystery that I'm still trying to unravel. But for now, let's focus on the present. Ready for the next exercise?"

The trio spent the rest of the training session practising defensive techniques, honing their reflexes and coordination. Nicole marveled at the determination and progress of Emily and Lucas, their youthful energy matched by their willingness to learn.

As they took a break, the sun dipping below the horizon, Nicole's thoughts drifted back to the nagging feeling of something important that she was forgetting. She couldn't shake the persistent sense that there was a missing piece of her past, waiting to be discovered.

"Are you okay?" Emily asked, concern etched on her face.

Nicole snapped back to the present, her expression softening. "Yes, Emily. Just lost in thought for a moment. Don't worry about me. Let's continue training."

But deep inside, Nicole's curiosity burned. She yearned to uncover the truth of her past to understand the fragments of memories that danced on the edge of her consciousness.

They trained until late evening and were disrupted by Sarah's call for dinner.

Nicole paused, wiping the sweat from her brow. She watched as Emily and Lucas reluctantly disengaged from their training, their youthful energy still buzzing with a desire for more practice.

"Mom, can't we train a little longer?" Lucas asked, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Sarah chuckled, shaking her head. "Not today, my darlings. It's time for dinner. You can continue tomorrow."

The children mumbled their understanding, their eyes still fixed on Nicole.

"Next time, we'll continue where we left off," Nicole reassured them with a warm smile. "You're both making remarkable progress."

With that, the children scampered off, their voices filled with excitement as they chattered about the training session. Nicole lingered for a moment, enjoying the sight of their youthful energy before turning to make her way back to the house. However, before she could take another step, David appeared by her side. She turned towards him, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Charlene, I've been watching you train," David said, his gaze steady. "And I can't help but notice that your movements are far too precise to be just natural talent."

Nicole's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and intrigue flooding her senses. She hadn't expected anyone to notice the finesse in her training, let alone bring it up.

"I... I'm not sure," Nicole replied hesitantly. "Indeed, the movements come naturally to me, but I can't explain why."

David's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Charlene, sometimes the answers we seek lie within ourselves, buried deep in our memories. Have you ever considered exploring your past, delving into the fragments of your forgotten history?"

"I've thought about it, but it's a daunting task. I fear what I might uncover or if I'll even find any answers."

David placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Facing the unknown is never easy, but the truth has a way of setting us free. Perhaps, by embracing your past, you can unlock the secrets that lie dormant within you."

Nicole pondered his words, a mixture of apprehension and determination swirling within her. She had been content living her new life in Silverwood, but the nagging feeling of something missing, of unfinished business, had become undeniable. There was also the matter of Liam. How and what happened?

"You're right, David," Nicole finally admitted.

David nodded approvingly. "Good. And I have a suggestion. Why don't you join the main pack training sessions? It will not only enhance your skills but also allow you to interact with others who might hold the key to unraveling your past."

Nicole's eyes widened with realization. The main pack training sessions could provide her with the guidance and support she needed in her journey of self-discovery.

"That's a brilliant idea," she exclaimed, although she was terrified of the idea. "I'll join the training sessions and see where it leads me. Thank you, David, for your insight and encouragement."

David smiled warmly. "You're part of our pack, Nicole, and we're here to support you in any way we can. Together, we'll unravel the mysteries of your past and forge a brighter future."