ROSA'S POV Wow.He didn't think we were supposed to be seen around each other? For some reasons, that may have seemed like the best option for Ray, but not for me. Didn't shying away from each other in public, simply meant that I was guilty of what I was being accused of?No, this wasn't one of those stories Audrey normally read, where the characters blow up every chance at being realistic and speaking up for themselves. I have been suppressed and oppressed for way too long, to let anyone shut me up. If Ryan wasn't going to stand up for me, then I would do so for myself.I looked back at Ray, who still lowered his head in some sort of guilt. Why was he acting this way, when we weren't at fault? That annoyed me to no end.Mustering some courage, I stepped closer to Ray and pulled out one of the empty seats beside him. I could swear that the entire table screamed through their deep stares. Wonderful. 'What are you doing?', Ray's voice filtered through my mindlink, but I paid him no he
RYAN'S POV I took small bites out of my breakfast, half worried and disturbed about..... her. Was my silence towards her not the best option? She had left the table yesterday, in anger. After all she had said before leaving, I was finally convinced that she didn't do anything with Ray. But then, that didn't automatically answer any of my unanswered questions. What had they been up to?She had even sat beside him yesterday, not caring a single bit as to how I felt about that. I knew something was up between them, even if it wasn't sexual. And it pricked my heart to know that Ray was in on something that I wasn't. I was her mate!We were currently halfway through breakfast, but she was yet to show up. Was she okay? Was she still asleep? Ralia wasn't here as well, and that meant they were probably together. At least, she had Ralia by her side, and I couldn't be more thankful. I hated how much I cared, even when I tried not to. I had been so busy, chasing a certain lead all night, just
ROSA'S POVThe moment I got to my chambers, I let out an ear piercing screaming, wanting so badly to break something. Uncontrollable tears seeped out of my eyes, and my heart constricted painfully in my chest. He had defended her. In the presence of everyone, not caring how it made me feel.Goddess.... I felt stupid, stupid, and stupid! Stupid for feeling this way. I wasn't supposed to care, but now I couldn't help it anymore. I laid down on my bed, lost in thoughts as lone tears dropped from my eyes. I couldn't wait to see Audrey. Maybe, I'd decide to stay back at the palace for a couple more days, before returning. I needed it.Just then, a knock sounded on my door, and I whispered a light 'come in'.Seconds later, the door opened and closed shut, but whoever it was remained silent. I took a moment to sniff, and realized it was Ray.I had been laying on my tummy, so I was automatically backing him. Releasing a low sigh, I turned to him and sat up on the bed. I felt embarrassed, kn
THIRD PERSON'S POV She walked briskly down the lonely path, her skin pricking all the more. She didn't feel like herself anymore. This place wasn't welcoming of her presence anymore, seeing as she had just been disbanded from the pack. All her life, she had imagined being a lot of things, but definitely not a rogue!How had this become her fate? She was supposed to stand beside Alpha Ryan, ruling as his beloved Luna. All she did, was to ensure that he became hers. All her ploys may have indeed worked out, if only that useless witch hadn't shown up and ruined it all. She wasn't going to leave without a last fight. She was going to make Rosa pay for ruining her life.Just then, she heard a twig snap behind her, and quickly turned back to ascertain if there was a threat. Seeing no one behind her, she released a low sigh. But why did she feel eyes on her? Maybe, it was because she wasn't really in her element anymore, and this path was quite lonely and creepy. "I have to get out of here
RYAN'S POVI walked into the room, and saw that Austin was already there. Finally."What took you so long?" I queried, walking to the bed and sitting on it. "Do you realize I have been here in Golden Heights for two days now? The journey from Cold moon to Golden Heights in your wolf form, wasn't supposed to be more than a day.""My apologies, Alpha." He gave a slight bow, seeming quite uncoordinated. "What did you find?" I went straight to the point."A lot.... A couple of things. Few connecting dots.""What does that even mean?" I asked, trying to hide my irritation. "I followed Aliya." He released a low sigh."Just like you were supposed to." I said, urging him to continue. "Aliya is dead." He said flatly, and a wave of eerie silence washed over us for a moment. "What the hell does that mean, Austin?" I asked again, trying to make sense of what he just said. That couldn't be...."It's true, Alpha." He rushed out, brushing his hand through his hair. "In such a brutal way." He whi
ROSA'S POV I looked at Laura in shock, and our eyes both fell onto the voika stone again. It was getting redder. Subconsciously, my hand flew to my belly, and hot tears fell down my eyes. Oh, goddess!"Luna...." Laura whispered, her voice sounding so supportive."I'm fine, Laura." I whispered, quickly cleaning away my tears. "I'm just fine." A small smile made its way to my face."So, are we.....""I'll tell him myself." I muttered. He hadn't been back home for four days now, and I wondered if he was going to finally show up on the day of our wedding.I missed him.I missed feeling him inside me, and now more than ever, I needed him back home. More tears fell from my eyes as I sat on my bed."Luna...." Came Laura's voice once more, but I was quick to shake my head at her."You've been dismissed for the day, my dear." I muttered, but she stood unmoving in her place for some long seconds. Eventually she got moving, and I laid flat on my back.I wasn't sure how long I remained in that
RYAN'S POV I released a low sigh as I looked at her face again. She had been asleep the entire night, while I found it difficult to sleep. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind. How would things have panned out, had I not put my act together? The thought of she leaving me, left a great scare within me. For the first time in a long while, I was scared. My shaky hands rose and made for her face, trailing along the bridge of her pointed nose. Goddess, she was so beautiful. Inside and out. How exactly had it taken me so long to see that? I mean, I had always thought she was physically beautiful, but refused to believe her heart was pure. So pure. My Rose.I knew I wasn't deserving of her. I wasn't worthy of being the man who fathered her pups......I still couldn't believe it. We were gonna be having a pup soon, and it seemed like a dream. One too good to be true. "Good morning." Her sleepy voice pulled me out of my thoughts."Good morning." I whispered, suddenly feeling so small bef
ROSA'S POV "Come on, Ryan. That's a very dull way of saying 'hi', after months of not seeing each other." The lady whom Ryan had referred to as Isabella, batted her lashes in a rather cute manner, whilst speaking to him. I suddenly didn't feel so good anymore. Who was that lady, and why was Ryan clearly shocked to see her?"Ryaaaan..." She drawled, making me grow more conscious of myself. I couldn't be reacting in certain ways, knowing everyone on the table probably had their eyes on me. They were very well witnessing the exchange between Ryan and this lady.She was so pretty. Really pretty. The deep wavy curls and length of her hair, made her look somewhat ethereal. And her facial structure was just out of this world. Did she....? Did she have a history with Ryan? Clearly, she was trying to flirt with him. Giving him those sultry gazes that made my heart thump way too loudly."Isabella, come with me." Ryan demanded."Anything you say, Alpha." She winked at him, following him behind
RYAN'S POV The entire place? Chaotic.My heart was beating so fast, and couldn't help but let worry overcome me, after watching Audrey draw back her hand in her attempt to take the pendant off Rosa. What exactly was that pendant?"Come forth!!!" Hazel suddenly yelled out from the midst of the MacQuoids, who literally surrounded her. Almost immediately, one of the glasses containing a relic burst open, leading to the ultimate escape of the most feared MacQuoid relic. The ice sword.A lot was happening at once, because the next second, Rosa began shaking furiously. I was caught in between rushing off to wield the ice sword, before any damages were done, or staying back to ensure my mate was safe."Ryan!! Do something!!" Audrey yelled out, fear in her eyes as she made to hold Rosa still. She and Austin had made an attempt to hold Rosa at the same time, and the most shocking scene unfolded.I had never thought she could possess such strength. One minute, they were reaching out for her,
ROSA'S POV "Are you fine?" Ryan asked me for the hundredth time today."Ryan!" I whisper-yelled. "I am fine. We are in the middle of something here." I reminded him, as he seemed to be easily forgetting that.It was late in the evening already, and we had just finished the first stage of the coronation ceremony. The next stage was the procession of the ice relics, by the Honourable families. It was also a reminder that the MacQuoids had failed to produce a new custodian, and the power as head family may be conferred upon the Kennedys tonight. Quite sad."Are you scared, love?" Ryan suddenly asked, and I frowned slightly. "Why would I be?""Wielding the ice sword." "Oh...." I let out a chuckle, hoping I didn't sound nervous. I was supposed to wield the ice sword and absorb its energy, as Luna of the coldmoon pack soon. I learned Ryan had done that as well, at his own coronation. "Should I be?""It isn't so easy, but I'm sure you'd be able to handle it." He encouraged, gently patti
ROSA'S POV "Oh myyyy!! You look so pretty my love." Audrey gushed, the moment she walked into my chambers. "Good job girls." She patted the shoulder of one of the many maids present in my room with me."Thank you." I muttered. "They did a great job indeed." I said, looking at myself in the mirror."You don't seem fine." Audrey caught on, making me release a low sigh. Who was I kidding? Audrey would always catch on to these things."I'm fine." I gave a small smile, but she shook her head in negation, refusing to believe me."You all, leave at once." She ordered, and the maids all exited my chambers in a file."Laura, you can stay." I called back."No, it's fine Luna. I will....""I said, stay." I cut her off firmly, making her shut the door and walk back to my side.'And you trust her enough?', Audrey's voice filtered through my mindlink. 'I do'."And for the sweet love of the goddess, please don't tell me you and Ryan had another fight." She sighed in frustration."Not at all" I deb
RYAN'S POV There was another pup.I still couldn't believe how lucky we were. Deep down, I knew Rosa was going through a lot of pains at the thought of losing our pup. I was only grateful to the goddess that she showed us some mercy.Audrey had been kind enough to handle things in our stead. She had shifted the wedding by a day, giving Rosa ample time to rest. Though Rosa had really insisted on going ahead with the wedding, claiming she felt very okay, we had to convince her otherwise. She was currently asleep in my chambers, while I had stepped out to discuss with Logan. He had mindlinked me, saying we needed to talk. On getting to my study, I was glad to see Logan already seated and awaiting my arrival."Sorry for keeping you waiting." I apologized. "Not at all. I shouldn't even be drawing you away from her at a time like this. How is she?""Sleeping soundly. She seems to be healing up fine, thanks to her healing energy.""Which leaves me wondering....." Logan muttered mindlessl
ROSA'S POV My hands shook badly and my lips quivered. I debated within myself if this was the right thing to do. The moment he had picked me off the ground and shielded me behind himself, I knew in my heart that he would always protect me. Most importantly, I knew that if I didn't show him the weakest part of myself now, I may probably never have the courage to do so again.Moreover, he had asked the reason why I hadn't fought in my wolf form. I knew this was just the opportunity to let him know why. In that moment, I knew we had company, but the only person I could see was him. Ryan."Come, love. We'll talk inside." He said, but the distance from the garden to our chambers could be enough for me to lose this confidence. Maybe going through this near death experience a few minutes ago, made me realize I could die so cheaply, and the person I loved the most would never have an idea who I really was."No...." I shook my head in refusal, stepping away from him. "L...let me sh..sh...sho
RYAN'S POV Philip and I had discussed my plight two days back, and all he had said was to give Rosa the space she was asking for. According to him, I would be selfish to want Rosa by my side, without giving her the choice of making that decision to be with me, just like I had made mine.No matter how painful it was to hear that, it was the truth. And I didn't want to be the selfish one in any way. Especially not towards Rosa. She had penetrated my heart and broken down my walls completely in ways I couldn't explain. Something I never thought would happen again. But somehow, she had achieved it."At this rate, you'd burn holes into her skin." Logan whispered beside me, making a smile break out on my face as I pulled out of my thoughts.At the moment we were all seated at the dinning hall, having dinner. Somehow, I had found it difficult to take my eyes off of her, ever since she showed up for dinner. I couldn't tell if it was worry, after seeing her cry to Audrey a couple of hours bac
ROSA'S POV "I do not like the sound of this child being in danger. Rosa, you have to protect this one." Audrey grabbed my hand, shaking it furiously, as if trying to shake up my brain. "You have lost a lot already, you can't lose this one too." The moment she said that, I instantly felt goosebumps all over my body, my senses going alert. What was going on with me? Just three days ago, I'd rather Ryan cared more about me than this child, even after hearing what Isobel had to say. Now, I couldn't explain the possessive feeling that engulfed me, at the slight mention of losing it. "Audrey..... I love my child." I whispered, and she nodded in understanding. "Of course, you do." "Was I dumb?" I asked, unsure she was going to understand what I meant. "I'm such a bad mother." I began sobbing. "Noooo, Rosa." She shook her head in negation. "You're not! Recently, a lot has happened. It is okay if you feel confused about your feelings, including the ones you have for your pu
ROSA'S POV Everywhere was noisy. The castle was the busiet it had ever been since I arrived here. It was the eve of my wedding. Preparations had been in full swing for three days now, but I guess today was just something else. It was understandable, seeing as most of our guests were arriving today, against the wedding ceremony tomorrow. I still couldn't believe it was here. Ryan and I were getting married tomorrow, but..... Oh, goddess. I felt lost. So lost. I had taken up Dean's advice to emotionally distance myself from Ryan, and it had been hell. I went through different stages of hurt. Well, the first night was hell for a different reason. That was the night I had discovered Ryan's actual intent on keeping me close. It wasn't really for the sake of a pup. I mean, he had made a request for Isabella to be his breeder, before I showed up. He would have probably rejected me, if I hadn't any other use to him. But after crying for a better part of the night and thinking
ROSA’S POVI had spent a better part of my day with Philip, Lily, and the new baby.I had also taken out some time to discuss with a few maids, and reassign a new personal maid to Ryan's chambers, seeing as Aliya was.....I wondered if Ryan was going to break the news to the occupants of the castle, just yet."It's time for dinner, Luna." Laura informed, taking out a simple long dress from my closet, and laying it on the bed. I had just stepped out of shower after a long day, and all I really wanted to do was sleep.But then again, I wasn't the only one I was supposed to be looking out for now. There was a little one inside me, so I had to go down for dinner.I guess I was also unsure of what to expect. Was that woman still in the castle? Would she join us for dinner tonight?Nonetheless, I dressed up and went down for dinner. The moment I showed up in the hall, all eyes fell on me. "Good evening, all!" I greeted, receiving their greetings in return. I saw her sitting just opposite R