ROSA'S POV "Welcome to the coldmoon pack." Ralia grinned, forcing me to return the gesture with a smile. "Would you be staying with my uncle now?" I looked down to see the younger one of Ralia's sons, looking up at me in hopes of getting a response. "Would you give us cousins?" The other asked, and I went silent. In that moment, Ryan and I locked eyes, before quickly looking away. If only they all knew the truth behind my presence in their pack. I wasn't really here as their Alpha's Luna. I was simply here to birth his pups. To give them as much cousins as Ryan felt was enough. I was a mere breeder. 'You're a Luna'. My wolf corrected me, and I slowly found myself nodding in agreement. Moreover, I had all the power as Luna, and that was what truly mattered. "Stop with all the questions already." Ralia scolded the kids, probably noticing I was becoming uncomfortable. "No, Ralia." I managed a small smile. "Let them ask whatever they want. It's totally fine." She gav
RYAN'S POV "Uncle!!" I heard the voice of Zane, making my senses come alive instantly. It was morning already? I abruptly opened my eyes to see him looking quite bothered, tears clogging his eyes. There was a problem. "Zane." I sat up on my bed immediately, scanning his body for any sort of injuries or bruises. He seemed to have realized what I was doing, and quickly spoke up. "I'm not the one with the injuries, Zephyr is." He said, his cries getting louder. "Zephyr!" Goddess! "Where is he? What happened? Where is your mother?" "We were playing on the training ground, when...." The moment he said the words 'training ground', I dashed off. I knew he was running behind me, but it would definitely take him a couple of minutes to get to me. I got to the training ground to see a group of guards arguing amongst themselves. The moment they noticed my presence, the entire place went silent. While I walked towards them, my eyes caught sight of a big dumbell, with some blood spla
ROSA'S POV "Auntie Rosa healed me." Zephyr grinned, pointing at me. To say that I was shocked, was an understatement. Where did he get that from? Before I could hold back, I started laughing. Ralia stared at me in confusion. "Rosa, did you really....?" She trailed off. "Can you?" "Ralia, don't take his words seriously." I chuckled. "He's just a kid." "A smart kid." Ryan countered, staring at me so closely. After a while, tension began to fill the place. For a moment, it actually got me thinking. How had Zephyr actually recovered? He spat out Ryan's blood in our presence yesterday, because.... Because he had black magic in him. That was it! "Maybe his black magic healed him." I suggested, unsure of my assumptions. "I know what I'm saying!" Zephyr stomped his small foot on the floor, effortlessly grabbing all our attentions. "Auntie Rosa has a light, and it healed me." He pouted, making me further confused. "What light?" Ralia asked him. "You showed him a light yeste
ROSA'S POV The moment he stepped out of my chambers, I rolled my eyes in annoyance. The guts of him to request I wore a happy face for the ceremony, and still deliberately sour my mood. I pulled off the clothe I had on, and walked into the bathroom. Washing up quickly, I stepped out of the tub and wore one of the fluffy robes in the bathroom. Putting my face against the soft texture of the robe, a reflex sigh of satisfaction escaped me. I pulled open the door, and stepped into the bedroom. "Oh my goddess!!" I screamed in fear before I could even hold back. "Luna!!" They all yelled in worry. It was then that I observed them well enough, to realize that there wasn't any cause for alarm. "Luna, are you fine?" Laura enquired. It was now I noticed she was amongst the maids in my room. "Y'all scared me!" I couldn't help but pout childishly. "So sorryyyy." Laura apologized. "We are sorry, Luna." The others added. "It's fine." I waved it off. "Apology accepted." I smil
RYAN'S POV The moment she stepped into the reception hall with Ralia, I felt this unexplainable heat within my body. Goddess! How could she look very decent, yet insanely hot?! Was it the red lipstick, or was it the way she curled that pretty hair of hers? There was something about her that just screamed 'bold', and it was hot as hell. She had locked eyes with me, and I hated how fast my heart began to beat. I hated that she was beginning to have such effect on me. 'She has so much power over us', My wolf said dreamily. 'She has no power over me! No one does!!!', I shot back angrily. How could he even say, or think a thing like that? She and Raiia had been conversing about something, but I didn't really pay so much attention to what was being said. My attention was totally consumed by the beaded ruby neck piece she had on, loving the way it contrasted to the paleness of her neck. That was the only amount of skin she exposed. Luna." The council chiefs chorused, fin
ROSA'S POV "Auntie Rosaaaa...." Zephyr giggled. "You promised you wouldn't peep!" He laughed. "I promised, but how much longer do I keep my palms against my face?" I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped my lips. Look what these children were making me do. "Not to worry Auntie Rosa, your hair would definitely turn out great!" Zane added, making me release a muffled chuckle in form of a sigh. "You already look pretty." Zephyr whispered, patting both my cheeks with his little palms. I could feel his breath fan across my face, which only meant his face was a few inches away from mine. Before I could tell what was happening, he dropped a chaste kiss on my cheeks. "Thank you, Auntie." He sighed, wiggling his way atop my thighs. I experienced a little difficulty, keeping my palms against my face, and holding him steady on my thighs at the same time. Eventually, I let my hands down and Zane yelled in excitement. "Auntie Rosa, just in time! We're done styling your hair."
RYAN'S POV It had been quite a hectic day for me. Going to the Golden Height pack to appoint a new alpha, turned out quite unexpectedly. All of a sudden, I became regent Alpha to Golden Height. Shocking indeed. By the time I had gotten to the Golden Height pack, I was ready to call together the pack's council chiefs for a quick meeting. The plan had been to appoint a new Alpha amongst the chiefs, through a unanimous vote. But as fate would have it, the moment I got to the pack house, the Luna of the pack had been readily standing by the gate, with her little daughter standing beside her. We exchanged pleasantries, and she went ahead to table her request before me. Apparently, she had a daughter for the late Alpha. Her stance was for her daughter to inherit the Alpha position after her late father. But the problem was, it was rarely ever seen that a woman became Alpha after their fathers. I was still trying to make her see reasons, when she handed over to me a letter with
ROSA'S POV "Please send for the stable master immediately." I ordered the guard standing behind me and he nodded, his eyes focused onto black space. I figured he was mindlinking the stable master. Today was the second day on my mission of restructuring the castle staff. I felt they could be more productive if more hands were dedicated to more strenuous labours, than unnecessary things like bathing a Luna. It had been over one week since I signed the contract, and I found it weird that Ryan still hadn't come to me. Not that I was worried, or anything. I just hoped he wasn't thinking of pulling out of our agreement. We had come this far, and I didn't want to entertain the thought that he wasn't interested any longer. I was also getting bored staying in my chambers all day, until yesterday, when Laura brought up the idea of getting busy with Luna duties. Of course, I knew that I had duties to perform as Luna, but I guess I didn't want to start acting, until I really knew
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