A YEAR LATER ROSA'S POV I walked through the lonely path, heading towards our usual spot. I really didn't want to go today, considering the fact that I had the bruises of my father's anger, all over my body. I had expected the wounds to quickly heal before sunrise today, but I was hugely disappointed. Atleast, the big hoodie I put on was able to hide the bruises on my body. Luckily, the ones on my face were little, and I could easily lie that I had a domestic accident. It felt like I was some sort of experiment to him, and everyday he tried new methods of punishments and torture on me. Yesterday's torture made me wonder if he was really my father. Even up until now, I still couldn't believe my own father had branded my skin with hot iron. Luckily, the wound would definitely heal, but the scars would remain all my life, reminding me of what a shitty life I have lived. I blinked back the tears in my eyes, trying to avoid a sour mood today of all days. It was Theo's
RYAN'S POV "Babe?" Brenda called me from the bathroom. "Yes love?" "My shower gel just got exhausted. Please could you look through the third compartment of my dress cabinet, for another one?" "Sure!" I nodded, regardless of the fact she couldn't see me. Quickly walking to the dress cabinet, I checked the third compartment and picked out one of the few cans of shower gel there. "Here." I called her attention when I got to the bathroom, stretching the shower gel for her to take. All the while, I tried my very best to act like seeing her naked body didn't do a lot of wicked things to my mind. I would have really loved to make a move on her, but decided not to. My mate could be so cranky atimes, and I couldn't really tell when she was just not in the mood. 'She's always not in the mood'. My wolf sulked, making me release a sigh. I turned and made my way back to the bed. Lately, cohabiting with Brenda had slowly started to feel like I was in a war zone. Brenda complain
RYAN'S POV "Ryan!" Brenda called my name in relief. Atleast, that was what I thought it was. Little had I known it was far from relief. It was fear. Charging towards the presently self aware bastard, I grabbed him by the collar and flung him across the room. With my vamp speed, I rushed to where he had landed, and grabbed him up on his feet again. I knew that my beast was beginning to take over, but I could care less. My beast existed for the sole purpose of dealing with treacherous people like him. "Ryan!!" I heard Brenda whimper behind me, and it only fueled my rage. How dare he assault my mate??!! I continuously hit the soldier until his body went limp, and I let him fall to the ground. Immediately, I rushed towards my mate to console her, but was met with her teary and shocked eyes. "Oh, goddess!!" She screamed. "What have you done?!!!" She yelled in what seemed like agony. I guess I was too slow to understand the entire situation, because I proceed to hug her and tel
ROSA'S POV I slowly walked past the gates of the pack house, a feeling of self pity coming over me. Today was Theo's engagement party, and I wasn't sure how to feel. After the unpleasant spat with his sister 3 weeks ago, and hearing all the sad things she had to say, I avoided him like a plague. I didn't avoid him because I hated him, I did because I hated myself. Why couldn't I just have been someone without faults? Someone who could be loved without conditions. 'But it's not your fault'. My wolf sighed in my head, making me release a complimentary sigh. I guess this was my fate. Forced to attend the engagement ceremony of the only man that had ever looked at me with the slightest iota of love. Yes, I know Vera had a lot to say to me the other day. She had made it clear that I was nothing but a 'rescue the puppy' project for Theo. But that didn't mean I would simply pretend that there weren't days where he had been extremely kind to me, just for the sake of it. Not because
5 YEARS LATER RYAN'S POV I opened my eyes, the blinding sun rays piercing them. Sighing in mental exhaustion, I looked across the room to see Beta Allister and Philip sitting on the settee. Seriously? "What do you both want?" I asked gruffly. "Good morning to you too." Philip sighed, standing from the settee and making his way to me. "A letter from the king." He said, stretching his hand towards me. I eyed the envelope he held in his hand, unsure if I really wanted to see the content. "Ryan, you have to leave here." Beta Allister muttered. Hearing him speak, I sat up on my bed to be able to get a clearer view of his solemn looking face. "Why?" I asked, already aware of what his response was gonna be. "You cannot remain here." He begged, trying to make me understand whatever his reasons were. Couldn't they just continue as they had been? The pack had done so well in my absence, what difference would my return make? "The east wing is still a part of my castle." I sho
ROSA'S POV Another shadow moon festival. Another night to lick my wounds over the fact that I was probably cursed to be alone forever. There I was, sitted in a secluded area from the main event. I could hear the cheers of the pack members celebrating with one of the newly selected shadow wolves, who had coincidentally found his mate a few minutes ago. "Must feel good." I whispered to myself, releasing a scoff. Crying? No, I was past that. If the last 5 years had taught me a thing, then it was to never waste my tears over something I couldn't change. "A fang for your thoughts?" I heard a familiar voice ask, and I looked up to see priestess Ivana. She had proven to be the only true friend I may ever be able to have. "I have good fangs." I managed a small smile, regardless of how much my heart hurt. My heart always hurt, if I was being honest. I couldn't remember anytime I was truly happy in the last five years. "A good limb could be a better bargain." I sighed, and watched
ROSA'S POV As I walked through the quiet garden, I muttered to myself continuously. "You'll be fine, Rosa. You'll be fine. You're in a better place now." I was in a better place right? Or was I just trying to convince myself that I was? It had been three weeks since I arrived at the blood moon pack with Andrew, and it was safe to say that I had become even lonlier. Atleast, I had priestess Ivana in my pack, but here, it seemed like I was all alone. The maids here in the pack house were either the least bit friendly, or they were just more concerned about their work. The pack members were either still trying to warm up to me, or they just didn't want to relate with me. Or with my mate's family, if I was being honest. I wondered why, because Andrew was the heir Alpha, and his parents were the current Luna and Alpha. Why would their pack members not relate so much with them? Since I came here, I could count the number of pack members that had visited the pack house. The pack hou
RYAN'S POV The moment I stepped foot into the wedding hall, all eyes fell on me. I wasn't one bit surprised. I was a hybrid, and exuded excess energy wherever I went. 'Everyone is looking at us'. Philip mindlinked me, and I nodded in agreement. 'Of course, they would. They should'. I replied, holding my head high, and walking through the aisle. Seems we couldn't make it in time for the joining ceremony, but we were able to meet up with the wedding party. 'It's him. The hybrid'. 'I think it's Alpha Ryan'. 'Goddess! He's been released?'. 'It's really him!' 'Did you have an idea he was out?' 'Is he here for the ceremony?' 'Was he invited for the crown prince's wedding?'. 'He feels very deadly'. 'He's so cold'. 'The coldmoon Alpha'. 'Monster hybrid'. I heard a lot of whispers all around, my vamp hearing making them all the more audible. I couldn't help but turn to the lady who had whispered to her mate, calling me a mo
RYAN'S POV I watched as she sluggishly stepped out of the bathroom, avoiding my gaze. It would have definitely taken so much emotional and psychological will, to do what she had done, yesterday. But more than anything else, I was glad she had finally stood up for herself.She didn't have to say much, for me to deduce the kind of life she had as a growing child. She was most certainly bullied, humiliated, taunted by others. To make things worse, the very man who was supposed to care for and protect her, only ended up being her worst nightmare. Whenever I replayed that seen from her dream in my head, my blood boiled. Seeing her kill that man, had satisfied me in a way that killing him myself, wouldn't have.Deep down, I knew she had set herself free from a lot of emotional pain and baggage, especially after finding out that the same man had locked her powers and killed her mother.Rosa was so strong and my admiration for her had increased, if that was even possible. With how much my h
ROSA'S POV "I dare you to call my daughter a bastard, one more time!!"I guess I had gotten so used to seeing the jovial and sweet side of Dean, that it came completely shocking to see him in this mood. Moreso, the fact that he was this way because of me, had my stomach twisting in aggressive delight."Dean, please calm down." Audrey muttered, and Hazel quickly reached out to her brother, pulling him back to his seat.It was only then, that I realized how tight Ryan's grip had gotten around me. Instinctively, I looked up at him, and his eyes bore into mine. He was mad. Fuming."Oh?" King Logan said, looking lost in his thoughts. "So you mate never loved you? She was in love with another?" He taunted, and that seemed to have pushed Eli."She never loved that bastard! She was mine!!""You sound like you love and respected her!!" I yelled out, not able to bottle up my feelings anymore. "You humiliated her! You abandoned her when she needed you the most! Hell! The moment she died, you w
ROSA'S POV "But what exactly did you see, Logan?" Ryan asked, and everyone waited for Logan to give a response. "Rosaline appeared really huge in that vision. Like, she were some sort of giant. Or.... goddess." I didn't know how I felt at the sound of that. I probably thought Logan had exaggerated. I was no where near a demi-goddess, talk more of a goddess."What makes you say that?" I asked, and he released a sigh."I'm not sure." He shrugged. "Maybe it is because these large number of Tinotaurs, stood beneath you. They looked up to you, almost as if they were seeking your mercy. For a moment, it seemed like you were in alliance with them, until The Flaming Wolf appeared beside you. That particular vision was cut off, and I was taken to centuries back. Right where the first Flaming wolf emerged. I watched as it burned all the Tinotaurs to mere ashes.""I think I'm a bit confused here. Who really, are these Tinotaurs? I mean, I've heard of them before, and I know they share a histo
ROSA'S POVI woke up to a very quiet room.The first thing I had done was to look beside me, but I didn't see him. "Ryan?" I called out, but got no response. Just as I was about hopping down the bed, the door to the bathroom opened, and Ryan stepped out, his towel loosely wrapped around his waist."You're up." He muttered, walking towards me. I didn't see it coming when he leaned down and kissed me deeply. After some seconds he pulled away, releasing his hot breath against my face. In that moment, I was very self conscious, knowing I unavoidably had morning breath."Good morning." He whispered, a small smile on his face."Good morning.""Ready to shower? I prepared a warm bath for you." "Okay." I nodded. "I'm here to talk, if you need me." He added, making me go silent for a moment."There's nothing to talk about." I finally replied, hopping off the bed and making my way into the bathroom. There was nothing to talk about.There was definitely nothing to talk about....I closed th
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