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 "Be good." Philip lightly punched my arm, before stepping closer to my ear and whispering. "And behave yourself." He warned. It honestly got me smiling. My Beta was warning me because of Rosa? Interesting. I gently pushed him aside, and turned to a tired looking Lily. She was always tired these days, and her belly grew bigger as well. I wondered if pregnancy was also going to take a toll on Rosa. Wait..... Why was I thinking about her now? "Stay strong, Lily." I managed a small smile, which she returned. Just then, Rosa walked up to us, and pulled Lily in for a hug. "Be good." She gave Lily a light pat on her cheek. "Philip, please take good care of her." She playfully ordered, and Phillip chuckled, nodding in obedience. "Let's go." I said to Rosa, who acted like I had said nothing, and started walking ahead of me. I couldn't help the scowl that found its way to my face. "Interesting." Philip whispered, an amused look on his face. I threw him a glare, b
ROSA'S POV How could he bring her here?! That maid. Aliya, or whatever. I wasn't going to let it bother me though. I didn't care. "Luna...." Laura's voice interrupted. "Huh?" I shook off the thoughts in my mind. "What did you say?" "You've been in a different world for some minutes now." "Naaahhh, I'm fine." I muttered, a small smile on my face. "I'm done." She informed, and that was when I actually paid attention to the mirror in front of me. I was gorgeous! It reminded me of my welcome party at the cold moon pack. 'It seems to be that we were made for this kind of life. Rich and beautiful'. My wolf gushed in excitement. 'We are indeed'. I still couldn't believe these were my luck. My life had done a 180 so swiftly. "I suppose it's time for the ceremony?" I asked Laura, who nodded in agreement. "One of the maids just mindlinked me. Alpha Ryan and Luna Amelia await your presence downstairs." "Thank you, Laura." I nodded, helping myself off the chair I h
ROSA'S POV "Auntie Rosa, I would be back soon." Alvira giggled, jumping off the bed and following the maid who had come to get her for lunch. "Don't go anywhere." She ordered firmly, which got me laughing. "I wouldn't." I promised. I released a sigh of satisfaction as she left. I had spent the past three days, bonding with my little Alvira. She was such a breathe of fresh air, and a productive attempt at distracting myself from what had happened between Ryan and I, three days ago. I looked up at the ceiling of my chambers, thinking how nice it would have been, to share this whole new level of experience with someone else. With Audrey. Since I left for the coldmoon pack, I hadn't really thought about her. But now that I did, I couldn't help the tears that made their way to my eyes. I was just realizing that life without her was different. So different. Don't get me wrong, I was thankful. Very thankful for the goddess given privilege of being Luna to the coldmoon pack. Bu
RYAN'S POV I turned to the side, to see she was already dozing off. The goddess knew that I had constantly thirsted for her, ever since.... three nights ago. I wanted to be close to her again, and even in between her legs, if possible. I finally gave in to the temptation, as my hand helplessly reached for her thigh. She turned to look at me, seeming shocked by my actions. For moment, I thought to retrieve my hand that laid on her thighs, until I remembered the fact that I had every right to her. It was on the contract! I was free to be with her whenever I felt the urge to, and she consented to that. I had never felt happier about anything else in my life! Strengthening my resolve, I squeezed the flesh on her thigh, through the silky dress she had worn. She just sat there, looking at me in what seemed to be disbelief. I waited for her to put up some form of resistance against me, but she didn't. That only fueled my actions, and I swiftly picked her up from where she sat,
ROSA'S POV I walked down the flight of stairs, not able to tell why I felt anxious. As soon as I stepped into the hall, I was suprised to see a good number of maids there. 7 or 8, give or take. They certainly weren't going to the palace with us, were they? "Awww... Lunaaaa!!" Rayna giggled. "You always look breathtaking! How do you manage to wow us all the time?" "Stop the flattery...." "Not flattery!!!" A couple of maids said in unison, cutting me off. Realizing they had all said the same thing at once, there shared looks amongst themselves and laughed. "It never gets old, Luna." Laura said behind me. "You always look stunning." "Thank you." I whispered. "Always welcomed, Luna." Rayna chimed. "I heard Madame Hazel told the Alpha he is lucky to have you." "Rayna!" Laura called her in a chastising tone. Rayna immediately flung her palm across her lips, her eyes wide in shock. She had obviously let it slip from her mouth. Raynaaa... "I'm sorry, Luna. It wasn't inte
ROSA'S POV "Your new mate is..... Rosa?" Theo asked, shock still very evident in his eyes. What was he thinking? That I'd forever remain beneath him, to be suppressed and humiliated by he and his sister? "Yes." Ryan affirmed. "And if I may ask, how do you know my mate?" "She was a member of my pack, before she met her mate; Andrew Chadwick." Wow. 'A member of his pack'. Just a random member of shadow moon pack. Like we never shared a deeper friendship and connection. Like he wasn't the same person who once protected me from the pack's bullies, and promised me 'Always and Forever'. "Her 'ex-mate', you mean?" Ryan corrected him, making me pray my face wasn't so red from blushing. This unusual side of Ryan was undeniably sweet. "Of course!" Theo quickly nodded, letting out a nervous laugh. "But he was still her mate." He added. Why did I feel like he said that to piss off Ryan? "Ohh...." Ryan whispered, his eyes fixed on Theo, though it was very clear that his mind wa
RYAN'S POV I had tried so hard all day, not to lose my composure and feel a strand of her hair. She was just so beautiful. The see green dress she had worn for the treaty, complimented her figure and the colour of her hair so well. I knew I had been petty towards Ray and Theo, but I didn't feel sorry about it. I knew when a man had his eyes on a woman. Ray and Theo were somehow interested in Rosa. I had been wrong to listen in on Theo and Rosa's conversation, but I just couldn't help it. As he talked, I had listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat, and it wasn't normal. It wasn't fear or anger.... it was excitement. He was excited to see her and for some reason, that didn't bode well with me. Oh, what I would have given to hear his thoughts. I guess my suspicions about Theo were solidified, when I heard him tell Rosa that they were both single again. He sound happy and had this glint in his eyes, that did nothing but rile me up. When he said 'again', did that mean they ha
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 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 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
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
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
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 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
ROSA'S POV "The Alpha left for the palace this morning. He asked me to see you out of his study as soon as you wake." She repeated, making a thousand and one thoughts swirl around my mind at once."I see." I whispered, pushing aside the duvet that covered my body, and standing to my feet. She had not seen it coming, when I lifted my hand and landed a clean slap across her cheek. Her eyes went wide in shock, as I inched closer to her. I guess she had been taking me for a fool, all the while. I had been too calm for so long, and that was going to end today."When my mate gives an instruction, don't you dare turn it around." I said, and she visibly swallowed. "Clean up and leave." I ordered, before walking out of the study. I was angry, because I had not done as much as I needed, to completely expel my anger. Another slap would have been great. Just as I walked down the hallway, leading to my chambers, I wondered why Ryan had left without saying goodbye. I remembered he had asked me t
RYAN'S POV I opened my eyes, looking beside me to see her laying so peacefully in my arms. She had her arm over my torso. I leaned in to sniff her hair, a small smile making its way to my face. What was I doing? I was smiling more these days. Way more than was normal for me. What was I even saying? Smiling wasn't something that was normal for me.... that was until she showed up in my life. I looked at the widows to see that it was still early in the morning. The morning light wasn't even fully out yet. For the past two weeks, I was at peace, knowing Rosa and Ray weren't seeing each other anymore. Henry and Martin had confirmed to me that ever since the other day Ray visited her chambers and spent hours with her, he hadn't shown up again. In as much as I still had no idea what went on between she and Ray that day, I chose to sweep it under the rug and trust that she didn't betray me. Moreover, I had decided to start trusting her, and this was part of it. I looked at h