ROSA'S POV "I was shifting as a result of the pain Logan was causing me." She said. "H...how?" I asked, completely at loss. "2 years ago, I made a grave mistake.... which led my mate to reject me." Her eyes were fast becoming red. "As a result of his rejection, I developed a phobia of touching or being touched by people." Wow. "Haphephobia." I said, and she nodded. "You loved prince Sebastian." I whispered, trying to make her understand the fact that I didn't judge her for loving someone other than her mate. "No... no no no." She sniffled. "I don't love Sebastian. I thought I did, but I don't." "You don't?" I asked in suprise. I was trying to be careful as to not make her become too self conscious, and stop speaking. "No, I don't." She nodded. "I had been so desperate to be Alpha after my parents, so much that it caused a strife between Andrew and I. I thought I deserved the position better than he did. I worked so hard for my parents t
3 YEARS LATER (PRESENT TIME) RYAN'S POV I groaned in pleasure as I spilled my release onto her redenned butt. I continued pumping my shaft until it was all out, then headed to the bed for a good rest. I was so stressed today, and I may have just been relieved of a little part of that stress through Aliya. Having a good release was necessary for a calmer mind. 'Indeed'. My wolf scoffed. 'What? It truly was!!'. I heard Aliya's retreating steps, and my eyes slowly closed in slumber. I was literally at the gate of la~la land, when I sniffed Ralia's scent. "A good sleep would definitely make the whole excercise more satisfying." She said, and my eyes flung open immediately. She was around? "Ralia. When did you get here?" I sat up. "A few minutes ago. Ryan, tell me you're still fucking the maid." She demanded, a look of pure dissatisfaction on her face. I clearly was still shagging her, wasn't I? "I walked past her on my way in, and goddess, did she smell like sex!" "I
ROSA'S POV I remained busy cooking my dish, stealing glances from time to time, at Audrey's soldiers, who had shown up here so early in the morning. They seem to have brought an important message for her, and I wondered what it could be. I could hear them whisper amongst themselves the whole time, and had to control the urge to ask them what was happening. I sniffed Audrey's scent and smiled to myself when I realized she was up. "Rosa!" Audrey called out to me. She sounded quite ecstatic, and I loved it. I always loved to see her happy. "Good morning to you too!" I grinned, busy scooping the meal I had just made, into a plate. "Come, eat something before you leave." I said. Knowing Audrey was likely to go training the whole day on an empty stomach, I made it my obligation for the past 3 years, to ensure that she was properly fed. "Rosa, you don't always have to do this." She complained as usual. "I can cook too, you know. You don't need to stress yourself....." "You're
RYAN'S POV I released a scoff from the balcony, as I watched Logan and Audrey being all lovey dovey. Goddess! I couldn't believe they were together again, and were finally at peace with each other. A lot had happened in the little space of 5 weeks, and it was a surprise I hadn't combusted as a result of heightened emotions. Firstly, there was a war cry from the community of rogues. Apparently, Logan had dreamt anout the war, on the morning of his father's birthday. That was why he kept talking about an upcoming war. Actually, over decades ago, the war had been prophesied to happen, but I guess I didn't just believe it was going to happen. If anything, I thought the war was going to be a power tussle amongst the supernatural races. Imagine my shock to realize it was a war between the supernatural races and the rogues. Insane stuff. What was more insane, was the fact that Sebestian was the one leading the rogues in this war. It was a hard pill for me to swallow. S
A DAY EARLIER ROSA'S POV Its been 4 weeks, 5 days, and some hours since Audrey left for the palace. Saying I was lonely was an understatement. I felt empty. I suddenly had no purpose. Okay, fine! Maybe I was exaggerating things, but only a little. Audrey was pretty much the reason I always had a progressive day. Now, I just got up from bed in the morning, unsure of what to do with myself. There was no one to cook for, talk to, or look forward to seeing at the end of the day. Alpha Denver's mate did come to check up on me a couple of times, but conversations didn't flow so well with her, compared to Audrey. Forcing myself off the bed, I walked towards the vanity, and picked up the slightly crumbled paper on it. I was surprised the poor paper hadn't already torn, considering how many times I had read it since I received it. It was a letter Denver had sent it 4 weeks ago, after they had settled in the palace. Up until now, the contents of the letter seemed surreal. I couldn'
RYAN'S POV I stood transfixed in my spot, unable to explain what had just happened to me. Had this lady just compelled me to tell the truth? "I think you've done enough, Ryan." Audrey muttered, looking quite pissed. "Let's go, Rosa." She said, pulling the lady along. The lady.... that lady. I just found out that lady was my mate. Goddess!!! I felt like screaming in anger. I really did have a mate now. A mate I honestly wasn't planning on having. What was going to happen now? I stared blankly as she and Audrey walked away, leaving this helpless feeling within me. I could tell that the soldiers on the training grounds, all had their eyes on me, and I had to beat down the urge to growl in their faces. Logan had gone along with Audrey, and I was desperate to know what was going through his head. "It's really true." I heard Philip whisper behind me. He sounded so doubtful and excited at the same time. I guess it was too good to be true. But that was for him, not me. There
ROSA'S POV After the shocking event that had taken place over an hour ago, Audrey took me to her room, where I remained until now. She had excused herself for a while, and within that period, I had literally cried out my eyes. I hated myself for feeling that way, but I just couldn't help it. When Audrey returned to the room, I managed to keep my emotions in check, while thinking about all that had happened. He turned out to be the monster hybrid. My second chance mate was the Alpha Ryan of the coldmoon pack, and he most certainly didn't care if I existed. Sweet. I turned to Audrey, and she looked at me, obviously still reeling from excitement of having me here. I was happy too. But I hated the fact that coming across a certain person had made my happiness incomplete. I couldn't help how pathetic he made me feel. I really thought I was over such feelings. I thought they died alongside Andrew. I looked at Audrey, and I could tell that she was also pissed, but trying not to
RYAN'S POV I hadn't expected her to show up for dinner, just like the previous night. So, seeing her here had been quite unexpected. I stared at her in surprise. She seemed to have been surprised to see me as well. After taking a seat, one of the omegas served some food onto her plate, and she started eating. Not that I cared so much, but goddess!! Her hair was one of a kind. I stared at her bowed head for a while, my eyes just fixed on her hair. Who would have thought that something as unimportant as a lady's hair color would have me so..... I had to stop staring, it was very unbecoming. Just when I decided to quite my stares, before others in the room noticed, I thought to take one more glance at her. Just as I looked up at her again, she looked at me and our eyes locked. I definitely couldn't look away, because I didn't want her to think I was cowering before her. Neither did I want her to think I was trying to steal glances at her. So I did the only thing I could thin
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