RYAN'S POV We finally arrived at the open roof hall, and I could see the king and the council chiefs already seated, including Ralia. Just then, I felt Philip's presence, and turned to see him standing beside me. "Shall we?" He asked, to which I nodded. "Sure." The moment my presence was noticed, the entire place went silent. It was no news that many pack members feared me, because I was the deadliest creature in the supernatural world, at present. That was the problem! I didn't want them to fear me, I wanted them to genuinely love and respect me. With long strides, Philip and I made our way through the walkway in the middle of the hall, and proceeded to take our reserved seats, just after that of the king. Gradually, the hall became lively once more. "Your majesty." I bowed before the king. "My apologies for being so tardy." "Come of it!" He chuckled, looking quite enraptured by an entirely different thing. "The decorations are quite impressive, if you ask me. I'd
RYAN'S POV I wasn't able to get her name in the midst of the joyful chaos, caused by the pack members. It seemed everyone was just as happy as I was, to have found their new Luna. Too excited to make out clear words, I decided to just bring her with me. I had been about to take her to where I sat, when Elsa Kennedy suddenly interjected, saying it was wrong for her to sit amongst the chiefs, when she wasn't yet coronated as Luna. I guess I was more surprised when Elsa asked my mate to follow her, and my mate responded with, 'yes mother'. I had no freaking idea she was a Kennedy! But this wasn't the best time to dwell on the fact that the Kennedys were not on my favourable side. It was so obvious to everyone how smitten I already was, but I could care less. The very thing I had prayed for, had finally come after a long wait. And what made me more psyched was the fact that she appeared to be way better than I had imagined. Gosh! The moon goddess was a genius creator, because I do
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 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
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 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