ROSA'S POV I sat on my bed, lost in thoughts. I had almost died. And then, I willingly agreed to sign a contract with my mate. A thing I thought I was never going to do, except I was insane. Now here I was, a step away from being Luna of the coldmoon pack, under very unusual circumstances. Audrey turned out to be the Flaming wolf, and she was still unconscious. That bothered me even more than the recent agreement I had with Ryan. Today was making it three days since she had been unconscious. I had woken up a day ago, and you can only imagine the emotional and psychological pain I had gone through, unsure of when she was going to regain consciousness.I was still deep in thoughts, when a voice burst through my mindlink.'Rosa!'. That was definitely king Logan. The hairs on my body stood immediately. It definitely had to be update on Audrey's health.'Yes, your majesty'. I rushed out.'She's awake....', I didn't wait for him to say more, before shutting off our mindlink and jumping of
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
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