Current Day,
RUBY. “You can place it right there,” I instructed the woman in charge of decorating the pack house, nodding approvingly at her efforts. The room was transforming into a festive haven, with streamers and banners adorning the walls, and tables set with elegant centerpieces. “You know what I want, so just make everything beautiful,” I added, giving her a reassuring smile before leaving her to her task. As I approached my father's room, a sudden thought occurred to me, and I turned on my heel, making my way towards the kitchen. The anticipation of the evening's festivities bubbled within me, mingling with the determination to make my father's birthday truly special. Entering the bustling kitchen, I murmured to myself, “I need him to be as happy as a bride.” I recalled a passing mention from a maid about his late mate making his favorite drink each morning. With purposeful strides, I gathered everything needed, my mind set on the task at hand. As I started blending the ingredients into a creamy milkshake, the maids bustled around me, their hands flying as they prepared the evening feast. They glanced in my direction, offering respectful nods and murmured greetings, to which I responded with a polite smile. Turning to the chief maid, I inquired, “How's everything going here?” A warm smile graced her flour-covered face as she replied, “It's all under control. Everyone is giving me all the cooperation I need.” “Good,” I nodded in approval. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.” With that, I left the kitchen, the sweet aroma of the milkshake lingering in my wake. Moments later, I found myself standing before my father's door, the glass of milkshake clutched in my hand. I knocked once, the sound echoing through the hallway, and waited for his familiar voice to grant me entry. “Come in, darling,” his rich, gruff voice called out from within, his warmth evident even in his simple words. With a soft smile, I pushed the door open and stepped into the room. My heart swelled with affection at the sight of him still lying on the bed, a small smile playing on his lips. “Father, it's 8 a.m. already,” I chided gently, placing the glass of milkshake on his bedside table before making my way to his bed. As I settled beside him, I wore a feigned look of annoyance. “You can do better!” I inhaled deeply. His scent, a mix of earth and pine, was as comforting as ever. He spread his arms wide. “You know your old man hates waking up early,” he chuckled, pulling me into a warm embrace. I urged him to get ready for the day, hinting at the surprise I had planned, though I kept the details a secret despite his playful curiosity. Getting up, I picked up the milkshake and handed it to him. As he took a gulp, he told me how grateful he was and how much he loved me, reminiscing about the day he adopted me three years ago. I could remember the day I met him. That was after I had denounced my pack, turning rogue and running away after bidding goodbye to my sister. Back then, I had thought he was going to have me killed for invading his land, but he didn't. Instead, he stopped to listen to me play the flute like he was charmed. And I bet he was. Playing the flute was one of my raw talents, and it always touched people's hearts. In Alpha Frederick's case, he had adopted me on the spot, and since then, I had been living with him. He helped me heal in ways I never thought possible. His unwavering support and kindness mended the wounds left by my past, giving me a sense of belonging and purpose I had lost. “The moon goddess sure is kind.” Tears stung my eyes but I refused to let them fall. I left his room to give him space to prepare and made my way outside, where the MC that I ordered specifically for this occasion was already waiting. “Good morning, princess.” He bowed with his hand placed on his chest. I gave him a curt nod. “There's something I want you to do for me. Add my name on the top of the list. I have a presentation for the Alpha.” “Consider it done, princess.” He replied. As I walked back towards my room, I felt the hairs standing on the back of my neck. ∞∞∞ An hour passed, the hall bustling with pack members of all ages. Men and women, with even breastfeeding mothers cradling their babies, filled the space. A smile played on my lips as I observed, content yet not entirely surprised, at the unwavering love and devotion everyone held for their alpha. Seated in a magnificent royal chair, I watched as the ballroom transformed into a scene of exquisite beauty. Every corner was adorned with meticulous care and attention to detail. The MC met my gaze, and with a subtle signal from me, he nodded and proceeded. “We all know why we are here today.” The crowd cheered. “And we all know how special today is in the River pack.” His voice boomed. “Today might be like any other day that we have witnessed, but it is indeed special because it is our big daddy's birthday!” Once more, the crowd applauded and cheered. It was evident on their faces how excited they were. Not only were they able to celebrate their alpha's birthday with him, but they would also be privileged to all the classy foods and drinks that would be provided. “So without any further ado, I would like to welcome our daddy, Alpha Frederick to his seat.” I kept my eyes fixed on the door as the alpha strode toward us, his regal presence commanding attention. Clad in a resplendent royal regalia, a crown rested atop his head, and a symbol of authority firmly gripped in his left hand. By his side stood Dawn, his beautiful niece, wearing a chilling grin on her face. Our eyes locked, and I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that washed over me. There was something about the way her lips curled into a smile that unnerved me, and for the second time that day, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. What's with this feeling? I couldn't shake off the feeling that something bad was going to happen. I might just be thinking too much, yeah, that's right. Pushing those thoughts at the back of my mind, I got to my feet just like everyone did as the alpha took his seat beside me. Dawn took the seat on his left, leaning into him to mutter in his ears. The Alpha smiled at her and turned to me. “My dear, I really can't wait for your surprise.” He whispered cheerfully. I offered him a warm smile. “Soon daddy, exercise a little patience.” He nodded and leaned into his seat. Turning to face the crowd once more, I zoned out as the MC gave a few birthday speeches to the alpha. “Let's welcome Princess Ruby for her beautiful presentation to the alpha.” I jolted up right when I heard my name. This was it. I stood up, my hands holding the hem of my long gown, as I walked towards the MC and accepted the mic with a nod. My hands shook as I looked at the crowd. They all watched me expectantly, most offering words of encouragement through our pack's mind link. I turned to find my father watching me, and I thought I saw a slight shift of emotion on his face but it quickly disappeared before I could register what it was. “Father,” I began, pausing as I held his gaze. His eyes were filled with love and warmth for me. “In the presence of everyone , I would like you to know just how much I love you.” Everyone was silent and I took a deep breath before continuing, “You are the best father anyone could ask of. You are a role model to your people, especially to me, because you taught me what love is and that it is best expressed through actions rather than words.” I turned around, glancing at the man who was waiting for my signal. With a slight shake of my head, I turned back to face my father. “Thank you for all that you do. From the depth of my heart I wish you a very happy birthday.” Fireworks exploded overhead, eliciting gasps and shouts of excitement from the crowd. I watched as Alpha Frederick gazed up at the colorful display, his eyes filled with love. Following their gaze, I faced the sky and smiled at the words I made them do for the alpha. ‘To A Father Worth More Than Gold, I Wish You A Happy Birthday. Please Sit And Wait For My Present. Love You!’ The man who had orchestrated the festivities approached me, offering a flute with a gentle smile. With a deep breath, I steadied my trembling fingers on the instrument. Closing my eyes, memories flooded my mind of the cherished moments I had shared with Alpha Frederick. Tears traced silent paths down my cheeks as I let the music speak the emotions I couldn't voice. I could remember the first time I learned this song. My mom used to sing it all the time. I happened to be only ten years old at that time. I tapped my finger on the instrument, pausing to draw in a breath. Just as I began another line, a piercing scream shattered the air, jerking my eyes open in alarm. My breath caught in my throat at the sight before me—the alpha, lying lifeless on the ground. “Father!”RUBY. “Father!”I rushed to his side in an instant but Dawn pushed me aside, causing me to stumble. “What's wrong with you, Dawn? Can't you see the alpha is lying still?” I exclaimed, anger coursing through me. Whispers filled the hall. Dawn shot me a frigid glare, but I had no time for her. I pushed her aside and shook my father, panic gripping me.“You can't leave me like this, father. Please, tell me this is just a joke,” I whispered to myself.Dawn collapsed beside him, tears racking her body. I grabbed his hand, only to find it limp. Pushing Dawn away, I pressed my ear to his chest, searching for a heartbeat.Nothing. A guttural cry escaped my lips, and I clutched my head. “Father, you can't do this to me. You promised... no, you can't!”I sank to the ground like a thud of cement. My chest constricted as pain struck me. I never knew such agony existed.The pack members screamed and scattered, but I remained on the floor, tears streaming down my face.“Father no! You can't do
RUBY. “What's going on here?” I turned to see the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on enter the hall. Dressed in a gray shirt and black pants, his short blond hair was slicked back, accentuating his striking aquamarine eyes.His presence exuded power, and without a word spoken, I knew exactly who he was: Kael, Alpha Frederick's only son. I had seen numerous pictures of him, but his physical presence was far more captivating than I had ever imagined. Kael had been away from home for four years, dedicated to learning and studying how to lead a pack.“Kael, thank goddess that you are back!” Dawn ran, hugging him. “You couldn't have arrived at any better time.”Someone coughed, and I raised an eyebrow at the woman standing beside Kael. Tall, stunning, and commanding, she possessed a presence that could rival that of a model. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, emitting a mesmerizing blue hue. Dawn instantly separated from him. She glanced at her and it took one haughty look f
CLINTON. “What shall we do with them, your highness?” My beta and best friend, Asher, inquired. I looked at the three rogues who dared to enter my territory, but the fear evident in their eyes meant nothing to me. The law permitted me to take any action against them for trespassing on my pack's land. Though tempted to set them free, the urge to use them as an example to other rogues prevailed. “Take them away.” I ordered, turning my back to them. “Keep them in the dungeon and await further instructions from me.” With that, I shifted into my wolf form, feeling my bones crack as my clothes tore apart. Howling into the night sky, I shook my tail before vanishing into the woods. I ran until I reached a lake, where I shifted back into my human form, gazing at my reflection in the still water. A cold-looking man stared right back at me. Dark circles marred the skin under my eyes, and my eyes were swollen and a bit red—a testament to my sleepless nights. The relentless pursuit of ways
CLINTON. Never had I been so dumbfounded and rooted to the spot as I was now. When I was still very young, growing up with Seraphina, I always thought we'd be fated mates. And I wasn't the only one who thought so as well. Everyone believed us to be mates, and it was easy to fall in love. But now, nothing made sense anymore. I had a mate. And it wasn't Seraphina. I didn't know how I felt about that fact, but I didn't wait to think much about it as I looked at the woman the moon goddess blessed me with. She was an epitome of beauty, with her brown skin drawing me like a moth to a flame. My fingers itched to touch her, to carry her in my arms and make sure she was okay, but my legs refused to move. I couldn't claim her, and I didn't want to break her heart. So, to avoid that, I decided to call Asher and order him to take her somewhere else for now. I looked around for my phone and realized I didn't have it. Shit! How would I go about it now? Glancing at her, something tugged at
RUBY.Storm.A very heavy one.That’s how I would describe the pain coming in waves inside my head.Opening my eyes, my right hand moved to my forehead, only to be hit with the strong smell of drugs mixed with the sharp odor of disinfectant.Scrunching up my nose, I tried to sit up just as my sight registered the unfamiliar room. Confusion clouded my mind as I tried to remember how I had arrived. The room was stark, with plain white walls and a quiet atmosphere, medical instruments and monitors adding to the clinical feel.This was clearly a hospital… but how had I ended up here?Thank the goddess, I didn't have to wait long for answers. Someone cleared their throat.My head jerked in the direction of the sound to see a woman, who looked to be in her late thirties or early forties, watching me with a warm smile. Her auburn hair bounced as she approached me, the smile never leaving her face.“Do you feel pain anywhere?” Her tone was gentle.I narrowed my eyes at her. “Who are you? What
CLINTON.I wasn't happy that I left my mate alone back in the hospital. I needed to stay with her and be there when she woke up. But I knew that would not be possible.I knew I could always count on Asher to handle the rogues, but this time around, I needed to be there.Not that I didn't trust he could torture them enough, but because I needed to be the one doing the torturing myself.I needed something to vent my anger on—or someone—and that was the only thing I could think of.So I did what I thought was best.I mind-linked Kiara, the woman who manages my penthouse, to keep my mate company and keep me updated if she woke up or anything happened.And like always, she agreed without any questions.When I got to the pack house, I met Asher already waiting for me at the gate. His face was pooled with sweat, hands stationed on his waist with his head tipped in a frown.I narrowed my eyes on him and wondered if the situation was that bad. Asher and I sort of grew up together, and we soon
CLINTON.I immediately stopped what I was doing, but I didn't let go of the rogue's head. My heart was bursting with pain—pain at the thought of what she might be experiencing, pain from not being with her the moment she woke up, and not being able to take care of her now."Get her some pain relief. I'll be there as soon as I can," I informed her, then snapped the mind-link shut.“You did not just say what I heard you say now, did you?” Kai snarled.“Of course, I did. You want me running off to meet her like this, smelling like dung and blood?” I snapped.“Not like I’d let you leave for the hospital without a proper bath and a change of clothes.”“Now what, Kai?” I was nearly on the edge of frustration. I couldn’t pin down what he wanted from me. I obviously stated I’d soon be on my way to go meet our mate, but that didn’t help to satiate his anger, no?I resumed slamming the rogue's head on the wall, gnashing my teeth as Kai tried to fight his way out. He wanted me to leave him to As
RUBY.I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the big bad Alpha standing before me. Seriously, I don't have a place to stay? Words hurled like lava in my mouth, but I managed to shove them down beneath a thick layer of self-control. So I managed to say, “I'm not in the least homeless, Alpha,” even though it came out as a snort.I thought I saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes before it vanished, but maybe I was wrong.“I never said you were homeless.”I shrugged, “Yes, but it was the meaning behind your words.”He heaved a sigh, propped his hands on his waist, and fixed me with a serious look. “It was only an offer I thought you needed considering…”I hiked up my brows when he stopped, sighing as he let out a puff through his mouth.“I can take care of myself,” I replied, challenging him to give another rude remark. Not that I'd do anything to him, but I'd at least be able to kick his ass and be on the run.He grunted. “So, you'd rather run back to the woods than accept my invitation