Flora - POV "Where are we?" I asked, my voice laced with fear. "We're in a vortex, leading us somewhere safe. And please, call me Shirley. 'Aunty' makes me feel old," Shirley responded with a calming tone. I gave her a small smile. "If you're scared, hold my hand." She offered her wrinkled, tan hand. Gratefully, I took it. Despite our situation, she exuded calmness, while I was worried. "Thank you," I whispered. Suddenly, our descent halted. The ground beneath opened up, and I gently landed on my feet, still holding Shirley's hand. Looking around, I realized we were in an alley. "We're in the United Kingdom," Shirley informed me. "I have a place here. We can stay among trustworthy people. You'll be safe." I didn't know how to respond. I was still trying to process everything that had just occurred. I followed her quietly as she led me to a luxurious building. The security at the entrance asked Shirley for identification. She presented a card bearing a logo that matched the building
Flora – POV I was shocked to see Ryker. My heart raced not from fear but from the pull of our mate bond. "I need to go," I managed to say, regaining my balance. However, Ryker's grip on me remained firm. "You're not going anywhere, Flora," he said with authority. I struggled, trying to break free. Seeing my distress, he loosened his hold. I looked up, meeting his intense gray eyes that stirred something deep within me. "What do you want from me, Ryker?" I demanded. Gently, he led me to his room, releasing me once inside. He locked the door behind us. "Flora, I need to know what happened. I've searched for you relentlessly over the past six months, and now I've finally found you," he said, sitting close and gazing into my eyes. "Why do you care, Ryker? I never asked to be your mate. I want to reject this bond and live a normal life," I snapped back. "Why are you so adamant about staying away from me and the wolf pack?" he asked. "Because I'm not a wolf shifter. The rumors about m
Flora - POV "Mom," Belle began, but hesitated to move further into the cell. "Belle," Shirley whispered, her eyes meeting mine. "Flora, why are you both here?" Her voice trembled with worry. "Is it true that you helped Elton escape?" I asked. She met my gaze. "Yes," Shirley admitted softly, lowering her head in guilt. I turned to Belle, who looked stunned. "Why did you help him, Mom? I know there's more to it. Please tell me," Belle pressed, her voice breaking. "I admit it, Alpha Ryker. I worked with Elton," Shirley confessed. It felt like a blow to hear this. Why? Shirley had always seemed to want to protect me. She had guided me to safety and even convinced Belle to help me get back on my feet. None of this made sense. "I'm sorry, Flora, but it's true," Shirley added. "Stop, Mom. You're lying. What aren't you telling us? Who are you trying to protect that you'd willingly face punishment?" Belle demanded. Shirley looked at Ryker. "I've confessed. I pleaded with you not to inv
Flora -POV "I'll tell you everything later. I don't trust you yet to keep information to yourself and not spill it to that woman," Ryker said. I raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Her name is Belle," I corrected. "And I won't share everything with her." He sighed, clearly doubting my words. "Let's take this one day at a time. We'll reveal our secrets gradually. I need time to trust you. Discussing sensitive matters with you now doesn't feel right," he said. "You make it sound like I'm some clueless teenager," I retorted. "Aren't you technically eighteen and a half years old?" Ryker countered. "Old geezer," I shot back, to which he raised an eyebrow. "I'm only 30, not 60," he clarified. "Whatever," I responded dismissively, focusing on the delicious food and wine before us. We continued eating in silence, and my frustration grew with Ryker's reluctance to open up about the pack, me, or himself. "Where's Ivan?" I inquired about his son. Ryker looked distant for a moment. "He's
Flora – POV I woke up with an intense headache and saw a note on the table. "Meet me once you've taken the medicine and your hangover subsides," the note from Ryker read. There was water and medicine on the small table beside me. I took them, and after a few minutes, I felt better and got out of bed. I was annoyed with myself for drinking too much. As I freshened up, the image of his grey eyes and handsome face was all I could think of. While searching for an outfit for the day, my phone chimed with a text notification. I opened it to find a message: "My penthouse looks like it's been hit by a storm." An attached photo showed the once beautiful penthouse in a state of disarray. I gasped upon seeing claw marks on the floors and walls and evidence of magic damage. I wondered how on earth Elton had escaped. Had he jumped from the building? "So sorry, it looks terrible. I'll help with the repair costs," I texted. "Thanks. I had to spend a lot, but no one reported any suspicious activit
Flora - POV "I'll go. Tell Ryker I'll be ready. What time are we leaving?" I asked. "By 8:00 PM," Pixy replied before departing to inform Ryker. I knew I couldn't lounge on the bed since I had some remote work to finish. I quickly called my colleagues to prepare for the spring and winter-themed runway walk in Paris. Once off the call, I rummaged through the wardrobe, selecting a red dress Ryker had suggested. I chose a sweetheart neckline dress that fell a bit above the knee. It was off-shoulder with full sleeves and had a subtle shimmer. I paired it with black pencil heels and styled my blonde hair in loose waves. With red lipstick and light eye makeup, I felt ready. Descending the stairs, I found Ryker impeccably dressed. His black shirt, sleeves rolled up, complemented his brown slacks and black formal shoes. Two of his shirt buttons were undone. His hair was neatly set back, emphasizing his sharp features. His grey eyes briefly looked stunned when they met mine, or maybe I just
Flora - POV After Alpha Bryan's speech ended, I could sense a change in Ryker. He seemed jealous and looked upset, though he did well to mask his emotions. Maybe I'm just imagining things. Why would he be jealous? We're just pretending. "Ryker," I called. "Yes, Princess?" He responded affectionately. "Can we talk to Alpha Bryan? I want to ask him about what he has that belonged to my parents," I whispered. "I'll talk to him. You stay with Alexia," Ryker said. "I don't like how Bryan keeps staring at you," he murmured. Instead of being alarmed by his possessiveness, I found my heart fluttering. "I'm coming with you. And don't worry, I don't have feelings for Alpha Bryan," I assured him. Ryker gave me a blank look before heading towards Alpha Bryan, and I followed close behind. "Alpha Bryan, we need the belongings of Flora's parents that you have. My mate is tired, and I need to take her home," Ryker stated bluntly. "Alpha Ryker, please stay longer at the party. I promise to give
Flora - POV Bryan and Cassie approached, with Ryker visibly furious. The crowd sensed Ryker's mood and gave him a wide berth. "What's going on—" Bryan began but stopped short when he saw the bruises on my neck and cheeks. Cassie tried to appear calm, but I could sense her underlying anger towards me. "Someone attacked my mate. I intend to get revenge. If I don't find the attacker, I'll terminate our peace treaty with this pack. You know the consequences of that, Alpha Bryan," Ryker threatened. "Why can't your mate identify her attacker? Why get so worked up over a minor incident?" Bryan retorted. His comment only fueled Ryker's anger, which now seemed palpable. "You think assaulting my mate is a minor issue? You're mistaken," Ryker growled, partially shifting into his wolf form, ready to confront Bryan. I reached out, holding Ryker's hand to calm him. "You're overreacting, Alpha Ryker. So be it if you want to end our agreement and go to war. Can't your mate even stand up for hers
Flora – POVRyker looked at me, then at the pregnancy test I had taken before we were to leave for our honeymoon. "You're pregnant," he stated. I nodded, confirming his words."I'm so happy, Flora," Ryker said with a huge grin, embracing me tightly, his arms warm and reassuring. Tears of joy streamed down my face. I had been so anxious about my pregnancy, wondering if Ryker truly wanted to be a father. But seeing his happiness washed away all my fears, bringing a deep sense of relief."Aren't you happy, Flora? Why are you crying?" Ryker asked, a note of alarm in his voice as we stepped back from our embrace."They're happy tears, Ryker. I'm not sad," I replied, chuckling softly and wiping my tears. It was endearing to see the concern in his eyes shift to relief."We need to start planning for the baby. A new crib, and we must ensure that you have the best health care," Ryker began, his mind already racing with plans."Ryker, let's just enjoy this moment. We have plenty of time," I sai
Chelsa - POVStanding outside Ryker's office, I hesitated, confident that Nathan would be inside, managing Pack affairs in Ryker's absence. Taking a deep breath, I grappled with the realization that Nathan was my second mate.The door opened, revealing Nathan. His brown eyes, always so warm, met mine. "Planning to just stand there?" Nathan queried."I was wondering if I helped Ivan with that potion," I lied, stepping inside. Nathan closed the door, and a wave of warmth enveloped me."Please accept Nathan," urged Mary, my inner wolf."Quiet, Mary. I need time. Nathan hasn't acknowledged the mate bond; maybe he's unhappy," I replied, focusing on Ryker's administrative tasks.Nathan approached, holding a file, invading my personal space. I avoided his gaze, but his proximity left me no choice."Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.Raising an eyebrow, I retorted, "You've been avoiding me too. You only showed up yesterday to dance with me."His voice softened. "I'm sorry."“What do you mea
Flora - POVI awoke at dawn, back in my room, but I wasn't alone—Ryker lay sleeping beside me, his presence a peaceful comfort. Gently caressing his face, I felt a surge of relief. Silently, I slipped out of bed and went to Ivan's room. There, he slept soundly. I kissed his forehead, thoughts of the orb's message for Ivan and my future child lingering in my mind. It foretold a challenging adulthood for them, marked by difficult choices. A sigh escaped me as I pondered the message's fluidity and how the future might shift with every decision made. I clung to the hope that the ominous vision could be altered.Ryker's voice broke the silence. “Flora,” he murmured, his half-asleep gaze filled with confusion. “Why do you look so concerned?”I grasped his hand, leading him back to our bed. “I saw the future, Ryker, but I can't share the details—it's against the rules,” I explained softly. “I can only say that Ivan and our future child will face hard times. We won't be there to support them;
Flora – POV"Where am I?" I asked, confused."We are in the Dark Realm, Flora," Nyla said."Why are we here?" I asked. A man's silhouette became apparent, and he bowed before me."Queen Flora," he said. "I am the guard named Nephro, my lady. I am the one who summoned you." The voice was familiar; it belonged to Nephro, who had crowned me the Queen of Darkness. This happened after I had passed away in the Wolf Realm and came to this side of the world. Since being revived, I could easily traverse between the two realms."Why did you call me here? I was told I would only be summoned if a problem arose," I said, rising from the throne. "So, you're here to inform me of a problem?""Yes, my Queen.""What is it this time?" I asked, worried, walking toward Nephro, who led the way to the issue."Nothing too grave, but I must inform you that our future seers' room has a new message." I gulped. Nephro had explained the significance of this room during my coronation and had shown it to me. The Fu
Flora – POVI opened the letter and began to read its contents. "Flora, the first thing I want to tell you is that you changed my life for the better. When I realized our mate bond, I was initially confused and guarded. I had vowed never to let anyone into my heart again, but you wielded an inexplicable power over me. In the few weeks you stayed with our pack, I felt irresistibly drawn to you. When you were taken from me, I understood that it wasn't just the mate bond; it was my heart yearning to know and understand you. You breached the walls around my heart so effortlessly, I never saw it coming. I pretended not to care, claiming I wanted you only for the power you represented, because you weren't ready to see the warmth and care I could offer. You had your own scars, and I wanted to help heal them. Words often fail me when it comes to matters of the heart, so I'm pouring all my feelings into this letter. I have one more question to ask you." The letter ended there.I looked up at I
Flora – POV"Can I talk to you in private?" Bryan asked. I nodded, sensing Ryker's jealousy, but I knew I needed to speak with Bryan. I glanced back at the group."I'll be back in a minute," I said. Everyone nodded, and Ryker returned to his breakfast, deliberately avoiding my gaze. I walked out with Bryan."I'm glad to see you're back to life, looking happy and healthy," Bryan said."Yes, I'm back, thanks to Ryker using the Odion amulet. And I'm grateful to Belle for giving this amulet to Ryker at just the right time," I explained. Bryan nodded, clearly absorbing this new information, evidently unaware of it until now."So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked as we walked down the corridor, away from prying ears. Bryan looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to another and scratching his head."Well, I came to ask you—" He stopped, took a deep breath, and met my gaze, his emerald eyes filled with turmoil. "I want to know why I don't sense the mate bond between u
Ryker - POVFlora gazed at me intently. “I know it’s challenging to confront your mother. Allow me to handle this,” she offered. I nodded in agreement. While Flora engaged in battle with my mother, I hurried to Ivan. Utilizing magical techniques, I cast spells to ease his discomfort within the barrier. However, my efforts seemed futile; my magic had little effect.“I’m not feeling well, Dad,” Ivan murmured weakly. Time was slipping away, and I unleashed a powerful grim reaper spell in desperation, shattering the barrier. Ivan, pallid and sickly, collapsed into my arms. Without hesitation, I teleported us to the Black Mist Pack's Infirmary.“Ivan, are you okay?” I asked, concern etching my voice.“No, I feel strange,” he replied, his voice weak, before vomiting on my shoulder. As we arrived at the infirmary, I entrusted Ivan to the care of the doctors and Chelsa.“Chelsa, please look after Ivan. I must return to aid Flora,” I urged, encountering Chelsa on my way back.“Is Flora okay? H
Ryker -POV"Silence and sit down; let me explain," Mom commanded sharply. "I am a hybrid, part wolf, part demon. As the first heir of the demons, my mixed blood made me ineligible to be their queen, so I was exiled. In my rogue state, I met your father, my mate, but I concealed my demonic powers from him.""Why did you kill Dad? Was it because you didn't love him, or did you want to prevent the Moon Goddess's sword from slaying more demons?" I asked, my voice laden with suspicion and hurt."I did love your father, but things went terribly wrong," she began. "On a trip, he discovered my true origin. His hatred for demons was profound, and it led to a fierce confrontation. Not to mention, I resented him for having a son, Elton, with another woman. Our argument escalated, and your father, in a fit of rage, tried to kill me."Mom paused, her eyes distant. "In self-defense, I unleashed my power and, unintentionally, killed him. Unable to return to the Pack, I created an illusion that we bo
Ryker – POVI handed Bryan the signed peace treaty, and he walked out of my pack, his expression clouded with gloom. I turned towards Melina, who was seated with handcuffs clasping her wrists, while Chelsea gave me a stern look."Are you serious about believing this manipulative woman?" Chelsea asked, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear."Chelsea, let's talk in private," I suggested."No, I need answers right now," Chelsea insisted."I had no other choice, Chelsea. Time is running out, and I'm worried about Ivan," I retorted, my frustration evident. Chelsea's frown softened into a look of concern. She knew the lengths I had gone to in our search."Let's just remove these," Melina interjected, nodding towards her handcuffs. I remained motionless, ignoring her demand."Do you want the antidote to ease your agony, or would you rather provoke me to the point of no return?" I challenged her."Then give me the antidote. The pain is unbearable like my bones are aging rapidly," Melina