Flora - POVThe pack members were hard at work, decorating their house, while the maid at the mansion was adorning the Manor. Ivan and I busied ourselves with the Christmas tree, and I could feel a warm happiness spread in my heart from the festive spirit all around.Once the decorations were in place, Ivan left for Chelsa Manor. She had requested his help with her Christmas tree. Meanwhile, I noticed Ryker, deep in thought, seated behind his desk."Ryker!" I called out. He glanced up and managed a smile."Something on your mind?" I inquired."Not much," he replied. But before I could question him further, Nathan entered the room."We've got troubling news," Nathan began. "Venica has revived Elton with the assistance of a demon monster. Our spy relayed this information, but we lost contact soon after. I fear he might be dead." Ryker's expression darkened, and I felt a knot of dread in my stomach upon hearing the news."Should we even continue with the Christmas Festival celebration in
Venica – POVI sighed in relief, seeing my son breathe. "Thank you, Ryu, for saving Elton," I said gratefully. He nodded, his green eyes meeting mine."How did you manage to save him?" I inquired."I utilized every bit of my magic to stabilize his heart rate," Ryu began. "It's because of Eden that Elton is alive. Since she's carrying Elton's child, her presence helps stabilize the demonic power. Eden holds half of Elton's strength, allowing me to draw upon that strength and combine it with my own to keep him alive."I realized then, "So, Eden was working for you? All this time, I thought you were indifferent, but you've been watching over Elton."Ryu responded, "I've always been aware of Elton's plans." He paused and added, "I've done my best to help him, but you know the limitations of our powers. We demons sustain ourselves by drawing energy from others." There was a hint of frustration in his voice."That scoundrel Edwin made certain to annihilate my powers. Only the Nyx bloodline
Ryker – POVI gazed at Melina, who was engrossed in a conversation with Ivan. I watched her closely, particularly because Flora had stepped away to change out of her stained clothes. Every time Melina's eyes met mine, and she smiled, a pang of hurt coursed through me. Her face was a constant reminder of the betrayal and anguish I'd been through. In those moments, I wished Flora was by my side. Her presence always had a calming effect on me."Ryker, this is a Christmas gift for you," Melina said, extending a beautifully wrapped package towards me. I had half a mind to toss it away right there and then just to show her my disdain. But the watchful eyes of the Pack members around us kept me in check. I begrudgingly set the gift aside. Melina's eyes dimmed, clearly hurt by my unenthusiastic response.With a shaky voice, she implored, "Ryker, I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused you. Please understand that my feelings for you haven't changed. Even if you despise me now, my love for you re
Flora – POVI sat beside Belle's unconscious form in the infirmary. She had suddenly shown up at the pack entrance, a haunting demon hand on her leg. Without hesitation, I alerted Ryker. He quickly arrived to inspect her condition and ordered the guards to bring her inside the Pack safely.I couldn't help but notice Ryker's cold glances towards me. Each time our eyes met, he swiftly averted his gaze. Deep down, I knew he was angry because I had accepted Bryan's gift. But hadn't he accepted one from Melina? Shouldn't I be equally furious? Yet, I wasn't as upset, though a pang of jealousy did sting me."Flora," a weak voice broke my train of thought. It was Belle, slowly regaining consciousness."Belle, I'm right here," I reassured, gripping her hand and helping her sit up. Her following words sent shockwaves through me."Your parents are alive," Belle whispered, her voice quivering. She took a moment to gather herself before continuing. "I met my father, who managed to escape the Dark
Flora – POVRetreating to my room, anger and tears threatened to overwhelm me. Perhaps my bond with Ryker was never genuine. Maybe his affections were just fleeting lust rather than the deep love he professed. It felt like a deceitful lie. I didn't know how long I lay there, succumbing to my tears until sleep took over. A knock at the door roused me."Come in," I managed, my voice raspy from crying.Belle entered, her face etched with concern. "You've been crying. What's going on?" she inquired gently.I let out a weary sigh. Discussing Ryker and Melina was the last thing I wanted. Hoping to deflect the conversation, I asked, "Have you seen Ivan lately?""No, but I did see Ivan stroll with Melina," Belle replied. I leaped from my bed, hastily donning my coat and shoes without a second thought. I'd promised to keep Ivan safe from Melina's influence, and the idea of her possibly manipulating him alarmed me.In my rush, I accidentally bumped into someone. As I stumbled backward, I realiz
Flora–POVRyker ignored me and walked away. I felt a pang of confusion; the man who always cared and spoke openly now seemed distant. I watched as he walked to his room.I followed and entered his room. "Ryker, please talk to me." Before I could reach out and touch him, he pulled away, which hurt even more. I kept my distance from him, trying hard to hide my pain."Flora, I need you to stay away from me for a few days," Ryker said."Wait, do you think I have feelings for Bryan? Is that why you're pushing me away?" I asked."You have feelings for Bryan, don't you, Flora? Your wolf feels the same," Ryker responded, hurt clear in his voice."You're an asshole!" I snapped. "Maybe you're not over your ex-wife, who bullies her child to extract information. Information she shouldn't be getting from a child." Ryker looked shocked, as if this was news to him. I realized he was unaware of what had happened just an hour earlier when Melina had confronted his son."Your shock tells me you didn't
Flora – POVI returned to my room after talking to Bryan. Thoughts raced in my mind about the danger and hearing Elton's name again. The relief I'd felt when he was killed by Ryker was now replaced by dread. But I refused to let fear win this time. If I see Elton again, I'm ready to fight and take revenge for his audacity."I'm with you, Flora. We'll finish Elton for good," said my wolf, Nyla, with fire in her voice. Her determination strengthened my resolve to face my fears. For the past two weeks, Ryker had distanced himself from me and seemed to be closer to Melina. Bryan kept an eye on me for safety, which I didn't like. Ryker only interacted with me during training sessions, and he always looked tired. I'd once asked him about it, but Ryker brushed me off. Though I didn't like Bryan, he taught me how to use magic, and I had to admit he was skilled.Standing close to Bryan, I felt Nyla purring in my mind. When Bryan touched my hand to correct my stance, a thrilling sensation cours
Bryan - POV I felt so drawn to her soft lips and wanted to taste Flora, but I stopped inches away. It was hard to resist the mate bond and my wolf's pull to kiss her, but I knew one thing: if I took advantage of her vulnerable state, I'd only become a villain in her eyes. So I gently caressed her cheeks to comfort her instead. "Why are you hesitating? Kiss her already," my wolf, Orin, hissed. I shut out his pestering. Flora's eyes opened when she didn't feel my lips on hers, and I saw the sadness in them. She seemed to regain her consciousness, resisting the mate bond. "Thank you," Flora whispered. I knew she was thanking me for not surrendering to the mate bond like she had. "I should go," Flora said and walked away. It was tough to watch her leave; I wanted to kiss her and mark her as mine, but only if she wanted the same. I didn't see such desire in her eyes. I clenched my fist in frustration over my decision that let Flora walk away. I punched a tree, splitting it in two. I hat