Flora – POV "Ryker, stop!" I pleaded, tears blurring my vision. Ryker and Bryan were locked in fierce combat, trading blow after powerful blow. My heart ached, torn in two. My wolf side didn't want to see either of them injured. Summoning a surge of power from deep within, I forcefully pushed them apart, ending their fight. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, first assessing Ryker's condition—he seemed unhurt. My gaze then shifted to Bryan, relieved to find he, too, appeared unscathed. " Bryan—" I began. He raised a hand, cutting me off. "After all, I am to your mate." Ryker's eyes narrowed, a storm of anger flashing within them. "She belongs to me," Ryker declared possessively, his hand on my waist pulling me close against him. "Didn't you reject her for being wolfless? Now you want her only because you sense her true wolf and her power," Ryker snapped. His words rang true. Bryan had once coldly turned me away, leaving me in a pit of agony and despair. "I stand by Ryker. I am only
Bryan – POVI trudged back to my Pack, each step weighed down by the remorse I felt. Flora's words echoed in my mind, a stinging reminder of the pain I had once inflicted on her. Being on the receiving end of rejection was far more painful than I'd ever imagined. How had Flora managed to bear it all by herself?"Son, where have you been?" Mom's voice broke through my reverie as soon as I entered our manor."What's it matter?" I retorted, avoiding her gaze. My once steadfast obedience to my parents had cost me my mate, and now, the weight of that reality pressed down on me. I loathed the wall of animosity I felt growing between Flora and me, all because I hadn't thought things through.Mom, sensing my despondency, changed the topic, "How did your meeting with Melina go?""Fine," I responded tersely. Mom's face lit up with hope."So, you'll see her again?" she probed, trying to gauge my feelings."Perhaps," I answered vaguely, attempting to keep my emotions in check. Sensing my reluctan
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