A little tension... The next chapter will be up in an hour.
Ryker“Calm down, Ryker. Her body is rejecting the poison, which means the spell and magic are working,” Elysia assures me, opening her eyes. “I know that it’s hard for you to trust him, but please, trust me, and don’t interrupt us in the middle of a spell.” She closes her eyes again.The Alpha King stops pacing, his gaze locked on the scene unfolding before him. His jaw clenches, the struggle to maintain his composure evident in the tight lines of his face. “Hurry,” he mutters, the command directed at no one in particular but heavy with urgency.As the last of the poison is drawn out, the mist dissipates into the air, leaving behind a faint residue of bitterness. Nolan’s hands drop, his energy drained, and he slumps slightly, sweat beading on his forehead. Elysia’s eyes snap open, relief and exhaustion washing over her features.“It’s done,” Nolan says, his voice hoarse. “The poison is gone.” He sighs in relief. I don’t waste a second. I press my lips to Azura’s forehead, pulling her
AzuraRyker pulls me closer to his chest, his lips finding mine with a desperation that takes my breath away. It's as if he's drawing life from me; the urgency and longing in his kiss are palpable. The familiar scent of cinnamon wraps around me, comforting and grounding, making my wolf stir with joy. He’s saved us again, she whispers, her tone tinged with reproach. She’s still upset with me for doubting him, accusing him of using me and questioning his loyalty. Can’t she give me a break? I’ve just fought the biggest battle of my life—teetering on the edge between life and death.A throat clears somewhere nearby, but Ryker doesn’t seem to care. He’s lost in the moment, in the need to reassure himself that I’m really here, safe and alive. I gently press my hands against his chest, pushing him back slightly, even though a part of me doesn’t want to let go just yet.“Are you okay, Azura? How are you feeling?” he asks, his voice laced with concern as he pulls away just enough to look into m
AzuraThe comforting warmth of sleep beckons me, but just as I'm about to surrender to it, a low growl rumbles in the room. It’s Ryker’s voice, laced with defiance. “I’m not leaving her side.”The room falls silent, tension crackling in the air as all eyes turn toward him. I can feel his resolve, the protective instinct that has always driven him to stand by me, no matter what.“Ryker,” the Alpha King’s voice is calm, yet there’s an edge of authority that can’t be ignored. “Azura needs rest. The healer and her friend will be here, and the guards will ensure her safety.”But Ryker shakes his head, his jaw clenched tightly. “I won’t leave her. Not after what happened to her when l left her alone in this very room. I’m staying right here.”His words are like a lifeline, anchoring me in a reality that’s still too fragile to trust. I know I should tell him it’s okay, that I’ll be fine, but deep down, I don’t want him to leave either. His presence is the one thing that makes me feel safe, tr
Ryker"You guys stay here and fight these monsters. Make sure the Alpha King stays safe," I instruct the guards, my voice firm and unwavering. Nolan and Elysia are already chanting their spells, their words merging into a powerful incantation. I don't waste a second—I scoop Azura into my arms, grab our phone, and prepare to contact the King and my Beta later."Your Highness has called his Beta and Gamma here. It's a war now. All the Alphas who came to participate in the Alpha battle will fight, so don’t worry about us," one of the guards replies, his tone resolute.‘Keep my daughter safe, Ryker. I don’t trust anyone here now. You’re my only hope. I need to know everything about her, but that motherfucker George has called a war upon us to free his son.’ The King’s voice echoes in my mind, his authority clear even through the mind-link. As the Alpha King, he has the power to communicate with all the Alphas via the mind-link, and only his heir can have this exclusive power that Azura has
AzuraNolan’s mouth opens, but before he can speak, his phone buzzes urgently. He pulls it out, and his eyes widen as he reads the text, his face paling.“My father has kidnapped the Alpha King,” he announces, his voice tight with fear. “He’s threatening to kill him if I don’t bring Azura back.”He shoves the phone back into his pocket, but his hand trembles slightly. “I can’t let that happen. I have to get to my pack to stop the damage.”“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Ryker scoffs, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “How the hell could he kidnap the King? The academy is crawling with professors, his Beta, Gamma, guards, and every Alpha present for the battle. This smells like a trap, Nolan.”A low, menacing growl rumbles from Ryker’s chest, his protective instincts flaring. His gaze locks onto Nolan’s, searching for any sign of deceit. The tension between them is palpable, thickening the air as they stare each other down.Nolan’s jaw clenches, frustration flickering a
RykerThe Alpha King’s eyes widen as he sees me approach, his heart pounding in his chest. Fear flashes across his features, but there’s something more—disappointment. “How could he let you come here?” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, strained with disbelief.His gaze holds a mix of bewilderment and worry as he studies my appearance, clearly not expecting his daughter to be here. He’s tied to a chair, silver chains digging into his flesh, while George’s men stand ominously on either side, their expressions cold and unyielding.“I don’t understand why you would go against your own father when I have provided everything for you,” George’s voice booms, echoing through the dimly lit room. His anger is apparent, his eyes blazing as he glares at Nolan, who stands defiant, his face an emotionless mask.“You were raising me to be a monster,” Nolan retorts, his tone icy and resolute. “A mindless puppet to do your bidding, to carry out your twisted plans without question. You never
RykerBut Nolan chooses that moment to act. In a flash, he pulls out his weapon—a silver-coated dagger—and lunges at his father. The movement is so fast, so sudden, that George barely has time to react.The dagger sinks into George’s side, and he roars in pain, dropping to his knees, making me wonder if it’s just a silver dagger, probably some lethal poison with his magic. Nolan doesn’t stop there. With a ferocity born from years of suppressed rage and a need for justice, he twists the blade, ensuring it causes maximum damage. His eyes are flashing with his wolf’s golden eyes, a monster overshadowing his features as he pulls the dagger out.George stumbles back, clutching his side, blood seeping through his fingers. “You… you dare?” he gasps, disbelief and agony contorting his features.“This is for Mom,” Nolan growls, his voice trembling with emotion. “And for every other life you’ve destroyed.”“What are you fools doing? Kill him,” George groans in pain, directing his command to his
AzuraThe room feels smaller than it actually is, the air thick with anxiety as I pace restlessly. The soft hum of the heater does nothing to ease the cold dread settling in my bones. Elysia sits on the edge of a worn armchair, her gaze following me like a protective shadow. Kylie huddles on the couch, her eyes red and puffy from crying, while the healer prepares a concoction of herbs at the small kitchen counter.Every minute that passes without news feels like an eternity. I try to suppress the overwhelming fear gnawing at me, but my mind keeps circling back to Ryker and my father. Are they safe? Is Ryker’s disguise holding up? I want to believe that everything will go according to plan, but the stakes are too high, and my heart can’t shake the nagging sense of dread.Elysia clears her throat, drawing my attention. “Azura, you need to rest. Pacing won’t bring them back any faster.”I stop in my tracks, letting out a heavy sigh. “How can I rest when I don’t know if they’re okay? What
AzuraOne Week Later...The Blue Moon hangs like a glowing beacon in the night sky, casting its luminous glow over the packhouse grounds. Tonight is not just any night—it’s the rarest of nights when magic courses through the air, weaving a mystical tapestry between all who gather under its light. It’s as if fate itself has written this moment, for not only is it my wedding night but also the Blue Moon, a time when the most powerful bonds can be revealed. I pray to the Moon Goddess to give me Ryker as my fated mate, but even if she is up to some game and gives me someone else as my second chance mate, I’m determined to reject him in the blink of an eye. I stand in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the woman reflected there. My wedding gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace, hugs my body like a dream. The bodice is adorned with intricate silver embroidery, weaving the shapes of moons and wolves, while the long, flowing skirt spills around me like water, glistening with the light f
AzuraThe smell of sizzling eggs and freshly brewed coffee fills the air as I step into the dining room, the warmth of the early morning sun streaming through the windows. My heart still feels like it’s floating somewhere above my head, ever since last night. The proposal. Ryker. My soon-to-be husband.I smile to myself as I sit at the breakfast table, but the moment I do, I notice something strange—everyone’s looking at me. Elysia’s grinning, Dante’s trying to hold back a smirk, and even Rosie is practically buzzing with excitement.“What?” I ask cautiously, narrowing my eyes at them.Elysia leans over the table, wiggling her eyebrows. “Oh, nothing. Just that your fiancé—" she drags out the word with extra emphasis, “—decided to make a very public proposal last night.”“Very public,” Dante echoes, unable to hide his grin. “I mean, the whole pack was watching.”“And now,” Rosie chimes in, her eyes sparkling mischievously, “it’s going viral. The Alpha’s proposal is the talk of the town
Ryker“Nothing’s wrong,” I assure her, my lips curving into a smile. “In fact, everything feels right. More right than it’s ever been.”Her eyes soften, and I can see the question forming on her lips, but I don’t give her a chance to ask. Instead, I stand up, pushing my chair back as I get down on one knee.The gasps around us are immediate. The pack members who have been subtly watching our every move are now openly staring, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity as a few of them start recording it on their phones. But none of that matters anymore. The only thing that matters is the woman in front of me.Azura’s hands fly to her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise. “Ryker, what are you—”“Azura,” I interrupt softly, pulling the ring from my pocket and holding it up for her to see. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. Strong, fierce, and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen—everything I’ve ever wanted in my wife. You’ve challenged me, pushed me, and made m
RykerThe moment she steps out of the bathroom, wearing my shirt and looking both regal and relaxed, my breath catches in my throat. Azura—the one person who can shatter me with a glance and, at the same time, make me feel invincible—is here, wrapped up in my scent, my world, and for the first time in what feels like forever, everything seems right.Her hair cascades down her back, damp from the shower, catching the light in a way that makes her look ethereal, like some kind of warrior goddess who has walked straight out of legend. And yet, there is this softness to her that draws me in. The way her lips curve into a soft smile when she catches me staring, the subtle blush on her cheeks... damn, I’m a goner.I can’t help but shake my head as a light blush creeps onto my cheeks as I recall the moment she came to me, begging me to fuck her and make her forget everything else that’s been running through her mind. She is silly but cute and yet demanding; I absolutely love that about her.
AzuraA sliver of sunlight peeks through the curtains, dancing across my eyelids. I stir, blinking as the warmth wraps around me like a soft blanket. My muscles are sore, my body deliciously tired, but it’s the weight of the arms around me that brings a smile to my lips before I even open my eyes.RykerThe heat of him against my back is grounding, his heartbeat steady and strong, a rhythmic reminder of the night before. Memories flood back, each one sending a shiver down my spine. His touch, his words, the way he made me forget everything but him.I turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of him still fast asleep. His dark hair falls messily across his forehead, his jaw relaxed, and his arm is draped possessively over my waist. Even in sleep, he doesn’t let me go.He looks so gorgeous even in sleep; his long eyelashes, sharp jawline, square face, and full lips make him look like a Greek god. I give him a small pack on his lips, nose, and forehead. A flutter of emotion tightens my
Ryker “Put me down, Ryker!” She snaps, her voice laced with fury, but I’m already halfway up the stairs, my steps heavy with intent. I don’t stop until I reach my bedroom door, and with one swift kick, I push it open. The sound echoes in the quiet hallway as I stride in, locking the door behind me.I toss her onto the bed, her body bouncing slightly against the mattress, but she quickly scrambles to her feet and tries to run away. Before she can make another move, I’m in front of her, pinning her against the wall, trapping her between my body and the cold surface behind her. Her breath hitches, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and something else—something that matches the heat blazing in my chest.“You want to know what I want, Azura?” I growl, my voice low as I lean in closer, my lips inches from hers. “I want you to stop pushing me away. I want you to stop acting like you don’t feel this, too.”Her breathing quickens, and for a split second, I see a flicker of uncertainty in her e
Ryker“You wanted to dance, right? Let’s go and dance,” I growl, holding her hand firmly when she tries to walk away.Azura stops in her tracks, her back stiffening at my words. She turns to look at me, her eyes blazing with anger, but I can feel the tension in her hand as I grip it tightly. She’s furious, and to be honest, so am I.How could she let another man touch her? Dance with him, no less, while I’m standing here, watching her? Did she think I’d just let it slide? Not a chance.But instead, she pulls away from me with a sharp yank, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Don’t play with me, Ryker. Go back to your bitch. I’m sure she’s waiting for you on the dance floor."My jaw clenches at her words. "Azura, I wasn’t dancing with her because I wanted to. The Elders—"She scoffs, cutting me off. "Are you going to give me excuses now? And do you expect me to believe you?" She crosses her arms, her stance challenging me, daring me to give her a weak excuse.I grit my teeth, trying
AzuraI can’t help but feel a pang of guilt gnawing at me as I sit quietly, picking at my food. Ryker’s question echoes in my mind. Did you not like the dress I bought for you? How could I have missed that? A part of me feels bad for not going to his room and checking out the dress earlier. He looked so hurt, but he was quick to mask it over with a smile when he got to know that I hadn’t seen it.I glance at him across the room as he chats with some of the warriors; he is looking so hot in that suit. Of course, the women would throw themselves at him. I scan the venue and find the girls staring at him with lovesick eyes. Sighing, I grab my glass of red wine that Xander had brought for me, only to spill it onto my dress accidentally. “Oh no!” I mutter under my breath, blotting at the grease stain with a napkin. Of all the times to be clumsy. As I try to clean it with the tissue, the stain doesn’t go away; it spreads on my dress. My wolf smirks at me; you did it intentionally. I sho
RykerThe chaos erupts when Elysia’s parents storm in. It feels like a crack of thunder, sharp and jarring. My body stiffens, my wolf on edge, ready to act. Elysia’s mother looks livid, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line while her father strides toward Dante with a fury that promises trouble."How dare you abduct my daughter?" Her father’s booming voice slices through the peaceful atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention. His eyes blaze with a mixture of anger and disbelief as he takes in the sight of his daughter in a wedding dress, standing next to Dante, who looks caught between panic and determination. I immediately step forward, my protective instincts kicking in, but before I can speak, Andrew and my grandfather appear out of nowhere, moving to intercept Elysia’s parents. Their presence is a calming force, and I see both of them exchange a quick glance before addressing the royal witches.“Wait,” Andrew begins, his voice calm but firm, as he raises his hands to sto