I have fixed the mistake in the previous chapter, waiting for my editor to review it. Apologies for mistaking Dante's name as Drake!! I will try to post multiple chapters tomorrow as compensation (I'm trying my best to become your fav author ;)) Love, J Belladonna
AzuraThe air in the room shifts, heavy with relief and the lingering hum of magic. Elysia’s raspy voice breaks the silence, her weak but unmistakable whisper slicing through the tension like a blade. I squeeze her hand, feeling the fragile warmth return to her skin. She’s alive. The Goddess answered our prayers.But I can’t move. The weight of everything—her near-death, the uncertainty, the helplessness—presses down on me, rendering me frozen beside her with the guilt, reminding me that she could be dead because of me. My mind races, struggling to accept what my eyes are seeing. Elysia, breathing steadily again. The faint color returning to her cheeks. I’ve been through countless battles, but this? This fight for her life was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever faced."Elysia," I finally manage to whisper, my voice trembling. "You’re okay. You’re safe."Her eyes flutter open, meeting mine, and a soft smile tugs at her lips. It’s small, barely there, but it’s enough to shatter the last
RykerI’m standing by the window, watching as the moonlight filters through the thick canopy of trees surrounding the academy since Azura is taking a shower and I’m alone in the room, wondering if I will be able to live with her now or not... Its soft glow does little to soothe the unease building in my chest. Elysia is resting in the room down the hall with Dante glued to her side. Azura had finally let herself sleep after hours of holding vigil by her best friend’s bedside.I should feel relief that Elysia is alive and that the nightmare of nearly losing her is behind us. But something isn’t right. The air feels too still, too heavy, like the calm before a storm. My wolf senses it too, pacing just beneath the surface of my skin, restless and alert.Suddenly, a distant sound—footsteps—echoes through the hallways, growing louder with each passing second. I turn toward the door, and before I can fully process it, the aura hits me. It's powerful, authoritative, and impossible to ignore.
Azura"Don’t you dare lay a finger on me," I snap, glaring at the guards as they stiffen at my father’s command. My eyes shift to the Alpha King—my father—whose face remains a cold, unyielding mask."I need time," I declare, my voice steely. "Not asking for it, but demanding it. You have no right to take that away from me." The bitterness in my words lingers, every syllable drenched in the years of abandonment. “You might be king, but I don’t bow to strangers. How can I accept you as my father when you never even cared enough to show up? When you ignored my existence?” I scoff, rolling my eyes to disguise the pain that claws at my chest and the anger that simmers beneath the surface.He doesn’t flinch, not even the smallest twitch of emotion. No hurt. No surprise. Just... nothing. It’s like talking to a wall.Fine. I’ll take his silence as agreement.Without another word, I turn on my heel, storming away from the throne room, my back rigid, my heart pounding.‘Damn, Zuzu, you’re more
RykerI watch as Azura storms away, her back straight and her fists clenched, the weight of the conversation heavy in the air. She’s hurt—angry in a way that sets a fire inside her, and I can feel every flicker of it. It makes me want to chase after her, to pull her close and tell her everything’s going to be alright, but I know better. Azura needs her space right now, and nothing I say will calm that storm brewing in her.Instead, I stand there, frozen in the hallway for a moment, her father’s cold gaze lingering in my mind. The Alpha King might be her blood, but he’s no father in the ways that matter. That much is clear. The man barely flinched when Azura poured her heart out—when she threw all her pain at him. Hell, a part of me wanted to punch him for not showing the smallest crack in that damn icy demeanor of his. My wolf reminds me that this is how he used to feel when I wouldn’t listen to him and be cold towards her, which makes me wonder if he is also concealing his true emotio
RykerI feel Azura’s eyes on me as I pace around the room, her presence weighing heavy on my mind. Every moment spent here, every second wasted, Nicholas tightens his grip on our lives. I need to deal with him now. But telling Azura? She’d never let me go alone.“I need to check on something,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “Won’t take long.”Azura frowns, crossing her arms. She knows me too well to fall for that.“What is it, Ryker?” Her voice is firm, eyes narrowing in suspicion.“I’ll be quick, Zuzu. Just need to handle a pack matter,” I reply, stepping toward the door before she can protest. I hate lying to her, but there’s no way I can drag her into this—not when Nicholas is involved.Her lips part like she’s about to argue, but I’m already out the door before she can stop me.As soon as I’m outside, the cool air hits my face, and I pull out my phone to text Xander; it’s time to execute the plan.‘I’m heading to Nicholas’s location. Get the warriors in position. Don’t move until I
AzuraThe rage burns in my veins, hotter than fire, but beneath that fury, there’s something darker—a deep, cutting pain that tears at my insides. Nicholas is on the floor, gasping for breath, struggling to get back up, and I feel a twisted satisfaction. But there’s no escaping the truth behind my anger—the ache of betrayal that clings to my heart. This was the man I once loved, trusted, and gave everything to. And now, here he is, broken at my feet, just as he broke me.A part of me wants to let him stand, to rise one last time and face the mess he’s created—the destruction of everything we were. I want him to look at me, to see the girl he used, the woman he destroyed, and to realize that there’s nothing left of her. Only the hollow shell that he shaped with his lies.“You think you can kill him? Hurt the people who are on my side?” I seethe, my voice trembling with power, my wolf thrashing inside, fighting to take over, desperate for the revenge. My hands shake, not with fear but w
AzuraThe pain from Nicholas yanking my hair fuels the fire already raging inside me. His grip tightens, his sneer deepening with satisfaction, but he has no idea what’s coming. I twist my body with a surge of strength, planting my elbow into his ribs. Nicholas lets out a strangled gasp, releasing me as he stumbles back.The instant his hold breaks, my wolf surges forward, and without hesitation, I lash out with a swift, calculated kick to his chest. The force of it sends him crashing back to the floor, gasping for air once again. I stand over him, my chest heaving with fury, ready to finish what I started.But then Aria's mocking voice cuts through the moment. "Stop playing, Azura," she snaps, venom dripping from every word. "You want to fight back? Go ahead!" She challenges, stepping forward, slapping me across the face so hard my head snaps to the side.I taste blood. My lip splits open, but the sting is nothing compared to the fire of rage that floods my veins. Before I can retali
AzuraThe moment the words leave my lips, it feels as though a weight is lifted from my chest, the suffocating bond snapping like brittle glass. Nicholas’s face contorts in pain, and for a brief moment, I almost recall how I would have reacted if I had seen him in pain a few months ago. But then I remember everything he’s done—how he betrayed me, shattered our bond, and chose Aria over me. There’s no going back.He clutches his chest, gasping for air, his eyes wide with desperation. “Azura...” he pleads, but his voice is weak, breaking apart as if he knows it’s over. And it is, but he doesn’t want to accept it yet.I stare down at him, feeling no pity, no remorse. Only a hollow kind of satisfaction that justice is finally being served.“Give me a second chance, Azura. Please, I will become a better person,” Nicholas begs, rising to his feet and holding my hands in his. “Nicholas, I’m right here. How can you betray me?” Aria shrieks, gathering everyone’s attention.Retracting my hands
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