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
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
AzuraAs the rain falls relentlessly from the somber clouds above, my feet carry me through the quiet rows of headstones in the cemetery. Each droplet seems to echo the rhythm of my heart, heavy with sorrow and longing as my own teardrops stream down my cheeks. I stand before my father's grave, the damp earth beneath my shoes reminding me of the fragility of the situation I was in. With a trembling hand, I trace the letters of his name engraved on the weathered stone, feeling the weight of loss settle upon my shoulders once more. Amidst the downpour and chaos that my life has become, I find solace in the quiet solitude of the cemetery, a sacred space where memories linger like shadows in the rain. Still, that solace doesn’t last long as his pale face covered in blood flashes in front of my eyes and I ball my fists, restraining the boiling fury that empowers my emotions and threatens to consume me whole. My wolf is also in despair, but she tries to comfort me. It isn’t the right tim
AzuraI sigh and inhale a deep breath to calm my racing heart. “I will take a shower and join the gathering soon,” I tell him with a small smile on my face and he pecks a kiss on my forehead before letting me go. Finally, I will catch the culprit and rip his fucking heart out for murdering my father who had never hurt a single soul in his entire life. My wolf howls in my mind, ready to mangle the culprit.I take a quick shower to get the smell of sweat off my body and dress in a black A-line dress that reaches below my knee.I had to change my entire wardrobe and fill it with the dresses that Nicholas preferred as he didn’t like me showing off my skin. He liked modest and sophisticated dresses that would suit a Luna and I didn’t care much about my dressing style so I went with whatever he chose for me. After combing my long honey-blonde hair and pulling it into a bun, I cast one final look into the mirror to make sure I’m looking presentable enough and exhale loudly, preparing myself
Azura“You’re a murderer. Why will we believe you?” Becky, Aria’s best friend speaks up and the pack members resume their verbal assaults against me. “Enough,” Nicholas raises his hand and commands in his Alpha voice. “Silence, everyone.”The power of his Alpha command makes everyone bow to him except me. I don’t know why but his Alpha command never worked on me, not even Alpha Lucius’s but out of respect, I always obeyed. Well, not anymore. With a defiant stance and a piercing gaze, I face him squarely, my eyes refusing to waver under the fiery contempt emanating from his brown orbs. His jaw clenches as he glares at me with disdain, his Alpha ego is wounded when I don’t submit to him.“Father will return by this weekend. Till then, keep her locked in the dungeon,” my mate orders in his glacial tone, turning his back on me.Despite the agony gnawing at my heart and my wolf howling in anguish, I presented a facade of indifference as the Gamma locked my hands with shackles.‘This is i
AzuraI tell the guards on the borders my name and he mind-links his Alpha to get his permission to let me enter. The cold expression on his face soon vanishes as he smiles at me and leads me to the pack house where Alpha Theo lives.My mother’s parents had two daughters so Aunt Gina’s mate, Alpha Theo, took over the pack as he was the Crimson Moon pack’s Alpha’s second son and my father wanted to serve his pack as the Beta. “Zura,” Elias smirks, teasing me by calling me Zura just like he used to do when we were kids. We often played together as Dad let me come to the Black Cliff pack to bond with my mother’s side family and Aunt Gina treated me like her own daughter. Elias and I were close, he knew about my crush on Nicholas but he never liked him. Contrarily, he was glad when I dated Ryker in the academy. Ryker and Nicholas were roommates and had become best friends, that’s how I came to know about the most arrogant and ruthless Ryker’s existence. The cold-hearted Alpha. I roll my
Azura “You want to disguise yourself as Alpha Elias and participate in the combat?” He asks as if confirming if he heard right. “Yes. I want to go to the Lunar Academy to train instead of your place,” I reply and he gives me a puzzled look. “And why? Why do you want to do that? Do you even have any idea what will happen to you if you get caught?” Elias bombards me with his questions, playing my big brother’s role. I can’t help but roll my eyes. “You know, I’m more powerful than you,” I smirk and continue, “Besides, I’m capable of fighting any Alpha and I want to have a chance to speak to the Alpha King. This Alpha combat is my only chance.” “Because you think that no one else can bring justice to you and your father except the Alpha King, right?” Elias says, reading my mind and my jaw drops in amazement. He is getting smart, I would give him that. “I know that even if I want, I can’t fight against the Dark Shadow pack as the situation in my pack is not good and no other Alpha ca
AzuraHis lips linger over my ear for longer than they should, awakening the butterflies in my stomach. He pulls himself away and lets go of my elbows. I swallow hard when his words sink into my mind and I realize that he has recognized me. My ex, Ryker Lockwood, the most arrogant and cold-hearted Alpha and half-brother of my mate has saved me from falling.I peer into his brown eyes and my gaze falls on his lips. My wolf is smitten by his handsome face, she liked him a lot. I hadn’t expected her to like him after having our fated mate but I guess my wolf is shameless and crazy. She growls at me and I ignore her tantrums. I frown when I see his lips twitching into a nasty smirk. I follow his gaze and realize that my hands are still resting on his chest. “Arrogant asshole,” I mutter to myself, immediately pushing him away and heading toward the lobby but he grips my hand and drags me along with him. I subtly clear my throat, masking my natural tone with a deeper, more masculine resona
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