RykerThe sound of her alarm makes me frown, forcing me to get up and as soon as I open my eyes, I sniff the scent of sex and our scents entangled together. A pleasant smile lights up my face, not believing we really shared a wild night. Nicholas’s brutal words hurt her so much and affected her so deeply that she lost control. I hate admitting that seeing her hurt and shutting me off breaks something inside of me and makes me lose my control, turning me into a monster. I turn around and find our adjoined bed empty. I don’t expect her to give me a morning kiss and bless me with her gorgeous smile, right? Shaking off all the thoughts and images of her sexy body reacting to my touch, I make my way to the cupboard to grab my clothes. My wolf is desperate to see her intimate clothes but I’m afraid because I don’t want to get addicted to her intoxicating scent or igniting touch. She has made it pretty clear that it was a one-night stand because she wanted to put her mind off Nicholas’s wo
Ryker“Alpha, the elders have found a substitute in your place and they are holding his Alpha ceremony before even you get out of the academy,” Dante says with his still lowered due to my command.“And you believed that shit to come here?” I ask him icily, feeling Azura’s gaze on me.“Your mother’s cousin has agreed to replace you and none of the pack members want this but they can’t speak to you since you’re here,” he replies in a low tone, fear evident in his features. “The elders are being so crazy stubborn about this. They are not ready to listen to me or the pack members.”I see his worry for me which I appreciate and am grateful to have him on my side but I’m not going to tell him this. I can’t be emotional and appreciate his concern though he has proved his loyalty over and over every fucking time. If I trust anyone, that’s Dante only. I clear my throat and tell him firmly, “Leave from here and don’t feel threatened by their this move. They are just trying to pressure me to h
AzuraI shove my wolf into the deepest corner of my mind, as she has been swooning over Ryker since he carried us in his arms. I can’t withstand his hot remarks anymore, as his proximity is also hard for me to bear. He places me on the bed gently, and it reminds me of how he threw me onto the bed last night, contrary to what he just did. The way he keeps shifting between hot and cold again and again irritates me. He has worse mood swings than women. Ughh… These Alpahs. “Do you want to take revenge on Nicholas and your bitch stepsister?” Ryker asks me grimly, sitting beside me on the bed. I hadn’t thought about Nicholas or Aria since he had taken my mind off him and all the suffocating emotions that I was feeling after hearing my jerk husband’s conversation with his friend, but now that I think of it, I do want revenge. A devilish smirk tugs on my lips as I lock my eyes with him and see the same feeling in his eyes. If I want revenge on my husband, Ryker is the right person to help
RykerFilling up the plates with leftover food, I sigh as the food is almost finished. The pancakes were almost finished by the time I reached there; I arrived late because of my stupid Beta and the doctor's visit. “Alpha Ryker, where is your roommate?” Dane calls out my name when I’m just about to turn to leave. “His feet are swollen, so the doctor has suggested he take complete bed rest for twenty-four hours.” I reply curtly and leave before he can respond.“You're not coming for the training, Alpha Ryker?” Dane follows me and stands before me, blocking my way and smiling down at me so sweetly that it might give me diabetes.My wolf gags at how he's trying to talk to me, and of course, he also doesn't like it because he is a loner wolf.“No, Dane, and I don't want any more questions from you because you're wasting my time and I'm under no obligation to answer you,” I say icily, glaring at him frigidly.“Sorry, Alpha…” He speaks, but I turn my heels on, leaving him speechless and fo
Azura“Goddess, I’m so tired. My legs are feeling like jelly,” I whine, sitting on the ground after Professor Logan pushed me to my limits, saying that I seem a weak candidate to him so he has to train me harder for me to be able to compete with the other Alphas.I appreciate his concern and help but he has to understand that my goal is not to become the Alpha King. I might seem skinny and timid guy but I’m more powerful than the rest of them. My wolf is strong and ferocious, I have to keep her at bay to control my powers and not let it show to the others as I don’t want to break the promise again that I made to my father. The past few days have been so exhausting and busy amidst training and attending lectures of Professor Alex to understand the traditions and the history of the previous Alpha Kings. Ryker has gone to the management office. Ethan has called him for the reason I’m not aware of. Thanks to him, things haven’t been so awkward between us after that wild night which stil
AzuraAm I supposed to get excited seeing the naked girls on the bed? Well, you chose to disguise yourself as a man and that’s how men respond to the girls, comes my wolf’s snarky reply. It clicks in my mind and I realize that Nicholas is cheating on Aria, too, even though he wants to make her his Luna. Is this how all the men are in this world? Is the loyalty really rare? Maybe rarer than finding a fated mate. I growl innerly, balling my fists at these stupid men. It’s disgusting to even react to this… “You don’t seem excited to see them,” Nicholas narrows his eyes at me. That’s when I get out of my thoughts and find him lying in his bed naked, his shirt lying in the corner while that she-wolf is taking his boxers off.I slowly rub the back of my neck and put on a fake smile. “Um, I have a girlfriend and I do love her so much.”“I have a girlfriend and a wife, too,” Nicholas shoots back, breaking into a chuckle that made me nearly frown but I was quick to conceal it with a shrug.
Ryker “I can’t believe one week has already passed, and it’s the second week of the training, and the next week, the first round will be arranged for the inner combat,” Ethan says with a bit wider grin than usual.His nervous laugh confirms my doubt. There is definitely something wrong, which he hesitates to tell me. “I’m sure that you didn’t call me to discuss this.” I gauge his reaction, and he sighs heavily, lowering his head and looking up at me with a small smile.“You’re the strongest Alpha here, as I believe, but..." He begins, and I roll my eyes. I cut in, “Whenever there is a but, I hate the latter sentence.” Ethan lets out a low chuckle. “You’re so impatient, just like your Mom.” His smile vanishes when I glare at him coldly. I had already made it clear that I didn’t want to talk about her. She was someone about whom I never wish to talk because, as much as I like to blame myself for killing her, I hate accepting that she stayed with an asshole mate who didn’t even love
RykerA violent growl rumbles through my chest as I rush to her side and catch his fist in my hand when he aims a punch at her eye. No, you can’t ruin her beautiful face, you motherfucker, my wolf snaps angrily, urging me to shred his into pieces. I shove his emotions away, I can’t simply kill him without getting the answers. I have to know why are they targeting Elias… As far as I know, there is no personal rivalry between the rogues and his family but seeing their passionate hatred for his family and pack makes me wonder what is going on and why they want Elias dead so badly. There must be a reason behind this.“Go away, kid, or I will have no choice except to kill you,” he mutters mockingly, his lips breaking into a victorious smile.“Go on and kill me,” I challenge him, pushing his off her and he crashes into an old table placed in the corner of that dark room. “Who the fuck are you?” He groans in pain, holding his head in his hands. “Ryker Lockwood,” I speak through clenched t
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