74 Ryker“Stop it, Ryker. I’m not yours.” Her voice trembles with defiance as she tears her gaze away from mine, her eyes blazing with fury as she repeats her words as if trying to convince herself. “I don’t belong to you or anyone else. You’re just a fake Alpha, not my mate, not my lover. So, for the Goddess’s sake, stop acting like my Alpha, like you own me.”She spins her head around, glaring at me with fierce determination. “You’re nothing to me, Ryker—nothing but a contract to settle the score with that bastard of a husband.” Her voice rises, each word sharp and laced with venom. “I’m just using you for my revenge, and that’s all you’ll ever mean to me. So don’t you dare try to get close or attached.”Her words are like daggers, each one plunging deeper into my heart. The sting of her rejection is a poison that spreads through my veins, burning with every beat of my pulse. My wolf’s emotions get too much to bear for me. He is hurt by her brutal words, but I don’t let them get to
AzuraI stifle a giggle as I watch Ryker struggle. With only two beds in the room, Elysia and I share one, leaving Ryker to endure Dante’s unconscious affection in the other. Dante’s arm is slung over Ryker’s waist, his leg tangled with Ryker’s, pulling him into a tight embrace. Ryker shifts, trying to escape, but Dante only snuggles closer. When Dante starts kissing his cheek in his sleep, Ryker finally loses it and kicks him out of the bed, making a chuckle slip from my lips as I relish in his irritation.“What happened?” Elysia wakes up from her sleep and sits up on the bed. I point my finger at them, not able to stop laughing while Ryker is throwing daggers at me and Dante is still asleep on the floor.His Beta is a heavy sleeper; he is sleeping peacefully on the floor. Elysia joins me but shuts her mouth when Ryker casts a deadly glare her way. ‘Don’t scare her like that,’ I scold him. He can be a complete asshole sometimes.‘Are you trying to order me around like a Queen when y
Azura“What? He wants me to put poison in Ryker’s food?” I ask Elysia again, not able to believe what she just told me.What the fuck is wrong with my wig? Why is it taking so long to get attached to my head today? I'm already late and Ryker will beat my ass in the gym if I get late there.“Sadly, yes. That's what he told me and he even gave me this.” Elysia brings a little pouch of a powder which looks like usual weed.I snatch it from her hand and toss it into the trash. There is no way I'm even letting it be closer to me. “What will you do now?” Elysia questions me, worry plastered on her beautiful face as she looks into the mirror.Having out an exasperated sigh as the wig finally gets fixed, I move my hand to grab the lense box. “I'll ask Ryker. I can't handle that shit right now because I already overslept today and I'm afraid that he'll make me workout extra hard just to discipline me,” I tell her as I put lenses into my eyes.She giggles, a mischievous hint in her laugh that
RykerThe gym is nearly deserted, with only a handful of people scattered around, their attention focused on their workouts. The air is thick with the scent of rubber and iron, and the rhythmic clank of weights provides a steady backdrop. I stride in, my footsteps echoing off the high ceilings as I try to ignore the thudding of my heart. "I heard some noises," I say, attempting to keep my voice steady. "So I thought I should check on you. You still hadn't arrived, so..." I shrug, feigning a calm I definitely don't feel.My wolf is agitated, bristling with the urgency I've tried to suppress. Azura's not safe here. She's not Elias, which makes her a target. George wants her dead, and he's not going to sit around and wait. My wolf's protective instincts won't let me rest until she's in front of us, safe and sound.He sneers with a mocking grin that sets my teeth on edge. You're more worried than I am, he taunts, knowing I tend to offload my concerns onto him. It's true, but I'll never gi
AzuraNicholas keeps his distance this time, and I breathe a sigh of relief, grateful that he's not trying to touch me again. I can’t help but remember the satisfying moment when Elysia landed that kick in his groin, the memory of his pained expression almost bringing a smirk to my lips. At least now, he’s wary, keeping his guard up.“He won’t try anything stupid now,” Elysia tells me proudly, smirking at me. “I’m right here by your side to give him a test of my magic this time.” She winks and I nod my head in agreement. “Don't try to play games with me, Elias. He can't still be alive if you poisoned his food,” Nicholas spits, his eyes cold and piercing, burning with accusation.I shrug nonchalantly, feigning innocence. “I can’t help it if you don’t trust me. I did what you asked, and even I’m surprised he wasn’t affected.”“How the hell is that possible?” Nicholas rants, rubbing his temples—a telltale sign of his frustration and confusion. “He told me it was the deadliest poison; the
RykerI lean back in my chair, a smirk tugging at my lips as I watch her. "Don't make it so obvious," I whisper, nudging Azura gently with my elbow. Her eyes flash with a fiery intensity, aimed squarely at Alex as he drones on about the ancient history between our kind and the witches.Alex’s voice is a steady hum, detailing the centuries of bloodshed and betrayal—a dance of power and politics that shaped our world. "The rivalry between witches and werewolves spanned generations," he explains, gesturing dramatically. "That is, until the witch princess was mated to the royal Alpha prince, forming the first treaty."Azura's gaze sharpens, and the spark of defiance in her eyes is barely concealed. I can feel the energy radiating off her—a mix of frustration and curiosity. Her interest in the subject is palpable, and her restlessness is infectious.I place my hand over hers, grounding her. "Focus on the lesson," I murmur, knowing how much she hates Alex. Azura can’t afford to show her hat
Azura“That’s all for today,” Alex announces, and I suppress a yawn as I’m feeling too bored and exhausted. Finally, I will take a nap now. “Alpha Elias,” Alex calls out my name when I get up from my chair and turn to leave his class. Oh, Goddess. Not now… I don’t have the energy to talk or hide my hatred for him, and I’m pretty sure that Ryker will be waiting for me outside; if he doesn’t find me outside of the classroom, he will come inside, and I don’t want them to fight. “You’re not dismissed yet,” he declares when I turn to look at him, feigning a sweet smile on my face.Why? I resist the urge to ask him that, and he waits for everyone else to leave while I sit back on the chair. He walks up to me and passes me a paper. “Don’t get late; it’s important,” he mutters and leaves. I heave a sigh of relief as he leaves and I read the paper in which he has written his number and a short message that he will meet me at 9 pm. That’s it…? I’m surprised; I had expected some more inform
Ryker“Is this the first time you’re actually not listening to me?” My voice is sharp, laced with a fury that’s threatening to boil over. “When we were together, not listening to me and doing exactly the opposite of what I told you was practically your favorite pastime. Did I ever hit you when you disobeyed me?”My words are icy, but beneath the anger, there’s a raw wound that’s been torn open. Does she not know me at all? Eight months and twenty-three days together, and she thinks I could ever hurt her? The thought alone is so offensive that it burns. I can’t even bring myself to look at her.“I…” She starts to speak, but I’ve already turned away, storming out of the classroom. I hear her call my name, but the sound barely registers. My feet move faster, driven by the need to escape before the anger consumes me. I will never hit her, no matter how furious I am, but I just don’t want to face her when I’m hurt because I know why she is doing it.It’s all because of that bastard. He has
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