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
AzuraElysia passes me a teasing look, but I frown at her. His words stir my wolf; she gets impressed and desperately wants to be his Luna. I choose not to respond to his adamant statement as Dante nods his head obediently, and there is no point in arguing since he won’t disobey his Alpha at any cost.“Why do we have to leave?” Dante pouts, sitting on the bed with his arms crossed. “We are here to give you company, and Elysia can’t return to her coven anymore.”My eyes narrow at them, not understanding why she can’t return to her pack. She is a high witch, so I doubt anyone would stop her from entering the coven again. Besides, as far as I know, the coven isn’t a prison; the witches are free to go and come back from anywhere.We were so busy tackling my issues that we forgot to even know the reason why they came here abruptly. “What am I missing, Dante?” Ryker demands, shooting a death glare at his Beta. Dante glances at him with unease, his face contorting as he gets up from the be
RykerDante’s cheeks are flushed, an unfamiliar sight on him. The usually aloof and hardened Beta, who'd scoffed at commitment and never gave a second glance to a woman he spent the night with, is now blushing innocently. Dante was such a fuckboy, I never imagined him getting settled. It’s almost amusing to see him in this rare, vulnerable state.You are also going to settle down soon, my wolf remarks while grinning like a lost cause. It’s just a contract marriage, I tell him sharply, not wanting him to build his hopes up for wanting something more than that because I will never want to get settled with any girl, even if she is Azura, the strongest and prettiest she-wolf. Marriage is not for me, and I’m not made for marriage.My wolf pouts sulkingly, feeling disappointed in me. What can you expect from the lone wolf raised on the fringes who had the worst childhood without any of his parents? Elysia’s soft voice pulls me away from my thoughts. “Thank you,” she murmurs, and I can't he
AzuraMy heart pounds in my chest as I see the picture of Ella kissing Nolan. I stare at the picture for a little longer than I should because I’m unable to believe my eyes. She is my best friend, and she would never hide something from me.I can’t doubt Ella; she is the only person who trusted me when my mate and the people whom I called my family turned a blind eye to me. “This can’t be true,” I announce, shaking my head in denial. Ryker and Elyia look at me with concern, while Dante looks surprised. He knows Ella; we all studied together in the academy, and they used to be best friends at a time until I broke up with Ryker and they never talked again.“It might be a trap weaved by Alex; he knows that she is my best friend, so he is using her against me. I don’t trust this,” I say with determination, throwing the picture away and turning my heels on.“Where do you think you’re going, Azura? It’s not safe for you to walk alone,” Ryker says softly, pulling me back before I can reach
Azura“What happened?” Alex asks when he notices me looking around; thanks to the goddess, he lets go of my face. I shake my head and smile at him. “Nothing. Um, what did you want to talk about, Professor Alex?” “I wanted to show you something in the woods. I have killed those fuckers who tried to kill you,” he says proudly.I gasp, faking shock, because I don’t believe that he will go that far just to make me believe that he is on my side. “Did you really kill them?” My wolf cringes at my acting, scolding me for acting like a stupid, silly, teenage girl who will get impressed by such things. I agree with her, but I have to play my part to make him believe that he is gaining my affection, and I’m getting impressed by him.“Are you doubting me?” He raises his brows at me.“Oh, my goddess. No, no,” I deny, pouting. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t doubting you. I was just shocked.” I lower my gaze, looking at my feet and rolling my eyes.“It’s okay. I was just teasing you, Azura,” he says, puttin
Ryker“I told you it was a bad idea to go after her,” Elysia says with hesitation. I had asked her to cast an invisible spell on me and had used a toner to mask my scent so no one would feel my presence, but it backfired on me because I was unable to hide my fury when I saw that bastard touching her again.Fucking motherfucker. How dare he touch her when he knows that she is mine? Not just that, he was trying so hard to win her affection and trust.My wolf growled, agreeing with me, as he also wasn’t able to restrain his anger when he heard that bastard say that we were just using her. “Yes, Alpha. I knew that you wouldn’t be able to tolerate seeing her with someone else,” Dante also chimes in, sighing.“Will you both shut your fucking mouths? I don’t need a lecture right now.” I let out a growl, and they flinch, bowing to me in surrender. “You both are leaving from here tonight,” I order adamantly, not wanting to argue on this subject anymore.“But Alpha, she won’t be safe there sin
Ryker“Are you trying to avoid me?” Azura’s voice is laced with desperation as she struggles to keep up with me, her breath coming in quick, shallow bursts. Her legs, though small, move with determined energy as she tries to match my pace.I feel her presence like a shadow, but I keep my gaze fixed ahead. After coming back from her meeting with Alex, she went straight to bed without having dinner, avoiding any conversation, so I decided to avoid her if that’s what she wanted. Even this morning, I couldn’t bring myself to speak to her.“No,” I say, the word cold and clipped, my eyes refusing to meet hers. Liar, my wolf snarls in my mind, reminding me how I ignored her earlier when she offered me more pancakes. Her voice was so sweet and concerned, but I just gave a curt nod, denying it, and didn’t even utter a single word.“Stop sulking like a child, Ryker. It was necessary, you know. You were the one who asked me to pretend as if I’m falling for his gimmicks, so how could I shake his
AzuraThe doctor returns, her demeanor calm and focused. A nurse follows her, carrying a tray with bandages, ointment, and a cold compress. She stands beside the bed, applying the ointment to reduce the swelling, before carefully wrapping my ankle with a supportive bandage. The cold compress follows, its numbing chill providing relief from the pain. Her hands move with practiced precision, ensuring the bandage is secure. She offers a reassuring smile before quietly slipping out of the room, leaving Ryker and me alone in the stillness.“The Alpha King is your father, so the combat is canceled anyway since you’re the Princess who will inherit his title,” he says in a hushed tone, careful to ensure no one overhears our conversation.I turn my face to the wall, my pride refusing to let him see my tears. “I’m not sure if I’m his daughter,” I reply, my voice strained but resolute as I try to keep my composure.“You are, Azura,” he insists, his voice firm and reassuring. “Now, let’s go back 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