Enjoy the third update of the day, lovelies. Good night.
RykerSomething feels off here, my wolf whispers in my mind as I watch Bertha, noting the subtle discomfort she tries to mask with a forced smile and the small gulp she fails to fully conceal.“Do you know him, Aunt?” Elysia asks, her tone light but probing.“No, honey,” Bertha waves her off with a loud laugh. But it’s a white lie, one I can sense easily as her fear lingers in the air. What is she so afraid of? I’m certain she knows Alex or, at the very least, has heard of him.Bertha clears her throat, her eyes shifting between Azura and Elysia. “So, what’s the deal with Alex and you, Princess? Is he chasing after you, and you’re not interested? Or is this linked to some past enmity between your families?” She flips her hair with ease, her fingers creating a chair from thin air before she settles into it with a satisfied smile. “You’re quick to catch on,” Azura responds with a smirk. “I’m already married, and he doesn’t take no for an answer.”My grip on Azura’s hand tightens at the
AzuraThe ancient spells swirl around me like an eerie lullaby, the witches' voices blending into a hauntingly rhythmic hum. The circle of fire grows higher, its flames leaping and dancing with an almost sentient energy. The heat is intense, its glow casting long, wavering shadows that make the room seem alive with dark, flickering shapes.Ryker gets up and pushes his way through the invisible barrier that pushed him away, but he fails, falling at a greater distance this time. “Ryker,” a scream escapes through my lips. I turn to Bertha, my eyes blazing with anger. “Let him come to me. If you want to harm me, just tell me. Spare him. If anything happens to him, I will make you fucking pay for it.” Bertha rolls her eyes at me, saying nothing and continuing to chant her spell, while Elysia, sensing my panic, offers a calming glance that helps ease some of my anxiety. “I’m fine,” Ryker calls out, though his voice is strained. I turn to look at him, my breath catching as I see the blood
AzuraThe sun casts its first light through the narrow window of my room, filtering in golden rays that warm my skin. The previous day’s events are still vivid in my mind—Bertha’s ritual, the searing flames, and the bittersweet reunion with my wolf. I rise from bed with a mixture of relief and apprehension. I glance around, but Ryker and Elysia are nowhere to be seen. As I walk into the bathroom to find Ryker since Elysia might be out to call Dante or simply have a walk, I notice a small note beside my toothbrush. It reads, “We are going for a morning jog, giving you alone time to prepare yourself for today.”It’s Ryker’s handwriting; I can recognize it within seconds. I’m grateful he didn’t wake me up for the morning training session. I appreciate the break and his understanding. The emotions swirling inside me are hard to ignore; they overwhelm me, and a lone tear slips from my left eye.Is the Alpha King really my father? And if he is, will he be able to recognize me? How will I fa
RykerThe morning sun barely warms the chilled air as I stand on the training grounds, my gaze fixed on the distant figure of Azura—or rather, Elias, as the academy knows her. Today isn’t just another competition; it’s a battlefield where destinies are forged, and I can feel the weight of what’s to come pressing on my shoulders. Every muscle in my body is coiled tight, ready to spring, but my focus is split between the fight ahead and the woman who refuses to take even her father's help. I can't wait for my plan to unfold.Elysia smirks at me as I look at her, gesturing to her to begin the task that I had assigned to her in the early morning.Azura stands with her posture strong, but I know her too well. Under that calm exterior, she’s battling her own demons—her newfound identity, the looming presence of the Alpha King, and the secrets that threaten to unravel everything. I can see the tension in her stance and the way her eyes flicker with the weight of what she’s learned. She’s stro
AzuraThe weight of his gaze burns into my back, like a searing through my disguise. I know it’s him—the Alpha King. My father. The man who should’ve been my protector, but instead, he’s just another threat looming over me, unaware of the truth. My heart hammers in my chest, a wild drumbeat that echoes in my ears. The cool morning air does little to calm the fire racing through my veins, ignited by a mix of fear, anger, and the bitter irony of it all.I can feel his eyes on me, scrutinizing and assessing, completely oblivious to the blood that binds us. Every instinct screams at me to turn around, to face him, to see if there’s even a flicker of recognition in his eyes. But I don’t. I can’t. I’m supposed to be Elias, the Alpha of the Dark Shadow Pack, not the daughter he never knew existed. If he knew, if he even suspected... I shudder to think what that might mean. Will he punish me for disguising myself as my cousin and breaking the rules of the academy by entering here and deceiving
Azura“Don’t touch me.” I yank my hand away from Ryker’s grip as we follow Alex down the corridor.He cocks a brow at me, his expression tinged with concern. ‘Why do I feel like you’re not doing this to impress Alex but because you’re upset with me?’Is he serious? Does he really not understand how wrong it was to keep such a crucial secret from me, especially when I needed his help the most? I ignore him, shutting off our mind link. I’m not in the mood for his constant pestering in my head.“If she doesn’t want you to touch her, then you need to respect her wishes,” Alex declares, stopping in the corridor and shooting us both a stern look.Ryker scoffs, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “And who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? Don’t push my limits, History Professor. I’m not here to follow your damn rules.” He wraps his arm around my waist again, and I struggle to push it away, but his grip only tightens.“I’m not your territory, Ryker,” I growl, my anger flaring.“You don’t kno
RykerAzura’s breath hitches, her eyes dropping to the ground as she bows to the King, closing the door behind her. I can see the hurt flash across her face before she masks it with that familiar, indifferent smile, hiding her pain behind it. “I apologize for coming late.” She murmurs.“We just started,” The King gestures to her to take her seat. “She was one of the academy’s brightest students, and I taught her myself. I can vouch for her innocence. Azura couldn’t even harm an insect, let alone her own father,” Alex asserts grimly, trying to sway the Alpha King’s judgment.The King’s gaze shifts to me, waiting for my input as Azura silently takes the seat beside me. “She’s the strongest she-wolf I’ve ever known, but she’s not a coward,” I begin, my voice firm. “She’d defend herself, and she is very much capable of killing anyone who threatens the safety of her loved ones, but killing the man she loved the most? That’s not who she is. Azura isn’t a monster; she’s the most kind-hearte
RykerAs we step out of Alex’s office, a smirk naturally curves my lips. The air seems lighter now; the oppressive tension from the meeting is finally beginning to lift. I cast a sidelong glance at Azura, who still wears that intensely serious expression. Her blush, once vivid, is now fading, leaving her features more serene but equally stern. The Alpha King strides ahead of us, his guards following him, whose presence didn’t bother me earlier but now does when they send a mocking glance at Azura, while Alex lingers on his left, clearly out of his depth.‘Come on, lighten up a little,’ I coax, nudging her gently with my elbow. ‘We made it through the meeting without triggering any catastrophic events, and the King agreed to help you as you had wished.’Azura’s eyes roll with practiced disdain, though a tiny, reluctant smile tugs at the corners of her lips. ‘Surviving a meeting is hardly cause for celebration, Ryker. And the culprit is not found yet, so I can’t be at peace.’‘Not yet, b
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