RuinGreat fucking going, Ruin, you gave her a kiss. A bloody forehead kiss! As if my life wasn’t already a tangled mess, now I’ve gone and added another knot to it—a knot named Chloe Jane.I close my eyes, but the image of her, looking up at me with those unseeing eyes, trusting and innocent, haunts me. The last thing she needs is more confusion, more uncertainty. And what do I do? I lay a kiss on her like some bloody love-struck fool. I’m a fucking idiot who needs to keep his emotions on a tighter leash. I’ve never been this reckless before, and Chloe Jane’s vulnerable as it is.It’s been hours since I turned in, but I can’t seem to sleep while replaying the events of this afternoon in my head. I overstepped, there’s no denying that. I’ve been overstepping since the moment I arrived, letting my guard down, letting her in. That needs to stop. I need to stop.There was a time when I didn’t give a fuck about people’s feelings; when I completely gave into who I was without remorse. Tha
Chloe JaneI need to breathe. I need to breathe. I can’t be around this man anymore. Everything in me is telling me to ask Ruin to take me home, but no matter how many times I try to get his attention, he brushes me off.Did I do something wrong? Why is he being so cold to me? I thought we turned a new page yesterday, and got closer than before, but it seems I was wrong. He’s barely spoken to me today, when he would usually chirp in when I’m deep in thought.Then again, he promised he wouldn’t overstep again, so this must be him doing that. But he also promised to protect me, and now he’s not doing it. All through the dinner I had to be polite, to make conversation with people who I can tell pitied me, all while staying on Alpha Mason’s arm. He introduces me as ‘the Sovereign’s daughter, Chloe Jane, and my soon-to-be Luna’ as if those titles are more important than my own name.I hate being here.After I can’t take it anymore, I ask Ruin to walk with me to the ladies’ room while givi
Chloe JaneAll too soon, we’re back at our estate, and when Ruin opens the door for me, I remove my mobility cane from my handbag and walk inside. I can hear him hesitating, but I need to be alone right now.“Please don’t follow me,” I throw over my shoulder, but I know he won’t listen to me. It’s his job to watch over me, as he always tells me.While walking out toward the back garden, I drop his coat and remove the pins from my hair, throwing them down as I walk. As soon as my curls tumble out of its confines, I feel like myself again. I reach a place close to the woods at the back and sit down on the dewy grass, not caring that I may be damaging the dress I’m wearing. Then I pull my knees up and rest my forehead on them before the tears start to fall.Fat and blind. I’ve never been spoken about with such contempt before and all because of a man I don’t even want. That’s one thing about growing up sheltered my entire life; I had no idea people could be so cruel.Actually, I didn’t
RuinI’m pacing the bedroom with my phone against my ear, waiting for Ryker to bloody pick up. Things have escalated; I’ve gotten way too close to Chloe Jane. Either I reject this bond and leave here, or I take her with me. But I am not going to allow her to be married to that cunt who doesn’t even deserve the title of Alpha.Ryker picks up his cell as I’m pacing. “I know what you’re going to say—”“You have no fucking idea what I’m about to say, mate,” I growl, trying to get my emotions in check. “This is about Chloe Jane, yes, but there’s so much more going on here than we think.”He’s silent for a beat, then he sighs. “Okay, hit me. What am I not aware of?”Honestly, it feels odd hearing Ryker say something like this since he’s literally ‘all knowing’. It feels like The Creators are taking all of us for a ride as of late, but that’s not something I can mention to Ryker since he serves them blindly.“The Alpha Chloe Jane is engaged to, there’s something going on with him,” I start.
Chloe JaneMy hands won’t stop shaking and my heart is sitting in my throat. I’ve been nibbling on my muesli for the last few minutes with absolutely no appetite, because the reality of what I’ve done is finally setting in.I know my father won’t choose me, and that’s what hurts the most. He’ll be calling me up to his office soon to give me a talking to and to tell me I’m being selfish because my decision will impact everyone.As if I don’t know that already. It’s been drilled into me that the wellbeing of the pack, no matter how small, is more important than one singular person. But I’m not going to allow myself to be sold just because my father had an agreement with Alpha Mason.I don’t care if he’s going to be the next Sovereign in line. Just as I throw my spoon down, ready to tell Ruin to take me out to the back garden, I faintly hear the tap-tap-tap of Kim’s heels sprinting toward me. I take a deep breath, knowing she’s going to rip me a new one, so as I rise to my feet, I alrea
RuinMy eyes flicker to Chloe Jane in the rear view mirror. She hasn’t moved a muscle since we left Chicago at our last refuel, and hasn’t spoken to me since I told her not to interfere with my duty to protect her. Not even on the last three pit stops; she’s been unbearably silent.But there’s no way in hell I’m taking her back to that mansion, not after hearing the fear in Kim’s voice and listening to the faint gunshots in the background of the call. I know it’s that cunt Mason, or whoever he is, doing this. And with me taking Chloe Jane, everything can easily be pinned on me.But I’d rather face that than let any harm come to her.My cell phone rings and I know it’s Ryker before I even answer it. “It’s not safe to speak,” I say in German as soon as I answer. “I have her with me.”“Are you fucking insane, Deacon?!” he roars, using my fucking human given name as an added punch to the fucking gut. “There’s a bounty on your head. What the hell happened?”I breathe out a sigh, needing to
Chloe JaneMy life has drastically changed in the space of +-36 hours. I’m no longer the daughter of a Sovereign; I’m on the run with a bodyguard who has a bounty on his head, a fugitive..After meeting with the vampire, which was terrifying in itself, we did exactly what Ruin said we would, and now we’re on the way to a safe house. I have never felt so out of my depth in my life, and that’s coming from a blind girl.Knowing Kim and my father could be dead is still a heartbreaking possibility, but then again I didn’t feel our link snapping like I did when my mother died. That’s the only thing keeping me going right now.But that also means that Mason could be holding them hostage doing Goddess knows what to them. I shake my head, trying to put that thought on the back burner. It won’t help to be negative right now; I have to stay strong even if the guilt is eating me alive.“We’re here,” Ruin says as he brings the car to a stop. I breathe out a sigh and wait for him, feeling even more
RuinIt’s been ten days.I stand with my arms crossed, leaning against the back door and watching her sit alone beneath the oak tree again. She’s always up early, murmurs nothing but a ‘good morning’ and a ‘thank you’ when I have her breakfast ready. After the first night here, I decided to give her some time to herself. We’re miles from anywhere and honestly, I trust Valentine’s word that no one will be coming out this side. Sighing, I walk back inside and grab the encrypted cell phone from the counter.I type out ‘safe’ to Ryker, whose number I have memorized, and send the message. I know he won’t respond to it, not right now, anyway. Pocketing the phone, I hang my head in my hands and breathe out a long sigh.Chloe Jane doesn’t talk to me anymore, and I honestly don’t blame her. I promised to find out what happened to her family, and there’s just nothing to tell. Everything is silent, as if nothing went down at Edward’s estate.First the car chase, where it felt like someone was r
Phoebe The forest always feels like a different world, a place where I can shed the weight of expectations and just be Phoebe. Not Phoebe, the daughter of Horseman Conquest and A Fate, not the leader-in-waiting of the next generation, just... me. Here, I can escape the destiny that’s been mine since before I was born. It’s a heavy crown, one that requires me to be more than I sometimes feel capable of being. My parents, Goddess bless them, they try to understand, but there’s a part of this journey I have to navigate alone. My brothers, too, they’re caught up in their own destinies, each of us a cog in a machine set in motion before we were even born. Today, the forest feels alive, almost buzzing with a silent energy that speaks directly to my soul. I wander, letting my feet guide me, drawn deeper into the heart of this secluded place. There’s a part of me that dreads returning home, to plaster a smile on my face and pretend all is well. It’s exhausting, playing that role when in
Deacon The room’s dimmed to just a whisper of light, casting soft shadows across Chloe Jane and our daughter, both of them sleeping soundly. It’s quiet now. The earlier flurry of visitors with their well-wishes and blessings has ebbed away, leaving just the three of us in a peaceful bubble. I’m sitting in a chair pulled up close to the bed, elbows on my knees, chin on my hands, just watching them. Chloe Jane’s got this peaceful look on her face, the kind of serenity you don’t often find in the waking world. And our daughter, nestled in her little bassinet next to her, is just as tranquil. It’s a picture I wish I could frame, keep safe forever. I lean back; the chair creaking softly under my weight, and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. It’s moments like these, rare and fleeting, that make you ponder the grand scheme of things. The Creators had a plan for me, a path laid out since the dawn of my existence. Being a Horseman comes with its burdens, its expectatio
Chloe JaneThe world snaps into sharp focus with a jolt, my body tensing as a sharp pain slices through my belly, ripping me from the depths of sleep. My breath catches, a soft whimper escaping as I instinctively reach for my stomach, the realization crashing over me like a wave.Deacon is by my side in an instant, his eyes wide with concern and sleep-fuzzed confusion. “Chloe Jane? What is it? What’s wrong?”“It’s … I think it’s time,” I manage to gasp out, another wave of pain crashing over me.“Bloody hell,” he mutters, more to himself than to me, as he switches on the lamp. The soft light fills the room, casting shadows that dance across the walls, doing little to ease the growing tension.He helps me sit up, his movements gentle but quick, his concern palpable. “Let’s get you comfortable, yeah?” he says, helping me into a robe. His voice is steady, but I can hear the undercurrent of worry, the faintest tremor that betrays his nerves.I nod, leaning heavily on him as another contra
Chloe JaneSitting across from Ryker in his office, the seriousness of the moment weighs heavily on me. The room feels too large, his desk a barrier of polished wood, but I’m here with a purpose that fuels my resolve. The shadows cast by the low light seem to dance around him, making him appear both as the formidable Alpha he is and the mentor I need him to be at this moment.“Ryker, I’ve been thinking a lot about what my next steps should be,” I start, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach. “With my father...with what happened, there’s a void in leadership, and I believe I should step in. To lead in his place, as Sovereign.”Ryker leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The silence stretches between us, thick and heavy, until he finally nods, his demeanor serious. “It’s a bold move, Chloe Jane. You have the vision and the heart for it, but it’s not going to be easy. Especially not in the current climate.”I nod, expecting no less. “I know it won’t be. But
RuinI never expected to feel the absolute completion that came with seeing Chloe Jane walking down the aisle toward me. I thought I was made of stronger stuff, but apparently not when it comes to the love of my life.As it should be.The moment she steps into my arms for our first dance, it’s like the world shifts under my feet. I’ve faced down monsters, fought battles that would turn a weaker man’s blood to ice, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the weight of her gaze on me, filled with love and trust.I pull her closer, our bodies moving together in rhythm with the music, a soft melody that somehow seems to echo the beat of our hearts. “You’re bloody stunning, love,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. “Never thought I’d be the type to get all twisted up inside over a dance.”Chloe Jane laughs, that sound that’s come to mean everything to me. “And yet, here you are,” she says, her hands resting on my shoulders, her eyes sparkling. “Dancing with your wife in front of
Chloe JaneThe air feels charged today, thick with anticipation and the kind of nervous energy that makes my skin prickle. I’m standing in the bridal room, my reflection staring back at me, barely recognizable. My belly is massive now, a constant reminder of the life Deacon and I have created together. It’s hard to believe that in just a few moments, I’ll be walking down the aisle, making everything official in the eyes of our pack and the powerful Alphas gathered here today.Leianna is with me, her presence a calming force amidst the chaos of my thoughts. She’s been my rock through all of this. I couldn’t ask for a better friend or a better person to be here with me today. As I pace back and forth, trying to quell the nausea that’s been my constant companion this evening. I halt my pacing and look at her, desperation clear in my gaze. [“I don’t know if I can do this,”] I sign, my hands shaky. [“Chloe Jane, everything will be perfect,”] she signs, her hands moving with grace. [“Yo
RuinI’m sitting across from Ryker, my hands clenched into fists on my knees. The silence in the office is thick, almost tangible, as I muster the courage to voice what’s been haunting me for years. Ryker’s gaze is steady, patient, waiting for me to speak.“I want to tell Chloe Jane about my past,” I finally say, the words tasting like ash in my mouth.Ryker’s eyebrows shoot up, surprise etching his features for a moment before he leans back in his chair, nodding slowly. “That’s a big step, Ruin. But it’s a good one. Purging yourself of that past... Chloe Jane will understand. She loves you.”I nod, not entirely convinced but appreciating his support. “Yeah, I just... I don’t want there to be secrets between us. Not about something this big; something that shaped me this round of my reincarnation.”“Good man,” Ryker says, his voice warm with approval. “You’re doing the right thing.”Ryker was the one who found me starving and out of my mind on the streets. He’s the one who took me in
Chloe JaneI’m seated in the cozy living room of our cottage, surrounded by wedding planners and notebooks. The idea of planning a wedding in the middle of the War of The Five feels surreal, yet here I am, trying to pick out floral arrangements and seating charts. Ryker had gently insisted that we invite the Alphas of our allied packs, a strategic move given the circumstances of the war. I understand the necessity, though it’s far from the small ceremony I originally wanted. But these are strange times now. We need to show our allies that we appreciate them, even if it’s only a wedding.A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I’m expecting Leianna, and a smile spreads across my face at the thought of spending the afternoon with her. I hurry over and open the door to find her standing there, a tentative smile on her face.[“Hey, come in,”] I sign, stepping aside to let her through. She nods, her smile growing as she steps into the warmth of the cottage.After a light lunch, wh
Ruin “Spent years blind, only for my fiance to blind me again,” I can’t help but chuckle at Chloe Jane’s words as I lead her into the forest behind the pack house. She’s been complaining about the blindfold for the last few minutes, but I want her to have the full effect of the gift I’ve been working on since she’s been gone. “Oh, aren't we overdramatic. Do Fates have zero patience or something? Hold your horses, we’re almost there, dove,” I say as we walk, only for her to pout more. She’s only been back for a day and she’s already more bossy than before, bloody hell. As we step into the clearing, I can’t help but feel nervous at what her reaction might be. Will she like it? Will she say it’s silly? I suppose I’ll find out in a few seconds. I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “I’ve been working on this for a while now,” I murmur into her ear. “Welcome home, love.” Then I kiss her soft cheek and remove her blind fold from her eyes. She sucks in a sharp breat