The morning light seeped through the curtains, bathing Mia's room in a soft glow. She stretched out in bed, her body still tense from the events of the previous night. Tarlose’s sudden declaration, Zander’s cryptic warning it all swirled in her mind, leaving her more restless than she cared to admit.A soft knock startled her from her thoughts. She tensed, unsure of who it might be.“Mia,” Matthew’s voice called through the door. “Breakfast is ready.”She exhaled in relief. Matthew was the only one who showed her even the smallest bit of kindness in this house. “I’ll be down in a minute,” she replied.After quickly getting dressed, Mia hesitated at the door. Her stomach twisted at the thought of facing Zander or Tarlose again. But she couldn’t hide forever. Steeling herself, she opened the door and headed downstairs.The dining room was alive with chatter. Aiden and Liam sat at the table, already halfway through their plates, while Zander leaned against the counter, a mug of coffee in
Aiden turned sharply on his heel, heading back into the house, his thoughts a tangled mess. He couldn’t stand there any longer, staring at Mia like some lovesick fool. He needed to clear his head, to remind himself that Mia was untouchable. She wasn’t just the girl his father had brought into their lives; she was also trouble waiting to happen.Yet, no matter how many times he told himself to stay away, his feet carried him to the kitchen where he knew she had gone.The sound of clinking dishes greeted him as he entered. Mia was alone, tidying up the plates left behind from breakfast. Her back was to him, her ponytail swaying slightly as she worked. The sunlight streaming through the window caught on her dress, highlighting the delicate material as it fluttered with her movements.Aiden swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribs.“You don’t have to do that,” he said, his voice startlingly gruff.Mia turned to him, her brows lifting in surprise. “I don’t mind,” she replied sof
The pounding on Mia’s door grew louder, shaking her nerves as she stood frozen in place. She gripped the edge of her bed tightly, her breaths coming out uneven. The voice outside wasn’t one she recognized, and it only added to the sense of fear crawling up her spine.“Open up,” the voice demanded again, rough and impatient. “I know you’re in there.”Mia’s heart raced. Who could it be? Everyone was supposed to be downstairs, lost in the chaos of the party. She glanced at the door, unsure of what to do. Her instincts told her to stay put, but the pounding was relentless. Whoever it was, they weren’t planning to leave anytime soon.Her feet felt like they were glued to the floor as she whispered to herself, “Should I call someone? Should I scream?”Before she could decide, a faint noise from down the hall caught her attention. The pounding stopped abruptly, replaced by a tense silence. Mia didn’t dare move, her ears straining to catch any sound.The silence broke with a firm knock, diffe
The knock on the door seemed to echo in the silence of Mia’s room, louder than it had any right to be. Aiden stood between her and the door, his jaw tight, his shoulders squared. He glanced back at her, his eyes dark with warning.“Stay back,” he said firmly, his voice low but commanding.Mia nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She pressed herself against the wall, wishing she could melt into it and disappear. She watched as Aiden slowly reached for the doorknob, his hand steady despite the tension rolling off him.When he opened the door, a tall, shadowy figure stood on the other side. The man’s face was partially obscured by the dim lighting in the hallway, but his smirk was sharp and unsettling.“We’re here for the girl,” the man said, his voice smooth but laced with menace.Aiden didn’t flinch. His stance remained firm, his expression unreadable. “You’ve got the wrong room,” he said coolly.The man chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Mia’s spine. “Don’t play games with me
Mia’s pulse raced as the cold air of the hallway pressed against her skin. She struggled in the woman’s grasp, her nails scratching at the iron-like hand over her mouth. Panic and fury coursed through her veins, her body twisting and fighting. “Stay still, little girl,” the woman hissed, her tone cold and biting. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.” Mia’s muffled cries grew louder, her survival instincts kicking in. She stomped hard on the woman’s foot, hoping to break free. The woman growled in pain but didn’t loosen her hold. Instead, she yanked Mia closer, her voice now a venomous whisper. “If you want to live, stop fighting.” Tears burned Mia’s eyes, but her anger flared hot and untamed. She refused to be a victim. Summoning every ounce of strength she had, she threw her head back, striking the woman square in the face. A sharp curse escaped the woman as she released Mia momentarily. Mia stumbled forward, her heart pounding, but before she could scream, the woman gr
The woman stood in the dim light of the clearing, her expression sharp with frustration. She ran a hand through her hair, brushing away stray strands. “She’s not what I expected,” she repeated, her voice quieter this time. “Her powers are sealed, but if they unlock… it’ll be chaos. She’s a wolf, and there’s more to her than even she knows.”The man in the car leaned forward, his sharp features partially lit by the faint glow of his phone. “Sealed powers or not, we need to act now. If her wolf awakens, along with the rest, we’ll have more than a problem on our hands.”The woman crossed her arms, shifting her weight. “The boys won’t make this easy. Aiden especially he’s not just protective; he’s dangerous. Zander too. They know what she is, and they’re keeping her close.”The man smirked faintly, leaning back. “Aiden and Zander can’t protect her forever. Wolves may be strong, but they’re still vulnerable. Find their weaknesses. And the girl she has no control over her wolf, does she?”“
Matthew leaned against the railing of the balcony, his sharp eyes fixed on the dark woods surrounding the estate. The night air was cold, biting into his skin, but it didn’t bother him. His mind was far too busy to notice. Mia’s scent still lingered in the hallways, an intoxicating mix of sweetness and warmth that he couldn’t ignore. He hated how it affected him, how it pulled at the part of him he tried to bury.She didn’t belong here. She was too soft, too fragile for the chaos that surrounded their lives. Yet, she was here, and his wolf stirred every time she was close. His grip tightened on the railing until his knuckles turned white.The door to the balcony creaked open, and he didn’t have to look to know who it was. Her scent reached him before her soft steps did.“What do you want, Mia?” His voice was cold, clipped. He didn’t turn around.Mia hesitated, her hand resting on the doorframe. “I just wanted to talk to you,” she said quietly, her tone a mix of uncertainty and determi
Liam’s footsteps were quiet as he walked down the hallway, his wolf restless and pacing in his mind. Something was drawing him toward her, an invisible thread he couldn’t ignore.He told himself it was just curiosity. He’d heard whispers, felt the shift in the air since Mia had arrived. Matthew was on edge, more protective than usual, and Zander had hinted Mia is not a simple yet weak girl. But deep down, Liam knew this wasn’t just about her being an outsider in their world.It was about her. Mia.His heart thudded as he approached her room, his senses sharpening. The faint sound of her breathing reached his ears, steady and soft. His wolf growled low, a possessive sound that caught him off guard."She’s ours," his wolf whispered, the voice raw and commanding.Liam hesitated at the door, his hand hovering over the handle. He shouldn’t be here. He should turn around and leave her to rest. But something inside him wouldn’t let him.Slowly, he pushed the door open, careful not to make a
The grand hall of the Blood Moon Pack was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sound of joyous howls as the welcome ceremony officially began. Emma stood beside Ryker at the center, her hands clasped together as she took in the sight before her. The pack members had gathered around, their faces glowing with happiness. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The scent of fresh flowers and burning incense filled the air, making the moment feel almost surreal.Jaxon stepped forward, his expression serious yet proud. “Tonight, we welcome our Luna, Emma, into our pack. Though she is human, she carries the heart of a wolf, and she will stand beside our Alpha as our leader.”A chorus of howls filled the room, making Emma’s chest tighten with emotion. She wasn’t used to such grand celebrations, especially not one centered around her. Ryker gently squeezed her hand, silently reassuring her.Jaxon continued, “As tradition, we offer a toast to our Luna.”Servants moved through the crowd, handi
Emma sat beside Ryker in the car, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress as the vehicle moved deeper into his territory. The road was lined with towering trees, their branches forming a natural tunnel that gave the path a mysterious yet peaceful look. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding faster with every passing second.Ryker reached over and gently took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. “Relax, love,” he murmured, his deep voice soothing. “You have nothing to worry about. They’re going to love you.”Emma forced a smile, but the nerves wouldn’t go away. She wasn’t just meeting his pack, she was stepping into an entirely different world. A world where she was the only human.The car slowed as they neared a tall iron gate. Several guards stood at attention, their sharp eyes scanning the vehicle before they immediately bowed their heads in respect. One of them pressed a button, and the gate creaked open, revealing the vast land of the Blood Moon Pack.Emma’s eyes
The tension in the air was thick as Emma’s father, Dreke Steven, sat in his grand study, his sharp gaze fixed on Ryker. The hunting trip had been grueling, a test of patience, skill, and sheer willpower. But Ryker had proved himself. He didn’t just survive, he dominated. He showed Emma’s brothers that he wasn’t just an Alpha King by title but a man who could stand his ground, protect what was his, and never back down.Now, the final decision rested with her father.Emma stood beside her father’s chair, her hands curled together anxiously. Her brothers, Daniel and David, sat on the other side of the room, their faces unreadable. Ryker, however, was as calm as ever, his piercing eyes locked on Drake's, waiting.After what felt like an eternity, Drake finally leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. “So… You didn’t run away,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone.Ryker smirked slightly. “I don’t run from anything.”David chuckled under his breath, while Daniel remained stoic.Dreke
The morning light filtered through the large windows of the Stevens’ estate,The scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air as the family gathered for breakfast. Emma sat next to Ryker, her fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of her dress. She could feel the weight of her father’s gaze on them, steady and unreadable.Dreke Steven, the powerful and respected head of the family, sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes assessing Ryker with quiet intensity. Beside him, Daniel, Emma’s eldest brother, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression unreadable but his protective instincts clear. David, the more easygoing of the two, smirked slightly as he stole a glance at Ryker.Emma’s heart pounded in her chest. She had grown up in a home filled with love, never having to fight for approval or acceptance. But today felt different. Today, she needed her family to see Ryker the way she did. Strong. Loyal. The only man who could truly protect her.The clinki
Emma had always been the heart of her family. From the moment she was born, she had been loved, cherished, and protected. Her father, Dreke Steven, made sure that nothing in the world could ever hurt her. She had never known struggle, never faced rejection, never been scolded harshly. She was their little princess, their treasure.Her elder brother, Daniel, had taken it upon himself to guard her like a fortress. He believed Emma was too pure for the world, too naïve to understand its cruelty. Though she was intelligent and capable, she had lived a life free from hardships, where everything had been carefully provided for her. She had never experienced betrayal, heartbreak . And that was exactly how her family wanted to keep it.Her other brother, David, was more observant. He understood Emma better than anyone. Unlike Daniel, who openly shielded her from everything, David had always been the quiet protector, watching over her from the shadows.To them, Emma was not just a daughter or
Fear sits heavy in your chest as you stare at your reflection in the mirror. Your hands grip the edges of the sink, knuckles turning white. The thought of facing your father and elder brother, Daniel, makes your stomach twist in knots. What if they don’t accept Ryker? What if they try to keep you away from him? You can’t bear the idea of losing him, not now, not after everything.A shaky breath escapes your lips, and before you know it, tears well up in your eyes. You don’t want to cry, but the emotions are too much to hold in. You press a hand to your chest, feeling your heart pounding hard.“What if they say no?” you whisper to yourself.A strong pair of arms wrap around your waist from behind, pulling you into a firm, familiar warmth. Ryker. His scent fresh and masculine with a hint of something wild fills your senses, grounding you. His chin rests on your shoulder, his lips brushing against your ear.“What’s running in that little head of yours, baby?” His deep, smooth voice sends
Emma sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest. The warmth of last night still lingered on her skin, but as she looked at Ryker, a wave of uneasiness formed in her chest. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of the oversized shirt she had thrown on his shirt.Ryker, lying lazily against the pillows, watched her with a smirk. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” His voice was deep, smooth, but there was an edge of curiosity in his tone.Emma hesitated before speaking. “Only David knows about us.” Her voice was soft, unsure. “My father and my brothers… they don’t know anything yet.”Ryker’s smirk faded slightly, his blue eyes narrowing as he sat up. “And your mother?”Emma opened her mouth to respond but felt a sharp sting in her chest. Her mother. The mere thought of her made Emma’s throat tighten. Before she could stop herself, her vision blurred, and tears welled in her eyes.“Emma?” Ryker’s voice was now softer, but with a touch of concern. He imme
Emma POV The soft glow of morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the luxurious interior of Ryker’s vanity van. My body felt warm, wrapped in the cocoon of his strong arms. My legs were tangled with his, and my cheeks burned as the memories of last night came rushing back.I had never felt like that before, never knowing my body could respond to someone’s touch in such an overwhelming way. And Ryker… he had been so gentle yet so dominant, taking his time to make me feel things I had never experienced.I stirred slightly, shifting under the silk sheets. That’s when I felt Ryker's lips pressing soft, lazy kisses along my shoulder. A shiver ran down my spine as his fingers traced slow circles on my bare waist.“Good morning, my little lamb,” he murmured, his deep voice thick with sleep and desire.I bit my lip, trying to suppress the smile threatening to form. “Morning…” I whispered, my voice barely audible.His hand slid lower, resting possessively on my hi
Emma blinked up at Ryker, her wide, innocent eyes reflecting the dim golden glow of the vanity van’s soft lighting. There was trust in her gaze, but also a flicker of nervousness, something new and unfamiliar blooming inside her. Ryker could see that she was feeling things she had never felt before. And damn, if it didn’t make him want her even more.His fingers traced the side of her face, his touch featherlight yet possessive. “You’re mine, Emma,” he murmured, his voice husky with restraint. “Only mine.”She swallowed hard, her breath hitching when he leaned in, his lips brushing the curve of her jaw. “I know,” she whispered, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt.Ryker’s smirk deepened. “You don’t know how much I’ve waited for this,” he said, his hand sliding down to rest against her waist. He could feel her warmth, her body trembling slightly under his touch. He wanted to take his time, to savor every moment. She was too precious, too delicate.Emma blushed as she felt