Ryan POV “Alpha Ryan, do you accept this bond? This duty? This Luna?”The words hung there.Silence.The whole world seemed to have frozen for a minute. The elder’s words still lingered in the air. “No, I can’t.”The words fell from my lips, low and soft.A sharp gasp from the crowd. A murmur, a ripple of confusion, shock amongst them.Crystal stiffened, her eyes wide open. “Ryan… ”I stepped back, looking at her, my eyes filled with pity.The elder’s brow furrowed, his gaze sharp. “Alpha.. ”“I can’t,” I said again, louder this time, clearer and more sure. The crowd went dead silent. Crystal’s eyes went wide, her breath hitching. “You—this is—Ryan, you don’t mean that.” Her voice shook, but not with sadness. With rage.“I do.” My jaw clenched. “I never should have—”I exhaled sharply. Shook my head.“This was a mistake.”The whispers became shouts.Chaos. Shock.I didn’t care.Because for the first time in forever—I wasn’t lying.I turned to Elena, the shock on her face wasn't
Elena’s POVA defeaning silence filled the gathering.It was thick and suffocating.I stood still, watching. Watching how I loose my mate to my stepsister. Ryan’s voice rang through the hall, steady, unwavering, final.“No, I can’t.”What? My eyes cracked wide open. The words echoed in my head, bouncing off every wall of my mind.Crystal flinched like she’d been struck, her eyes wide, her fingers trembling. “This was a mistake.” his voice came again.The whispers started immediately. Gasps. Shock. The entire pack was stunned.None more than me. Ryan didn’t waver.“Enough!” His firm, loud voice thundered through the room. “Crystal is a beautiful woman,” he started. “A strong, capable warrior. She would make any man proud.”Even I could tell what was coming next…The rejection.“But she is not my mate.”She wasn't, I was! But right now, I didn't know whether to be guilty or proud. “I cannot stand before my pack, before my ancestors, and take a Luna that does not hold my bond.” Hi
~Elena~“I do!!”I heard the gentle voice of a woman, whistle into my ears. The air in the grand hall was thick with tension, the sweet scent of roses and the soft hum of the orchestra doing little to mask the storm brewing in my chest.My father, Zaphyr, the Alpha of the pack, stood at the altar, his strong figure like a pillar of granite.His broad shoulders filled out the tailored suit, the fine fabric barely containing the power that rests beneath his skin. Beside him, his new bride, and now my new stepmother.She wore smiles with eyes that glimmer like she’s won some prize. But for me it's wasn't victory. It's betrayal.I stood to the side, my dress tight around my breasts, a mockery of what I should be feeling on a day like today.The bridesmaid's role should be one of joy, of support. But as I watched them, my heart throbbed with disgust. I can’t breathe right. The tears that had threatened to fall earlier are gone, replaced by a simmering rage.“You may now, kiss your bride!
^~Elena~My favourite part of every morning, walking through the forest. There was nothing more refreshing than inhaling the fresh scent of leaves. The forest felt a little heavier than usual, the air thick with damp earth and the faint scent of wild berries. My boots crunched over dried leaves as I followed closely behind Crystal. Gilhirst, our house mistress, had asked us to fill up our baskets with apples. That could only mean one thing, there must be a special occasion.And also, Gilhirst is going to bake her famous, apple cake!! "You’re useless, ," Crystal's stern voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Do you even know how to pick fruit properly, or do you want me to hold your hand like a child?” she asked her voice laced with irritation. I held the basket tightly in arms, trying very hard to hold in my anger. Arguing with Crystal on a great morning like this, would only ruin my mood, it wasn't worth it. Arguing with Crystal never was. The faster we got this over with,
~Elena~I marched towards my father's room and found him writing something. “Did you know Crystal is the devil herself?” Dad remained silent as he continued writing down on his book. He only lifted his head up slightly for a second and then turned back to his writing. “Did she tell you what happened? Or did you even know I was attacked by rogues?” I asked my father, my tone fierce. “Enough!!” dad's voice thundered through the room. I took a few steps back in fear. I've never seen him so angry. “You got attacked because you were too foolish and went outside the pack!” Dad continued. “Yes but Crystal was.. ““Crystal turned back and went to the castle.” I didn't finish when I heard a stern voice behind me. Lucy!! My step mother, and as I call her, a witch in a werewolf clothing.She swung her long black hair over her ears as she walked past me and sat beside my father. Her amber eyes and her thick red lipsticks made the face of a witch. “My daughter realizing she was past the
~Ryan~“NO!! please!!” I heard feint screams in the background. People pleading desperately for their lives, as I crouched behind the remains of our sacred building. “Ryan hide!” I heard distant scream of mother. I obeyed and lowered my head behind the building.Soon after I heard father's loud roar, peeping through the remains, I saw him pounced on two of the rival packs werewolves.And in the next minute, he tore off their faces, blood dripping down from his mouth. “Arggh!!”Dad yelled in pain, as two more werewolves jumped on his back, bringing him down to a knee. But even the two of them weren't enough to take down an Alpha! He gathered strength and returnex back to his two feet. But in a flash two more werewolves took two deadly swipes at his knee, swiping him off his feet. And then they swarmed him! Coming from all directions, wolves pounced on him, some take swipes with their sharp claws, some landing heavy punches to his abdomen. “Dad!” the corner of my eyes began he
~Elena~When I finally got to my room, I rummaged through my closet looking for a suitable and decent dress I could wear, but none was fine enough. “Wait!”Suddenly, I remembered my mom sew me a gown for my coming of age ceremony.its ceremony held once we were reach fifteen years. It was a white gown. I refused to wear it though. A dress like that would have made me the center of attention, something I don't like. I put on the white dress my mom made for me for the first time, and I couldnt help but gasp at how fitting the dress was on my body. I admired myself in a mirror for a few more minutes, something I wasn't really accustomed to doing. But today I had to look perfect, I just had a tinge that my fated mate will be from the Star Raiders pack and will carry me back to his pack so we can live our life. Just as I was admiring myself in the mirror, Crystal barged into my room. Does she not knock? My heart twitched in rage seeing her standing across me.She was really dresse
Elena's POV I opened my eyes wide at what was in front of me, my supposed mate was holding Crystal lovingly, and worse, they were set to marry. How could this happen? This was suppose to be my mate, my union and my marriage. I shifted backwards, my heart beating so fast as it were going to chatter any moment.Horror, sadness, pain, regret and heartache overshadowed me at that moment. I didn't know what to feel at that moment. Should I be angry at father for setting Crystal up with my mate? At Crystal for marrying him? But then again, she didn't know. But still, the pain of seeing her with my mate was to much for me. If I stayed any longer i might cause a scene. I didnt want that. At that very moment, I took to my heels and ran out of the party. I ran as fast as my legs could take me, into the woods.Tears dropped to my face likerain battering me. I screamed at the top of her voice, letting out my frustration. I yelled in pain, suddenly the weather changed, and a heavy stor
Elena’s POVA defeaning silence filled the gathering.It was thick and suffocating.I stood still, watching. Watching how I loose my mate to my stepsister. Ryan’s voice rang through the hall, steady, unwavering, final.“No, I can’t.”What? My eyes cracked wide open. The words echoed in my head, bouncing off every wall of my mind.Crystal flinched like she’d been struck, her eyes wide, her fingers trembling. “This was a mistake.” his voice came again.The whispers started immediately. Gasps. Shock. The entire pack was stunned.None more than me. Ryan didn’t waver.“Enough!” His firm, loud voice thundered through the room. “Crystal is a beautiful woman,” he started. “A strong, capable warrior. She would make any man proud.”Even I could tell what was coming next…The rejection.“But she is not my mate.”She wasn't, I was! But right now, I didn't know whether to be guilty or proud. “I cannot stand before my pack, before my ancestors, and take a Luna that does not hold my bond.” Hi
Ryan POV “Alpha Ryan, do you accept this bond? This duty? This Luna?”The words hung there.Silence.The whole world seemed to have frozen for a minute. The elder’s words still lingered in the air. “No, I can’t.”The words fell from my lips, low and soft.A sharp gasp from the crowd. A murmur, a ripple of confusion, shock amongst them.Crystal stiffened, her eyes wide open. “Ryan… ”I stepped back, looking at her, my eyes filled with pity.The elder’s brow furrowed, his gaze sharp. “Alpha.. ”“I can’t,” I said again, louder this time, clearer and more sure. The crowd went dead silent. Crystal’s eyes went wide, her breath hitching. “You—this is—Ryan, you don’t mean that.” Her voice shook, but not with sadness. With rage.“I do.” My jaw clenched. “I never should have—”I exhaled sharply. Shook my head.“This was a mistake.”The whispers became shouts.Chaos. Shock.I didn’t care.Because for the first time in forever—I wasn’t lying.I turned to Elena, the shock on her face wasn't
Ryan POV The day of my wedding. For most Alpha’s of their pack, it's supposed to be a day of joy and pride. They finally welcome their Luna to the pack. It gives their pack hope and ambition. But, for me today felt like a mistake. A mistake that I'll forever regret. I will have to marry Crystal and break my true mate bond with Elena. All because I refused to speak my truth. Two servants, helped in my dressing. A black fabric used for my ceremonial robe. With silver linings to represent the royalty. This robe was worn by my father on his mating ceremony, and his father, and his father's father. I was dressed and ready. I pushed the door open, and there he was.. Trevor. Waiting for me. Who else, would I have than my most trusted friend and my Beta to walk by my side. “Are you ready?” he asked, his lips curled up to a smirk. “Yeah!” I stepped out of my room, slamming the door hard behind me. The hallway stretched ahead, long, dimly lit, lined with towering banners bearin
Elena POV The bright sun shone through the curtains. I justify laid here in my bed, my mind a complete mess. I barely slept last night. I could only play in my head, all the possible ways today could go. The marriage. It was finally today. The day I loose my mate bond with Ryan. And then, I'll just be another werewolf in another pack who can't shift. Crystal would only make my life here even more hell. And, Ryan…talking with him after, will feel like I'm talking to a complete stranger. The only certainty is that after today, my misery will only grew. Just then, my eyes cracked wide open. And there she was… Crystal, dressed in her silk robe. ‘What do you want?!” I asked, my voice came out sharper than I intended. “To warn you!” She said, her voice cold. My breath hitched. Warn me? “Warn me from what?” I let out a dry laugh. “Today is my marriage. The most important day of my life.”Crystal stepped foward and stood a few steps from me. “Do not. And I mean… Do not! Try anyt
Ryan POV Valari was on the move. I marched outside at once, leaving Crystal to herself. I couldn't let this chance pass me by, if Valari was the mole I needed to know. I marched up the stairs, my boots landing hard against the marble surface. And then, I reached the top. The cold, fresh air hit me, like a knife to the gut. I was at the top of the castle, with the largest view covering the whole borders of the Star Raiders pack and beyond.“Welcome Alpha!”Trevor welcomed me, already there. “Here!” Trevor handed me a device. ‘Wolf Eyes’A device that can see objects even thousands of miles away. I grabbed and wore it across my face. There he was! Valari, riding his horse, far beyond the packs boundaries. The Wolf Eyes could cover even only so far, but now we had a reason to be bring him in for questioning. I pulled it off, turned ready to leave. “Bring him in for questioning tommorow!” I said to Trevor, my voice heavy. “I'm not sure about tommorow.” Trevor's words made me
Elena’s POVRyan turned to me, and I knew what was coming next. He was going to walk out on me and leave me in the dark, like I wasn't fit for discrete information. “Wait here!” he said, hisvoice firm. “But I want to know.” I shot back. And for a second, I saw something flicker in his eyes.Realization. He knew I wanted to. “You'll know.” That was it. And then he walked away with Trevor.I lay there. Still. Empty.Staring at the ceiling like it could give me the answers.It didn’t.Because all I could think about was him.Ryan.His voice. The way it cracked. The way he looked at me last night, like he wanted to say more, like it mattered.But it didn’t.Because at the end of all this—He wasn’t mine.He never was.Never would be.He was going to marry her.Crystal.It was already written, already decided, already killing me.I squeezed my eyes shut, hating myself.Hating that I let myself think, for one second, that maybe—just maybe—this meant something.That maybe I meant somet
Ryan POV “Sir, we need to talk.” Trevor said, his breath shaking, his tone urgent. ‘Can't it wait?” ‘“Unfortunately, no sir..” He responded sharply. Then, he lowered his voice. “I have almost certain confirmation on who the mole is.”What? My breath hitched. I turned to Elena, the curiosity in her eyes. She wanted to know just as much. “Wait here!” I said, my voice firm. “But I want to know.” she answered. I knew she did. But this information has to remain discrete. “You'll know.” I said before walking out. I followed Trevor to the chamber room, locking the metallic doors. This was the most discrete room in the castle. “Alright. Who is it?”Trevor leaned in close to my ear, lowering his voice.“I think it's Valari.”I froze. Valari? My number one warrior for years.The man who I fought countless battles with. The only besides Trevor who I could trust. “No, no, no! It can't be.” “Are you sure of this?” I asked. I couldn't bring myself to believe it. “We are not 100%
Ryan POV I laid flat on my bed, eyes looking up at the ceiling, the thoughts circling in my head. My wedding to Crystal was less than three days away. But at the moment I couldn't even care less about that.I needed to speak with Elena. For some reason she's been difficult to find. Maybe she could be avoiding me? But she has to understand that I had choice. Crystal practically blackmailed me. But even more importantly I needed to find the mole in my pack. I needed to… But, there was a mole, that much I was sure of.I did all pros and cons, and all analysis possible. No way the Shadow Blood pack could have planned for our arrival unless they had earlier information. So it had to among the warriors and higher ups. The other members of the castle only knew about the ambush that night, making it impossible to get a message to the Shadow Blood pack before we arrived.For me, the sooner I get the mole, the quicker I get closer to the Shadow Blood pack. And then… I will have anothe
Elena POVI walked back to my room, and collapsed on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. The image was the fresh in my mind. Ryan lying next to her.Crystal.I had seen them—his body half-turned toward her, her form curled near his, the sheets tangled between them My stomach had twisted, sharp and ugly, but I had turned away before I could feel it break me. Before I could do something stupid.Because that’s what I had done, hadn’t I?Let myself believe, for just a second, that maybe—**just maybe—**there was something for me there.Fool.Crystal was his Luna to be, how could I forget thatI got my mind clouded up with the ambush and Ryan's past trauma, for a second i thought maybe, our mate bond was getting stronger. Just then, I heard Crystal's voice. “Oh? You’re up early.”Her voice.I stopped, then snapped my head to the direction of the door.And there she was.Crystal.Standing just outside my room, wrapped in a silk robe, her blonde hair perfect, shining, lips curled into som