Sarah The journey felt like forever as our rescuer drove us straight into the Stormclaw pack, bypassing the clinic and heading straight to Ryder’s mansion. One of the wolves who had rescued us was a healer. She had tried to heal Ryder as the others moved around calling for backup—they couldn't transport us by themselves in good time. But the healer’s powers were only limited. It didn't heal Ryder’s wound; it only helped stable his breathing. I sat beside Ryder, cradling his head on my shoulder as we drove past the Stormclaw’s clinic. News travelled fast. A small crowd of reporters already stood outside the gate, shoving their cameras and mics towards the window as we drove through the gate. Everything felt hazy after that. People clamoured over, separating me from Ryder as they hurried him into the house. I sighed, visibly relaxing when I saw Pauline, my friend, among the people gathered around Ryder. I knew he was in good hands. Her eyes locked on me and she muttered
RyderI watched her chest rise and fall with a steady rhythm, curled up on the armchair, which had been moved from the corner of the room and placed closer to the bed.Weak sunlight filtered into the room through the closed curtains, dancing over her face. She had stayed up all night watching me and only drifted off to sleep an hour ago.Last night was a torture. My body revulsed as the venom left my body, depriving me of sleep. Sarah had held my hand all through, fighting the pain with me.My eyes softened as I gazed at her sleeping figure. She was beautiful. Despite the bags beneath her eyes and the faint purplish marks on her skin, she looked peaceful in her sleep.Seeing her in here brought back memories. I sighed deeply, wanting nothing more than to pull her into my arms and cradle her.I could stay like this forever. The door creaked open and a tiny head peeked through, followed by its little body racing towards me.“Shhh, bud,” I cautioned, trying not to wake Sarah up as Alim
Sarah I wanted to wipe that false look of surprise off his face. "What do you mean Trevor tried to kill you?" his words strained. "Cut the act, Ryder, please. I'm no fool. Trevor would never do anything without your consent.” "That's true but I would never order Trevor to kill you. Where is this false accusation coming from?" I ran my fingers through my hair frustrated at this point. Was I making a mistake, accusing Trevor wrongly? Did I rush to conclusions at the party because he had a cut in the same position that I had given my attacker? "Sarah come here," Ryder's voice was calm, urging me forward. "Come here baby, look into my eyes and tell me if you really think I am capable of sending someone to kill you. The thought has never crossed my mind." I wanted to believe him, I wanted to trust him. But I just could not shake off this feeling. Trevor had something to do with the attack. Everything was too much of a coincidence. But What if Ryder was telling the truth? Why
SarahI sat at the head of the long, polished table in the council chamber—perks of being the only woman—surrounded by other members of the council. I had gotten familiar with the members. There was Alpha Orin to my right. Aleric, a pureblood, was to my left and the rest of the men distributed around.It's been two weeks since my near-death experience with Drako, yet I still had nightmares of my ordeal.This was my first official council meeting and the atmosphere in the room was tense. The men all wore grim faces as we deliberated on a problem that had arisen in the borders. A recent surge in violent deaths of werewolves across the borders has been causing havoc in the realm, and we were aware of who was responsible for these deaths—they had all died from the same poison that almost killed Ryder.Alpha Orin was the first to speak. "The deaths across the realm are increasing. And it's putting a strain on our resources trying to track Drako down. He is always a step ahead of us. We hav
Warning: There might be some disturbing descriptions in this chapter, involving violence and blood. Ryder My wolf prowled the border separating my land from the Nightshade’s. It was a moonless night and the stars were hidden behind heavy dark clouds. Silence reigned tonight, not even the whistling of a bird could be heard. I had hurriedly put my affairs in order, putting Trevor in charge. Unknown to Trevor, I had also enlisted the help of a friend to keep a close eye on him. After Sarah’s accusation, I decided to have another investigation carried out discreetly on the warehouses. The pack members had gathered this evening to bid me well but my goodbyes with Alim were the most painful. He had clung to my body, refusing to leave me, begging to follow me. I watched his emotions switch from pain to anger. He stormed into his room, tears still visible in his eyes and slammed the door at me. A branch snapped nearby, putting me on alert. My wolf raised its head, ready to strike. Bu
RyderSomething wasn't right.My wolf broke off, sniffing the air. The air was filled with the scent of blood and smoke as he neared the Stormclaw pack. Sarah trailed behind me.I tried reaching Trevor through the mind link. It proved futile. Sarah’s wolf trodded to me, nuzzling my neck. She had sensed my agitation. I nudged her softly and resumed my journey. My wolf picking up its pace.The site of my city as I ran past it made my heart beat fast. Houses were razed down, furs littered everywhere and the stench of blood grew stronger.It didn't slow me down as I burst into my compound through the woods. I shifted, taking the steps two at a time, with only one destination in mind. I snagged Alim’s door open, my heart racing widely as my eyes scanned the room. He wasn't there. “Alim!” I screamed, pushing every door in a haste.People scurried past me, their faces grim, paying no attention to me as I walked the hallway, pushing every door open.I pushed the door to my room, and Trevor
Ryder“Where is she?” Alexis asked, barging into the study.The papers on my desk scattered in different directions as she slammed the door behind her.Irritated. “Where is who?”“Don't play dumb with me, Ryder. Where is Sarah? The guard just informed me there is no one in the cell.”“Why are you asking the guards questions about Sarah? If he said there's no one down there, then there is no one down there. I don't owe you an explanation, Alexis.”“Yes, you do,” the authority in her voice grabbed my attention. I cocked my head to the side, so I could see her clearly. “You don't run this pack alone. I'm your Luna. You let that two-faced bitch into our lives. Now, my son will never feel safe in his home because his father is too busy, chasing after a woman who is hell-bent on destroying him. Too blind to see what's right in front of him!”“Enough, Alexis!” I ordered, my fist banging on the table. “My son is safe and so are you. I'll find out who is behind this. And when that day comes,
Alexis “Not here,” I whispered, walking fast into the woods. He followed at a slower pace. His body language screamed confusion.I continued deeper into the woods, far away from the house. Coming out of Ryder’s study, I had sighted Trevor in the foyer, making his way up the stairs.My eyes widened in fear. Things were about to take a different turn from what I had displayed earlier if Trevor meets Ryder now.I knew I needed to act quickly. I couldn't let Trevor go into Ryder’s study. Not now.I hurried down the stairs, brushing his shoulder lightly and pausing for a millisecond for his eyes to acknowledge the fear I had manipulated in mine.He didn't need much. He knew what to do. He walked the length of the stairs and descended the stairs in no hurry, following me at a distance.When I was certain we were far away from the house, I stopped walking and waited for him to catch up.“You’ve missed me?” the idiot grabbed my waist and pulled me to his body, smothering me in wet kisses. “Y
Sarah“Ryder!” I screamed, searching and punching my way through the chaos. “Ryder!”Pain coursed through me as something slammed into my face, knocking me to the ground.“Damn it,” I hissed, forcing myself up. I should have been more alert, but my mind was scrambled— I needed to find him.A lone figure, standing a few inches away from the fight, caught my attention as I struggled to stand on shaky feet.He had his back to me, but I recognized that broad shoulders anywhere. It was Lucas.Adrenaline rushed through my veins, pushing me off the floor and towards him. He was standing, almost like he was in a trance.Strange. But I was about to find out something worse.Almost like he could sense me, he cocked his head, his eyes briefly locking into mine before turning back.But it was enough for my eyes to register the object of his attention.A chill crawled down my spine. The tall, looming figure in front of Lucas has the moonlight on him.Drako.I froze, my breath catching in my thro
SarahI started up the stairs, ready to strip my sweaty clothes off and drench my body in hot water before the baby woke up; a luxury I couldn’t buy.She had her own routine; keep me up all night and sleep all through the day. It was a miracle she was sleeping right now.The house was quiet, just like I wanted. Everyone was still asleep… everyone except Ryder. He was standing at the top of the stairs.“It’s time.” He whispered, as soon as I got close.It took a second for my tired brain to understand what he was saying. “Are you sure?”It had taken countless talks to get him to agree to the plan and he had done so grudgingly.“Positive. The tracker picked up her movement again. And my man on the ground just confirmed it. They are on the move.”About darn time. It’s been a long week holed up in this tiny cottage, trying to act normal while lying in wait for Lucas and Alexis.And my personal monster.“How much time do we have?” I asked, my blood pulsed at the thought of confronting Luca
Sarah“She’s beautiful,” his voice floated through my half-conscious mind.“I know,” I muttered, my eyes slowly opening. “And feisty too. She held my finger in her little grip for so long… I fell in love all over again.”The memory brought a smile to my face. The labour was tough but getting to hold her in my arms, and seeing her tiny body snuggled close to mine, made up for the hell I went through.And the one I was yet to face.“Just like her mother,” Ryder spoke, grabbing my arm.My eyes lazily settled on Ryder, sitting beside me. He was smiling, despite the bruises covering his face… and hand; I realized as I let my gaze travel down his body.“You look like you've been in a fight and came out the worst of it.”He chuckled. “Nothing compared to how you're looking.” he squeezed my hand gently. “You did well, Sarah. She is beautiful and healthy. Have you decided on a name for her?”I consciously scanned my body. “Not yet. I've been playing around with a few. Any suggestions? I'm open
LucasIt felt stupid, standing here, staring out the window while my whole world was falling apart. But that has been my routine for the past week, except today was different.“About time,” I muttered, my eyes trailing the pickup truck that had just pulled in.“I’ll see her in the study,” I spoke to the guard standing at the entrance. “Don’t let her take a step to any other part of the house, except it leads to the study.”I caught his silent acknowledgement as I walked passed.There was going to be a lot of explaining and screaming and I wasn’t going to be the one doing either. She’d betrayed me and this time, she was going to serve as an example to anyone who might be harbouring thoughts of that nature.Especially, her worthless father!The door creaked open, jarring me from my thoughts.“Lucas.” My name rolled off her tongue like a plead, much to my annoyance.But her appearance caught me by surprise.“Alexis. Welcome home,” I replied sarcastically, my eyes slowly taking her in.S
Ryder My lips quivered with disgust. “Tell me again, Zane, when did you come up with this speech?”“This isn't a speech. For the safety and growth of this pack, it is in everyone's best interest that you step aside for someone more capable to take responsibility.”I laughed, although it held no humour, it held traces of my anger. “Everyone? Who have you been talking to?”“Everyone… including the people of this land who you seem to have so confidently forgotten about, because of your heart. Tell me, Ryder, is she truly worth it?”I clenched my fists, fighting to keep my anger on hold. “You think I’d risk everything for her if she wasn’t?”Zane took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “Love isn’t enough to lead a pack. You need to be able to make tough decisions without letting your heart cloud your judgment.”I did that once and where did it land me? Right here, in this mess. But I couldn't blame Zane. He knew nothing about it.Still, I won't let him tear my pack apart because of ignor
RyderIf I could ask for one thing right now, it would be the chance to go back in time and correct my mistakes.That night with Alexis was a mistake.Trusting her father was a mistake.Hurting Sarah and pushing her away was a mistake.Too many mistakes made already. And I was about to make another if I let Sarah have her way.I had stayed awake last night and yet, I could only come up with the lamest plan, involving the one person I hated and couldn't even afford to trust.I paused on the front steps, taking in deep breaths before uncorking my water bottle and gulping down.“Where have you been?” A voice startled me.A shadow emerged and the light from the porch cast a warm glow on my unexpected companion.It was Ava.I cocked my head at her in confusion. Her question was unexpected, bizarre even. Slowly, I continued my ascent to the front porch, ignoring her.She blocked my path. “She is gone.” Flatly.What was she talking about? And why was she waiting for me, out here in the fark
SarahI sat upright. Another painful ache above my pelvic area.“Why?”“Truthfully?” I nodded, eager to get him out of my room. “I'm doing this for the safety of our pack. Ryd—Alpha Ryder seem to have forgotten his duties to the pack… he is like a man lost in love.”Ryder wasn't in love. He felt guilt. There is a difference.“He won’t listen to reason…” his voice was low like he was ashamed of himself for talking. “He has th—this insane need to protect you, even if it means destroying the pack. And I can't sit back and let it happen.” No, you can't. You don't regard me and my existence isn't worth a dime to you, talk more of the lives of your pack members.“So… I’m not worth it?” I admit. More like an angry statement.He didn’t flinch nor bat an eyelid, which annoyed me the more. “You suggested it… didn’t you?” His cold eyes mocked me. “I’m only granting you what you asked for… or are you having a change of heart?”I swallowed. “No.”“Good. I have got a plan already laid out.”I lis
“SarahThe attack was all Lucas’ idea. A backup plan to get you if you failed to marry him.” I heard Ryder's voice but my gaze was locked on Alexis.“The man I killed… their leader, hinted at a woman, being behind the attack.”I saw something flash through her eyes. It was too fast, I couldn't put a name to it.“Are you sure about it?” Ryder’s voice was laced with disbelief, which I found strange.Was he trying to make excuses for her? Ignoring his question, I pushed my body forward, letting my legs drop to the ground. “You owe me that much, Alexis. If you tried to kill me and failed, you owe it to me to answer my question.” I said quietly, my face barely inches away from hers.“I don't owe you anything,” her foul breath filled my nostrils.What was I expecting? That she would admit to sending rogues to kill me? That she would apologise for ruining my life? That I would find fulfilment when in her misery?I pushed my chair back and stood up. I needed to be done with this part of my
RyderThe meeting tonight had yielded no positive results. Instead, all the advisors had sided with Sarah and Zane, to my annoyance.What they thought was best for the pack, was never going to happen. Not when I was still the Alpha of the Stormclaw pack.But, still, I was running out of time. I had less than 48 hours to find another plan that didn't involve Sarah putting herself in danger.I kissed a sleeping Alim before I got out of bed. He was recovering fine which I was grateful to the goddess for. But he was still wary of me. Pauline had assured me everything would be fine with time and I believed her.Draping my nightrobe, I left the room quietly, not wanting to wake Alim up.I had one more business to take care of before I called it a day. The house was quiet and dark as I made my way down the stairs.“For fuck sake!” I cursed as my feet collided with something on the floor.“Who is there?” I heard Sarah’s frightened voice. It was coming from the living room.“Sarah?”“Ryder? Y