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
Ryder“Alpha, we've his location,” Adam, one of the warriors I'd enlisted, spoke from the other end of the phone.“Where?” I asked groggily, sleep still evident in my voice. It was two in the morning. I didn't need to ask questions, I knew who he was referring to.“Tausy Bar, on the outskirts of the land.”“I'll be right there.” I ended the call and got out of bed. Every trace of sleep was gone from my eyes.I threw on some clothes and walked towards the entrance of the house.Trevor has been MIA all afternoon.I had summoned him to the pack house through the mind-link, but he refused to acknowledge my order. I tried different means; calling and texting, but still no response.So, I sent the warriors, I'd asked for earlier in the day, to search the land and bring Trevor to me. But he seemed to vanish into thin air.I'd only wanted to talk but now, I've a feeling that wouldn't be the case. If Trevor was avoiding me, then he had something to hide. If the allegations against him were tr
SarahMy eyes trailed Ryder, his shoulder stiff, as he walked out of the bar. I felt like a fool, standing there, waiting for him to turn around. Hoping he would. He didn't.I slumped into the chair, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I gasped for air.The look on his face before he departed would have made me cry. But I didn't. It wasn't the reason I grappled my chest as the pain increased with every breath I took. It was the fact that I had left everything and ran down to this dumpster, to meet him.My phone had pinged while I was in the bathroom, getting ready for bed. It was a text message ‘Meet me at Tausy bar, now’ from an unknown number.I don't know what came over me or what I expected. But the thought of Ryder being the anonymous messenger crossed my mind. It's only been twenty-four hours since we parted ways, so the possibility was slim. But I couldn't help hoping and thinking he had sent the message.Who else would have texted me to meet them this late? And in Stormclaw
SarahI winced, his grip around my waist tightened. His nostril flared, and his breaths came out ragged and hot.“Did I hear you correctly? Or my ears are playing tricks on me?” he whispered harshly. His rough voice grazed my ears. My face contoured in pain as his grip around my waist continued to tighten. I tried to pull away but it only made matters worse. “Answer me.”“You… you are hurting…me,” I managed to squeeze out. My voice pleading as I placed my hands on his chest, trying to create some distance. “Lucas, please.”“Answer my question, Sarah!” he growled dangerously and a case of goosebumps attacked my whole body, produced by fear. He was a different person.I froze in his embrace, barely breathing. But my wolf didn't feel threatened. For a moment, I was unable to put two words together, shocked by the anger in his voice.“I can't.. breathe, Lucas. You're…suffocating me.” His eyes darkened with realization and his hands fell away roughly. He took a few steps back, his eyes bu
SarahI didn't realize when we pulled up to the house. But as soon as we passed the gate, and approached the driveway, a car swerved from behind us, narrowly missing a coalition as it overtook us and packed in front of us.Reeling from shock, I sat upright, barely breathing, my eyes fixed on the car and waiting for the intruder to show itself.Rob was already poised, his hand positioned at his left side to easily access the firearm he carried everywhere. It was an additional protocol of Lucas since the attack.I heaved a sigh of relief and watched Rob’s hand fall to his side as we saw Lucas pull out of the car. But my relief was short-lived. Lucas trembled with rage as he walked towards me.In a split second, he snagged my car door open and grabbed my hand, pulling me roughly out of the car, my back against the car. He placed his two hands on the car, effectively trapping me between him and the car.“Don't ever walk out on me. Ever,” he uttered harshly. “And you can't keep running awa
Ryder“Walk with me,” I spoke to Zane as I left the mansion, heading towards the cell. Zane fell in step without a word.We walked in silence for a while, our feet crunching the ground, wet from the morning dew. I wanted to get over this thing with Trevor before my son woke up. “Did you gather the warriors as I had instructed?” I asked, breaking the silence.“Yes,” Zane replied quietly.“That's good. I would need to address them before I take on Trevor’s proposal.” I sighed. “How did I miss this? My Beta was planning to overthrow me? Right under my nose!”“It isn't your fault, Alpha Ryder. This is on us, the soldiers. We failed to protect our pack and you, our leader. But Trevor wouldn't go unpunished and we trust you to do what's right for the pack.”I paused in my track, cocking my head in his direction. My eyes felt heavy from lack of sleep. Last night was hell, fighting with my thoughts and theories. I'll be glad when all this is over.“Thank you, Zane,” I responded, resuming my
Sarah“There you are,” Lucas’ mum exclaimed as soon as we walked through the front door. “I've been searching for the both of you all over the house. I even had to organize a search party to help me in my quest. Where have you guys been?”Lucas’ face lit up at the sight of his mother. His arm around my waist tightened. He had spoken about his mother on our way back here. But I was still feeling anxious.Nervously, I bit my bottom lip. I didn't know how to reply to her question but Lucas came to the rescue.“Sarah got cold feet. I had to run after her and assure her that she has nothing to worry about—”“Worry about?” She covered the distance between us, cupping my face once more in her soft hands. “Love, you've nothing to be scared of. I'm a little loud but I'm harmless, I promise you. You see, with time you get to know we're just like your typical family.”He chuckled. “Exactly what I've been trying to tell her.”I spanked him lightly on his chest. “No, you haven't!” Lucas burst into
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