SarahI lowered my head, embarrassed by my act and the fact that someone had caught us in the moment.But Ryder didn't seem bothered. His grip on my waist didn't falter. He addressed Zane, his eyes still on mine. “I'll be with you in a minute, Zane. Thanks for the update.”“With due respect, Alpha Ryder, I would stay here till you're ready to leave. I'm… I'm not to leave your side” Zane shifted uncomfortably on his feet.But there was something else. He was staring hard at me with determination. Almost like he didn't want to leave Ryder and me alone, together.Ryder cocked his head in Zane’s direction. He must have seen the look on Zane’s face because he simply nodded and turned back to me.“I would love to continue our discussion, Sarah. But I've to attend to my pack’s business. Can we pick this up later? At night?” his finger traced my arm and I nodded.He paused like he was thinking about it. “What if you come along? Join us.”“Alpha Ryder, I don't think we need her there.” Zane h
Lucas“Fucking moron! You lost both mother and daughter!” I thundered as my fist made contact with the dry mud wall beside me. “Why am I saddled with incompetent fools?”“The old woman shouldn't have gotten far. We're searching the woods around the house.” Rob’s voice grated my ears.My hand clenched into a fist and it landed straight on Rob’s nose. I watched as his eyes shifted from confusion to realization and then fear.A tingling feeling of excitement ran through my body as he whimpered in pain, stepping away from my reach.“Say that again!” I dared him. A smirk tugged on my lips. “You were supposed to look after Sarah and you failed. You had the simple task of looking after the old woman like you claimed. Yet again, you failed!”My eyes glared at the two men in front of me. Rob, holding his bleeding nose in his hands. While the other, don't know his name, fidgeted on his feet.“Give me one reason why I shouldn't have your heads right now!” I growled, excited by the fear on their
Sarah“Erielse, are you still with us?” Alpha Orion’s voice pulled me out of my fantasy. “You've hardly said a word or contributed to the discussion.”I placed a finger on my forehead, rubbing it in a circular motion, trying to gather my thoughts. “I've very little to say. All I want to do is find my mother. It's been a week since she went missing. She's out there by herself, sick and alone. No one seems to care,” I accused them, my eyes darting around the room at the men gathered around the table.Frustration was my closest pal, now. I was one of the most powerful people in the realm, yet I couldn't use my power to locate my mother. I hated myself for it. Every minute she spent out there, in the wild, with no one to care for her, haunted me.“We’ve more pressing matter at hand,” Aleric interjected, tapping the table with his fingers.My gaze fell on the table. It was covered with a large map of the realm. Different miniature pieces of wolves were scattered across it, representing th
Sarah“I'll get the door,” I yelled back at Alpha Orion as I approached the door.His place has been my safe haven for the past week after Ryder and his family had returned to the Stormclaw pack. No one knew I was hiding away here.We hardly received 2 So, I was as surprised as he was when we heard the knock.I opened the door cautiously, not expecting to see any familiar faces. To my surprise, Ava stood on the doorstep, a hesitant smile playing on her lips. "Sarah," she greeted warmly, her voice tinged with relief."Ava," I replied, trying to mask my own surprise. It had been a week since we last spoke. I had searched for her all over the house, the last time I was there. She was nowhere. "Come in," I offered, stepping aside to let her into my small apartment.Ava settled on the couch and I sat beside her, leaving some space between us. She looked at me warily, trying to talk. But I spoke up before she did. “How did you find me?”“I asked the right questions,” she replied vaguely. “
Sarah“I can't, Ryder. That's no longer my home,” I shivered as I spoke. It was hard trying to keep a clear mind while his mouth traced my skin.“Then we'll find another house,” he insisted, his hand caressing my thigh as he lifted the hem of my dress. “You, me and Alim. It doesn't matter where we live.”I groaned when he lifted his mouth away from my skin. His hand was now fully hidden underneath my dress, tracing circles on the thong separating it from my clit. I wriggled under his touch.A moan escaped my lips, forcing me to grab his arm for support. His laboured breathing excited me. But his dark, hungry eyes were my undoing.Taking matters into my hands, I stood on my toes and pressed my soft lips against his. He groaned, parting his lips to let me in. He went crazy, biting my lips and pressing me hard against his swollen crotch.His hand deftly unzip my dress, letting it slither to the floor. The cold air in the room kissed my skin and I shivered, drawing Ryder’s lips away from
SarahI admired my reflection in the mirror. My hair was slicked back into a ponytail at the nape of my neck. A peach-coloured gown wrapped my body and accentuated my curves.I pressed my hand against the fabric and straightened it. The dark smudges under my eyes were perfectly concealed with makeup. I smiled at my reflection, glad I looked nothing like I had been last night.I closed my eyes tightly as memories of me sitting right in front of the mirror, my legs folded, my knees pulled towards my chest, and tears slipping down my face clouded my mind.After Ryder’s departure and I'd successfully gotten a distressed Ava to finally fall asleep, the reality of my life came crashing hard on me.I sat in front of the mirror and had a full mental breakdown. It felt so good to have freed myself of the hurt I was carrying. So refreshingly good that I cried my eyes out.I’m not naive. I'm one of the strongest in the realm, I whispered to my reflection, tipping my chin up. This is my world and
Lucas“Where have you been?” My mother’s voice cut through the silence as soon as she spotted me. She stood at the entrance of the house with Lisa, her eyes flashing with concern and anger.“Went to pay a quick visit to my future mate,” I snapped, pushing past her. She grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. “What do you want, woman?”“Do you think now is the right time to play games, Lucas? They are taking everything from us and you're out there chasing after a woman.”I let out a frustrated growl. Her hand fell away as she recoiled, her eyes widening with fear. “She isn’t just any woman… and yes, she is my priority! You should be relieved I went to make things right with your daughter-to-be.”Finding Sarah wasn’t difficult. Not when you have a naive sister like Ava. I had set out to find Sarah as soon as those old men released me and Ava’s unique scent led me straight to my most prized treasure.Now, picking up the right i-still-think-of-you gift was a task. But I knew what my pretty Sa
SarahI stood still, shocked by the scene before me. Alexis was storming towards me, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor. Her eyes locked onto me with an intensity that could have set a building on fire.“Sarah! You’re nothing but a home wrecker!” her voice cut through the buzz of office chatter like a blade. Silence reigned in the lobby as heads turned to look in our direction.I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. The last thing I needed was to lose it in front of everyone. I held up a hand, signalling her to follow me. “Let’s step over here, away from the crowd.”Ignoring the stares, I dragged Alexis to a quiet corner of the lobby, away from curious eyes and itching ears. Her face was flushed with anger, her breaths coming in quick, ragged bursts.“Do you think you can just waltz into my life and mess everything up?” Alexis spat, her voice laced with fury and pain. “Do you think you can take Ryder from me? From his son? You lie!”I folded my arms, meeting
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