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
SARAHI can recall every moment I dreamt of this happening. Every nightmare haunted me with this possibility but I would wake and he would kiss those fears away. I had dreamt of it but my dreams hadn’t prepared me; it was worse.He was my nightmare, in the flesh, staring down at me.****I followed Ryder straight to his study. My heart beat painfully against my chest as I slammed the door shut behind me.“What was that you displayed in the hall, Ryder?” I asked breathlessly, exhausted not from walking too fast but holding back my emotions.“Exactly what it seemed to you.” He spoke, standing behind his mahogany desk, his hands jammed into his pants. “You’re to vacate this house. I’ve set up plans for you in the city with Trevor. He will see to it that you are settled in nicely.”I stared at my mate in shock, with no words to express my disbelief. “Ryder...” I called softly.No response.“Ryder!” I repeated, my voice a notch higher as I walked towards him. “If this is a joke, this is th
SARAHRyder growled loudly, butting heads with the stranger. The heat in the room increased as their wolves threatened to break free. The growling intensified.“Stop!” I yelled, placing my hands against my ears.“Stay out of this, Sarah,” Ryder spat in my direction. “This doesn't include you.”“It does, Ryder…damn you! It does.” I let my tears fall freely. “You're tearing our home apart and breaking my heart. Don't you see it?”I took a tentative step towards him, hoping he would meet me halfway. He didn't bulge. The pain I felt was overwhelming my senses. I couldn't breathe properly so I took short breaths.“We have nothing binding us together, Sarah! Our union was never blessed by the goddess. You are wolfless, Sarah.”I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. “You can say all you want but I'm not leaving. This is my house too.” I spoke, my body trembling from exhaustion. “I gave you five years of my life, subjected myself to various healers and doctors just so I can conceive yet
RYDERSleep eluded me tonight. I pulled the covers aside and stood up. The thought of Sarah occupied my mind. I knew she was excited to celebrate the anniversary with friends but I had made other plans.The anniversary party had been the perfect place to execute them. It was like killing two birds with a stone; denounce Sarah as my mate and introduce Alexis to the world as my Luna. I have held up my path of the deal, now it's time for them to do the same.It was supposed to buy me time to strategize, knowing Sarah was tucked in somewhere safe. I had planned everything perfectly with the help of my beta, Trevor. Now, everything has been destroyed before it even began.I had met Alexis at a business meeting. She had stood in her father's stead, Regan Blackwood(Alpha of the Blackwood pack). They have been pushing to merge with my company, SC Enterprise (Stormclaw).Alexis was meant to be a one-night stand. The sex had been incredible. Better than I had imagined. All that perfect skin a
Sarah I was sitting next to Lucas in the back seat of the car. He had dragged me out of bed in such a hurry that I didn't get to wash my face because it took me forever to pull myself away from the bed. “You're extremely quiet. Did you have a good night's rest?” he spoke up, breaking the silence between us. My eyes were still laden with sleep. Last night was a nightmare. Literally. I wasn't in the mood for a conversation, so I said nothing. But Lucas wouldn't take the hint. He tapped my hand, lightly. “Was it to your comfort?” he continued, unbothered. “ I know you came into luxury when you married Ryder but five years is enough time to know the taste of finer things.” It had crossed my mind that he might have been aware of my past. But it was way too early for me to have a decent conversation and my head sat heavy on my neck. Every part of my body ached and the hard leather seat of the car did nothing to ease it. “Yes, the room was pleasant,” I replied softly. “But my disco
Sarah My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the bright light from a window. Still woozy from the sedatives packed in my system, I tried to recollect the events of the past hour. Then, like a cruel punch, the memories came flooding back—the argument, the push, the unbearable pain. I struggled to sit up but my body protested against every movement. The door to the room swung open and the doctor walked in, closely followed by a woman. “Ms Willow,” his voice sounded cherry, a bit too cheery. “I'm Dr. Adian. I'm glad to see you awake. The sedatives are beginning to wear off. How are you feeling?” “Better,” I lied. Partially. “That's good.” I watched as he whispered to the nurse. I sat perfectly still, like a statue, dredging to ask the question that plagued me. He pulled me out of my misery. “Ms Willow, we have good and bad news. The good is you've sustained nothing major, just a slight concussion. And the bad news is we couldn't save your baby. The fall was fatal—” His voice faded
Five Years Later Sarah I stood in the living room taking in the breathtaking view of the ocean below my penthouse. Watching the waves rise and fall has been part of my morning ritual for the past five years. It was beautiful to see and the sight never gets old. I moved around the room, clad in nothing as the morning sun teased my pale skin. A soft sigh escaped my lips. I need to go out more often, I subconsciously reprimanded myself. It would be good for my social life—not that I needed one. I paused as my eyes caught my reflection on the window glass, which replaced a section of the wall. My long, wavy hair was packed into a messy bun, accentuating my high cheekbones. My skin looked pale under the bright light. I strolled over to the fridge and pried it open. A plate of half-eaten salad stared at me gloomily. My eating habits were bad and needed to be addressed. I made a mental note to stop at the grocery store after my gym session. Which will entail letting my assis
Ryder “Have you gotten the call from Regan?” I spoke as my fingers tapped on the mahogany desk in my office. “Not yet. I haven't been able to get through to him. My calls are always been redirected to his secretary.” Trevor spoke without taking his eyes off the stack of papers in his hand. “I'll keep trying. You have nothing to worry about.” I turned my gaze at Trevor, baffled and annoyed at how calm and collected he was at the moment. He raised his eyes and caught my glaring eyes. “All I'm trying to do right now is to make sure you're calm and not worked up. You wouldn't want to make hasty decisions right now because you feel backed into a corner. He might just be testing you, to see if you would crack.” Trevor was right. I needed to think not react. I looked across my office. It was situated on the topmost floor of the SC Atlantic Enterprise building. The windows were large, giving me a massive view of my city. I slumped into my chair, feeling drained before the day start
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
RyderThe look on Sarah’s face was enough to tell me what I needed to know. Ava wasn’t lying— or paranoid like I had thought— when she came to my bedroom last night.“Wh—what are you doing here?” Sarah’s surprised voice only added to my uneasiness.“Exactly what I would love to know,” I ground out, my eyes darting between her and Zane. “Is Alim okay? Did something happen?” “Not since I left him,” I snapped, annoyed at the whole setup. Turning to a very quiet Zane, “Your Alpha asked you a question. Am I being disregarded? What is going on here?”Zane cleared his throat, his face like a mask. “I was summoned by this morning from the pack house. I just got to find out that Sarah has been receiving disturbing letters from Drako. She was suggesting—”“It's not his fault,” Sarah interrupted him. “I told the guards not to say anything to you.” — I glared at her— “You were occupied with Alim and... Alexis. I didn't want to burden you, but I needed to do something.”Rein in your anger, I cau
SarahI was out of the chair in a bolt, and headed to the door, the weight of my bump, forgotten.“Where are you going?” I heard Ava’s frantic question, before I felt her hand on my arm, pulling me. “You look pale.”“To find Nyssa.” my words came out in a whisper. I don't know why, I wasn't trying to be quiet or sound afraid.I cocked my head at her, cleared my throat to make myself audible. I don't need her to fuss over me, not now. Not when I have a madman stalking me.“I need to find Nyssa… Ask her if she has seen anything or anyone. There—”“No, no, no,” Ava interrupted me mid-sentence. “I’ll get her for you. But in the meantime, why don't you go to the sitting room and put your legs up.”“I’m capable of finding her myself,” I insisted stubbornly. My back was beginning to hurt but no one needed to know that. “I don't want to be treated as an invalid because I'm pregnant.”“No one is treating you as such. I'm only making a suggestion. The house is big and it will take time for you
Sarah“How is he doing?” Ava asked as I entered the kitchen. She was sitting on one of the aisle stools, a cup in front of her. “Better,” I replied, dumping the content in my hand into the sink. “He has added some weight, which is good. But Ryder still wants to keep him under bedrest for a while longer.”Ava nodded in understanding but I could see she was preoccupied with something else.“And Ryder?” she asked absentmindedly.I arched a brow at her tone, leaning against the counter for support. When I said nothing, she looked up, her eyes searching mine.“What? I don't have an issue with Ryder. I love him… he is helping you and keeping us safe.”Her sarcasm wasn't lost on me. Ava had no love for Ryder and she couldn't be bothered to hide it. But recently, she has been civil when their path crossed, so I figured I could give her a break.I let out a long sigh, balancing my weight awkwardly on an empty stool. “He is stuck in bed with Alim, watching over the boy like a hawk. I'm glad I