Isebella’s life takes a dramatic turn when her mother falls gravely ill, with one final wish: to see her daughter happily married before she dies. Desperate to fulfill her mother’s dying request, Isebella makes a reckless decision at the Moonlight Party. She marries the first man she meets, Ryan, a stranger with no family, no wealth, and seemingly no future. To Isebella, it’s a temporary arrangement—just enough to give her mother peace. Afterward, she plans to walk away, no strings attached. What she doesn’t know is that Ryan is far from ordinary. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was his destined mate. And behind his quiet, humble façade lies a secret that could change everything. Ryan is the son of the Lycan King, the most powerful prince of the empire. As Isebella and Ryan’s worlds collide, their unexpected union sparks a thrilling journey filled with passion, danger, and ancient secrets. Will Isebella discover the truth before it’s too late, or will her heart be claimed by the very man she never expected to love?
View MoreISABELLA'S POV
Every day, I find myself asking the same questions. Is fate nothing but a trick of the light? A false promise that fades away just when you need it most? And what of fortune? A ravenous beast, feasting on the innocent, leaving nothing but anguish and despair in its wake. Yes, that's what it is. That's what I believe.
I stare into the cracked, half-broken mirror, my reflection staring back with sunken eyes, black circles under them, and disheveled hair.
A picture of a woman defeated by fate, tired and weary.
"Isabella dear... Are you done? Let me get you going." The soft, weakened voice of my mother pierces through the silence, as she shuffles into the room, a tattered blanket draped over her shoulders. I turn to face her, her movements slow and weak as she rummages through the closet to find the best dress for me to wear tonight.
The sight of my aging sick mother, frail and weak, brings tears to my eyes. Why couldn't I have been more fortunate?
My heart breaks into a million pieces as I watch her struggle. My eyes sting as I blink back tears, desperately trying to hold them back.
I clenched my teeth, trying to hold back the tears as I approached my mother, "Mom, that's enough," I said, gently pulling her hand away from the closet and guiding her back to the bed.
"Stupid girl," she muttered weakly, her arms hitting my own with barely any force. "I'm fine, stop treating me like an old lady," she murmurs as she settles onto the bed.
My breath hitches in my throat, my lungs struggling to inhale the air that seems to have turned to lead.
I watch as my mother settles on the bed, her once-vibrant body now withered and frail. It's hard to believe that this is the same woman who raised me, who nurtured and cared for me, now reduced to a shadow of her former self.
Each day, I lived in constant fear that I might accidentally break her bones, or that I might not be able to save her from her illness. And each day, I feared the day that I might lose her forever. That I might not see her again.
As she turned to look at me, I quickly averted my gaze, not wanting her to see the tears welling up in my eyes. "Mother, you should rest. I'll still go to the matchmaking session," I whispered, my voice breaking.
She reached out her cold, bony hand, and I grasped it with my own, wishing more than anything that I could take her pain, that I could somehow switch places with her. "I know," she whispered, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible. "I just want everything to be right this time. For you." Her words pierced through the heavy silence, and I could feel my heart splintering into a thousand pieces.
I swallow, my tongue thick and heavy as I try to find my voice. It refuses to come, so I simply nod, not daring to meet my mother's gaze.
"I just want you to find a good man, Isabella," she murmurs softly, her voice laced with resignation. "I want to see you happy before I... before I… die.”
Her words are a spear to my heart. "You're not going to die, mama!" I snap, hot tears spilling down my face.
She pulls my hand closer, her fingers tracing circles on my skin. "Shh… silly girl. I know what I'm saying," she whispers, her voice gentle but firm. "I don't want you to cry anymore, to avoid love because of what that awful Noah did to you. You deserve happiness, my sweet girl."
I can't hold back anymore. I sob into her, my arms wrapping around her frail body. She stiffens at first, and then slowly relaxes into my embrace, her hand rubbing my back.
In that moment, my heart is breaking.
My mother is everything to me, the only light in my dark, painful world. And now, I fear that light is dimming. My tears fall faster, each one a prayer for a miracle, a plea to keep her safe.
My ex, Noah, had been two-timing me, claiming to love me while sleeping with another. He had the audacity to tell me that she was better than me, shattering my trust and breaking my heart beyond repair.
That betrayal had made me hesitant to love again, to risk the pain that comes with it.
I bury my face deeper into her shoulder, lost for words and lost in thought. My mother and I have run a small grocery store for years now.
The profits from our small grocery store are meager, barely enough to make ends meet. And my mother's illness continues to drain our already stretched finances. It's a constant struggle, a battle I fear I'm losing.
"Promise me you'll find a man tonight." Mama whispers. "I'll be at more peace, dear.”
I swallow, my throat dry and tight. "I promise," I whisper, nodding my head.
"Lay me back on the bed before you leave," she murmurs.
I do as she asks, my heart aching as I kiss her forehead goodbye. I close the door behind me, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.
~~~
Arriving at the venue, hours pass by like years, each minute a lifetime of frustration.
I think of the nine failures. Nine good failures I just faced tonight, feeling my heart sink with each passing second that I might not grant my mother's wish.
Nine failures… Each man is a leering, unwelcome presence. Each conversation from them, a reminder that this would fail. Each rejection is a dagger to my heart. My eyes had caught unto their gazes lingering on my curves, my cleavage, my face. They lean in, their breath hot and invasive on my skin, their hands brushing against me as they try to get a better look. I had to shrink away to escape.
As for the wealthy men? They're already paired off, and I'm left alone.
Suddenly a hush falls, when the host takes the stage, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the second round of our matchmaking session. And I assure you, this is the interesting part." He grins. "Please take a look at the digital bracelets on your wrists. You're to find the exact person who wears the exact same bracelet. Once found, please note that he or she is your date for tonight. Good luck!"
I stare down at my bracelet, my heart racing in my chest. The room erupts in chatter, everyone searching for their match.
Frustration bubbles up inside me as I fiddle with the stubborn bracelet, my eyebrows drawn together in a deep scowl. If only I hadn't lost my wolf in an accident years back, this whole process would have been so much simpler. I would have just smelled him from afar.
But before I can even finish that thought, I collide with a solid body, my breath leaving me in a sharp gasp of pain.
"Shit! I'm so sorry, are you okay?" a deep voice reverberates in the air, and my heart gives a sudden lurch.
My gaze snaps upward, my heart skipping a beat as my eyes meet the most beautiful man I've ever seen.
Good heavens! His dark hair is neatly cut, his eyes green with flecks of gold in it, just like the spring meadow. He's dressed casually— a black shirt and pants, yet his tall, muscular frame radiates a sense of power and strength that makes my skin prickle with goosebumps.
I struggle to find my voice, my tongue suddenly heavy and useless. I feel something inside me tightens, as if my very soul is being pulled toward him.
The touch of his skin against mine ignites a strange hum inside me, and I instinctively stiffen.
He notices, his brow furrowing in concern. "I'm so sorry, please let me help you," he whispers.
I nod, my tongue feeling heavy in my mouth. And then, I see it. His wrist bears an identical bracelet to mine, and I gasp, my finger pointing towards it as he helps me to my feet.
"You're my date?" I ask, my cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.
He smiles, a dimple appearing on his cheek, and I feel my heart skip a beat.
"My apologies," he says, his voice full of warmth and charm. "I guess this is it. I'm Ryan, my lady."
He takes my hand in his, his touch sending shivers through my body. And then, he places a gentle kiss on my palm, his lips soft and warm against my skin.
My blush deepens, and all I can manage to say is "Isabella." My name on my lips feels foolish and inadequate.
Ryan gently weaves through the crowd with me by his side, his fingers intertwined with mine. A warm sensation courses through my arm, and my lips curve into a smile for the first time today.
We finally reach the wine table, where Ryan pulls out a chair for me with the grace of a true gentleman. I sit down, his gentlemanly attitude, makes my heart slightly flutter.
"Uhm..." I clear my throat, my fingers fiddling beneath the table. "Do you want to introduce ourselves first?" I ask, my smile faltering a bit.
Ryan gives me a soft smile that warms my heart. "I don't mind."
"I'm Isabella. My mother and I run a small grocery store down the street from here."
I watch his expression carefully, but his face remains neutral.
"I'm Ryan," he says. "A Beta who runs a little… uhm business across some packs.” His Adams apple bobbed and I can't help but watch it bob up and down.
“Interesting then," I nod my head. I see his lips crack into a ghost of a smile. “I've always wanted to learn several new business ideas. Seems my wishes have been granted then.” I shrug.
His eyes play as he cracks another smirk. “Good girl." His rich, baritone voice sends shivers down my spine.
Oh shit! I instinctively shift on my chair, hoping to hide the effect he has on me. His hypnotic tone sinks deep into my bones and sends tingles dancing through my limbs.
I've never had a man speak to me like that, only read it in the romance novels I sometimes indulge in.
His smirk only grows wider, as if he knows exactly the kind of spell he’s casting over me. My heart pounds, my breaths grow shallow, and I struggle to maintain eye contact as he stares at me with an intensity that’s almost too much to bear.
Well, it seems I have to choose this one. I wonder if my mother will even be able to handle his charm when he shows up on our doorstep. This one is so handsome and rugged, with the kind of confidence that makes women weak in their knees.
I laugh inwardly at the thought, imagining the chaos that might ensue when she sets eyes on him. Poor mom, she won’t know what hit her.
"Ryan, I was thinking..." I lean forward, forcing a smile to hide my blush. "I think we're a perfect match."
His eyebrows arch in surprise, his lips curling into a hint of a smile. "You think so?"
I nod, trying my best to appear confident. "I do. And I was wondering...would you mark me tonight? I'm ready."
The smile on Ryan's face falters. There was something in his expression that didn't sit right. A shadow in his eyes, a flicker of something I can't place. Suddenly out of the blue, his expressions shifts.
ISABELLA'S POV~"You're lying, James!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage and disbelief. "Why would you sink this low? I'm not going anywhere with you. Just leave!"My body trembled as waves of anger and heartbreak washed over me. I refused to believe that Ryan could have betrayed me like this. We had promised each other that nothing would tear us apart, that we would never let history repeat itself."Isabella..." James took a step towards me, his eyes shining with something I couldn't decipher, but I stepped back, raising my hand as if to ward him off."Just go!" I yelled at the top of my voice, my words echoing off the walls of the cell. "I'm not leaving here. Not without Ryan."James's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, trying to come up with a way to convince me. But I was done listening.“Fine, I'm not going to force you to believe me or not. Why don't you come see for yourself? This is the last opportunity to flee this cell
LINDA'S POV~My legs moved swiftly as I clutched my shawl, ensuring that it remained wrapped tightly around my neck. I approached the small, hidden door in the palace walls, and took a quick glance around to ensure I hadn’t been spotted.With cautious movements, I placed my fingers on the secret fingerprint sensor that would grant me entry. The door creaked open, and I cast one final look down the shadowy hallway. Seeing that it was empty, I darted inside, my heart racing.I heard a click, and the room was illuminated by a dim light.In the center of the room stood a single pot, with images and statues of ancestral wolves and celestial bodies adorning the walls.The pot, filled with a boiling, fragrant liquid, caught my attention. As I pulled off my shawl and set it aside, I cast a sharp gaze upon my reflection in the liquid, my jaw clenching.I was here with a purpose - to deal with my son, Ryan. The thoughts of his actions kept me up at night, the weight of his shame upon our royal
RYAN'S POV~Time seemed to slow to a crawl as my brain struggled to process the events unfolding before me. My mother’s concerned gaze went ignored as my eyes remained locked on the elder priest. It was as if I was viewing the world through a haze of red mist, the only thing piercing through me, was the sight of danger that threatened my mate.Then the guards made their move, their hands reaching for their guns. In that instant, something within me snapped."What the fuck are you insinuating?!" I roared, my voice shaking the very foundations of the hall.The priest’s expression darkened, but I didn’t care. This man, who dared to accuse my mate of being a danger, would not get away with this.My mother, sensing the volatility of the situation, placed a gentle hand on my arm, but I shrugged her off with a glare that spoke volumes. I wouldn’t be silenced. Not when Isabella’s honor was at stake.“I only say what I see, son,” the priest hissed.My blood boiled at his arrogance.“My work is
IVY'S POV~I rose slowly from the bed, driven by my rage. As I walked towards the window, the soft night breeze was the only sound in the silence and in darkness. The world seemed to have stopped, but my heart was ablaze with thirst for vengeance.I wanted nothing more than to watch the world burn. Winter Fall Pack might have been at peace, but I wanted chaos. How dare Ryan humiliate me? I had seduced countless men, but when I thought I had Ryan under my spell, he slipped away, disgracing me.In my anger, I threw a flower vase to the ground, watching it shatter.Before I could process my thoughts, a dark idea crept into my mind, and I stopped, my eyes wide with excitement. Without hesitation, I picked the nearest long coat on the cloth hanger, draped it on with a shawl covering my face and then left the room, determined to carry out my diabolical plan.~ ~ ~The street was blanketed in silence. No sounds of traffic, no signs of life. Just two stray cats, their fur standing on end, da
RYAN'S POV~My steps echoed through the hallway as I approached the room. Five armed men stood in waiting as I strode past. The door was already open, courtesy of the guards.Alan and several operatives sat hunched over their devices, their intense focus broken as I entered. Their heads lifted and turned towards me, a chorus of "Alpha" greeting me in unison. I gave them a single nod, acknowledging their respect, before taking my seat next to Alan.He slid a file across the table,"The evidence is all here," Alan said. "Everything to take Ryan down. We traced his transactions, his contacts. Everything."My chest rumbled with deep satisfaction as he placed CDs and drives on the table, the knowledge that Ryan's downfall was imminent filling me with a sense of dark triumph. "Brilliant," I commended. The operatives all nodded."Where is Ross and the men now?" I asked, checking my wristwatch. Alan followed suit. "Be rest assured, Alpha. They're on the way and headed to us." Alan typed away
ROSS'S POV~The door slammed shut behind me, and there he stood…nobody. There was absolutely nobody but the door shutting on its own. But I could imagine Ryan, standing there and staring at me like he had suddenly caught me up in his trap. I could imagine his face twisted into a side grin, his eyes gleaming with an evil satisfaction. My breath caught in my throat as my world froze. My mind raced, thoughts scattering like rats as a sinking dread took hold. This was not part of my plan, not at all. How had he known? How had I failed?"Well, well, dear brother. Here you are," Ryan's smooth voice slithered through the room, sinister and mocking. But no matter where I turned, his face remained hidden. The sound of his approaching footsteps chilled me to the bone, my fists clenching tighter with each step. "Oh, you look scared, brother. So scared. Perhaps a picture or two to share with the world?" His chuckle was like a blade against my skin, but no matter how I searched, I found no tra
RYAN'S POV~I watched with chilling coldness as Ivy's body slumped over the table, her speech slurring and her head drooping. The drug she had slipped into the drink which she assumed was mine, was slowly taking effect, her body heating up, the telltale signs of her impending heat becoming more apparent with each passing second. I could already envision the wolves in here circling her like prey, ready to feast on her vulnerable state. My insides twisted with a dark, vengeful satisfaction."You think you're clever, don't you?" I muttered under my breath, glancing around the bar with a calculating glare.My anger simmered beneath the surface, as I took in the scene around me. The shifters in the bar laughed, drank, danced, and made out in corners of the bar, completely oblivious to the scheme that was unfolding right under their noses. I needed to leave, but first I contemplated texting Ross once more, pondering if my previous message was flirtatious enough.I let out a low chuckle as
ISABELLA'S POV ~In that moment, I was stripped of my armor, vulnerable and raw in front of Ryan. He had seen me through my darkest moments, but this was different; this was a deeper, more vulnerable kind of brokenness. My heart ached as I watched his own vulnerability surface, his expression a reflection of my own pain. It was as if the world had stopped spinning for a moment, and all that existed was the two of us, bound together by our shared bond. I hoped that this tender moment, this fragile peace, would never be shattered.My mind raced, trying to process the emotions swirling through me. I felt numb, as if the world had gone still and silent around me. I knew I had to say something, anything, but my voice refused to work.Instead, I pulled Ryan into a tight embrace, allowing his comforting scent to fill my senses, attempting to ease the turmoil in my mind. It was all too much; the exhaustion, the emotional upheaval, the weight of the world seemed to bear down on me.“I know…
ISABELLA'S POV ~Rage built within me like an inferno, blistering every inch of my being. My breath came in short, ragged gasps as I stared at the man who should have been on his knees begging for forgiveness. But instead, he was groveling at the feet of the strange woman he'd chosen over his own family, trying to atone for the wrongs he'd done to his daughter by sacrificing me.I felt like I was unraveling at the seams.My stepmother bled out before my eyes, her life draining away in a crimson pool. My so-called father clutched her, sobbing hysterically, his hands slick with blood as he desperately tried to save her. But I felt nothing for them. No empathy, no sympathy—only a cold, hard emptiness where my heart used to be. Perhaps I was evil for feeling this way, but in that moment, I could not bring myself to care.Ryan's arms encircled me, keeping me from collapsing to the ground like a broken doll. His voice, gentle as a summer breeze, barely registered in my mind.“Hey… are you
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