Chapter Rhys' POVI woke up with a pounding headache and a sharp pain in my side. The sterile smell of the hospital filled my nostrils, and I slowly opened my eyes to the bright light of the room. I winced as I tried to sit up, but the pain made me groan. A nurse was standing by the bed, her eyes showing concern as she noticed my discomfort. “You’re awake,” she said gently. “How are you feeling?”I rubbed my temples, trying to clear the fog from my mind. “What happened? How did I end up here?”“A Lycan brought you in. You were badly injured and unconscious. She made sure you were taken care of.”I felt a pang in my chest remembering the attack and the men who held Mara captive. “A Lycan? Do you know who it was?”Her gaze shifted to the floor. “I’m afraid not. They left shortly after you were brought in. I believe it was someone you know, though.”“Mara. Was it Mara who brought me here?”The nurse hesitated before nodding. “Yes, it was. She left with Ethan I remember someone whisperi
Mara's POVI helped the nurse guide Rhys back into the hospital bed, my hands shaking with worry. Rhys's face was pale, and he winced in pain as we moved him.“I need you to step back his condition is getting worse,” she said firmly. “I’m going to call the doctor. We need to get him stabilized as quickly as possible.”I took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. I watched as the nurse hurried to the phone, her voice urgent as she relayed the situation to the doctor. I could see Rhys’s condition deteriorating right before my eyes, and it felt like every second was a battle we were losing.The doctor arrived quickly, his expression grave as he assessed Rhys’s condition. I stood by, feeling helpless as they tried different methods to stabilize him.Minutes felt like hours, I kept my eyes fixed on Rhys, praying for some sign that he was getting better.Finally, the doctor stepped back, his face lined with fatigue. He looked at me, his expression solemn. “We’ve done everything we can
Rhys' POV I felt the sharp sting as I bit into Mara's neck. Her blood flowed into me, and with each pulse, I could feel a change. The pain in my side started to dull, the poison slowly being pushed back. It was incredible how her blood worked its magic, and I could sense my strength returning. As the blood mingled with mine, something else stirred within me at first I didn't understand but as I continued I could tell… It was the mate bond.I hadn’t felt it clearly before, but now it was unmistakable. Mara was my second chance mate.I could now feel her emotions and thoughts in a way I hadn’t before. It was as if a fog had lifted, and I could see everything with new clarity. I realized I had marked her my heart ached with the realization that I should have done this long ago. I should have embraced this bond sooner instead of pushing her away.The seer worked swiftly beside me, her focus on extracting the poison from my body. She used a syringe to pull the toxic substance from my vei
AUTHOR'S POV Ever since that man had walked into the pack, Ethan knew that Mara was no longer the same Mara he once knew. She was now by his side at all times. He kept telling himself that it might not be what he thought it was, maybe nothing was going on between them, but after seeing that hug closely… it shattered his heart into a million pieces and it broke that delusion that he was living in. He slowly dragged his feet to the Pack bar, with his head bent down and his hands slipped inside his pocket. Mara was never his to begin with.He shoved the thought out of his mind and tried to think about something else, but he couldn't. The image of that hug kept appearing vividly in his head, it was haunting him, making him unable to think straight. His heart ached each time he recalled the scene, it even aches the more he thought about how she had changed since that asshole stepped into the pack. “What other way to deal with sorrow than to drown it with a lot of drinks till you fee
Mara's POVThe morning felt heavier than usual, my chest tight with the weight of confusion and heartache. I was caught between Rhys and Ethan, unsure of where my heart truly belonged.Sitting by the window, my phone buzzed with a new message. As I picked it up, my heart sank at the sight of a picture showing Ethan and Lia in bed together. Without thinking, I rushed out of my room, my heart pounding with frantic hope that there might be a mistake. When I reached Ethan’s quarters, I hesitated before pushing the door open.What I saw inside shattered me. Ethan and Lia were entangled in bed, looking peaceful and completely unaware of my presence. The sight was like a knife twisting in my chest. Tears blurred my vision as I spun on my heel and fled, my footsteps echoing down the corridor.Back in my room, I slammed the door shut and locked it, trembling as I slid to the floor. I leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath, but the pain was overwhelming.Ethan and Lia’s image repla
Mara's POV Ethan folded his arms his expression cold, “You clearly have a motive after last night” I gasped, taking a step back, feeling my heart sink as his words echoed in my ears. "You think I poisoned her because I caught you two in bed?" My voice trembled as I spoke, barely able to believe what I was hearing. Ethan stood firm, his expression cold and distant. "It makes sense, Mara. You were angry and jealous. You wanted to get back at us." My mind raced, trying to process the accusation. "Ethan, how could you think that? I would never... I didn’t" But it was clear, from the look in his eyes and the murmurs around us, that no one believed me. They all thought I was capable of something so horrible, so cruel. Lia lay on the ground, her breathing shallow, her face pale. She wouldn't be able to stay alive for much longer since I couldn't convince them it was for the best I helped her. "I can heal her," I said quietly, reaching for a small knife on the table. "If you all think I
Author's POV Ethan carried Lia in his arms bridal style as he walked through the dimly lit corridors. She looked better thanks to Mara's blood. He stopped by her room door remembering what transpired, he felt disgusted with himself but he forced the bile down his throat and pushed the door open. He walked in quickly then placed her gently on the bed hoping she would be okay. Before he could make his escape Lia stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and a small smile spread across her lips as she looked up at him. “Ethan,” she whispered, her voice soft and drowsy, “you’re still here…” She reached up, trying to wrap her arms around his neck, but Ethan gently removed her hand, his expression unreadable. “Just rest, Lia,” he said, his tone distant. Lia’s smile faded slightly, but she closed her eyes again then curled up under the blankets as she drifted back to sleep. Ethan watched her for a moment, he knew something wasn’t right there was a strange feeling in his gut ever since he woke
Rhy's POV I held Mara close as we sailed through, I could feel the weight of everything pressing down on her, and I wanted nothing more than to take it all away. But I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Leaving behind everything she knew, everything she had been through, it wasn’t something you could just walk away from without feeling the pain. But I needed her with me, I don't care if I sound selfish but I'll choose to take Mara over and over again. The journey felt like it took forever, I kept my arm around her, trying to give her as much comfort as I could. Finally, we reached the pack’s territory. But as we stepped out of the woods and into the open, my heart sank. No no no! The pack was in shambles. The rogue attack had left everything in chaos. Fences were broken, the ground was torn up, and the air was thick with tension. I could feel the disapproval of the pack members as they watched us walk by. Their eyes were full of judgment, and I knew what they were thinking wh
Rhys's eyes were locked onto Mara’s irises as she held onto her silver flowing dress, with a soft smile creased on her face as she walked down the stairs.He couldn't help but stare at how beautiful she looked, walking down the stairs, graced in her beautiful silver dress.She was truly breathtaking, with her long red hair wrapped around in long waves with a small ribbon placed right on top. Her well-defined juicy lips with the upper lip almost in the shape of a heart that lingered a sweet, caring smile painted with deep crimson lipstick, and her pinkish cheeks and small apart little freckles all came into view when she came up close to Rhys. The space between them slowly closed up as the music by the garden sort of increased when he grabbed her by the hand.“You…” Rhys stuttered, staring into her eyes unable to look away. He’d slowly gone lost in them. Just when she etched closer, he leaned forward whispering into her ears. “You look so beautiful,” He said, with a smile creaesd on
Rhy’s POV Two rogues came barreling in. They were running right for me as I ducked taking both rogues down to the floor in seconds making sure to have them both wounded.I watched both rogues squirming on the floor as they clenched their throats and then I knelt on the floor and started shifting, seeing that I was slowly getting outnumbered. I stepped forward and then grabbed one of them stepping over top of him. And then I bared my teeth into his flesh, growling, forcing a permanent hole as I had him killed instantly as the others stood by watching the scene. A lot of rogue men hurried my way, coming in groups of four, and twos headed in my direction.My eyes for some annoying reason, slowly had its color changed under the influence of me being completely angry over the fact that she was being taken away by Giovanni and I was getting attacked by some unknown rogue men.“Where the hell are they coming from?” I scowled, trying to make my way through angry rogue men as they attacked.
RHYS POVMy knuckles gripped the steering wheel, turning white as I imagined all the ways I'd kill whoever must have done this.I wanted to make sure his death was so agonizingly painful that when I was done with him, he'd be begging for the blessings of death.Lost In my thoughts of torture, I didn't notice how much time had passed. I recognized the area immediately and felt relief pour through me as I neared the motel.I pulled up to the garage, squinting through the dark as I hopped out of my car. I walked close to the building, holding up my flashlight in the air.As I walked into the building, I realized there happened to be no locks on the door. I had my foot against the door, and in seconds the door creaked open.I flashed my light in the direction of the dark, knowing down my guts that it was somewhat dangerous being out here all alone. But I didn't care…Mara was all I cared about.I trudged further into the dark, with my eyes locked on the empty hallways up ahead. I wondered
Rhys POVI watched Talia walking out of the mansion quietly, a couple of days later. Her movements seemed quite suspicious as she hopped into her zooming off.I couldn't stand my Wolf from growling at the thought of her knowing something about Mara’s disappearance.I decided to follow her to find out where she was headed. The fact that I could have her whereabouts tracked by her scent made it quite easier.She took about four turns and then into an unknown part of the city before stopping in front of a bar. A bar is known only to be visited, by rebellions.“What the hell is she doing here?” I whispered to myself as I parked a few meters away from her, making sure to take full cover.I peeped through the rearview mirror of my car and saw that there was a black Benz parked behind me, blocking me from driving out. I lowered my head, to avoid being caught in the game.My eyes widened in shock at the realization of whom it was that had stepped out of the car.The one man I never imagined I
RHY’S POV I had my head lowered as I rummaged through the papers on my desk. I tried extremely hard to focus but the conversation from a couple of weeks ago with Yara, kept whirling in my head. “Go on,” My voice was short and my eyes never left the stack of papers. Ignoring the fact that I’d been on one paragraph for the last couple of hours. “We’ve already upped patrol on the border, but still no sign of her,” Dante spoke up, distressed all over his face as he stared back at me.“I'm open to more orders,” He added, as I leaned back in the chair keeping my eyes low.“We stay on the course, we stay scouting, we have to keep searching,” I said frustratingly.“We can't be sitting ducks, we have to do something—” I grimaced but then paused, the minute I realized I was beginning to over react.It had been a couple of months since she’d suddenly disappeared. A couple of months since we had dinner together and a couple of months since I’ve seen her smile.“Perhaps we could send out a few
Rhys's Pov.Yara's words pierced through my heart. "Rhys, listen to me. Mara would come to me if she needed help. She trusts me."Something stirred within me. A spark of hope."Mara would come to you?" I repeated.Yara nodded. "Of course, She has no one else."No one else? The weight of those words crushed me. Mara's isolation, Her loneliness, My failure.But Yara's next words ignited a fire. "Rhys, Mara didn't come to me. She didn't leave you."I felt a glimmer of hope, A chance. "Mara's still out there, in Giovanni's custody," I whispered.Waiting For me. Waiting for me to find her. To make it right.Yara's grip on my arm tightened. "Find her Rhys, Make it right."Determination coursed through me. I'd find Mara. Explain everything. Prove my love, With newfound purpose.Yara's warning echoed in my mind. "Remember, Rhys, Talia's a snake. Has been always will be," she said.I nodded, determination etched on my face. "I'll be careful," I said.Yara's eyes narrowed. "Careful isn't enough
Rhys's PovI was left all alone at home. I paced through the darkness of my bedroom with bottles of Alcohol in both hands.Mara's note echoed in my mind. "I thought our love was stronger.""I thought you loved me." "I was wrong."Talia's words sliced through my haze. "Rhys, I'm here for you."Her hand touched my shoulder. I shrugged it off. "Leave me alone, Talia," I screamed at her."Rhys, please—""Get out!" I roared.Talia's eyes widened. "Rhys, I just want to help.""Help?" I sneered. "You've done enough."My anger boiled over. "You and your games, Your lies, Your manipulations."Talia stepped back. "Rhys, I'm sorry—""Sorry?" I laughed harshly. "Sorry isn't enough."I stood, swaying. The room spun.Talia's face blurred."Get out," I repeated. My voice cracked.Talia hesitated. Then turned and ran.The door slammed shut, I collapsed onto the couch.Whiskey spilled from my hand. Mara's face haunted me. Her smile, Her laughter, Her tears.My regret suffocated me. Why hadn't I told h
Rhys povI couldn't shake off the feeling that Talia was involved in Mara's disappearance.Her manipulations knew no bounds. But what if she'd played me from the start?A sudden memory flashed in my mind.How Talia had approached me with Her offer."I can work as a double spy for you and Giovanni," she'd said."I'll feed him false information while keeping you informed."Her expression was somber. "I have something to tell you, Rhys," she'd said."About Giovanni?" I prompted.Talia nodded. "And my involvement," she saidI gestured for her to continue."It all started months ago," Talia began. "Giovanni approached me, charming and persuasive, He promised me wealth, status, and power.""And you believed him?" I asked.Talia's eyes dropped. "I did. I thought he could offer me more than you could, Rhys."More than I could? The words stung."But then I realized..." Talia's voice trailed off."Realized what?" I asked."That I was just a tool," Talia said, her voice barely above a whisper."
Rhys POVI pulled into the driveway, exhausted from the trip.Finally home, finally, I'll be able to make things right with Mara.But as I entered the house, a sense of unease crept in within me."Mara?" I called out. But there was no answer, I frowned.Where was she? Where could she be by this time?I searched the house but I couldn't find her.'Maybe she wasn't home, or maybe she must have gone to her friend's place' I thought.But Mara wasn't the type to leave the house without letting anyone know.I checked our bedroom, and there was no sign of Mara and to my greatest shock, Her luggage was gone.A shiver ran down my spine. "Mara?" I called again, louder this time.But only silence replied. Panic set in.No! She wouldn't leave, Not like this, Not without talking to me.Fear gripped my heart. Where was she? Was she safe? Where could she be? The orphanage?The questions consumed my mind. I grabbed my phone and dialed Mara's number.Voicemail, Again, And again. I was so scared that p