Why can’t I stop thinking about her? Ryland muttered with a frown as frustration built in his chest. He was seated in a dimly lit room with his gaze fixed on the window where the moonlight barely touched the edges of the curtains. The room felt too quiet. His mind, however, was anything but calm.Hazel was the only thing on his mind. Hazel—The rogue he had pushed away, the woman he had discarded. Yet, every night, her scent haunted him. Every waking moment, her face, her eyes, lingered in his thoughts, pulling at him. He hated it. He hated how his wolf, Kael, growled restlessly, aching to be close to her. She’s a freakin’ rogue, he reminded himself, but it didn’t help. It did not make the ache go away.“You are still thinking about her, aren’t you?”Serena’s voice snapped him out of his trance. He turned to see her standing by the door. Her arms were crossed over her chest and the anger was clear in her posture.There was a frown on her face as she eyed him. Ryland said nothin
The days stretched into weeks, and Ryland was fast becoming a shadow of himself. He tried to ignore it at first. He drowned himself in work, trained harder, pushed his wolves to their limits. He spent more time in meetings, pretending to care about business ventures and pack alliances. But none of it mattered, and none of it silenced the storm inside him. He was a man possessed. Every time he closed his eyes, she was there. The rogue he had tossed aside—Hazel, the mate he had rejected. He saw her body trembling beneath him, her lips parted in breathless surrender. He felt her fingers digging into his skin, pulling him closer, her voice whispering his name in a way that sent shivers down his spine.And then he’d wake up—hard, aching, his sheets damp with the evidence of his need. It wasn’t just at night. Every moment of every day, his body reminded him of what he had lost. His wolf was relentless, clawing at his mind, howling for her. “Ryland, you need to act fast. Find Hazel.
He exhaled sharply through his nose, running a hand over his face. “This isn’t working.” Her jaw clenched. “This isn’t working?” she repeated mockingly. “You were just all over me a second ago!” Ryland turned to face her, “I was trying.” Serena folded her arms, the lace of her lingerie doing little to hide her irritation. “Trying? Trying what, exactly?” He didn’t respond. He just buttoned his pants, as he avoided her gaze. Serena’s eyes narrowed. “It’s about her, isn't it?” Ryland stiffened, and his hands paused at his belt. “I already warned you to stop talking about her.”Serena let out a short, humorless laugh. “And what will you do? Kill me and bury my body so no one ever finds out what you did? I am your chosen mate, Ryland! But you can’t even make love to me because you’re too busy fantasizing about some pathetic rogue.” Ryland’s jaw ticked. “Watch your mouth, Serena.” “Or what?” She stepped closer as her blue eyes flashed with anger. “You’ll choke me again? Go a
Ryland barely noticed when Serena left. The moment the door slammed shut behind her, he let out a sharp breath, his hands raking through his hair. Darn!He was going insane. His wolf was restless, clawing at him from the inside, howling for its mate. It kept demanding that he find Hazel; that he take her, claim her, make her his again. Ryland let out a shuddering breath, as his body ached with tiredness. His mind was haunted by the memory of Hazel’s scent, the way her body had fit so perfectly against his, the way she had moaned his name like it belonged to her.He stood up, and walked over to the door. Then, he locked it. As he walked back to his table, something stirred within him and he realized that he was yet to get an orgasm, despite how horny he had been earlier. He rushed to his seat and slumped in it as he reached for his belt, his fingers working quickly to undo it. Then, he pushed his pants down just enough, his fingers wrapping around his erection as he closed his
It had been three weeks since Hazel had been dragged into this place, and though the walls weren’t made of iron bars, it felt just the same—a prison. Rodrigo’s presence loomed over everything, even when he wasn’t in sight.Hazel had learned the truth about him through whispers among the maids—an Alpha, feared and respected, known for his ruthlessness. Yet, despite the terror that surrounded his name, he had been… absent. Not once had he demanded anything from her. And that? That worried her the most about him. Every night, she was reminded of the ache in her chest and how it never truly left.She missed her parents so much it was a physical pain. It was low like an emptiness that nothing could fill. Some nights, she curled up in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if her mother’s embrace had just been a dream.Would she even recognize their voices if she heard them again?She hated this feeling of loneliness and helplessness. But she wasn’t completely alone because with time, she
“This place is beautiful, isn’t it?” A deep, masculine voice said behind Hazel. She was standing at the balcony of her room, and hid her surprise over his sudden presence behind her. She didn’t turn, rather, her fingers tightened around the cold iron railing as Rodrigo’s voice drifted through the evening air. His tone was calm, almost like he was expecting a response from her, but she knew better than to trust it.She exhaled slowly as her eyes remained fixed on the estate beyond—on the perfectly sculpted gardens, and the fountains in the palace grounds. “It must be nice to stand here and admire everything,” Rodrigo continued when she didn’t respond. “But I wonder if you have ever found any of it enjoyable.”Hazel’s lips pressed together. She gave the shortest answer possible. “It’s fine.”“Fine?”“Yes,” she said, wondering where this conversation was headed. It took everything she had in her to stop herself from looking back at Rodrigo to get a glimpse of his face. She wanted to k
A short while later, Rodrigo looked up at Hazel again. She seemed to be focused on eating the food before her and actually enjoying it. Without knowing, his fork noisily dropped to the plate, making a fluttering noise. Hazel jerked her head upwards and shot him a glance. “Oh, no,” he muttered and swallowed hard. He blinked as he realized that Hazel was now looking at him. Her golden-brown eyes were locked onto his. There was a mix of curiosity and suspicion in her looks as she eyed him.Damn it! He cursed under his breath. He hadn’t realized how intensely he had been staring—how deep he had fallen into his own thoughts.She had caught him—again. He felt a blush rise in his cheeks as he picked a piece of napkin and dapped it at his lips to distract himself from Hazel. “I know this is none of my business, but...are you okay?” Hazel asked with a small voice, breaking the silence in the room. Wait...what? Did she just speak to him twice in a row without being spoken to first? A s
Standing on the elevated training grounds, Rodrigo had his arms folded across his broad chest as he observed the warriors of his pack. The afternoon sun was already setting, and he could notice the sheen of sweat on the men who threw fists at each other below. There was also an occasional grunt of exertion in the air.His warriors were strong. Loyal. Disciplined.And yet, his mind was elsewhere.Hazel.Rodrigo clenched his jaw as he forced himself to focus on the drills taking place in front of him. He had barely slept the night before, haunted by the image of her—those sharp golden-brown eyes, the way her lips parted ever so slightly when she was lost in thought.His wolf stirred within him, pacing impatiently. Go to her.Easy. He told himself. Rodrigo let out a sharp exhale. His discipline was absolute, and he would not be ruled by impulse, especially not over a woman who had yet to yield.Thorne approached with short strides, stopping just behind him. “Alpha, the eastern border pat
Ryland cursed, glancing up as he took in Serena. "You should really learn to lock your door," Keal growled, and Ryland only grunted in agreement. "You know eavesdropping is a bad habit?” Caleb scoffed, taking his seat. Ryland didn't have to look, but he could tell Serena was rolling her eyes. What do you need?" He asked, focusing his gaze on her. She wore a cape-like top and a matching dress underneath. "What do I need? You, silly,” she said, gliming and Caleb gave out a loud cough."Moron,” she cursed but Ryland ignored her banter. “You're wasting my time, what is it you seek?" He repeated, eyes on his wrist watch. "You're no fun," Serena muttered, stepping closer. She placed her hands on the table looking up at him, but slowly changed to a smiling expression."I came to see you,” she pouted, but Ryland just stared at her with a blank expression on his face. "I missed you and it's been so long since we last spent time together," she whispered, tugging his tie. Caleb let out a
Last I checked we were married. So you are my freaking business," Rodrigo responded, not leaving her gaze. Hazel stared back, the urge to punch him taking over her entire head. "And well, the last time I checked this was a contract marriage," Hazel shot back, walking away. Rodrigo rolled his eyes, taking hold of her arm. “Let me go,” she snapped, trying to free herself but he only held on tighter. "What did you say?" Rodrigo asked, Leo losing control. "You're my wife," Leo growled, rage flowing off in waves. "Tell me who did that or I swear I'm going to punish everyone I suspect,” Rodrigo muttered, his jaw clenched. Hazel took a good look at him; it was evident he wasn't joking. "Why does it matter? You do worse," she whispered, looking away, but he caught it. He looked away, guilt eating away. "Look, this isn't hard. Tell me who did it?" Rodrigo said, his tone soft. Hazel turned, meeting his gaze. Just when he thought she was going to give in, her lips stretched into an empty
Hazel turned back in shock, she stared at the huge man that held her arm. Hazel glared at him in hopes that he'd take the hint and let her go, but his grip only got tighter."Let me go!" she ordered, her temper rising. But the guard only smirked. "And why should I?" He asked, a smirk on his face. Hazel yanked his arm away, turning towards the entrance. She was going to find Aaron. She had barely taken another step when the guard held her again. "What is wrong with you?" She yelled, her chest heaving. "Are you deaf? You've been banned from leaving the walls of the mansion," the guard barked, stepping closer. Hazel looked at him in confusion. Something didn't sit right with her. "Banned, what do you mean?" She asked, trying to free herself from his hold but he only held on firmer. “Luna doesn't understand English anymore," he said, laughing out loud. "Seb, stop being a fool. That's your Luna," a guard said glaring at Seb in disgust."I dont give a darn. I'm following Alpha's words
Ryland stood in front of his window staring outside, a glass of whisky in hand. Kael grew uncontrollable with each passing hour and Ryland found it harder to concentrate. Something felt off. He knew and was hundred percent sure, but he didn't know what. It had been two days since he and Hazel last spoke and she had not called since then. He played the last minutes of their call over and over in his mind but nothing felt off. But he was yet to receive a call from her. All sorts of scenarios played in his mind and they felt so real and he could barely sleep. Keal had been stirring in anger, making Ryland squeeze his eyes tight."Mate," it growled, threatening to lose control. Caleb pushed the door open walking in. Ryland turned, prying his eyes open, his eyes getting darker as he saw Caleb. "Don't you know how to knock?" He questioned, his temper rising. "As much as I would love to spar with you, I very much like to live so that would be a no to a fight with you," Caleb said, glanc
Eleanor ignored the mess she had just made, running towards Hazel. "How are you? Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?" Eleanor asked, stumbling on her words. Hazel stared at her, her lips stretching into a smile. Memories of Eleanor defending her filled her mind and she felt her heart swell. "I'm fine, Hazel managed to say, her voice a little hoarse. "You sound thirsty, I should go get you some water," Eleanor said, turning away. "Where is Maria?" She asked turning back to face Hazel. Just then Maria walked in with a glass of water in hand. Her smile fell when she studied the floor in front of her. "What happened?" She asked, taking another way to avoid slipping. "Don't mind me," Eleanor replied, taking the water off Maria's palm. "Here drink up," Eleanor coed, holding Hazel up by supporting her back. "Feel better?" She questioned and Hazel nodded, trying to ignore the tears that threatened to fall again. "I'll go get the doctor. I think he needs to check some things," Maria
Hazel stood in a house. She turned around, studying her surroundings. It looked like the mansion but it felt different. It looked foggy and everywhere was empty. "Hello?” she called out heading for the stairs. She took each step slowly, the creaking of the wood sending a chill down her spine. She stood in front of her room door. Taking in a deep breath, she slowly pushed the door and went in. The room looked organised and Hazel's brows knitted together in confusion. Something felt wrong. Oddly wrong. "Maybe the servants had gotten it back together," a voice answered her doubts, but she ignored it, stepping in. She placed her hand on the bed feeling the softness of the bed sheets. She stood facing the window lost in thought, just then a sound brought her out. It sounded like a baby crying. Hazel looked around, but she was the only one in her room. The crying stopped and Hazel shook her head walking away from the bed. "It was probably all in my head," she muttered, placing her h
Hazel scrambled to her feet in shock. "Answer the question!" Rodrigo yelled, making her shake in fear. "What do you mean?" She asked, feigning confusion, but Rodrigo saw through it.His nostrils flared like a bull’s and Hazel's heart raced so fast that she wished she could just disappear."I have no idea what you're talking about," Hazel managed to yell, trying to stand her ground. Rodrigo gripped a fistful of her hair and dragged her closer to himself. She let out a scream clawing at his hand, but it was no use. "Why do you have that phone?!" He barked very close to her ear. Hazel squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her face as pain spread like electricity through her skull.It was no surprise that somehow Rodrigo of all people had stumbled on her phone. But how?"You never said I couldn't own a phone," she choked out, a sob escaping with the words. "Yes, but you owned two," he yelled, his grip on her hair getting tighter. "I don't," she struggled to answer. It felt l
Rodrigo ran a hand through his hair. He leaned on the wall taking deep breaths. "How could she talk to him like that," he growled out. Leo clawed on the inside wanting to be released but after much attempts, Rodrigo was able to control the animal and he headed for his office. He kicked the door open to see Thorne seated. Thorne turned to face Rodrigo cringing, "You look like sh*t. Wife problems?" He asked, a smirk on his face. "Shut up!" Rodrigo growled, earning a chuckle from Thorne. "C’mon tell me," he urged with a smile playing on his lips. "You don't need to know," Rodrigo said, taking his seat. "Fine," Thorne muttered, rolling his eyes. "I won't tell you what I found though," he said, bringing out a phone. Rodrigo's brows knitted in confusion. "What did you find?" he asked, his eyes flashing red. “You didn't tell me what the problem is so I don't have to say anything,” Thorne shot back. "I'm the Alpha, I don't answer to you," he growled at him, but Thorne sat down, his s
Rodrigo flashed her a charming smile as he gestured for her to take a seat. "You're already eating," Hazel said, studying his movements. "I know. You complained about me not showing up for dinner so I made some changes to my schedule," he said, taking a slice of his steak. Hazel smiled, but it felt empty. She mentally scolded herself for ever saying such. A maid came in with her plate and she said a mini thank you, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her. No doubt it would taste delicious, but she had no appetite with Rodrigo seated in front of her. "Aren't you going to eat?" He asked, taking a cup of wine. Hazel looked at him then at the food. Slowly she sliced the steak popping it in her mouth. The flavours exploded, but she only felt like throwing up. With Rodrigo still watching her every move, Hazel struggled to swallow. "So what was your day like?" He asked, glancing at his plate. "Nothing, I mostly slept today," Hazel answered in a bored tone. Silently hoping he would