They arrived at the Ryland Organization where a meeting was to be held.They walked hastily towards the board room, staff bowing as they made way for them to pass.“I hope they are all in there?”“Yes, Alpha,” Beta Caleb responded as he brushed through his tablet.Shortly after they left the torture house, he had gotten new clothes for Alpha Ryland and was just making sure payments were made.“Alright,” Ryland turned the door knob down, pushing open to reveal the worried faces in the room.“Alpha Ryland, what's with the emergency meeting?” One of the three men who met up with Rodrigo inquired, “Hope all is well?”“Sure, all is well, but not with you and your subordinates,” Ryland sneered, eyeing him, his eyes sending daggers his way.The man quickly looked at his two friends, and they gulped unconsciously, fear evident in their faces.“Now if you may all sit down,” Ryland said, gesturing for them to have a seat.Ryland took a seat at the head position, swirling it around, “I have impo
It had been two weeks now since Rodrigo got over with the three informants from Ryland's company, and he had been lazily sitting around, observing Hazel's movements, or was she the one observing him? The quiet morning hours had grown into a routine of silent glances, and lingering thoughts. It was now 7:00 AM, and the soft light of dawn filtered through the windows as Rodrigo eagerly anticipated seeing Hazel’s lips move while eating with him. They had been maintaining their usual eating routine, with him staring at her, and her gobbling down all the food she could, as if each bite was an act of defiance against the confines of their daily existence.He walked hastily towards her room, and stepped in without a knock on the door. Something he had never done before.He observed Hazel's dainty figure, his eyes darting through her body.“How soundly she sleeps,” he mumbled to himself. Then he quietly sat on the bed, next to sleeping Hazel. His heart was skipping fast as he admired her be
Ryland tapped his phone's screen after it had been buzzing for a while, he was staring at the screen, but his mind was blurred with the events that happened earlier in the night.“Sir, the remaining captives are ready to confess now,” the speaker simply said. Ryland listened quietly, his brows knitting together as his lips pressed into a deep frown. Then he dropped the call and walked out of his room swiftly.“Alpha, are we going somewhere?” Caleb asked as he saw Ryland coming downstairs, his voice firm, but still worried, he has always tried to stay calm even under tense situations.“Yes, get the car ready,” Ryland replied sharply, his tone leaving no room for discussion. His strides spoke nothing but determination, thus making Caleb quicken his pace, as he bowed and left quickly.As soon as Caleb was out of sight, Serena showed up. The atmosphere felt cold the moment Ryland saw her, and suddenly his breath hitched. “Not again!” Ryland cursed inaudibly under his breath. He wasn't re
Ryland returned to his mansion, giving no space for any thoughts aside from Hazel.He walked across the rooms with a determined mind, and even the silence of the mansion seemed to bend to his will.“Are you sure that tag belongs to slave traders?” He asked Caleb who was sitting on the sofa, his fingers busy on his keypad.“I am sure, Alpha,” Caleb retorted, his voice steady.“Alright, any news from them?” Ryland asked, clenching his jaw, and his muscles twitched under his skin as his voice cut through the air.“Not yet, Alpha. Let me check on them.”The tension in the room was so strong as Caleb's fingers swayed over the keypad, and the light which came from the screen revealed the seriousness in his furrowed brow. Every second that passed deepened the worry in Ryland's eyes, his jaw tightened with each question clawing at his mind yet to be answered. He curled his hands into fists at his sides as he silently cursed the delay.Caleb put the call on speaker, it rang twice before the re
Hazel was sitting in her room, her mind wandering around and going through the events that have been happening in the past few days. She felt some kind of guilt for how harsh she had been to Rodrigo. After all, he hasn't done anything wrong but to be kind towards her. "Maybe I should be a little nicer," she murmured, as she unknowingly toyed and tugged her hair. A knock landed on her door bringing her out of her daze. She turned to see a blond lady, one of the staff poke her head in. "Miss, Alpha requests your presence at dinner."Hazel looked away, considering the invitation. It wouldn't hurt to attend, she thought. She smiled slightly, turning to meet the gaze of the messenger, "Yes, I'll be down."The lady's eye widened in shock, before she nodded closing the door. Hazel stood up, running her hands through her hair hoping it would calm her. "I'm just having dinner with him," she repeated, as if trying to reassure herself.Hazel walked out of her room at a slow pace. She went down
Two days after their meeting, Ryland met with the detective. His chest was twisted with anger over the slow progress in finding Hazel. "How far?" he asked, his hand running over his hair as he took a seat."Any news?" Ryland asked, trying to ignore the growing impatience of Kael. His wolf had grown more aggressive each passing day and it was becoming difficult to keep him under control. They both wanted Hazel back, and they wanted her back now.The officer opened his folder, pulling out a file. "It depends on what you call it," he said with a grin as he let out a puff of smoke.Ryland narrowed his eyes as he collected the file from him. He scanned through it—a list of names, and important information. He looked back at the detective, a question in his eyes. The detective stared, pleased with himself. "These are names of prominent trafficking lords; men we think might be involved in Hazel's disappearance."Ryland felt a great wave of relief wash over him. Finally, a breakthrough. The
Hazel combed her hair, getting ready for dinner. A smile slowly crept onto her face as she thought about Rodrigo. It had been four days since they had a picnic together, and she had started looking forward to seeing him more often. Even though she was careful around him, not forgetting her past and experiences, yet she was helpless with the way she now felt by just thinking of him. She wasn't sure what to call it, but one thing is certain, Hazel realised how warmth and comfortable she feels being around Alpha Rodrigo, plus she finds herself longing to see him more frequently. To her, Rodrigo was not the cruel man she thought him to be. He was actually fun and sweet to be with.Placing the hair brush on the counter, she made her way to the dining area, expecting to see him. But for the first time, he wasn't at the diner, nor was he anywhere visible. Hazel quietly searched around hoping he'd appear, but he still didn't show up. She felt her heart sink, her appetite suddenly vanishing
The sunlight slowly made its way past the thick curtains, waking Hazel up. She turned to check the time, her mouth making way for a yawn. But it was cut short as she remembered Rodrigo's lips almost touching hers. She sat up straight, feeling her face grow hot.Memories of the previous night flooded her mind. She recalled how awkward it was when she turned away to avoid the kiss. Rodrigo had apologized, and she had forced a weird smile onto her face.Despite the mixed feelings, Hazel was all warm and fuzzy inside, remembering how the almighty Rodrigo had respected her words and did not attempt to push further. She giggled to herself, but stopped when she heard someone approaching her door. A knock came and she lifted the blanket off her body, walking towards the door. "Who is it?" Hazel asked, her hands about to make contact with the door knob. But the door was pushed from the other side and Rodrigo walked in. Hazel stepped back as she recalled what almost happened between them."Goo
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