Ryland sat in his office, his eyes not leaving Serena's. It had been more than a week since she vanished and three days since she suddenly reappeared. He ordered Kelvin to bring her to him, which he did but when he asked Serena where she had been, she smiled, saying she took a vacation because she wanted to get away from the pack. Ryland had stared her down as he did not believe a word she spat out, but he had no choice than to let her go after Caleb's input. Today, she sat in front of him again, staring him down with a smirk playing on her lips. "Where did you say you went, Serena?" Ryland asked again, getting tired of his own voice. "I told you already," she said, rolling her eyes. "You were being an asshole so I wanted to see how long it would take for you to miss me," she continued, her voice cheerful. "And it turned out you did," she squealed and Ryland grimaced; she seemed to be enjoying every second of it. Ryland studied her while she went through her phone; sure she lo
Hazel sniffled, wiping off the tears and snot. She avoided Rodrigo's gaze not wanting to look at him after what he just put her through. An applause broke through the tense air, and Hazel was forced to look up. Her brows were knitted in confusion as she wondered why he could be clapping. Rodrigo had a smile on his face, but not the type she was used to seeing. This was born out of something sinister and greedy. It made her blood run cold and she suddenly felt more uncomfortable. "And the Oscar award goes to," Rodrigo mocked, gesturing to Hazel. Frustration flushed through Hazel's veins as she looked at him, her face twisted in disgust. "What? I'm right. The tears, the sobbing. It was all perfect. Even I might fall for it," Rodrigo said, his eyes shining with a strange emotion. Hazel could not place which it was but she was sure she hated it. She held her stare, her face blank of emotion. "I've done what you want, can I go now?" Hazel asked with a stiff voice and Rodrigo smiled
Ryland wrapped his arms around Hazel resting his jaw on her head. Hazel didn't return the hug but he didn't care. He stood there taking in the scent of her hair. She smelt the same way she always did; heavenly."I am sorry I came so late. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long, you never mentioned which park," he explained, taking a seat and Hazel followed suit. Ryland stared at Hazel like he was just seeing her for the first time. His gaze landed on the black hair clip that rested on her hair and his eyes narrowed in frustration. He took a look at Hazel whose gaze was on her fingers, trying to ignore the man sitting in front of her. Ryland utilized it as an opportunity, he stretched his arm out pulling the clip out of her head. Hazel let out a gasp in pain, but he ignored her crushing the clip with his hands. "Why would you do that?" Hazel asked, her anger slowly rising. Ryland looked around before locking eyes with her, "It was ugly," he lied, cringing in disgust. Haz
Ryland stared at Hazel trying to register the words that just left her lips. Hazel looked away not wanting to face him. "Yo-you're pregnant?" Ryland asked, his voice cracking. "For who?" He asked, silently hoping it was for him. Hazel lowered her head, feeling heavy. "For Rodrigo," she choked out, the flood gates reopening. "You slept with him?" Ryland asked, his heart banging like he had just been shot. "He bought me Ryland, and he is my husband, what do you think?" She answered, glancing at him.Kael let out a pained whimper. Ryland stared at Hazel's shaking body as he tried to find his voice. “Huuuh!” He heaved, cupping his head in his hands, with his knees being shaken vigorously.Ryland quickly jerked his head up, his hands flying down. "That doesn't matter," he declared, and Hazel lifted her head in shock. "It doesn't. In fact, I will take full responsibility. Just come with me," Ryland said, glaring reassuringly at her.To Ryland and his wolf, Karl, no price was too muc
"He said you were only using me. Is that true?" She asked, her brows furrowed. Rodrigo paused as the question took him by surprise."What did you say?" He asked, his voice oddly calm. Hazel stared up at him, as if trying to prove she wasn't afraid of him. She was. "He said a lot of things too, that you only bought me to spite him."Rodrigo looked at her in shock, "Don't listen to him. He's trying to turn you against me," Rodrigo said, stepping away from her. "You don't have to believe anything he said, OK?!" He turned yelling at her. "But Rodrigo?" Hazel called out to him. He stepped closer to her, suddenly calm."You've been different ever since we got married," she stated and Rodrigo gave her a puzzled look. "What are you trying to say?" He asked, his temper rising. Hazel felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand in fear. She mentally scolded herself for being foolish.Rodrigo stepped closer to her and Hazel wished the ground would open up and swallow her. She shook her head
Hazel stared at Rodrigo, her face pale with fear. She held onto the sides of her dress trying to stop her hands from trembling. Rodrigo stepped closer with a charming smile on his face, but Hazel moved back involuntarily, her chest heaving as she tried to fight a rising panic attack. "Good morning, Love," Rodrigo said in a cheerful voice, but she just stared at him like he was a stranger who broke in. She stood at the spot staring at him as tears threatened to fall. The images of what he did and said to her played like on a movie screen in her mind, and this only made it harder for the young lady to breathe. She suddenly felt light headed. Her legs gave out and she held onto her vanity table, trying to grip herself. Rodrigo rushed to her but she held out her arm stopping him. He advanced, ignoring her when the door yanked open and they both turned to see Eleanor. Her face was filled with worry but her lips held an empty smile. "Alpha, is there something wrong?" She asked, glanc
Ryland sat in his office, a wine glass in hand. His body sat there but his mind was elsewhere. Two days had passed since he met with Hazel. Since he heard one of the worst news he had gotten in a long while. Hazel was pregnant, and the baby wasn't for him. He had waved it at first, not caring. He just wanted his mate to be with him, but she had refused, running away. He took a sip of the whiskey, the cold and bitter taste reminded him of how hollow he felt. Just then a knock landed, and Caleb walked in. Ryland turned to face the wall, "What do you want?" He asked, his voice dry and dense. "I came to tell you that some of the meetings you cancelled earlier could not be moved to the comfortable date.”Ryland cursed under his breath turning towards Caleb. Since he met Hazel he had lost all interest and motivation, subsequently cancelling all meetings and events. He downed the remaining contents of the glass, tossing it on the table that it almost slipped off the edge."Is somethin
Hazel locked gaze with Rodrigo. "Why are you here?" He demanded, his voice void of any emotion but she could see the anger brewing under his orbs, and she suddenly regretted her decision. How could she not have heard him coming? Hazel stared at him like a deer caught in headlights. She searched every corner of her brain thinking of a lie to cook up, but nothing came. Rodrigo closed the door, stepping closer. “I am going to ask you again in case you suddenly went deaf,” he blared, his eyes not leaving hers."Why are you here and what are you looking for?" His pitch was high. Hazel stepped back in fear, slamming her back against the shelf. She ignored the pain and refused to let her tears flow."Why the fuck are you in my office?” Rodrigo growled loudly and Hazel let out a frightened squeal, and attempted to run away. She grabbed the door, but her heart sank when she realized it was locked. She slowly turned, "I'm sorry, please," she choked out shaking her head. Rodrigo took off
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