OUR FIRST KISS

Ophelia POV

Over the next few days, I began to learn just how different Ryker’s camp was from any pack I had known. Not even Eric Pack could stand them because they were strong and it was hard to even see a traitor.

They worked hand in hand together.

Ryker would push me hard, testing my limits as he taught me how to control the shadow mark's power.

“The mark isn't just a gift,” he said during one training session. “It's a responsibility. It connects you to the moon, to the wolves around you. But if you let it control you, you'll lose yourself. Don't let your weakness define you.”

Mara had just been on my nerves these days. She would ask me to clean up their plates and help the pack since she had been useless all this while.

But today, it was different, a training ground was set for me by Ryker. The morning air was peaceful as I stood in the center of the clearing, my chest was rising and falling as I fought the control of the powers.

Do we even need to do this now? I wanted to give you the power. Consuming me will be best either way.

“Focus, Lia,” Ryker called out, circling me like a prey. His eyes, sharp and assessing, never left me. “The Shadowmark isn’t just raw power. It’s a connection. Feel it, but don’t let it overwhelm you.”

I gritted my teeth out in frustration. “That’s easy for you to say,” I snapped, swiping a hand through my disheveled hair. “You’re not the one who feels like they’re about to explode.”

A smirk came across his face but he was calm. “If it were easy, you wouldn’t need me. Again.”

But I continued anyway with a response.

“Good,” Ryker said, his voice softer now. “You’re starting to feel it. Now, Challenge that energy. Push it outward, don’t let it consume you.”

I wanted to fall off and he immediately hovered over me.

“Why does it feel like this?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Like it’s alive, like it wants to take over.”

“Because it does,” Ryker said grimly. He eased me onto a nearby rock, sitting just in front of me. “The Shadowmark is more than just a gift..it’s a curse if you don’t learn to master it. It feeds on your emotions. If you let fear or anger take hold, it’ll burn you alive.”

“I’m trying,” I murmured. “But sometimes… I feel like it’s too much. Like I’m too much.”

Ryker’s expression softened towards me, and for the first time, he reached out, his hand brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re not too much,” he said quietly. “You’re more than enough. And I won’t let you fall.”

As we were in the midst of our discussion, blood scents suddenly filled everywhere.

“Rogues,” Ryker growled, his head snapping toward the edge of the clearing. But as he inhaled again, his expression darkened. “No. These aren’t rogues.”

I started to get tense, my wolf stirring uncomfortably. I recognized the scent too well, it was from my past, from my pack. The Moonlit Warrior.

“They’ve found me,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

Instantly I saw Ryker's jaw tightened, his amber eyes flashing dangerously.”Stay behind me.”

I barely had time to nod before they started to rush towards us.

“Ophelia,” one of them snarled at me, his human form shifted back as he faced me. I recognized him as one of Eric's guards.

What do they want this time?

How did they find me?

“Alpha Eric has demanded your return. Come quietly, and we won't have to hurt you.” My eyes widened with my beat sounding hard. .

Did Eric want me back? Why?

As I was about protesting, Ryker stepped between me and the Warriors, his presence commanding. “She's not going anywhere,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

By the time I could realise what was happening they had already held all of his members captive and all of them were at their mercy.

“Do you still want her not to go anywhere? And who are you? Some rogue pretending to be an Along? Stand down before we….”

Before they could end their words, Ryker had already moved faster than I could imagine. For a moment, he was standing still and the next, he had the warrior pinned to the ground, his hand crushing the man's throat.

“You’ve got one chance to leave,” Ryker growled, his wolf barely restrained. “Take it.”

“Ryker, do you really want to do this? Our life is at stake here. I am at their mercy and you optioned to save this good for nothing woman you just met months ago? Instead of saving us?” Mara cried out, glancing an evil stare on me.

My eyes held pain as I shifted instinctively, about to shift into my wolf but Ryker's voice stopped me.

“Ophelia, don’t!” Ryker’s voice cut through the chaos.

In the end it was useless, they weren't ready to leave and I didn't want to put the pack in danger just because of my bad luck, like Mara said.

I looked up at him, my chest tightening at the warmth in his eyes. “Let me go, Ryker. I will be back,” I said softly, making him cast a glare at me.

“Don't say a word, Ophelia. These people are not worth it.” He groaned and I smiled through the pain.

“Please, let me leave. I am sorry. I don't want to be a danger to your camp. Just take a look at your camp, it is a disaster, all because of me. So, let me leave.” I pleaded and I could see the pain across his face.

For a moment, we simply stood there, the world around us fading into space. Ryker’s hand cupped my cheek, his touch gentle despite the strength in his grip.

“I’ve been fighting this,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. “This pull I feel toward you. I don’t know if it’s fate, or if the moon’s playing some cruel trick on me. But whatever it is…” He hesitated, his eyes searching into mine. “I can’t ignore it anymore.”

Before I could respond, he leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was both fierce and tender.

I felt a rush pull as my wolf, Rosa giggled.

“I have been hesitating to know more about him. He is our mate.” Rosa said, embracing the moment as my eyes widened.

“What about Eric? Do I have a second chance mate?” I asked inwardly but she didn't give me a reply.

When we finally pulled apart, Ryker rested his forehead against mine , his breath warm against my skin.

“You’re not alone in this,” he said softly. “Not anymore.”

And for the first time, I believed him.