RYDER'S POVI slowly sat up on my bed with a soft groan. My hands reached for the alarm that had woken me up and softly tapped it. It didn't go off at first and this increased the frustration that I had already woken up with. Now filled with more anger than before, I grabbed the alarm clock and threw it across my room. It hit the wall with a loud thud and almost immediately went off. "Finally," I muttered in a tired voice as I made to lay back down on my bed. I stopped short as the alarm suddenly started ringing again. I covered my face with my hands and let out a small grunt. Today was not going my fucking way. I heard my door suddenly open and soon, the alarm ringing came to a stop. I lifted my palm off my face and turned to my side. Holding the broken clock in her hand was Desiree who was still in the silk night robe that she had worn the night before. It was transparent and I could see how she looked inside the robe but the sight didn't move me. Instead, I wished the alarm cont
Ryder's POVI watched Elder Hugh, staring at his lips as he began pushing out the plight of our packs to my step-brother, Hudson. He was here physically, but his voice seemed distant. It was as though he was talking from across the room when he only stood beside me. I caught snippets of what he said but my mind was too far away to piece together his words. I still thought about the message that I had received from Jason and I ached to hear back from him. I kept on glancing at the door whenever I caught someone walked by from my peripheral vision and grunted when I realized it wasn't him. "Prince Ryder," I heard someone call from a distance. The voice seemed faint so I didn't give it much heed. It wasn't until I felt a light tap on my shoulder that I came out of my thoughts and turned away from the door. "Yes?" I muttered as I looked up at the elder who had tapped me. My face was squeezed into a frown and I made sure to add as much spite as I could into my tone. "What is it?" "Alp
Hudson's POVI stood in my room and watched from my window my step-brother. My gaze followed him as he walked back and forth by the garden, conversing with Jason, the guard that I had appointed to him. From his movements, I could tell that he was very much agitated. What I didn't know though was why. I caught the sound of footsteps by my room door and my attention shifted to the sound. The door slowly creaked open and in walked John. "Alpha Hudson," he said as he gave me a short bow. "You asked for me." "Yes, I did," I said with a small nod as I turned back to the window, placing my gaze back on Ryder. "How was your sleep last night, John?" "It was... good," John answered with a little hesitation, his tone laced with confusion. "Is there any problem, Alpha Hudson?" "No, no, no, not at all," I answered with a small sigh as my touched the gold ring on my right index finger. As my fingers traced the carved surface of the ring, I felt my mind begin to wander. I watched Ryder for a fe
Ryder's POVI grunted and turned from the window. My brother had seen me now and from the expression he wore when our eyes met, I could tell that he was suspicious of me. But I didn't care. Turning to Jason who stood by the mansion's front door, I nodded. "I'll be back before nightfall," I said as I collected the reins of the horse from him. "If Hudson asks you where I'm going, you either tell him a lie or tell him that you have no idea, alright?" Jason nodded slowly, a look of understanding in his eyes as he backed away. "I will, Prince Ryder. Be careful." I nodded at him and made to mount my horse when I caught sight of Hudson still staring down at me. I looked up and we locked eyes for a few moments. He was about calling me but then I mounted the horse swiftly, the leather reins firm in my grip. With a sharp kick to the side, the horse sprang forward and we rode out of the mansion's gates. The wind whipped past me as I turned towards the path that led to the eastern part of our
Ryder's POV"We're almost there," one of the rogues said as he took another turn. We had been walking for more than an hour now and I could tell that my horse was beginning to get exhausted. The sun was no longer as intense as it was and I could see it slowly begin to dip behind the mountains. Nighttime was close and I had not accomplished what I had come for. "That is the fifth time you've said this, young wolf," I said to the rogue as I frowned. The rogue turned and gave me a small glance as he smiled. Without giving me a reply, he turned back to the path we were on. I was about to snap at him for his silence when I heard a loud bellow echo through the forest. The frown on my face deepening, I reached for my dagger as I looked around, trying to discern where the sound was coming from and what was causing the sound. I stopped looking when I spotted a rogue at the top of what looked like an observation post on top of a tree, blowing into a large twisted horn that curved around his b
Aria's POVRyder stared at me for a few moments before rushing towards me. I dropped my kids to the ground in fear, thinking he was going to attack me but, to my greatest surprise, he enveloped me in a tight hug the moment he reached me. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there motionless as he began whispering words of apology. "I'm sorry, Aria," he whispered as he placed his head on my blossom. "I really really am so sorry." I didn't know what to say or do at that moment. What was he sorry about? And what was he even doing here in the first place? I heard the shuffling of feet behind me and turned slightly to see my father stand from his throne and begin to walk towards I and Ryder. He was confused but had not reacted to Ryder's sudden hug. I assumed it was because I wasn't protesting that he kept cool. "What is happening here?" he asked with a frown on his face as he paused at the last step of the podium on which his throne sat. "Prince Ryder," he called out to Ryder and I
Hudson's POVI walked out of the mansion and turned towards the path that led to the stable at the back. Sure enough, I found Jason there, attending to the horses inside. He was so focused on what he was doing that he didn't notice my presence.I made to enter the stable but then stopped as I sighted a a clump of horse dung at the front. I looked down at the ground and saw that there were a lot surrounding the area. I wasn't sure I wanted to have my shoes get stained with any. Taking a step back from the stable door, I called out to Jason from outside. "Jason," I shouted as I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jean trousers. "Jason," I called out again after seeing that he had not heard my first call.Jason looked up, startled, and turned to the cabin door. He sighted me standing outside and immediately wipes his dirty hands on his jeans before walking slowly to the barn door. "Alpha Hudson," he said as he bowed his head low. "Is there any problem, alpha?" I gave Jason a small n
Ryder's POVThe morning came as quickly as the night went by and the rays of sun did more than wake me up, it also brought back bad memories. Memories of how I had treated Aria when all she had ever done was care for me, memories of how I should have heard her out a bit more, or protected her regardless of not knowing the origin of her pregnancy. I was nothing without her and her leaving ended up being undoubtedly detrimental to me. How did i not see that until now? But then, i probably did and decided on being more in denial. Due to the fact that it was already late yesterday, Alpha Kael had asked that I slept in before leaving with Aria. It wasn't something I wanted as it itched me to take Aria back home but I couldn't say nom He had taken me to my room, insisting that I don't sleep with Aria. I couldn't blame him. He was her father after all.I slowly sat up from bed, my right hand travellimg to my eyes as I began rubbing them to get them free from the haziness that had ensued th
Ryder’s POV“Hudson!!!" I growled as I stood from my hiding place. My voice boomed across the valley, echoing off the cliffs as I emerged from our hiding place, my daughter cradled safely in my arms. "You're fucking doomed." Hudson's expression twisted into a mix of surprise, anger and confusion as he saw me. The reality of what was happening then hit him as he saw my warrior wolves jumping out of the shadows and rushing out towards he and his guards. It took a lot of fighting and the loss of some of my warriors but we were finally able to bring down all of Hudson's wolves and also subdue him. As they chained him too, I walked over to him, holding my daughter close to my chest."Hudson," I said, my voice filled with disappointment as I stared at him. "All the while you showed me evil, I trusted you like a brother. Only to have you betray me by attacking me and kidnapping my daughter." Hudson didn't give me a reply as he glared at me with rage in his eyes. I could see that he had no
Ryder's POV"I.. I actually am happy that you've finally coke back to me," Aria said as she smiled for the first time since our son's adoption. I still marveled at how perfect her teeth were. "And I am happier that you took my back," I replied, extending my hands to her. As I caressed it, I stared into her eyes and smiled. "I really, really am happy." The entire room seemed to be light up as Aria softly laughed. It was a sound I so much missed.Suddenly, her smile dissipated, a slight frown replacing it. I squeezed her hands softly and scooted closer to her. I didn't need anyone to tell me why her mood had changed. "Do not worry, Aria. I would comb the breadth and depth..." I was cut short by a loud knock on the door. Laying kisses on her forehead, I got up from.the bed and walked to the door. "Who is it?" I asked, a hint of frustration in my voice as I placed my hands on the doorknob. "It's Harold, Prince Ryder," came a familiar voice. I grunted and opened the door to see who it w
Desiree's POVI quickly collected the horse from Jason, ignoring the questions he was asking me. Quickly, I mounted the horse and whipped the reins, causing it to sprint out of the compound. I quickly turned my horse down the path that I knew led to the small shed Hudson had gone to. I kept on whipping my horse, not wanting to waste any time. I needed to get there fast if I really wanted my plans to work.It didn't take too long for me as I finally took notice of a familiar row of sunflower along the pathway I rode. It has been planted a year earlier by some servants as instructed by Hudson. It had started drizzling, but the ray of sunshine remained firm and colourful. I recalled the stores told to me when I was little that when such was happening, it meant the moon goddess was punishing a pack for sins that they had committed towards her. I didn't believe sigh anymore. I finally reached the small gate leading to the shed and saw a guard standing by it. He sighted me and quickly wi
Desiree's POVMy heart raced as I rushed through the compound gate. I needed to inform Ryder about my findings.I quickly surveyed the surrounding path, and after seeing no one, I moved towards the palace. I had not notified anyone about me leaving that mansion and I knew if Hudson was to learn about that, he would be suspicious of me. I didn't want to drag any attention to me so I reduced my pace, walking stealthily into the mansion. It wasn't until I overheard a maidservants telling the other that Hudson had ridden to his shed in the woods that I finally relaxed. As I walked, I thought of what would happen once I told Ryder the good news I held for him. I wasn't too concerned about what he would do though. I was much more concerned about what Aria would do. She had promised me that she would pack and leave the moment her stupid child was found and that was what I expected from her. If she did, I'd finally have Ryder to myself. Upon arriving at the palace, I received the referenc
Desiree's POV"We were ambushed and... they kidnapped my daughter," Ryder explained to me, his voice cracking a bit. I could hear from his tone that he was pained and angered by what had happened to he and Aria. Why wasn't he thinking about me? Aria and Ryder had arrived not up to an hour ago and Aria had retreated to her room to cry her eyes out. Ryder had decided to come to his study to think and luckily, I was waiting for him. His conversation though was not one I was expecting to be having with him. "Do you know who took her?" I asked, pretending to be concerned, even though deep down, I was filled with anger. "Was there any clue left behind by the wolves that may lead us to her?" "I... I don't know," Ryder admitted, frustration evident in his voice. He grunted and ran a hand through his hair as he shook his head. He looked down at the drink I had brought for him and I could see in his eyes that he wanted to take it. "But... but I have to find her. I lost Aria once. I can't be
Ryder's POV We had long begun our journey in silence, the only sound filling the air being the sound of our horse's hooves trotting softly against grass and the racket our carriage wheels made as it made it's way through the forest. The children too added to the list as they played and laughed loudly. Apart from all these, the carriage seemed silent. My gaze turned to Aria, a sense of guilt filling up within me as I stared at her. She had turned to the window and was staring at the passing trees. It was obvious that her mind was somewhere else and I wondered what it was that she was thinking about. Was it me? Was she having regrets?I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I just didn't know what to say. Taking in a deep breath, I turned from her and began tapping my feet on the floor restlessly, trying my best to muster my courage."What is it?" I heard her say and I quickly turned to her. Her gaze had not left the window."Look, Aria, I'm... I'm really, really sorry," I sa
Ryder's POVThe morning came as quickly as the night went by and the rays of sun did more than wake me up, it also brought back bad memories. Memories of how I had treated Aria when all she had ever done was care for me, memories of how I should have heard her out a bit more, or protected her regardless of not knowing the origin of her pregnancy. I was nothing without her and her leaving ended up being undoubtedly detrimental to me. How did i not see that until now? But then, i probably did and decided on being more in denial. Due to the fact that it was already late yesterday, Alpha Kael had asked that I slept in before leaving with Aria. It wasn't something I wanted as it itched me to take Aria back home but I couldn't say nom He had taken me to my room, insisting that I don't sleep with Aria. I couldn't blame him. He was her father after all.I slowly sat up from bed, my right hand travellimg to my eyes as I began rubbing them to get them free from the haziness that had ensued th
Hudson's POVI walked out of the mansion and turned towards the path that led to the stable at the back. Sure enough, I found Jason there, attending to the horses inside. He was so focused on what he was doing that he didn't notice my presence.I made to enter the stable but then stopped as I sighted a a clump of horse dung at the front. I looked down at the ground and saw that there were a lot surrounding the area. I wasn't sure I wanted to have my shoes get stained with any. Taking a step back from the stable door, I called out to Jason from outside. "Jason," I shouted as I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jean trousers. "Jason," I called out again after seeing that he had not heard my first call.Jason looked up, startled, and turned to the cabin door. He sighted me standing outside and immediately wipes his dirty hands on his jeans before walking slowly to the barn door. "Alpha Hudson," he said as he bowed his head low. "Is there any problem, alpha?" I gave Jason a small n
Aria's POVRyder stared at me for a few moments before rushing towards me. I dropped my kids to the ground in fear, thinking he was going to attack me but, to my greatest surprise, he enveloped me in a tight hug the moment he reached me. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there motionless as he began whispering words of apology. "I'm sorry, Aria," he whispered as he placed his head on my blossom. "I really really am so sorry." I didn't know what to say or do at that moment. What was he sorry about? And what was he even doing here in the first place? I heard the shuffling of feet behind me and turned slightly to see my father stand from his throne and begin to walk towards I and Ryder. He was confused but had not reacted to Ryder's sudden hug. I assumed it was because I wasn't protesting that he kept cool. "What is happening here?" he asked with a frown on his face as he paused at the last step of the podium on which his throne sat. "Prince Ryder," he called out to Ryder and I