Ryan’s POV As I got back to Shadowhaven with Karen, I immediately had a brief meeting with my elders about the Rouges. They were getting out of hand by attacking the innocents and reaping them of their belongings. After some hours of analysing what should be done, everyone departed to their various homes and I was left alone. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the stack of papers on my desk. The elders had been relentless tonight, arguing over boundaries and patrol schedules like children fighting over a toy. I’d settled it, of course…that’s what I do, but the weight of their expectations was starting to grate on me. I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed. Finally, I could retreat to my room and forget about the pack’s endless demands, at least for a little while. The castle was quiet, the kind of silence that let my mind wander to places I didn’t want it to go. Aurora. Her name slipped into my thoughts unbidden, as it often did these days. That girl was like a storm, one th
Aurora's POV It was a new day, and I had finally decided to confront Ryan about the job offer. I was scared to go to him but I had to. My body still ached, every bruise a reminder of the life I was trying to leave behind. I moved slowly, careful not to aggravate the wounds that hadn’t yet healed. The thought of facing Ryan again made my chest tighten, but I didn’t have a choice. This job might be the only chance I had to survive. I folded the expensive clothes he had bought me and packed them into a bag. There was no way I could keep them. They were too much…too luxurious for someone like me. Returning them clean was the least I could do. As I stepped out of my rundown apartment, I bidded madam rose my landlady goodbye. As I walked down the street, I saw Inez walking briskly down the street, heading toward the bar. I called out to her, hoping for even a small exchange of words after what happened, but she barely acknowledged me. Her eyes flicked over me like I was a stranger. “Ine
Ryan’s POV Aurora. Her name clung to my mind like a stubborn echo I couldn’t shake off. It had been hours since she’d left, but her scent still lingered faintly in the air…a mix of lavender and something uniquely hers. A part of me wanted to call her back, ask her why she looked so vulnerable yet determined all at once. It was infuriating how one woman, no, one human, had managed to weave herself into my thoughts this much. Her name brought a strange calm to the chaos swirling in my thoughts. Yet, it also set me on edge. She had this….presence, one that tugged at something primal in me. You’re thinking about her again, Draven, my wolf, growled in my mind, his voice low and accusing. “Quiet,” I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. You can’t keep ignoring this, Ryan, he insisted. We should be with her. Protect her. Keep her close. “She’s human,” I snapped, though my words felt weak even to me. So? Draven shot back. You feel it too. She’s ours. I didn’t respond. I couldn’t.
Karen’s Pov I won’t. The words slammed into me like a crashing wave, leaving me breathless. My mind went blank, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I’d heard him correctly. My father’s voice broke the silence, sharp and demanding. “What did you just say?” Ryan didn’t hesitate, his tone steady and unyielding. “I said I won’t.” I sat frozen in my chair, unable to process the conversation unfolding before me. My father’s face turned red with fury, but Ryan’s calm demeanor only made the tension thicker. “I think we’ve had enough for tonight,” Ryan said, standing up abruptly. “Thank you for dinner, but I’ll take my leave now.” With that, he walked away, leaving me sitting there with my parents. My mother’s eyes softened with pity as she reached out to touch my hand, but I pulled away, unable to bear the look on her face. My father muttered something under his breath, clearly enraged, but I couldn’t focus on his words. All I could hear was Ryan’s voice echoing in my mind: “I won’t.” I
Aurora's Pov After Ryan offered me the job, I felt a mix of emotions…relief, anxiety, and excitement. I still couldn’t believe I was about to work for someone like him.The weekend felt like an eternity, but I decided to use the time wisely. With the little cash I had left, I headed to a thrift store. I knew I needed to look professional, or at least presentable. I managed to find two decent outfits and a pair of shoes. They weren’t anything fancy, but they were neat and functional. As I walked home with my purchases, I made a mental note: First paycheck = better clothes. I didn’t even have a phone to check work emails or take calls. If this job paid well enough, then maybeI could manage to buy a simple one. It won't be much, but it would be a start. I could finally start planning my life, even if it was just in small steps. The weekend flew by with me rehearsing how I’d act on my first day. Confidence didn’t come naturally to me, but I’d fake it if I had to. This job was too impor
Ryan’s Pov I leaned back in my chair, staring at the door as it closed behind her. The soft sound of her retreating footsteps echoed faintly in my ears, but her presence lingered, like a scent that refused to fade. Draven stirred restlessly in my mind, his voice low and insistent. “She’s different. You feel it too.” I clenched my jaw, shutting my eyes. Her scent had been overwhelming, soft, delicate, and yet, it tugged at something primal inside me. I couldn’t ignore the way her shy glances had sent an inexplicable warmth through me. It wasn’t like me to be affected, especially not by someone as... fragile as Aurora. “She’s human,” I reminded him silently, hoping to silence the wolf. “So what?” Draven snapped back. “She belongs to us. You know it as much as I do.” The thought unsettled me. If she was meant to be mine, she would feel it too. But Aurora’s demeanor was all wrong…she was nervous, scared even. No recognition, no pull. Just... silence. I ran a hand through my hair, l
Aurora’s Pov When he told me to leave, I didn’t understand. His voice was firm, almost cold, and the word cut through me like a blade. “Yes, sir,” I managed to say before turning on my heel and walking out of his office. The moment the door closed behind me, my heart started racing. My chest tightened, and my thoughts spiraled. What did I do wrong? I wondered, over and over again. I replayed our conversation in my head, trying to pinpoint my mistake, but nothing stood out. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I blinked furiously, trying to hold them back as I walked toward my office. I couldn’t break down here, not where people could see me. But the moment I stepped inside and shut the door, the tears fell freely. I leaned against the door, clutching my chest as I sobbed quietly. Why? Why did he ask me to leave? Did I offend him? Say something I shouldn’t have? The thoughts wouldn’t stop coming, each one more damning than the last. Maybe I’m not good enough for this job. The idea clun
Ryan’s Pov The drive back home was quiet, but my thoughts were anything but. Dropping Aurora off had left a strange ache in my chest, one I couldn’t shake even as the city lights blurred past. There was something about her, the way she carried herself despite her evident struggles, her resolve to work hard, her vulnerability…it was unsettling in a way I couldn’t quite define. I arrived at Shadowhaven in no time. When I arrived home, Micah and his wife, Uncle Elliot, were present and were waiting for me in the living room. Their warm smiles were a welcome sight after a long day. Micah’s laughter filled the air as he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Ryan, it’s been too long!” he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. “Too long indeed,” I replied, the corners of my lips twitching into a small smile. We caught up briefly in the living room before I excused myself to shower because it was indeed a long day. The hot water was a relief, washing away the tension that clung to me
Ryan’s pov(The past)It had been exactly one month since my father’s death. One month of chaos, of watching my home crumble under the weight of betrayal and war. Shadowhaven was falling apart.Some of our people had fled into the human world, hoping to escape the madness, only to be hunted down by the witches. Others had come to me, seeking protection, their eyes filled with fear, their bodies trembling from the horrors they had witnessed.Rhys was out of control. No longer the brother I had grown up with. No longer the man I once trusted.He was something else entirely.And if I didn’t stop him soon, Shadowhaven would be nothing but ashes.I sat with Asher and Caleb, going over the plan one last time."How are we going to breach him?" Asher asked, his brows furrowed."You guys know I can take him on my own," I told them, my voice calm but firm."We're always with you," Caleb said. "Tell us how the plan goes.""Don’t worry about it," I repeated, but before I could say more, Karen's vo
Ryan’s Pov(The past)This was the height of it. How could Rhys stoop so low as to kill our father? We grew up without a mother, and now we were without a father too.The weight of it settled over me like a boulder crushing my chest, but I had no time to grieve. My father’s body was still on the floor, his lifeless eyes staring at nothing, and my hands trembled as I forced myself to turn away.I ordered some of the pack members to take care of the mess Rhys had made. My voice was cold, commanding. I couldn't let anyone see the storm raging inside me.But I needed to see him.I needed to look him in the eye and ask him why.I needed to understand how the brother I grew up with, the twin who shared my blood could do something so unforgivable.Rage burned through my veins, but anger wouldn't solve this. I had to keep my emotions in check.With each step toward Rhys's room, my hands clenched into fists. When I threw open his door, the emptiness inside sent another wave of frustration throu
Ryan's Pov(The past)Everything was still under control, for now. Rhys hadn’t brought Jazmine back into our home, and that was a step in the right direction. Or so I thought.Tonight, there was a grand celebration in a neighboring town, a new Alpha was taking his father’s place after his passing. It was a significant event, drawing in leaders, warriors, and nobles from different territories. Naturally, our presence was expected.I prepared for the night and left alongside Caleb and our father. Upon our arrival, the venue was already overflowing with people, but as soon as we stepped in, conversations halted, and heads turned in our direction. It was always like this,our family commanded attention wherever we went. Some people approached, exchanging pleasantries with my father and acknowledging Caleb and me with nods of respect. But one person was missing.My brother.“Hey, hey,” a familiar female voice chimed.I turned to see Karen, my friend, standing beside her mate, Asher, who is
Ryan’s povI didn’t have time for this.Father was sending for him again. It was always the same, Rhys never listened, never obeyed. Rhys Blackwood, my twin.I stormed into his chamber without knocking. No need for pleasantries, he never cared for them anyway. As expected, he wasn’t alone.Jazmine.The one woman who shouldn’t be here.Rhys sat lazily on the edge of his bed, his arm draped around her as if he had all the time in the world. His dark eyes flickered to me, unimpressed. “Knocking is part of manners, brother,” he said, his voice laced with amusement.I ignored him. “Father sends for us.”Rhys smirked but didn’t move. His fingers traced slow patterns on Jazmine’s arm, deliberately testing my patience.“Now.”With that, I turned on my heel and left. I didn’t need to wait for him. He’d come eventually.I made my way to the Council Hall, the place where decisions were made, where my father ruled long before us. These days, he spent more time reading than leading, but his word s
Aurora’s Pov I paced around the room slowly, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my body with every step. My wounds still ached, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie down. I was restless. My mind kept replaying what had just happened.What was wrong with Ryan? Why did he react that way? Why did his eyes turn black?I shivered at the memory, gripping my arms as I sat down on the edge of the bed. I reached for the glass of water on the stool beside me, my hands trembling slightly as I took a sip. I needed to calm down, but the thought of Ryan out there, possibly struggling with something beyond his control, made my chest tighten.I wanted to cry, but what good would that do? The last thing I needed was to break down when I didn’t even understand what was happening.Just then, the door opened, and Elliot walked in. His face was calm, but I could tell he was observing me, reading my emotions like an open book.“You need to calm down, Aurora. He’ll be fine,” Elliot said in a reassur
Aurora’s Pov The warm water cascaded down my skin as the maids gently bathed me, their hands careful not to touch my wound. The scent of the soap was intoxicating, a mix of lavender and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. If not for the dull ache in my body, I would have enjoyed this moment even more. They washed my hair with different shampoos, each one filling the room with a new, fresh fragrance. My face was cleansed with soft, foamy soap, making me feel like I was being pampered like a queen. Or a baby.I couldn’t help but think about Ryan. He had actually wanted to stay while I bathed. The thought sent a shiver through me, not of fear, but something else. Amusement? Embarrassment? Maybe even excitement. I imagined him pacing outside, arms crossed, frustrated that he couldn’t have things his way. The image made me smile.After the maids were done, they dried my body with delicate towels, moving carefully as they worked. When I stepped out of the bathroom, a dress was already
Ryan’s PovI was left dumbfounded. She wants to be in my bed? She wants to have s*x??? I wouldn't hesitate to take her right now. But she's wounded.“What did you say?” I asked her as I brought my face closer to hers. I heard her heartbeat quicken.“Nothing,” She answered softly.“I heard what you said, I just want you to repeat it. What did you say, Aurora?” I asked again.She just moved her head signaling that she said nothing.I was calm. Really calm. But my wolf Draven wasn't, and the little guy in my pants was straining painfully, I just have to be calm.She shouldn't have said what she said. Now I'm thinking about all the dirty things I'm gonna do to her when the right time comes.Damn it Ryan. Focus!Aurora had gone quiet, just staring at me. Her eyes held something unreadable, a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite place."Why are you staring at me?" I asked.She blinked, as if she hadn't realized she had been doing it. "I want to ask you something."I let ou
Aurora’s PovThe journey through Ryan’s mansion felt endless. Every corridor, every towering wall, every flickering candle in its ancient sconces screamed of mystery and power. There was something about this place that made my skin crawl, not in fear, but in awe. The dark, gothic vibe of the mansion reminded me of a novel straight out of a dark romance book. If I weren’t in pain, I might have taken a moment to admire it more.When we finally reached Ryan’s room, my breath hitched. It was grand. No, more than grand. It was breathtaking. Massive windows framed by thick, dark curtains. A king-sized bed that looked softer than a cloud. Chandeliers that cast a dim, golden glow, giving the room an intimate, haunting beauty.Ryan walked in without hesitation and gently laid me down on the bed. His touch was careful, almost too careful, as if I would break at the slightest pressure. He pulled a blanket over me, tucking it around my legs. His gaze softened as he looked at me."Are you okay?" h
Aurora’s Pov I was still shocked by what I had heard.Who were they talking about?Curiosity got the best of me. I knew I wasn’t in the best condition to be sneaking around, but I had to know. Slowly, I pushed myself up. My muscles screamed in protest, but I gritted my teeth. The pain was still there, just not as bad as before, thanks to Ryan.One step. Then another. I limped toward the door, moving as quietly as I could. But right when I was about to reach it, my foot caught on something, and before I could react….Thud.I hit the floor. Hard."Ouch," I groaned, wincing. "Well... that didn’t go very well."Before I could even try to get up, the door swung open with a loud bang, and Ryan was standing there, eyes wild with panic."Aurora!" His voice was sharp. "What’s wrong? How did you get here?"I blinked up at him. Uh-oh. I had two options: lie or stay silent. And since lying required brain power I didn’t currently have, I went with the second option.Silence.Ryan narrowed his eye