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. Because as much as I wanted to deny it, he was right. There was something about Aurora that I couldn’t shake off. Something that made me want to shield her from the world and pull her into mine. She needs us, Draven murmured, his tone softening. And we need her. “Enough,” I growled, standing abruptly and pacing the room. My wolf’s instincts were clouding my judgment, and I couldn’t afford that. Not now. But as I paced, images of Aurora flashed through my mind—her hesitant smile, the way she fidgeted with her hands when she was nervous, the way her voice wavered when she spoke to me. She was unlike anyone I’d ever met, and that terrified me. “Ryan, get a grip,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. I leaned back in my chair, fingers drumming on the armrest as Caleb stood across the room, studying me with a raised brow. “That’s new,” Caleb said, crossing his arms. “Hiring a personal assistant when you already have one. Care to explain, Alpha?” I scoffed at his tone, but I couldn’t deny the weight of his question. Caleb knew me better than most. He knew I didn’t make decisions on impulse. But Aurora wasn’t just any decision. She was something else entirely, though I didn’t have the words to explain it. “She’s different,” I replied curtly, my voice low. “I want her here. My instincts say it’s the right move.” Caleb’s brow furrowed as he took a step closer. “Instincts? Or something else? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve got a soft spot for this girl already.” I shot him a sharp look, but his grin only widened. “She’s not just a girl,” I said, my voice firm. “And you’re forgetting your place, Caleb.” He raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. But what do you want me to do about your current assistant? Because last I checked, they don’t just magically disappear.” “Find another position for her,” I said, waving him off. “I don’t care where. Just make it happen.” Caleb muttered something under his breath but didn’t argue further. He knew better. Instead, he shifted his weight and watched me with a knowing look. “So… are you going to tell her why you’re suddenly acting like a charitable boss? Or are you just going to let her think she got lucky?” I didn’t answer. Mostly because I didn’t have an answer. Aurora’s presence unnerved me in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Not since… I shook the thought away and turned my attention back to Caleb. “Just handle it. And don’t make me repeat myself.” Before Caleb could retort, the door opened, and Karen strolled in like she owned the place. Her heels clicked against the floor, her blonde hair perfectly styled as usual. She looked every bit the picture of elegance, but her presence was always… suffocating. “Ryan,” she cooed, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’ve been looking for you.” “What is it, Karen?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral. She tilted her head, her smile faltering slightly at my indifference. “My parents are coming for lunch today. They’re eager to see you. I told them you’d be there.” I resisted the urge to sigh. “You told them I’d be there without asking me first?” Karen’s expression hardened for a moment before she quickly recovered. “It’s just lunch, Ryan. You can spare an hour or two for your future in-laws, can’t you?” The word “future” grated on my nerves, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I gave her a curt nod. “Fine. I’ll be there.” Her smile returned, wider this time, and she stepped closer, placing a hand on my arm. “Thank you,” she said softly, her tone laced with something that almost sounded genuine. As she turned to leave, Caleb gave me a pointed look, his grin returning. “Good luck with that one,” he muttered before following Karen out of the office. The moment I was alone, I let out a low growl, running a hand through my hair. She was beautiful, sure, but she wasn’t what I wanted. And the more she pushed, the more I realized I never would. ****** The drive back to the mansion was quiet. Too quiet. Caleb had dropped me off and taken off for whatever he had planned, leaving me with nothing but my thoughts. The events of the day kept replaying in my head, but more than anything, Draven, my wolf, was restless. "She’s ours," Draven growled low in my head. "Enough," I snapped back. The last thing I needed was my wolf clouding my thoughts about Aurora. I pushed open the door to my mansion, already feeling the weight of the evening. Karen’s parents were here. They always managed to bring an air of forced civility, making every interaction a game of pleasantries and underlying tensions. “Alpha Ryan,” the butler greeted me as he opened the door wider. I nodded curtly, taking in the scene. Karen’s father, Richard, and her mother, Elaine, sat in the main dining area, sipping on glasses of wine like they owned the place. Karen was there too, perched on the edge of her chair, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else. “Ryan,” Richard greeted me with a tight smile, his tone polite but firm. “We’ve been waiting.” I forced a smile, though the effort strained me. “Apologies. I just got back.” Karen looked up at me, her expression unreadable. I felt a pang of guilt for leaving her to deal with them alone, but it wasn’t like I’d invited them here. “If you don’t mind, I’ll freshen up and join you shortly,” I said, already moving toward the stairs. “Take your time,” Elaine said sweetly, but her eyes betrayed the same calculating nature I saw in Karen sometimes. I climbed the stairs, my mind wandering to Aurora again. Her wide, wary eyes, the way her scent clung to the air even after she’d left my office. Draven growled in agreement, and I had to shut him out before his agitation became mine. Once in my room, I peeled off my shirt, letting it fall to the floor. The mirror reflected my worn expression, the weight of being an Alpha etched into every line of my face. I stepped into the shower, the hot water soothing my tense muscles. But it didn’t soothe my mind. "Why do you hold back? She’s what we need," Draven muttered. "She’s human," I reminded him, though the argument felt weak even to me. "Doesn’t matter. She’s ours." I shut him out again, focusing on the task at hand. By the time I returned downstairs, the table was set, and the smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air. “Dinner’s ready,” Karen said, giving me a small smile. She was trying, I’d give her that. I took my seat at the head of the table, with Karen to my left and her parents across from me. Plates were passed around, and the sound of clinking utensils soon filled the room. Conversation was stilted at best. Karen’s parents asked about the pack, the weather, and anything else that didn’t require actual effort. I answered out of courtesy, but my attention kept drifting. “So, Ryan,” Richard said, his tone shifting to something more pointed. “When are you going to make my daughter your Luna?” I froze, my fork hovering mid-air. Karen’s eyes darted to mine, panic flashing in them before she quickly looked away. “Richard,” Elaine hissed, clearly annoyed by his bluntness. “No,” Richard continued, his voice firm. “It’s a fair question. My daughter has been acting as your ceremonial Luna for years. Don’t you think it’s time to make it official?” I set my fork down slowly, measuring my words. “I don’t think this is the time for that conversation.” “It’s never the time,” Richard shot back, his tone sharper now. “You can’t keep stringing her along like this. She deserves better.” “Dad,” Karen whispered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m serious, Ryan,” Richard pressed on, ignoring her. “When are you going to marry my daughter?” “I won’t.” The words were out before I could stop them. The room fell into a stunned silence. Karen’s eyes widened, her expression a mix of hurt and disbelief.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
Aurora’s Pov I didn’t know when sleep took me, my thoughts tangled in a web of worry and resolve. When my eyes finally fluttered open, the sun was already streaming through the window. My heart sank as I glanced at the clock….7:45 a.m. I was supposed to be in the office by 8:00 a.m. Panic surged through me. My second day of work, and I was already leaving a bad impression. Scrambling out of bed, I dressed in record time, barely checking the mirror before rushing out of the door. My stomach churned as I imagined what Ryan would say. He’d probably think I was irresponsible and careless. I left my house in a haste, got into a cab and almost made him kill us by pressuring him to drive faster. By the time I arrived at the office, everyone was already settled. My heels clicked against the floor as I rushed to greet Sophia, who gave me a pointed look. “Why are you late?” she asked, her tone less curious and more accusatory. “I—I didn’t know when I slept off,” I stammered, feeling the
Aurora’s Pov I stood before Ryan's desk, my mind racing to process his unexpected announcement about the upcoming trip. The thought of traveling out of town so soon was overwhelming; I had envisioned settling into my new life here, eventually bringing my mother over to start afresh together. But now, plans were shifting rapidly. It's just for the weekend, nothing is going to change, Aurora, I scolded myself quietly. Just as I was about to respond, a knock interrupted us. Pamela entered, her expression professional yet subtly strained. “Sir," she began, "the CEO of Titan Enterprises has arrived unexpectedly. He's waiting for you in the boardroom." Ryan nodded, acknowledging the information. As Pamela turned to leave, her gaze briefly met mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her features before she exited. "Aurora," Ryan said, drawing my attention back to him, "I want you to join me in this meeting. As my personal assistant, it's important for you to observe how the
Ryan’s Pov After the call from my uncle Elliot, my blood had boiled. Shadowheaven was meant to be secure…a sanctuary where even whispers of betrayal were silenced. Yet, Elliot reported that Micha and Olivia had been caught trying to breach our borders. No one was holding them hostage, but the thought of them trying to leave in secret didn’t sit well with me. I had left the office immediately, but the issue resolved itself quicker than anticipated. By the time I arrived, they had already been caught and neutralized. Still, the incident left a sour taste in my mouth. I and Micha were friends but not too close, just the thought of what he did created a little bit of ache in my heart, but I'm not allowed to show it. With the matter handled, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of Aurora. I had promised I’d get back to her, and something about the way she looked at me earlier had me restless. When I arrived at her apartment unannounced, I wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted me
Ryan's POV I don’t know how to say this, even to myself, but… thank you, Greg. Of all the ways this night could’ve gone, you showing up was oddly perfect. Sure, the guy’s a nuisance, but at least he gave me the excuse to keep Aurora close. When I dragged Greg out of the restaurant, I didn’t care about the stares or whispers. All that mattered was making sure he understood one thing, he wasn’t to lay a finger on her ever again. Once we were outside, I let the mask drop just enough. My wolf side flared, my eyes narrowing, a low growl escaping my lips. Greg’s face turned pale, and he stumbled back like the fool he is. Before bolting like a scared rabbit, he promised not to touch Aurora again. I made sure my warning stuck. With him gone, I headed back inside. Aurora was still trembling, her face pale as she tried to gather herself. I kept my voice steady. “Let’s go. We need to grab your things.” I hated stepping foot into her rundown apartment again. The place reeked of memories that
Aurora’s Pov The restaurant was quiet, the only sound coming from the faint hum of conversations in the background. I kept my focus on my laptop, scrolling through emails and checking tasks I hadn’t finished. There was so much to do, and I didn’t want Ryan thinking I was slacking. But as I worked, a cold sensation washed over me. It wasn’t the temperature of the room, it was deeper, bone-chilling, like the shadow of something I’d spent years trying to escape. I forced myself to keep looking at the screen. It’s nothing, I told myself. It’s just your imagination. You’re safe. But then the feeling intensified, like ice creeping up my spine. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and my fingers froze mid-typing. Slowly, hesitantly, I looked up. No. No, it couldn’t be. I blinked, shaking my head as if trying to wake from a nightmare. My heart pounded, and I prayed I was wrong. But then someone stepped closer, and my worst fears were confirmed. “Greg,” I whispered, my voice barel
Ryan's Pov The moment Aurora stepped out of her apartment, I couldn’t stop my eyes from trailing down her figure. She was wearing one of the outfits I’d bought for her. A light blouse tucked into a high-waisted skirt that accentuated her curves in a way that was both modest and striking. Her hair was neatly done, and her shoes clicked softly on the worn floors. She looked beautiful, confident even, and for a moment, I felt a swell of pride. Not just for the clothes, but for the way she carried herself. My little one. I opened the car door for her, and as she slid in, I made my way to the driver’s seat. Today wasn’t a day to have someone tagging along. I wanted it to be just the two of us. The drive was quiet, except for the occasional directions she gave. When we reached the bank, she hesitated as she saw the crowd outside. “I think we should’ve come earlier,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. I pulled out my phone without a word, dialing a number. A few
Aurora’s Pov I woke up feeling much better than yesterday, though a lingering sense of exhaustion still clung to me. As the sunlight streamed through the cracks in my curtain, I stretched and let out a soft sigh. Today was the day before the trip, and there was so much work left undone from my absence. I couldn’t afford to slack off any longer. After dragging myself out of bed, I quickly got ready. I opted for one of the new outfits Ryan had bought me, a simple t-shirt paired with a high-waisted skirt. When I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I had to do a double take. The outfit fit perfectly, accentuating my figure in a way I wasn’t used to. It felt strange but good, like I was seeing a version of myself I hadn’t known existed. "Wow," I murmured, brushing invisible lint off my skirt. “Is that really me?” Slipping on a pair of matching shoes, I smoothed down my hair, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door. But the moment I opened it, I froze. Ryan stood there, his hand rai
Ryan’s Pov I pulled the car to a stop in front of Aurora’s apartment building. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I scanned the building’s exterior—chipped paint, cracked windows, and an aura of neglect that made my skin crawl. This wasn’t a place for her. Not for my little one. Aurora reached for the door handle, pausing to glance at me. Her delicate features were tinged with exhaustion, yet she still managed a small, polite smile. It was the same smile she’d given me earlier, as if she had to reassure me that she was fine. She wasn’t fine. I could see it, feel it. And leaving her here felt like abandoning her to the wolves. “Be ready tomorrow morning,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “We leave early.” She nodded, murmuring a soft, “Thank you,” before stepping out of the car. I watched her disappear into the dimly lit entrance, a wave of frustration and anger surging within me. What the hell was I doing? Dropping her off in this filthy, unsafe place? My jaw tigh
Aurora’s Pov I lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind swirling with unanswered questions. The nausea that had been threatening to overwhelm me all day hadn’t fully subsided, but that wasn’t what kept me awake. It was the thought of Ryan, sitting just a few feet away, his piercing gaze watching over me. “Can I ask you something?” I finally blurted out, breaking the silence that hung heavily between us. Ryan’s voice was calm as he responded, “Of course.” “Were you born rich?” The question tumbled out before I could second-guess myself. Ryan leaned back slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yes, I was born into wealth.” I nodded slowly, unsure what I expected him to say. “I’ve always dreamt of having my own company one day,” I admitted, the words spilling out in a quiet confession. “But… that’s by the way.” Ryan smiles, and I caught the amusement in his expression. “What’s funny?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. “Nothing,” he said, t
Ryan's Pov The dress clung to her curves in ways that made my throat tighten. Her bare legs were on display, and the fabric barely covered her, teasing just enough to drive a man insane. My wolf growled, his possessiveness flaring. I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay even. “No,” I said, shaking my head. “This doesn’t suit you.” Her brows furrowed. “What? But…” “You should get something better,” I interrupted, my tone firmer than I intended. She hesitated, clearly unsure whether to argue or not. Finally, she sighed and turned back toward the dressing room. That’s when I saw it, faint but unmistakable, marks on the back of her thigh, just under the hem of the dress. My blood ran cold. “Wait,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. Aurora froze, turning slightly to look at me. “Who did this to you?” I asked, my tone sharp. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head. “It’s nothing” “Don’t lie to me,” I growled, stepping closer. “Who did this to you, Aurora?” Her lips tremble
Ryan’s Pov After the call from my uncle Elliot, my blood had boiled. Shadowheaven was meant to be secure…a sanctuary where even whispers of betrayal were silenced. Yet, Elliot reported that Micha and Olivia had been caught trying to breach our borders. No one was holding them hostage, but the thought of them trying to leave in secret didn’t sit well with me. I had left the office immediately, but the issue resolved itself quicker than anticipated. By the time I arrived, they had already been caught and neutralized. Still, the incident left a sour taste in my mouth. I and Micha were friends but not too close, just the thought of what he did created a little bit of ache in my heart, but I'm not allowed to show it. With the matter handled, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of Aurora. I had promised I’d get back to her, and something about the way she looked at me earlier had me restless. When I arrived at her apartment unannounced, I wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted me
Aurora’s Pov I stood before Ryan's desk, my mind racing to process his unexpected announcement about the upcoming trip. The thought of traveling out of town so soon was overwhelming; I had envisioned settling into my new life here, eventually bringing my mother over to start afresh together. But now, plans were shifting rapidly. It's just for the weekend, nothing is going to change, Aurora, I scolded myself quietly. Just as I was about to respond, a knock interrupted us. Pamela entered, her expression professional yet subtly strained. “Sir," she began, "the CEO of Titan Enterprises has arrived unexpectedly. He's waiting for you in the boardroom." Ryan nodded, acknowledging the information. As Pamela turned to leave, her gaze briefly met mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her features before she exited. "Aurora," Ryan said, drawing my attention back to him, "I want you to join me in this meeting. As my personal assistant, it's important for you to observe how the