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 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
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 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
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 pov(The past) I 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 readi
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 Pov I 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
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