LOGINShare
Chapter 26
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 03:19:05
Related chapters
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 27
I was so stunned by the announcement that it felt like the ground had been pulled from under me. All I could do was gape at the guard, my mind struggling to process what he had just said. The urgency in his tone echoed in my ears like the tolling of a warning bell. But while I was frozen in place, Ryker wasted no time. With a sharp intake of breath, he pushed to his feet, his movements steady and deliberate despite the heaviness in the air.He assured the guard that he would join them shortly before making his way toward me. He lowered himself into a crouch, sitting on his haunches until our eyes were level. The dim lighting cast soft shadows across his face, making the sharp lines of his jaw even more pronounced. His presence was both grounding and unsettling—a calm in the storm that made me realize just how much I was worrying.“You’re hurt,” I managed to say, my voice trembling as I broke the heavy silence. “You were in pain just moments ago. Should you really be out fighting rogue
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 28
Eve left shortly after to heat up my breakfast, leaving me to retreat to my room and prepare for the day. The conversation with Lauren still lingered in my mind like the faint sting of a freshly healed wound, yet oddly, it left me feeling empowered. The satisfaction of standing up to her was intoxicating, a newfound strength I hadn’t known I possessed. My lips curved upward in a small, fleeting smile.After getting dressed, I made my way downstairs, expecting Lauren to be prowling around somewhere, her sharp gaze scrutinizing everything as always. Instead, the dining room greeted me with an unexpected silence. The room was empty, save for a lone tray of food set neatly at my usual spot. My stomach growled at the sight, the aroma of freshly prepared food curling through the air and tugging at my hunger. I hadn’t realized just how ravenous I was until I took that first bite. The flavors burst on my tongue, warm and comforting, chasing away the remnants of my earlier tension.As I ate, E
Last Updated : 2024-12-10The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 29
I tried not to dwell on his words, my heart pounding as I dashed through the dense forest. Each step was a desperate plea to outrun the inevitable, the undergrowth crunching beneath my boots. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, mingling with the metallic tang of fear that clung to me. Behind me, heavy footsteps thudded against the ground, relentless and unforgiving. I pushed forward, weaving between towering trees that loomed like silent sentinels, the moonlight casting ghostly patterns across the forest floor.I burst into a clearing, my chest heaving as I gulped in the air. The open space offered no solace—only an unbroken expanse of trees stretching endlessly on every side. My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out the faint rustle of leaves until a sharp crack snapped me back to reality.A twig.I spun around, dread coiling in my stomach. From the shadows, three figures emerged, their movements predatory and deliberate. The man in the middle, the one I’d see
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 30
CAMILLA’S P.O.VThe first thing I noticed when I stirred was the sharp, clinical tang of antiseptic hanging in the air. It invaded my nostrils, a stark contrast to the warm, earthy scent of home. It clung persistently, mingled with the faint chemical aroma of cleaning agents. My nose wrinkled in protest, but the smell wouldn’t dissipate—it seemed to grow stronger, more invasive with each passing second.My eyelids felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion, but even through them, I could sense the brightness of the room. It was piercing, unnatural, seeping through my closed lids like sunlight through thin curtains. The intensity was enough to make me recoil inwardly, resisting the urge to open my eyes. For a while, I lay there in stillness, letting the sensations wash over me. The scent. The light. The dull ache throughout my body.Then it came rushing back.Home. Eve and Lauren. The rogues.The memory hit me like a storm. My heart thundered as I bolted upright with a gasp, only for a sea
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 31
When I finally woke up, the room was shrouded in shadows. The soft amber glow of the lamp near the window cast faint, wavering patterns on the walls. Outside, the night was calm, the faint rustling of leaves barely audible through the thick glass panes. The air carried a sterile chill, tinged faintly with the metallic scent of antiseptics. My body felt unusually light, yet the persistent throb of pain in my side reminded me of my vulnerability.The IV that had pumped blood into me earlier was now replaced with a bag of clear fluid. Despite the ache, there was an odd vitality humming beneath my skin, a paradoxical sense of both fragility and strength.It didn’t take long to spot Ryker. He stood silhouetted against the window, bathed in the soft lamplight. His posture was both commanding and contemplative, the faint slump of his shoulders betraying an unspoken weariness. He had changed out of his rumpled clothes into sleek, dark slacks and a simple, fitted shirt. His hair was disheveled
Last Updated : 2024-12-11The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 32
It took me a little over a week to fully heal. To be honest, I was mostly fine after just a couple of days. I could walk around, stretch, and do almost everything on my own, but Ryker was relentless. I told him repeatedly that I was okay, but he wouldn't hear it. He insisted that I rest and had Lucy come over to give me a thorough check-up, just to be safe.She confirmed that I looked fine, but Ryker had her run a few tests anyway. She was kind enough to comply, even though I knew it was more for his peace of mind than mine. When she was done, she assured him that I was good to go but recommended that I take it easy for a little while longer—just enough time for my body to adjust to normal activities again.It was such a relief. I’d been cooped up in the house for far too long, and I was eager to regain my independence. Ryker had been babying me endlessly since my injury, and Eve wasn’t much better. Every morning, she helped me get dressed as if I were incapable of doing it myself. I
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 33
I was so stunned when Steven said those words that I wasn’t quite sure how to react. My body had frozen in place, my heart hammering in my chest, and for a moment, I thought the world around me had slowed. It wasn’t until I felt his strong hand grab my upper arm that I snapped out of it. The pull was sharp and urgent, and I could feel his tension seeping into me as he guided me back towards the house. His steps were swift and heavy, the sound of his boots pressing against the gravel echoing in the stillness. I could practically hear the gears in his mind grinding, trying to figure out the next step in this unpredictable chaos.As we reached the door, I could see Eve standing in the hallway, her face a perfect mask of concern. The moment she caught sight of us, her eyes widened, scanning us both. Steven didn’t even let her speak before he barked out orders."I need as much ice as you can get," he demanded, his voice urgent, but with an edge of something that felt almost... protective?
Last Updated : 2024-12-12The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 34
I woke to the sensation of warmth, a heavy arm draped over me, anchoring me into the plush bed beneath. The air was tinged with the faint, musky scent of him—clean and earthy, a combination uniquely Ryker. As my mind began to clear, I became acutely aware of his body pressing against mine, the solid plane of his chest flush with my back, and lower... the hard evidence of his arousal nestled firmly against me.A quiet exhale brushed over my neck, his breath hot and steady as he nuzzled closer, inhaling deeply as though committing my scent to memory. His soft, unconscious movements ignited a warmth in me, spreading from my cheeks down to my toes. I shifted slightly, trying to ease away without disturbing him, but the movement backfired. My hips brushed against him, and his arm tightened instinctively, pulling me closer.A low, deep rumble vibrated from his chest—a sound that wasn’t quite a growl, but carried the primal weight of one.In a heartbeat, I was flipped onto my back, Ryker hov
Last Updated : 2024-12-13
Latest chapter
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 102
Pain.That was all I knew.It wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket, invading every inch of my body with an unbearable intensity. When Alastair bit me, it was as if a thousand searing needles had pierced my skin all at once, burning their way through my veins. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but my body refused to obey. My limbs were leaden, my voice stolen by the agony. And then—Darkness.A void unlike anything I had ever known swallowed me whole. Time ceased to exist, my body forgotten in the abyss. I drifted, weightless, neither dead nor alive. Yet I could hear. Distant, disembodied voices floated through the inky blackness, whispers of a world just beyond my reach."There’s no cure," someone said, their voice heavy with resignation.I recognized Ryker’s voice too, soft and desperate as he murmured to me. But I couldn’t respond. Couldn’t move. I was trapped in this limbo, aware yet powerless.Then—A hand.Warm. Familiar. Solid.The moment it grasped mine, reality came c
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 101
Ryker’s POVSleep was a luxury I couldn’t afford that night. Even after Christine left, I found myself unable to rest. My thoughts kept pulling me back to Camilla. I sat by her side for hours, watching the shallow rise and fall of her chest, as if my sheer willpower could keep her breathing. When exhaustion finally claimed me, it was only for a brief, restless three hours. Duty pulled me out of bed before dawn, the weight of the kingdom pressing hard against my shoulders.The palace was buzzing with whispers. The news about the vampires had already reached the gates, and fear spread like wildfire among the people. I couldn’t help but long for Camilla’s presence. She had this uncanny ability to bring calm to chaos. Without her, every minute stretched into an eternity.By the time I stepped into the council chamber, the elders were already gathered. Their gazes flicked to the door repeatedly, clearly expecting Camilla to join. I suppressed a bitter laugh. They wouldn’t be seeing her any
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 100
Ryker’s POVThe ride back to the palace was a blur. My focus never left Camilla, her fragile form cradled against me. Every few seconds, I checked her breathing, each faint rise and fall of her chest granting me a shred of hope. Her lips were still pale, her skin cold to the touch. My heart pounded as if to replace the life slipping from her.By the time we reached the palace, the physician’s son was already waiting with Christine near the back entrance. They’d cleared the area, ensuring privacy. A rare blessing, considering how fast rumors traveled. For once, I didn’t care what the court would say—what I needed was peace, just long enough to save her.We carried her straight to the physician’s chambers, her weight unnervingly light in my arms. The room, usually ominous with the remnants of others’ suffering, felt emptier than usual. A small mercy. Gently, we laid her on the bed.The physician immediately began his examination, his hands steady, his expression unreadable. I lingered n
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 99
The guards scrambled to do as instructed, and I led the physician off to a quieter corner of the woods, away from prying eyes. I had a sinking feeling in my gut that the worst was still to come. I watched him carefully as he glanced around, ensuring no one could overhear. Then, in a low voice, he spoke.“I think it’s the same vampire who did this,” he said quietly. “The scene—it looks like they lost control, like a frenzy. But... no. It wasn’t a frenzy. It was a clean cut. This wasn’t done with teeth. Whoever did this knew exactly whatthey were doing.”“What are you saying?” I asked, trying to process what he was telling me.“I’m saying this is no random act,” he said, voice tinged with unease. “This is deliberate. Whoever did this... they’re playing a game. And we don’t even know what the rules are yet.”My chest tightened. A game? A vampire, toying with us? I sighed heavily, rubbingmy temple. “Thank you for your help.”He nodded grimly before walking away, leaving me to my
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 98
I stood alone. Outnumbered. Helpless. My breath caught in my throat, but I refused to show fear. If I was going to die here, I wouldn’t go down without a fight.“What do you want from me?” I demanded, my voice shaking only slightly. “Is thishow you get my attention?”Alastair’s eyes gleamed with dark amusement. “Yes and no,” he said with a shrug.“Living for centuries gets boring, you know? Sometimes, you need something to entertain you.”One of his vampires moved so fast I could barely track him. Before I knew it, I was shoved into a stone chair. My heart raced as I struggled to control my breathing, but there was no use. I was trapped. Alastair leaned in, his fingers curling around a lock of my hair, twisting it between his fingers. I didn’t flinch, even though my body screamed at me to fight back.“Don’t bother trying,” he said with a smirk, clearly reading the fear I was trying to suppress. “When you’ve lived as long as I have, you make a few... connections. This cave i
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 97
CAMILLA'S P.O.V.“I mean you no harm,” I called out, my voice steady but trembling inside. The vampire before me made no move to step out of the shadows. “I only want to see your king.”He let out a chilling laugh, one that echoed through the trees. “Not many live to make such a request. Our king does not entertain visitors, nor does he tolerate them.” The tension in the air thickened as the guards around me tightened their formation, their eyes scanning the surroundings. I stood my ground, lifting my chin with resolve. “My name is Camilla. I’m the Queen of the wolves. Your king should want to speak with me. I wouldn’t be here unless it was of utmost importance.”There was a long pause, the kind of silence that makes your heartbeat feel too loud. I thought, for a moment, he wouldn’t respond at all, until he finally did.“I know who you are,” he said, his voice dangerously calm. “He’s been expecting you. But we didn’t know you'd come with guards of your own.”I couldn’t supp
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 96
"This isn’t your fault. It’s not theirs, either. The blame lies with the vampire who did this.”I sighed, my breath shaky. “But he won’t stop. He’s not just going to go away. We need to stop him before someone else is lost.”Ryker didn’t answer, but his silence spoke volumes. He didn’t need to say anything; he understood. I felt his fingers tighten around me as if to say he was with me, always. “We will stop him,” he finally said. “But it’s taking longer than we thought. One of us should be there to comfort them.”Before I could say anything, Ryker was already walking toward the grieving family. I watched him approach them, his actions so gentle. He wasn’t supposed to touch them—protocol, duty, all that—but Ryker didn’t care about that. He cared about people. He didn’t need to say anything; his presence, his warmth, said everything. And for a moment, I felt a sense of pride. I admired him so much. He deserved to be King far more than I deserved to be Queen.As I watched him
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 95
CAMILLA'S POVThe moment we stepped into the hidden library, I was struck by how massive it was. The shelves stretched up high, way beyond my reach, nearly brushing againstthe ceiling. It felt like I had stumbled into a world all on its own, tucked away in a secret corner of the palace. The air was cool, the kind of chill that made you wrap yourself tighter in your thoughts, as if the place had been untouched for centuries. It wasn’t the usual smell of books—this place smelled ancient, like time itself had settled into the worn scrolls and parchment that lined the shelves. Each text seemed delicate, almost fragile, and I hesitated totouch anything as if the weight of history would crumble beneath my fingers. Ryker had spent hours here, and honestly, I couldn’t blame him. I wasalmost afraid to leave.The flickering torches on the walls cast a series of shadows across the room, their flames dancing in the still air. Even with the windows closed, a faint breeze swirled aroun
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 94
Camilla's POVIcouldn’t help but feel a strange emptiness as the day wore on. Ryker had vanished, and I honestly thought I’d be relieved to have some time away from thegrueling training sessions. But the more I tried to distract myself, the more I missed him. It was odd. I even searched for him, scouring the entire palace. I asked every guard I passed, but no one had seen him. It was as if he’d vanished completely.Eventually, I retired to my room, hoping he might return by the time I fell asleep. I clung to that small hope, even as the night stretched on in quiet solitude. But when morning came, I knew instantly he hadn’t returned. His side of the bed was untouched, still cold. The sense of abandonment stung more than Iwanted to admit.I spent the morning searching for him, even before training began. My efforts were in vain, though. It was as if the world had swallowed him whole. I couldn’tshake the uneasy feeling that something was wrong, but I had no way to prove it.Ch
