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Chapter 42
Last Updated:
2024-12-16 06:01:50
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The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 43
Avoiding Ryker was easier said than done. Sharing the same bed and living under the same roof turned it into a challenge I couldn’t entirely win, but I made an honest effort to keep my distance. Yet, even as I busied myself with tasks, his words echoed persistently in my mind, their weight pressing against my every thought.The idea of me—a princess—seemed absurd, a notion ripped straight from the pages of an overdramatic fairytale. How could I possibly fit into such a narrative? I was just an omega, born and raised with all the limitations that role entailed. The thought of suddenly discovering royal lineage felt not just improbable but downright impossible.Still, there was that persistent whisper of curiosity gnawing at the edges of my skepticism. What if…?I shook the thought away as I stole a glance at Ryker during breakfast. He sat across from me at the dining table, his presence radiating quiet patience. His eyes barely left me, soft but unwavering, like he was waiting for me t
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 44
The story between them was far more intricate than I had anticipated, yet I couldn’t shake the gnawing suspicion that she was withholding something. Her words painted a picture of unreciprocated affection—how she had been vying for his attention while he adamantly ignored her. I believed her, but the way her gaze darted away hinted at layers of truth she wasn’t ready to share.The weight of unspoken words settled between us, heavy and suffocating. Despite my curiosity, I chose not to pry further. When she finished her story, I offered her a small, reassuring smile. “It does sound complicated,” I said softly. “Don’t worry—I won’t breathe a word of this to Ryker.” My promise seemed to ease her tension slightly, though the shadows in her eyes lingered.Her confession left me wondering about Damien. What kind of person was he to inspire such devotion? She was only fifteen, and yet her feelings seemed so deep and consuming. I couldn’t imagine having such intense emotions at her age.When s
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 45
I spent the remainder of my day in Ryker’s office. His quiet presence was a comfort, anchoring me in a way I hadn’t expected. The air between us was calm yet alive, like the steady rhythm of waves kissing the shore. While I poured over texts about the mating ceremony and began sketching vague plans for what I envisioned, Ryker worked at his desk, the scratch of his pen against paper and the occasional shuffling of documents punctuating the stillness.Every so often, I felt his eyes on me, their weight a quiet invitation to meet his gaze. When I did, he would smile—soft, warm, and completely disarming. It was a smile that reached into my chest and made my pulse flutter. At one such moment, his eyes caught mine, and there was a flicker of something unspoken, a question lingering on his lips. I was certain he was about to say something when the door burst open without so much as a knock.I didn’t have to look up to know it was Riley. Only she would dare enter Ryker’s sanctuary so brazenl
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 46
The air was thick with unease the moment I stepped into the living room. My heart stumbled when I saw Damien sitting there, dressed to the nines in his usual immaculate style, talking casually with Eve as though this were the most natural thing in the world. The soft rustle of fabric and muted voices seemed to echo louder than they should have, and the tension clung to the room like an unwelcome guest.Ryker’s surprise mirrored my own. I caught his sharp glance and realized something was off. If Ryker hadn’t expected Damien’s presence, then Eve certainly hadn’t either. A chill crept up my spine as I pieced it together.Before I could decide what to do, I heard the familiar sound of Eve’s light footsteps skipping down the stairs, each step like a note in a song I knew by heart. Her carefree rhythm faltered as her gaze landed on Damien. She froze for a moment, then spun on her heel and retreated upstairs, her steps now hurried, almost frantic.I turned to Ryker, whose confusion was evid
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 47
I sprinted, my legs burning with each step as I raced away from the office and back downstairs. My heart pounded in my chest, the rhythm erratic, as if it knew something I couldn’t grasp. The weight of the truth hung heavy in the air, thick like smoke, suffocating me with every breath. I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone what I had witnessed. My mouth felt dry, words trapped in my throat like a prisoner behind a wall. I couldn’t even speak them to myself—let alone to anyone else.The entire day felt like a blur. I forced myself to go through the motions, trying to appear composed, trying to act like everything was normal, but inside I was crumbling. My thoughts were a whirlwind, a storm of questions and doubts, but I couldn’t find the answers I was desperate for. Riley noticed. She asked me about the mating ceremony with an intensity that stung, but I couldn’t bring myself to shout the truth at her. The only thing I wanted in that moment was to escape, to return to my own bed, to s
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 48
FOUR YEARS LATERThe crisp bite of the early morning air brushed against my exposed skin, sending a shiver that traced the length of my spine. I hadn't expected it to be this cold, especially not in August. It was too early for this kind of chill; I always thought it would come with September, with the sharpness of fall settling in. But here I was, wrapped in nothing but a sleeveless dress, feeling the wind bite through the thin fabric as though it were a warning.I pulled my arms closer to my sides in a weak attempt to shield myself from the growing cold, but it didn’t help much. My thoughts were far from the chill of the weather. Instead, they lingered on memories long buried, memories of Ryker. August was always the month that made me think of him, the month I ran, the month I left him behind. And yet, four years later, I couldn’t escape him. His face, his voice, the love and the pain... they lingered in the back of my mind, haunting me with every step I took away from the life I h
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 49
Audrey Valentina Caine was born about seven months after I ran away from Ryker. The pregnancy came as a complete shock to me. I didn’t even know I was carrying a child, not until that very day when Christine found me in the bathroom, tears streaming down my face, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the discovery. I didn’t know what to do. The thought of raising a child alone paralyzed me with uncertainty.But despite my fears and the chaos I often felt, Christine was there for me in ways that no one else could be. And to my surprise, so was my mother. She had missed so much of my life, but now she was determined to make up for it by pouring all her love into Audrey. The little girl, as oblivious as she was to all the struggles around her, was adored. And I don’t think she even realized the magnitude of that love. Everyone in this grand palace was wrapped around her little finger, and she didn’t have to do a thing to earn it. I named her Audrey because the name felt right, and part of m
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 50
The preparations for the ceremony started immediately, overwhelming me like an unstoppable tidal wave. It was like being pulled into a whirlpool of constant activity—meetings, lessons, and expectations. Day after day, I was swept along, learning everything about how a crowned princess should behave, from the way I spoke to the way I walked. I was taught what I was allowed to say in public and, more importantly, what I wasn’t. There were so many rules, some obvious, some subtle, but they all pressed down on me, suffocating my sense of freedom.It was exhausting. Every night, I collapsed into bed with the hopes that the following day would be the last lesson, the last meeting, but each morning, I woke up to the realization that there was always more to be done. Audrey, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, was simply excited about the grand party that was to come. She noticed that I was busier than usual, but her world was filled with bright, simple joys, like dressing up and playi
Last Updated : 2024-12-19
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The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 90
RYKER’S PO.VI could feel Camilla’s annoyance surging through our bond and it took everything for me to pull that wall between us down. I knew that she wanted to help but I wasn’t willing to risk her safety. She was safest behind those walls and if that meant gaining her anger then it was a good deal. I could feel Steven’s eyes on me but I ignored him and turned on my heels.The guards and soldiers were already preparing with their weapons. I had very little interest in actually fighting a battle but if that was what Frederick wanted then so be it. As soon as the soldiers saw me, all eyes went on me and everyone went quiet.“The important thing is to make sure they don’t get into the palace,” I reminded them. “Meet them as far away from here as possible. The guards will remain here in case something happens but remember that under no circumstance is anyone supposed to breach the palace walls. Defend it with your life, are we clear?”There was a chorus of yes, your majesty before every
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 89
CAMILLA’S P.O.VThe days ahead were a whirlwind of tension and restless anticipation as we rooted out more of Frederick’s men. Some fled into obscurity, their trails cold even as our spies hunted them through the forests. Others vanished as if the earth had swallowed them whole. The city braced itself, hearts collectively clenched with fear. Frederick’s silence was a sinister omen, a dark calm before a storm we couldn’t predict. Ryker, ever my anchor, whispered assurances that we would be prepared no matter what he conjured. Yet a shadow of dread clung to me. Frederick had blindsided us before—his cunning was a blade that always found its mark, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that his next strike would cut deeper than ever.We fortified the palace, securing every entrance and sealing the tunnels beneath. Even so, doubt festered in the cracks of my resolve. The elders convened with us, a chorus of blame and cowardice, their empty words filling the air like stale smoke. I marveled at m
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 88
CAMILLA’S P.O.VA shiver danced along my spine as he groaned softly, his breath heavy with a whispered, "Thank the goddess." Before I could even process his words, his lips found mine—no, not simply kissed, but claimed. His hand slipped behind my head, his fingers tangling in my hair as he guided me into submission, controlling the angle with a commanding tenderness that left me breathless. I was powerless beneath the heat of his fervor, struggling to match the rhythm of a passion that burned far brighter and fiercer than my own unsteady heartbeat. It was overwhelming—terrifyingly intoxicating—and I craved more.He pulled me onto his lap, my legs settling on either side of his hips, and the hard, undeniable evidence of his arousal pressed against me. A strangled moan escaped my lips, devoured instantly as his tongue swept into my mouth, tasting, teasing, claiming me anew. His hands gripped my hips, rolling them over his with a slow, torturous rhythm that set my nerves on fire. I tremb
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 87
Camilla’s P.O.V“You’re back earlier than I thought,” I remarked, stepping out of the water, droplets trailing down my arms. “I assumed you’d need more time.”Ryker’s expression remained unreadable as his piercing gaze met mine. “I would have, had you stayed. I was holding back for your sake, Camilla. The moment you left, it took me five minutes to make him talk. He was practically begging for mercy.”His words sent a shiver down my spine, not from fear but from the stark reminder of who he truly was—brutal, unyielding, and feared by many. “Are you afraid of me?” he asked, his tone laced with something close to curiosity.I shook my head, though my breath caught when he stepped closer. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he raised a hand, but he paused when he noticed the blood staining his fingers. His hand fell to his side.“I should clean up,” he muttered, almost to himself.I nodded and moved toward the door, the tension still heavy in the air. Before leaving, I hesitated, a quest
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 86
The silence in the shop hung heavy, the air thick with unspoken tension as the man’s eyes widened. Raw, unfiltered fear glinted in his gaze, and I held it with a calm I didn’t entirely feel. If he thought I was bluffing, he was sorely mistaken. Frederick’s access to forbidden substances had to be cut off, no matter the cost. After a long, tense pause, the man turned abruptly, retreating behind the front desk. His movements were frantic as he dug through stacks of paper, the scrape of his hands against rough parchment filling the quiet space. Finally, he produced a plain sheet of paper and a stub of charcoal. “What are you doing?” I asked, my tone sharp with impatience. “I only need a name.”His hands trembled slightly as he set to work. “I don’t have his name,” he admitted gruffly, his voice rough like gravel. “You don’t run an illegal trade by asking for names. He came in about a week ago, and said he needed a small batch of this. I don’t like dealing with that stuff—it’s dangerous
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 85
CAMILLA’S POV Two days. That’s how long it took for Ryker to let me out of bed, and even then, it came with strict instructions not to overexert myself. He was worried—beyond worried, actually. His eyes lingered on me more than usual, shadowed by the weight of what had happened. He acted as though one wrong step might shatter me completely. The only people allowed near me were Christine and the girls. Audrey was the first to see me once Ryker finally relented. She barreled into me with so much force I nearly toppled over, her tiny arms clinging to my waist like she never wanted to let go. “You’re not going with her,” she whispered, voice muffled against me. “You’re not leaving like she did.” The words hit me like a dagger to the chest. My throat tightened as I hugged her closer, stroking her hair as if that alone could soothe her fears. I wanted to tell her she was right, that I wasn’t going anywhere, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. Because it wasn’t true. One way o
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 84
**CAMILLA’S P.O.V**The pain from the arrow was all-consuming, and then, nothing. It was as if the world had collapsed, and I was thrust into complete darkness. I had always imagined that if I died, the goddess would welcome me with open arms. After all, I wasn’t perfect, but I had always tried to do right by those I loved. Yet, here I was, uncertain of what came next. At first, there was only fear. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. Time seemed to stretch on forever, and I was helpless to understand it. I tried to count, to hold onto something, but it was as though I were stuck in a vast void where even my own thoughts couldn’t find their way. And then, a voice. A quiet, persistent voice that seemed to hum through the dark, urging me to keep going. Keep fighting. It felt impossible, but I tried. I tried to remember Ryker, my daughters, the palace—everything I had promised to protect. But the more I fought, the more distant everything became. There came a point when I felt so broke
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 83
**RYKER’S P.O.V**It was the quiet that got to me. The kind of quiet that settled deep inside, slowly suffocating me, filling the space with a growing sense of dread. Camilla was lying in that bed—our bed, no less—motionless, and it tore at me, piece by piece. It wasn’t just the endless days of waiting or the overwhelming tasks that I was shouldering alone; it wasn’t even the constant worry that she might never wake up. It was the children.Audrey didn’t understand. She was too young to grasp why her mother wasn’t moving, why her usual questions were left unanswered, or why her playful days with Camilla had come to an abrupt halt. She had asked, with that innocent curiosity that tore me apart, if Camilla was going to be like Leanor. She didn’t understand death yet—she only knew that when people left, they never came back.Aurora was even harder to bear. A child who used to cling to me every waking moment, she now pushed me away, her tiny body rejecting my embrace. She screamed endless
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 82
**RYKER'S POV**Everything happened too quickly. One moment, Camilla was speaking with a man in the crowd, and the next, an arrow pierced her side. My heart stopped as she crumpled, and I rushed to catch her, the chaos around us rising to a fever pitch. Doctors hurried toward her, but my eyes were fixed on the source of the attack. My gaze locked with Frederick's atop a distant building, a cruel smirk curling his lips.A wave of rage consumed me, hot and relentless, threatening to swallow everything in its path. I glanced at Camilla in my arms, her blood staining my hands, but I knew I couldn’t let this go. I couldn’t let him escape. I placed her gently in the care of the doctors, whispering promises to her, before turning away with a single-minded focus: Frederick.The square seemed to melt away as I bolted toward him. A few guards followed, but they were secondary. I had one goal, and I wouldn’t rest until it was achieved. Frederick’s feet were swift, carrying him into the thick for
