Mag-log inShare
Chapter 51
Huling Na-update:
2024-12-20 05:42:04
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 52
I hadn’t seen Ryker again since that day. Two days had passed, and his absence lingered in my mind like an unanswered question. I tried to suppress my curiosity, but my family saw through me as they always did. Christine eventually let it slip that he was staying in the palace guesthouse.Knowing he was so close felt strange, almost suffocating. Just a short walk separated us, and the proximity unsettled me in ways I couldn’t explain. They say “out of sight, out of mind,” but whoever coined that phrase never had someone like Ryker looming just within reach. He was a storm cloud on my horizon, refusing to dissipate.Then there was the dress—my looming nightmare. The designers paraded sketch after sketch before me, yet none resonated. Each one felt lifeless, uninspired, and the indecision gnawed at me. They needed my approval by tomorrow, and I had nothing to give. The frustration weighed on me, a heavy stone tied to my every thought.The only solace I had was Audrey. Somehow, my little
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-23The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 53
As soon as I crossed the threshold of the pack's protective walls, the façade I had carefully maintained all day shattered. My breath came in shallow, ragged gasps as I leaned against the cold, unyielding stone for support. I had thought dealing with Ryker would be the most challenging part of today, but I hadn't accounted for Tyson's presence.For years, I had forced him into the shadows of my mind, locking the memories away where they couldn't hurt me. I wasn’t still hung up on what he did—at least that’s what I told myself. I had fought tooth and nail to reclaim my life, to move forward. Yet seeing him again felt like being plunged into frigid water, the air snatched from my lungs, and no means to resurface.For a fleeting moment, the thought of calling off the ceremony crossed my mind. But the weight of my duty crushed that idea before it could take root. I couldn’t let two men—two ghosts of my past—derail the future of our kingdom. Still, understanding my responsibilities didn’t
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-23The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 54
The room fell silent, a suffocating stillness that pressed against my chest. Every gaze in the hall locked onto Audrey and me, the weight of their stares prickling against my skin like needles. Even without looking, I could feel their scrutiny—sharp, curious, judgmental. The murmurs began, hushed but relentless, their voices slicing through the heavy air. Each whisper seemed magnified, grating against my ears like shattered glass.I glanced at my mother, who reached out to take Audrey, but my daughter clung stubbornly to my skirts, her tiny hands fisting the fabric as if it were a lifeline. I crouched down, scooping her into my arms, and settled her in my lap. She straddled my thighs, her small frame trembling as she burrowed her face into my chest. I stroked her hair, my voice calm and clear despite the storm brewing in my veins.“I apologize for the interruption,” I said, meeting their stares head-on. “The rules don’t always apply to children. And even if they did, children have a
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-24The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 55
Morning came like a heavy weight pressing on my chest, a reminder that my life had already veered down a path I couldn’t undo. The realization stung, sharper than I cared to admit. Christine had warned me, told me not to cling so tightly to what I thought was normal. But I hadn’t listened. Instead, my stubborn grip on the past had set in motion everything I feared most.Last night was a battle of patience. Putting Audrey to bed took twice as long as usual. She was brimming with questions, her little voice bubbling with excitement about her father. Could he put her to bed? Could he tuck her in? Each question was like a pinprick to my resolve. I had to tell her no, explaining gently that he wasn’t allowed on palace grounds after dark since he wasn’t part of our family. The disappointment in her big, hopeful eyes was almost unbearable. It broke something in me—a mother should never be the source of her child’s sadness.This morning wasn’t any easier. Audrey wanted her dad to help her get
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-24The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 56
The news about Audrey broke two days ago, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting the Alphas to descend on the palace earlier than planned. With the coronation set for a week away, the entire palace had been thrown into chaos. Ryker, ever the stoic figure, wasn’t one to complain, but I’d asked my mother to look into the situation. It didn’t take long to learn he’d been bombarded with questions, thinly veiled judgments, and the overbearing presence of other Alphas.None of it had turned violent, but the snide remarks and incessant pestering were relentless. My mother, seeing no other option, moved Ryker and his entourage into the palace. Logically, I knew it was the best solution. Emotionally, I hated it. When he stayed elsewhere, avoiding him was easy. Now, no matter how vast the palace was, we seemed destined to cross paths at least three times a day.Ryker, stubborn as always, refused to drop the subject of my leaving. Every encounter brought a fresh round of question
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-25The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 57
I woke up first, and immediately the weight of my actions pressed down on me, suffocating in its heaviness. Ryker’s arm was still draped around my waist, his body tucked close to mine, a warmth that had once felt comforting now felt like a mistake. I tried to slowly untangle myself from his embrace, but his grip was tight, not ready to let go. It was harder than I expected, and I couldn’t help but slap my forehead in disbelief. He had another child back home—another child—and here I was, tangled up in him like some naive teenager.My hands ran down my face in frustration, my heart aching with the reality of it all. Ryker stirred beside me, his eyes blinking open. As he stirred, I pulled a robe around my body to shield whatever was left of my dignity. I gathered the clothes strewn across the floor, trying to ignore the emptiness settling in my chest. I stuffed mine into the laundry bag, arranging his neatly at the foot of the bed as if trying to keep the distance between us clear, even
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-26The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 58
I sank to my knees on the ground, while Steven stationed himself at the entrance, offering me the semblance of privacy I so desperately craved. My thoughts wandered back to the previous night’s events with Ryker, and despite knowing better, I couldn’t bring myself to regret it. In fact, there was a part of me that wished I could relive it over and over again.It felt almost like a betrayal to myself, knowing I should set an example for my daughter, teaching her not to let a man sweep her off her feet, especially not a man who had betrayed me, who had fathered a child with another woman, even if he denied it.An irrational part of my mind hoped he was telling the truth because, in truth, I never stopped loving Ryker. It seemed impossible to erase him from my thoughts entirely. Audrey made it worse because she was a living reminder of him—her mannerisms, those eyes of his, sometimes when I look at her, I feel like I’m seeing her father all over again.I buried my head in my palms, wrest
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-27The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 59
I noticed my distracted silence. She'd asked me twice already today if I was okay, and I had lied both times. How could I explain what was going on in my head when I couldn't even make sense of it myself? If it were anyone else, I would have snapped, called them out right there, and ended it. But it was Riley, and I couldn't fight her. She had a right to be angry. As much as I wanted to argue, I knew I had a bigger right to be angry too. And yet, all I felt was this tangled mess of confusion and guilt.“Camilla,” Christine's voice cut through my haze, harsh and urgent. It snapped me back to the present, and I realized I was somewhere I shouldn't be lost in my own head.I was in the council room, sitting with my mother and the elders, discussing the details of the upcoming ceremony. I had zoned out, unaware of their eyes on me, waiting for me to speak. Panic surged in my chest, and I quickly turned to Christine, silently pleading for guidance. She rolled her eyes, her lips barely movin
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-27
Pinakabagong kabanata
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 147
Camilla could barely contain her anticipation. The moment they stepped into the house, she and Ryker rushed up the stairs, their only source of light a dimly flickering lamp. The wooden box sat on the bed between them, its lock gleaming under the glow. Her fingers trembled as she slid the key into place. A click echoed in the silent room, and the lid creaked open.Her breath caught in her throat.She had feared that time and the elements would have reduced the contents to dust, but to her astonishment, the bound stack of letters was pristine—almost as if someone had placed them there just days ago. Slowly, she untied the ribbon binding the pages together. Her heart lurched when she read the first words.*To my daughter.*Not her name, but the words still sent a shiver through her.She turned to Ryker, brows furrowed. “It’s addressed to me.”He leaned closer, peering at the paper before glancing up with a shrug. “Only one way to find out what he had to say.”As she lifted the lamp, its
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 146
**CAMILLA'S P.O.V**A sharp tremor wracked my body as I sucked in a shallow, uneven breath. My knees threatened to give out beneath me, but all I could think about was my daughter, cradled in my arms. I clung to her desperately, unwilling to let go even as the world around me blurred. I barely registered Ryker appearing beside me, his arms slipping around Aurora before I collapsed. The moment Briggs' grip loosened, the unbearable pressure in my chest eased, and I gasped, greedily sucking in air as if I'd been drowning.“Are you alright?” Briggs’ voice reached me, laced with concern. He moved toward me, his hands outstretched, but I flinched back, my reaction sharper than I intended. He hesitated, brows furrowing in confusion. “Did I do something wrong? Do you need me to get something for you?”I knew this wasn’t his fault. He looked as baffled as I felt. But I couldn’t afford to risk another wave of that unbearable sensation. If it happened again, I was certain I’d lose consciousness.
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 145
CAMILLA’S P.O.VA violent shudder wracked my body as I struggled to steady my breath. My grip on my daughter tightened, fear coursing through me like a relentless tide. I couldn’t drop her. No matter what was happening to me, I had to keep holding on.I barely registered Ryker appearing at my side, his presence swift and sure. He took Aurora from my arms, his touch gentle, and the moment she left my grasp, my knees buckled. I collapsed, gasping as the crushing weight that had been suffocating me lifted. My limbs felt hollow, drained of all strength as if I had been fighting against something invisible yet suffocating.Briggs’ hands had been on me just moments ago. How long? Seconds? Minutes? It had felt like an eternity.“Camilla?” His voice was uncertain, edged with concern. “Are you alright?” He reached for me again, but I flinched away, my reaction more forceful than I intended.Briggs hesitated, his brows furrowing. “Did I do something? Do you need—?”“No,” I rasped, cutting him o
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 144
CAMILLA’S P.O.VRyker had convinced me it would be better to wait until the kids were asleep before digging, so I spent the entire evening restless. My skin itched with anticipation, my mind spinning with possibilities. What could my father have hidden? He was frustrating in many ways, but his treasure hunts had always been clever, almost addicting. If this had happened at a different time—when an enemy wasn’t lurking in the shadows—I might have actually enjoyed the challenge.I just prayed that whatever lay beneath that tree wasn’t another one of his messes waiting to explode in my face.Once both kids were tucked in their beds, their peaceful breathing filling the quiet house, I kissed their foreheads and hurried outside. Ryker was already waiting, holding a lamp in one hand and a shovel in the other, his expression unreadable. While excitement coursed through me, he was only here for my sake."You don't have to do this," I whispered, hesitant. "It's late, and for all we know, this
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 143
Camilla’s POVThe estate was grander than I’d imagined. The moment I stepped inside, reality set in—my father never did anything halfway. This might have been his retreat, but he spared no expense making it as luxurious as possible. The crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting a golden glow over the polished marble floors. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and velvet drapes framed the tall windows, letting in the soft glow of the evening sun. It was a stark reminder of the wealth he wielded, the power he once held.We washed away the exhaustion of the palace, exchanging travel-worn clothes for fresh, soft fabrics that smelled of lavender and something faintly familiar—like home, but not quite. I exhaled, and for the first time in what felt like years, my lungs expanded fully. There was a lightness in the air here, something almost intoxicating. Was it freedom? Or just an illusion of it?Dinner was a quiet affair, the kind that settles into your bones and warms you from the inside.
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 142
CAMILLA’S P.O.VI sat in stunned silence, barely processing what had just happened. Ryker had planned everything. Every single detail had already been arranged. The only thing left was for us to leave.A vacation. We desperately needed one, but I hadn't expected him to take matters into his own hands. It wasn’t like we ever had the luxury of peace, not with everything we had endured.The carriage rocked gently as it rolled away from the palace, and despite myself, I felt a tinge of excitement. My feet bounced slightly against the wooden floorboards, a telltale sign of my anticipation. Across from us, Audrey sat with her small hands gripping the edge of her seat, her eyes darting toward the window. In Ryker’s arms, Aurora lay nestled against his chest, her tiny breaths even and peaceful.“Where are we going, Mommy?” Audrey’s soft voice pulled me from my thoughts. Her brows furrowed as she peered outside, recognition flickering in her eyes. “This road looks familiar… like the one we too
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 141
RYKER'S POVThere was always a voice in the back of my head—relentless, nagging, a constant reminder that I should be doing something more productive. It never left me, not even for a second. Maybe because, unlike most children, I never had the luxury of lazy days or the freedom to do nothing. My life had been an endless cycle of lessons, training, and expectations. There was always something I didn’t do well enough, something I needed to perfect, something my father drilled into me with an iron will.And even though he had been gone for years—longer than I cared to count—the weight of his influence still clung to me, refusing to loosen its grip.I exhaled, pushing the thoughts aside as I sat up in bed, my gaze settling on Camilla. She moved around the room effortlessly, wrapped in nothing but our tangled sheets. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, messy from sleep but still perfect in a way that made my chest tighten. She wasn’t trying to tease me, I knew that. But go
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 140
CAMILLA’S POVAs per tradition, we couldn’t leave until the place was completely cleared. It was a long-standing rule—one we had followed for years. Only when the last person had returned to their home and the executioner had carried the body away did we dare to step forward.I kept my gaze fixed on the ground, refusing to look. I knew if I did, nausea would overwhelm me. My stomach was already twisted into painful knots, my throat dry as if it had been scorched. I wanted to convince myself that I didn’t care, that this was just another consequence of a cruel world. But deep down, I knew the truth—I still had a softness in me, one that Ryker didn’t share.Unlike him, I believed that if fate had been kinder, if circumstances had been different, she might have been, too.Ryker’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.“Everything’s been cleared out.”I swallowed hard and forced myself to glance up. The guillotine stood tall against the darkening sky, its blade gleaming with fresh blood. The g
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 139
CAMILLA’S POVThe sun was beginning to dip beyond the palace walls, casting golden streaks across the sky as Ryker and I strolled through the grounds. The afternoon had been peaceful, just the two of us walking aimlessly, enjoying the rare quiet moments in our otherwise chaotic lives. But eventually, duty called, and we decided to pick Audrey up from school ourselves.The second she spotted us, her shriek nearly shattered my eardrums.“Mama! Papa!” She came running at full speed, her tiny feet barely touching the ground as she launched herself into my arms. I caught her with a laugh, staggering slightly under her enthusiasm.“I missed you!” she declared, squeezing my neck as though she never wanted to let go.“We were only gone for a few hours,” I reminded her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.“That’s forever!” she argued, her voice muffled against my shoulder.Ryker chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Did you have a good day at school?”That was all the encouragement she needed. Fro
