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Chapter 63
Huling Na-update:
2025-01-04 04:24:16
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 64
The first thing I became aware of as I woke was the heavy weight of his arm draped over my waist. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I thought I was dreaming. Warmth radiated from his body, his chest rising and falling steadily against my back. The memories of the night before drifted through my mind, and I let out a soft breath, wishing I could hold onto this quiet moment forever.It was so different from just two mornings ago. Back then, I’d been quick to shove him out of my room, eager to create distance and maintain boundaries. Now, I found myself reluctant to move, as though any shift might break the spell. His presence, once overwhelming, had become a strange kind of comfort.His hand was firm against my stomach, pinning me in place as if he knew I might try to slip away. Our legs were tangled, his heat seeping into my skin. I couldn’t help but smile faintly at the intimacy of it, even as the practical part of me knew this couldn’t last. Life was waiting for both of us, f
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-05The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 65
The scream tore from my throat, raw and piercing, but I didn’t even recognize it as my own until Ryker’s strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his chest. His steady presence should have grounded me, but the chaos inside my mind was deafening. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t think. A single thought ricocheted through my head, relentless and suffocating: I need to find Audrey.The room spun as guards burst in, their hurried movements adding to the frenzy. They looked to me for instructions, but my mouth refused to form words. It was Ryker who took charge, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm. He barked orders to search the castle, pointing to the open window as their first lead. Yet, I barely registered his words. My mind kept looping one question: How could this happen? How could someone take my daughter while we were right here?My hands trembled as I dragged them through my hair, pacing in jagged, restless steps. Normally, my first suspicion would have been Tyson after the
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-06The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 66
Mother’s decree was final—she demanded I stay and refused to let me leave the palace. Even if she hadn’t intervened, I would have taken the risk anyway, but she’d made it impossible by ordering guards to shadow me relentlessly. Everywhere I turned, they were there, silent but ever-watchful. She also doubled the palace’s security, positioning sentinels at every conceivable entrance and exit. Whoever this enemy was, they wouldn’t have the chance to take anyone else.Despite her efforts, an unshakable unease lingered in the pit of my stomach. Something about this entire situation didn’t feel right, as if no amount of precautions could stop what was coming. I couldn’t voice my fears to anyone. Speaking them aloud would only serve to spread the dread that already clawed at my chest, and I refused to be the one who drained the last dregs of hope from the palace.The city had descended into chaos. Word of Audrey’s disappearance had spread like wildfire—likely leaked by a loose-lipped guard.
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-07The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 67
The faint flicker of movement caught my attention as I turned sharply, my heart sinking at the sight of Tyson standing in the doorway, his dark eyes gleaming with malice. A smirk twisted his lips, chilling me to the core. Instinctively, I stepped between him and my daughter, my body acting as her shield. His gaze slid over me, unbothered, and a cruel laugh escaped his throat.“Protecting her, are you?” Tyson’s voice was smooth, mocking. “How noble. But let’s not forget—I’ve had plenty of time with her already. Perhaps I’ve seen more than you’d ever wish for me to see.”My fists clenched at his insinuation, rage bubbling under my skin. “If you’ve harmed her—”“Relax,” he interrupted, raising a hand lazily. “She’s untouched. For now.” His smirk deepened. “She’s beautiful, though. A shame she isn’t ours. If she were mine, she might’ve been spared all this unpleasantness.”“Say one more word about my child,” Ryker growled, his voice venomous, “and I’ll make sure you regret ever breathing.
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-08The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 68
Chapter 68I sat in the dressing room, my fingers fidgeting with the soft fabric of the robe draped over me. The silence in the room was unnerving, broken only by the faint sounds of hurried footsteps outside. The coronation was today—a day I’d been dreading for months. Avoiding the sight of my dress until now had been my way of pretending this moment might somehow never arrive. But no amount of denial could change the fact: today, I would step into a role I wasn’t sure I wanted.The door swung open, and the stylists entered, carrying what could only be described as a masterpiece. My breath caught in my throat as they laid the dress out before me. It shimmered like molten gold, catching the faint sunlight streaming through the windows and scattering it in every direction. The intricate embroidery glinted with subtle hints of peach, creating a warm, ethereal glow. I was too stunned to speak.Christine walked in behind them, her expression nervous but hopeful. Her gaze flitted between m
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-09The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 69
The crowd erupted into applause as I ascended the throne. The weight of their gazes was palpable, but as I sat, a sense of calm washed over me. My eyes sought out Audrey, who clapped harder than anyone else, her joy lighting up the room.Then my gaze shifted to Ryker. He stood tall beside his family, his expression unreadable at first, but when our eyes met, a small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. The memories of that fire, the chaos and fear, and the relief of finding him alive flooded back. That night, amidst the ashes, we had made a promise—to be a family again, to leave the pain behind and move forward together.As I tipped my head in acknowledgment, Ryker returned the gesture, his pride evident. It wasn’t the most traditional love story, but it was ours, forged in fire and tempered by our determination to protect what mattered most.SEVEN MONTHS LATER“Where the hell is he?” My voice was sharp, cutting through the tension in the room as Christine hovered close, her fussing gra
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-09The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 70
Navigating life with a newborn had been an unpredictable journey. Between sleepless nights and the endless responsibilities of the crown, it often felt like I was being pulled in every direction. Yet, Ryker remained a constant, unwavering presence by my side. He seemed to anticipate my needs before I even voiced them, stepping in without hesitation. Whether it was soothing Aurora in the middle of the night, cradling her through her bouts of fussiness, or taking her off my hands entirely so I could focus on palace matters, he made the chaos feel manageable.I’d foolishly hoped that motherhood would ease my workload, granting me some reprieve from the ceaseless demands of ruling a kingdom. But reality had proven otherwise. If anything, my schedule had become more relentless, especially with the looming preparations for Aurora’s naming ceremony.Her name was already known—Aurora Leanor Caine. But tradition demanded an elaborate ceremony to present her formally to the kingdom and bless he
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-10The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 71
As I stood there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. I could see Ryker listening intently to the priest, his posture poised, his demeanor calm. But I knew the information was more for his benefit than mine. He hadn’t grown up in this world of royal duties and expectations. This was new territory for him, despite his strong presence as Alpha of his pack. But I was the Queen, and the ceremonial aspects of it all felt like a burden I had no interest in carrying anymore.When the ceremony began, I let my mind wander. I moved through the motions on autopilot, my body moving mechanically through the process. Even the birth of Audrey had been less grueling in comparison to the current weight of my responsibilities. But today was different. I felt isolated in my discomfort, easily irritated by the solemnity of it all.Ryker, as ever, stayed close, his steady presence like an anchor in the storm of my emotions. I leaned on his calm energy as I felt my own anxiety churn i
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-10
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
