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Chapter 82
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2025-01-18 16:14:56
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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
Last Updated : 2025-01-19The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-20The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-20The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-21The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-21The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-22The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-22
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The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 131
CAMILLA’S POVI barely remembered the walk to the council chamber. My mind was a storm, chaotic and relentless, drowning out everything around me. The hushed whispers in the corridors, the wary glances from passing servants—they all faded into nothing as I focused on the weight of what was ahead.As I approached the large double doors, I spotted Ryker pacing outside. His normally strong, confident stance was absent. Instead, he looked restless, like a man trying to piece together fragments of a nightmare he couldn’t remember.The moment his eyes met mine, I saw a flicker of relief. Without hesitation, he reached for my hand, gripping it tightly as if I were the only thing keeping him grounded."We can handle them," I murmured, squeezing back.Ryker had always been my rock, the unshakable presence in my life. But right now, standing in front of me was a different version of him—one filled with uncertainty, frustration, and exhaustion. It unsettled me in ways I couldn’t explain.He exha
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 130
CAMILLA’S P.O.VThe first thing I noticed when I woke up was the emptiness beside me. The warmth that usually lingered on Ryker’s side of the bed had faded, leaving only cool sheets in its place. My fingers instinctively reached out, searching for him, but there was nothing. Just silence.I sighed, rolling onto my back and staring at the ceiling. He must have gone to see Riley. I had seen the way she looked at him last night—like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for him to pull her back. Whatever she was going through, I knew he wouldn’t leave her to face it alone.So I didn’t question it. I didn’t worry.Not until the sun dipped below the horizon and he still hadn’t come back.At first, I told myself he was just caught up in something. He was the prince now, after all, and responsibility had a way of consuming him. But as the hours passed, unease crept into my bones, making it impossible to sit still. I had spent years learning to trust him, and I did—but something ab
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 129
RYKER’S POVThere was something about Camilla that never failed to captivate me. Maybe it was the way she carried herself with quiet strength, or maybe it was because I was utterly, irrevocably in love with her. She was my greatest weakness, my greatest solace. Lying here with her curled against me, her soft breaths warming my chest, I felt something I rarely allowed myself to indulge in—peace.My fingers traced slow, idle patterns along her bare shoulder, and she stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into sleep. I should have been sleeping, too—goddess knew I needed the rest—but I couldn’t bring myself to close my eyes. Not yet. Not when I had this moment.My father used to say that a man was defined by what he did in times of war. But I had learned otherwise. A man was defined by how he lived in the quiet moments, by the way he loved, the way he protected what was his. I wasn’t naive enough to believe I was a good man, but I knew that I loved fiercely,
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 128
CAMILLA’S POVDamien left without much ceremony. No grand farewells, no gathering of well-wishers. Just Ryker and me standing at the gates, watching as he disappeared into the forest beyond. For a brief moment, I thought I saw something flicker across his face—disappointment, maybe. But really, what did he expect? After everything that had happened, people weren’t exactly lining up to send him off with warm embraces. He made his choice, and now he had to live with it.Once he was gone, I did my best to find some normalcy, though it was a futile effort. I tried coaxing Riley and Christine into joining me for a quiet afternoon in the private library, a simple escape from the weight of reality. Just a few hours with the girls, some tea, maybe a book or two. Something to ease the tension that had taken root in this palace like an invasive weed. But both of them declined, choosing instead to lock themselves away.I understood.I wanted to help them, to say something—anything—that would mak
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 127
RYKER’S P.O.VDamien had always been a part of my life. From childhood to now, his presence was as constant as the air I breathed. We were opposites in nearly every way—his reckless impulsivity clashing with my calculated caution. And while his actions had irritated me before, nothing compared to the sheer rage burning inside me now.I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay seated. If I let my anger take control, I’d drag him out of this room by his collar and beat some sense into him.The private living room was suffocating with tension. No one dared to speak. Riley sat stiffly on one side, as far away from Damien as possible—a stark contrast to her usual behavior. She had spent years orbiting him, desperate for his attention. But today, there was no lingering glance, no attempt to close the space between them. Instead, her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her knuckles white from the pressure. Christine, on the opposite end of the room, sat perfectly still, her expression un
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 126
No force on earth could have pulled Damien away from Christine—not even us. And trust me, we tried. His grip on her was unrelenting, his focus unwavering, as if letting go would make her disappear. Even when we attempted to check on her, to make sure she was truly unharmed, he wouldn't budge. Christine kept insisting she was fine, brushing off our concerns, but I knew better. I wanted a professional to look her over just to be sure, but Damien wasn’t letting anyone near her.She rode back to the palace with him, their connection unbreakable, while Ryker and I handled the girls. They were wide awake but eerily quiet, their silence heavier than any words they could have spoken. I could only imagine what was running through their little minds.By the time we arrived at the palace, the first light of dawn stretched across the sky, painting everything in soft hues of pink and gold. But nothing about this moment felt beautiful. My heart clenched the second I saw who was waiting for us.Rile
The Rejected Mate's Curse 125
**CAMILLA'S POV**The enemy had finally realized this wouldn’t be as easy as they thought. But recognition didn’t equate to retreat. Instead, they charged again—this time, directly at Ryker. We had anticipated that. The moment they lunged, our guards burst from the shadows of the forest, massive wolves in their battle forms. Snarls and the sound of snapping jaws filled the air.That distraction was all we needed. Without hesitation, we darted between the chaos, diving straight into the river. The cold water swallowed us, and I could hear Damien’s strokes close behind as we swam for the hidden cave entrance beneath the falls.Breaking through the other side, I hauled myself onto the rocky edge and gasped for air, scanning the cavern. It was eerily empty. I had expected a swarm of vampires, a whole army waiting in ambush. Instead, only three figures stood in the dim light—two nameless guards flanking Christine and Audrey, while Alastair loomed a few steps away.My breath caught at the s
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 124
CAMILLA’S P.O.VFor a moment, the words didn’t make sense. My mind rejected them, my body frozen in place. I blinked rapidly, struggling to catch up. Had I really just heard that?Ryker, always quicker to react, snapped into action. His voice rose above the chaos, sharp and commanding, but I couldn’t make out his words. All I heard was the ringing in my ears—loud, deafening. I wanted to claw at my head, anything to make it stop."Camilla," Ryker’s voice cut through the noise, rough but insistent. He was right in front of me, forcing me to meet his gaze. His eyes burned with urgency, but underneath, I saw something else—something wild, barely restrained. He was teetering on the edge of losing control."I need you to go inside. Stay with your guards. Can you do that?"I barely processed what he was saying. "He has the girls… and Christine." The words felt foreign on my tongue, like they didn’t belong in my reality. But they did.Ryker nodded once, his jaw tight, his muscles flexing unde
The Rejected Mate's Curse Chapter 123
**CAMILLA'S POV**The silence in the castle was deafening. It wasn’t just an absence of noise—it was the absence of them. My daughters. Christine. The people who made this place feel like more than just walls and stone. Without them, it felt... empty. I had known this would happen. I had agreed to it. And yet, the weight of their absence pressed against my chest, making every breath feel heavier than the last.I ran my fingers along the smooth wood of my desk, the grain a small grounding force in the midst of my turmoil. I wanted to believe that they were safe, that they had made it to their destination without issue. But the truth was, we wouldn’t know until word came. And until then, all we could do was wait.Waiting, however, wasn’t something I did well.Ryker and I had thrown ourselves into work the moment they left, trying to devise a plan to finally end this nightmare. The vampires had to be removed from the equation. Alastair had to be drawn out and neutralized. We had the tool
