RYDEN Zeph came. “Someone knocked on the door, Walker opened it and then he was pushed inside, and all of a sudden, the entire house was gassed, and I think it was customized silver gas. It burned our skin, but thankfully, Ren here managed to blow it away.” “Help me check them so they can get medical care.” I swallowed hard as I saw Dylan lying lifeless on the floor, swimming in his own blood. I still checked his pulse even if I knew he was already dead. “Can someone find my phone?” “Here.” Amelia came back, wearing my long sleeves. “Thank you for saving us.” I pulled her in my arms and hugged her tight. “We all save each other. How many we’ve lost?” I heard the shakiness in her voice. “Still counting. You, Ren, and Theia really helped save lives, Amelia. I owe you all.” “You don’t owe us anything,” Theia said, patting my back. I dialed Zarah, and she picked up right away. “I need your help. If Shadow is available. We were under attack.” “Oh, Goddess. We’ll be there right awa
AMELIA “What?” I asked in shock. “I did not kill anyone!” I tried to defend myself, but Ryden and Califf were about to commit a crime. “I suggest you to stay put, Alpha Ryden, Alpha Califf. And by the look of it, it seemed that you had a very interesting and productive day. I can add this to her crime,” said the lanky guy as he tried to intimidate them and who just handcuffed me. With nose flaring, Ryden growled and grabbed the issue warrant from the lanky guy and read it. It was legit. He knew it. “I know what you’re capable of, Ms. Hayes. I suggest you come with us willingly to prevent more disasters.” “Guys, stop. I’m going with them.” The look on Ryden alone broke my already shattered heart. “Amelia, you can’t do this. You did not kill anyone.” “Then she’ll prove it in front of the council.” The other guy in a suit, gripped my arm tightly as he dragged me towards the SUV. Other armed men were on full alert, ready to shoot if Califf and Ryden would do something stupid. “I
AMELIA Victor gestured something behind, and I didn’t give a shit at this moment. I was still mourning for the loss of my people, and here I was, apprehended, and couldn’t do anything.“I had a brief encounter with this guy. He attacked me. I burned his chest, but he ran away before I could do serious damage. The last time I checked, it was self-defense, and he was trespassing at Crimson Heart Pack. “I know you’re innocent.” I scoffed. “Finally. We have something in common. Who framed me?” “We haven’t figured that out, but you must have pissed off some capable people to set you up.” “The only person. Actually, persons who hate me and are capable of making me look like I murdered someone are Nora and Alec Webster. They want me off Ryden’s life. I don’t know what Alec wants from Ryden, but I believe it’s more than a marriage arrangement for his daughter.” I studied Victor for a while before I spoke. “What do you know about me?” “About you and Ren Raito. Enough,” he replied calmly
RYDEN When I thought I could not deal with another loss, here it was again. I meant to protect them, and I failed. And I failed to protect my mate. I just watched her taken away from me and I couldn’t do anything to help her. “I know that look, man. Don’t go there.” “I shouldn’t have trusted Dane. I thought he was on our side.” “Dane would never betray us.” I faced Califf. “He was there when we checked the crime scene this morning. I brought him to my house. I was the one who printed those pictures Amos sent me. I brought it to myself. I let this happen.” Crestfallen, I shook my head in regret “I shouldn’t have seen it coming. Dane was a distraction. For all I know, he’s a part of this. He’s an assassin. I’m sure he knows these mercs.” “Man, don’t jump to any conclusion.” Despite my judgment, Califf tried harder to convince me of Dane’s innocence. “Dane is a good guy despite his job. I trust him with my life and my family. Trust me when I say this. Dane is not involved.” “I’ll
RYDEN She met my gaze. “You, blaming yourself wouldn’t take their lives back. It wasn’t your fault. None of these was your fault, but I’m not gonna stop looking for whoever is responsible for killing our people, Ryden. You have my word. I will avenge them.” “That should have been my line. You took the words out of my mouth.” I kissed her hand. “I may have the fastest way of finding out the identities of those assholes.” “How?” I stole a glance at her until she showed me her badge. “What the fuck is that?” “They know what I am and Ren.” “Of course, they do. It seems that Victor has a way of recruiting gifted people. He issued a bounty on Nirvana’s head because he found out she’s Katzius’s descendant and had carried wolf spirit.” “Wow.” “What did he offer to you?” I wasn’t impressed. In fact, I was worried about her involvement with the council, but I should respect her decision that she might have reasons for taking the job offer. “Salary. I don’t have to report to them, but I
AMELIA The funeral was held in the backyard. It was short yet emotional. The families had received the ashes of their loved ones. I didn’t know well the two fallen members and barely chatted with Dyland and Baron, yet I felt everyone’s pain and sorrows, especially the families they left behind. “Alpha Ryden would like to say a few words.” Zeph smiled tightly at Ryden. “I thought of what to say before you today. Words are not enough to express how sorry I am. Those boys were not only just a part of this pack. They were my family, too. They grew up with me. Your loss is my loss. I feel like I failed everyone again. Last night, I wondered if I was still the right person to be your leader. But here’s what I can tell you. I will not stop until we get the justice we deserve, justice for our boys, and for this pack.” Ryden blew a heavy and shaky breath as everyone dropped their gazes, filled with so much sorrow. “I will miss them, surely. They were such good boys, fun, and reliable, and
RYDEN “You take her home, Ryden. Now.” For a moment I stared at Zarah. “Why?” “Just do as I said.” She widened her eyes at me to stop asking. When I told Amelia we were going home, I was surprised she didn’t resist. She buckled her seatbelt silently. “Hey. Thanks for what you did back there. I’m proud of you.” “I did nothing, Ryden.” I squeezed her hand and kissed it. “You were there for me and never left my side. You handled the dinner like a true Luna. I guess you’re just natural.” “I was shy back then, and I’m still shy right now, but you’re not alone in this anymore. I thought we should be working together side by side instead of acting like strangers.” “You’re right.” As soon as we arrived at home, she turned to me. “I feel weird.” “What do you mean?” I unbuckled my seatbelt and she did the same. We barely made it to the entrance of the house, she started acting weird, so weird, seemingly not the usual Amelia. “It’s hot in here. I need to shower.” She walked right up
RYDEN “Goddess!” She suddenly screamed, throwing her head back against the tub. It was a good thing I was fast to support her head. “Agh! Fuck!” She had her hands moved down to her waist, tore off her panties, and threw them at my face. I sucked in a breath as I felt the lacy material covered my face, water dripping down my jaw and neck. Swallowing hard, I grabbed the panties and dropped them down the floor. “Goddess, I feel so horny right now.” She breathed hard. Her face was red, her eyes dreamy. She then moved her hand between her thighs, making my teeth clench. “Do you enjoy watching me pleasure myself, Ryden?”When she licked her lips, I had to look away. “Look at me, Alpha. Damn it!” “Amelia, enjoy your bath time.” I rose to my feet. Even my pants snagged against my crouch, and I was so hard it could break the zipper. “Where are you going?” “To wash my face and change.” “You’re lying.” She groaned in frustration. What the fuck is going on? “Come back here, please?” I di
AMELIAThree years laterEnochian Institute “Okay, bud. Are you ready?” Ryden towered at his son as he tried to prepare him for his first day of school. “No, Dad. Please, don’t call me buddy or bud anymore. I’m six years old. Alex is fine.” I looked at them and tried hard not to grin. When Ryden saw my smile, I looked away. “You will always be my boy, so I can call you bud or buddy until you get a girlfriend or have kids on your own.” “Mom, I need help here. I want to be like every kid at the institute.” When he gave me this puppy-eyes look, the same look he gave me when he wanted to be with his Uncle Ren or Uncle Drak. I knelt before him as I fixed his coat. Alex was carrying a blue backpack. I looked right into his blue-green eyes. Every time I looked at him, he always reminded me of his father. “My love, listen to me. You grow up so fast. Me and your dad still see you like our two-year-old boy. That’s why Dad still calls you buddy, and it’s actually cool that you and Dad ar
AMELIA I still cried whenever I felt alone. I still cried to sleep knowing he was gone because he wanted me to live. The feeling of losing someone I loved hit differently. It felt like I lost a part of me, a part of my soul. I woke up to the blinding light streaming from the opened window. Or at least I felt like I just woke up when the image of my father appeared before me. “Dad?” I sat up on the bed. I was still sleeping in the same bed I shared with Lucius. “Why did you let it happen? Why did you accept his deal? Now I’m all alone.” “You’re not alone, Amelia.” I wiped the first tear that fell on my cheek. “I died twice. You should have let me die. I can’t. I can’t take it anymore. Lucius was a good man. He had a lot of things to live for.” “And you don’t?” he asked me calmly. “I know life isn’t fair, but I don’t deserve another chance. I would have swapped places with him. These people need their alpha.” “Amelia.” He stood before me. “He accomplished his mission in life. H
RYDEN The moment I received a call from Drak, I knew something terrible had happened. He couldn’t hide the sadness in his voice. I quickly asked help from Zarah to send me to the Blood Moon Pack. Every last member of Lucius’ pack was around. His compound was crowded with the people who loved him, who believed in his cause, and the people he saved and had given a second chance. As I entered the house, a howl of mourning echoed from the forest. It was heart-wrenching. I didn’t only feel extremely sad about losing a great alpha, but he was also a savior and a hero, and I was proud to call him a friend. “This is so unfair.” Amelia ran into me. She looked like she’d been crying. She really looked like a mess, with wet cheeks, and red eyes and nose. “This can’t be happening.” “I’m so sorry, my love.” I took her in my arms. I knew my presence wouldn’t help the fact that Lucius was gone, but I was hoping I could somehow help ease the pain in her chest. “He’s gone, Ryden. He’s gone.” She
AMELIAIf this was the last day we had together, then I would make the best of it. I couldn’t fathom a life without him, my hero, who sacrificed everything so I could live another day. He was the true savior, not me. He was the true leader, the greatest alpha I’d ever met. He deserved that recognition, yet, here he was, waiting until he let go of his last breath and succumbed to death.It was unfair. Life was so fucked up and unfair. “Maybe you should give me an heir. I wanna have a mini you, please?” I wiped my tears away. “For that, I might be able to forgive myself. Then I’m going to tell him the story of how amazing and brave his father was, his sacrifices for this world, and how much we love each other, and show him our photos together.” “I will give you everything, my love. If we have a son, I want you to teach him to be a good man and respect and treat Ryden as his father. If we have a girl, tell her, that her father will always be watching her. Tell them their father loves t
AMELIA Lucius pulled away, looking right into my eyes. “We’re not doing it again, Amelia. I’ve accepted my fate.” “Well, I’m not! You should have told me. I could have done something other than keeping me in the dark. I have every right to know, Lucius. Have you forgotten that?” “I know that, my love, and I’m so sorry.” “Save it,” I said as I faced Ryden and pointed a finger at his face. “You, I trusted you. Are you happy now? Lucius had sacrificed his life twice for me so I could be with you. And I only asked one thing. Just one thing from you, and you couldn’t do it. You can’t be honest with me. Why should I stay with you if you don’t value honesty?” Ryden looked away as pain and agony laced in his eyes. “Amelia, don’t say that,” Lucius said. “Oh, so now you’re his best friend because you’re peas in a pod?” “Amelia, I know this is hard, but Lucius made his decision. You would have been dead by now and the rest of the werewolves who had fallen that day.” Shit. Zarah was right
AMELIA It had been three months since that war against The Director ended, and our lives had finally returned back to normal. The pack was going strong. No more sightings of demons and wraiths. No more threats other than rogues on occasion. The mother and son Ryden took in, and some werewolves had become the new pack members. Theia and Bryan were still like cat and mouse, but I could feel how much their relationship had developed, especially when it was built with trust. The two elemental werewolves had begun their training at Elysian. We still talked over the phone, especially with Ryden, since he was one of them. Margaret finally woke up a few days after I went back home. Zarah, Samarah, and her had never been closer, and that made me happy. My Relationship with Ryden had never been strong. I told him everything, and he forgave me. He and Lucius seemed to have formed a friendship, which was weird. Since the day I left the hotel room, I stayed close to Lucius, not as a mate or
AMELIA I joined him in bed and kissed him on the lips, and he scooped me so I could rest on top of him. I curled into a fetal position as he wrapped his arms around me, his fingers tracing my spine. I felt tiny and fragile when I was with him, but powerful at the same time. He sighed again as if something was bothering him. “How did you find me?” “Your mate gave me your letter. I supposed you went back from where you started. Did you mean what you said?” He was talking about the letter. “All of it.” “Hmm.” He kissed the top of my head. “He came to me. He’s worried about you, sweetheart. You should go back.” “What about you?” I lifted my head and looked him in the eye. “I always trust what you do that you know what’s best for you. Like always, I won’t control you.” He smiled as he tucked my hair behind my ear. “But of course, I get worried all the time even though I know you can take care of yourself.” “How’s everyone?” “I’m not telling you anything, Amelia. It’s about time y
AMELIA “I want you right now, Alexander.” The moment those words left my mouth, he carried me to the bed in my hotel room. He ripped my clothes from my body until I was naked and exposed. Then he spread my legs wide, and one thing led to another. My ovary was throwing a party as he dipped his head between my legs. A gasp escaped my lips as he pressed the softest kisses on my foot, my leg, and my inner thighs, nipping my skin. Then captured my entire pussy with his hot mouth. “Ah!” My hips bucked, hand came to his head to grab a handful of his hair, shamelessly pushing his mouth to my sex. Then he dragged his tongue from my folds upward to my clit, making my head spin. Tingles ran down my spine as I shuddered in delight. “Goddess!” I panted, rocking into his talented tongue, stroking my clit. Every muscle in my body clenched, and my legs trembled. Then he glided it in my entrance, thrusting in and out, alternately sucking my sensitive hard nub. Tension instantly coiled in my lowe
AMELIA “So where are you going?” Gaia asked. She’d been spending some time with Ren and Theia while Nora was trying to fix the broken relationship she had with her father. With Victor in the council jail, there was no threat to Alec anymore. “I don’t know yet.” I looked at the three of them. “Please, take care of each other. The greater demon might be gone, but there are still a lot of bad people out there. Maybe the good citizens could use your help.” “I’m gonna miss you.” Theia hugged me. “Don’t be gone too long, okay?” “I won’t, but you should go and be with the Caltech dropout.” “I will. Ren doesn’t need a driver anymore. He’s the monkey king after all.” She got a groan from Ren. “Gaia and he will start a new adventure anyway.” “I have to go.” I hugged Ren tight. “Thanks for not giving up on me. You always have a place in the pack. I love you, Ren. I’ll see you soon.” “I love you, too, Amelia. Don’t be a stranger. Visit the Raito house once in a while.” “Once I figure out