Flora – POV I was shocked to see Ryker. My heart raced not from fear but from the pull of our mate bond. "I need to go," I managed to say, regaining my balance. However, Ryker's grip on me remained firm. "You're not going anywhere, Flora," he said with authority. I struggled, trying to break free. Seeing my distress, he loosened his hold. I looked up, meeting his intense gray eyes that stirred something deep within me. "What do you want from me, Ryker?" I demanded. Gently, he led me to his room, releasing me once inside. He locked the door behind us. "Flora, I need to know what happened. I've searched for you relentlessly over the past six months, and now I've finally found you," he said, sitting close and gazing into my eyes. "Why do you care, Ryker? I never asked to be your mate. I want to reject this bond and live a normal life," I snapped back. "Why are you so adamant about staying away from me and the wolf pack?" he asked. "Because I'm not a wolf shifter. The rumors about m
Flora - POV "Mom," Belle began, but hesitated to move further into the cell. "Belle," Shirley whispered, her eyes meeting mine. "Flora, why are you both here?" Her voice trembled with worry. "Is it true that you helped Elton escape?" I asked. She met my gaze. "Yes," Shirley admitted softly, lowering her head in guilt. I turned to Belle, who looked stunned. "Why did you help him, Mom? I know there's more to it. Please tell me," Belle pressed, her voice breaking. "I admit it, Alpha Ryker. I worked with Elton," Shirley confessed. It felt like a blow to hear this. Why? Shirley had always seemed to want to protect me. She had guided me to safety and even convinced Belle to help me get back on my feet. None of this made sense. "I'm sorry, Flora, but it's true," Shirley added. "Stop, Mom. You're lying. What aren't you telling us? Who are you trying to protect that you'd willingly face punishment?" Belle demanded. Shirley looked at Ryker. "I've confessed. I pleaded with you not to inv
Flora -POV "I'll tell you everything later. I don't trust you yet to keep information to yourself and not spill it to that woman," Ryker said. I raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Her name is Belle," I corrected. "And I won't share everything with her." He sighed, clearly doubting my words. "Let's take this one day at a time. We'll reveal our secrets gradually. I need time to trust you. Discussing sensitive matters with you now doesn't feel right," he said. "You make it sound like I'm some clueless teenager," I retorted. "Aren't you technically eighteen and a half years old?" Ryker countered. "Old geezer," I shot back, to which he raised an eyebrow. "I'm only 30, not 60," he clarified. "Whatever," I responded dismissively, focusing on the delicious food and wine before us. We continued eating in silence, and my frustration grew with Ryker's reluctance to open up about the pack, me, or himself. "Where's Ivan?" I inquired about his son. Ryker looked distant for a moment. "He's
Flora – POV I woke up with an intense headache and saw a note on the table. "Meet me once you've taken the medicine and your hangover subsides," the note from Ryker read. There was water and medicine on the small table beside me. I took them, and after a few minutes, I felt better and got out of bed. I was annoyed with myself for drinking too much. As I freshened up, the image of his grey eyes and handsome face was all I could think of. While searching for an outfit for the day, my phone chimed with a text notification. I opened it to find a message: "My penthouse looks like it's been hit by a storm." An attached photo showed the once beautiful penthouse in a state of disarray. I gasped upon seeing claw marks on the floors and walls and evidence of magic damage. I wondered how on earth Elton had escaped. Had he jumped from the building? "So sorry, it looks terrible. I'll help with the repair costs," I texted. "Thanks. I had to spend a lot, but no one reported any suspicious activit
Flora - POV "I'll go. Tell Ryker I'll be ready. What time are we leaving?" I asked. "By 8:00 PM," Pixy replied before departing to inform Ryker. I knew I couldn't lounge on the bed since I had some remote work to finish. I quickly called my colleagues to prepare for the spring and winter-themed runway walk in Paris. Once off the call, I rummaged through the wardrobe, selecting a red dress Ryker had suggested. I chose a sweetheart neckline dress that fell a bit above the knee. It was off-shoulder with full sleeves and had a subtle shimmer. I paired it with black pencil heels and styled my blonde hair in loose waves. With red lipstick and light eye makeup, I felt ready. Descending the stairs, I found Ryker impeccably dressed. His black shirt, sleeves rolled up, complemented his brown slacks and black formal shoes. Two of his shirt buttons were undone. His hair was neatly set back, emphasizing his sharp features. His grey eyes briefly looked stunned when they met mine, or maybe I just
Flora - POV After Alpha Bryan's speech ended, I could sense a change in Ryker. He seemed jealous and looked upset, though he did well to mask his emotions. Maybe I'm just imagining things. Why would he be jealous? We're just pretending. "Ryker," I called. "Yes, Princess?" He responded affectionately. "Can we talk to Alpha Bryan? I want to ask him about what he has that belonged to my parents," I whispered. "I'll talk to him. You stay with Alexia," Ryker said. "I don't like how Bryan keeps staring at you," he murmured. Instead of being alarmed by his possessiveness, I found my heart fluttering. "I'm coming with you. And don't worry, I don't have feelings for Alpha Bryan," I assured him. Ryker gave me a blank look before heading towards Alpha Bryan, and I followed close behind. "Alpha Bryan, we need the belongings of Flora's parents that you have. My mate is tired, and I need to take her home," Ryker stated bluntly. "Alpha Ryker, please stay longer at the party. I promise to give
Flora - POV Bryan and Cassie approached, with Ryker visibly furious. The crowd sensed Ryker's mood and gave him a wide berth. "What's going on—" Bryan began but stopped short when he saw the bruises on my neck and cheeks. Cassie tried to appear calm, but I could sense her underlying anger towards me. "Someone attacked my mate. I intend to get revenge. If I don't find the attacker, I'll terminate our peace treaty with this pack. You know the consequences of that, Alpha Bryan," Ryker threatened. "Why can't your mate identify her attacker? Why get so worked up over a minor incident?" Bryan retorted. His comment only fueled Ryker's anger, which now seemed palpable. "You think assaulting my mate is a minor issue? You're mistaken," Ryker growled, partially shifting into his wolf form, ready to confront Bryan. I reached out, holding Ryker's hand to calm him. "You're overreacting, Alpha Ryker. So be it if you want to end our agreement and go to war. Can't your mate even stand up for hers
Ryker – POV I gently draped a blanket over Flora as she slept. After tonight's incident, it took a while to calm her down. She had been sobbing, but eventually, she found sleep. Her slow, rhythmic breathing and serene face seemed both graceful and captivating. I rose from the chair, chastising myself for intently staring at her. I stopped as My inner wolf Knight yearned to stay close and mark her, but I didn't want to pressure Flora. Glancing at her wrist, I noticed a mark that appeared to be a seal. She had mentioned it was a tattoo, but I had my doubts. Gently caressing her cheek, I reflected on how much Cassie's bullying had affected her. Flora often questioned her worth, and even when I assured her of her value, she feared I might abandon her. She doesn't grasp just how much she means to me. During the six months Flora was away, I recognized my feelings for her. Despite the pain she had experienced, her heart remained pure. Heading into another room, I poured myself a drink to c