Chapter 6: Always on the run

Rylan’s POV

As I finished dressing and picked up my phone to leave, there was a knock on the door.

“Yeah, come in,” I said, assuming it was Tiffany.

But when I turned, my eyes narrowed at the unfamiliar woman standing there. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave a bright, toothy smile, though it seemed forced and insincere.

“Did you miss your way?” I asked, my tone sharp.

“Certainly not,” she replied, her voice soft and sultry as she closed the distance between us. “I know exactly where I came,” she whispered, her fingers lightly grazing my arm.

“Personal space,” I said, gripping her hand and pushing her back. “Who the hell are you, and how did you get here?” My patience was wearing thin.

“I sent her,” Uncle Dawson said, walking into my room. “There are more of them in the waiting hall.”

I frowned. “I don’t understand. More women? What’s the occasion?”

“Your Luna choosing festival. Since you spend most of your time studying and training, I decided to bring some women to entertain you. You might even find your Luna among them,” he explained.

“Are you serious, Uncle?” I asked, tilting my head in disbelief.

“I knew you’d be excited,” he said, feigning enthusiasm. “So, what do you think of her? Should I send in the next woman? They’re all skilled in martial arts—perfect candidates for a Luna.”

His fake excitement was irritating.

“Look, Uncle, I don’t know what gave you this idea, but I won’t have you flooding my house with prostitutes.”

The word made the woman gasp. “I am no prostitute! I’m the first daughter of Alpha Derek of the Crescent Moon Pack,” she said angrily.

“Yet you seem to lack standards,” I sneered. “Take yourself and the others out of my house. I don’t want to see any of them when I return.”

“How are you going to find the perfect Luna if you’re rude and celibate?” Uncle Dawson asked as I stormed out, ignoring him.

“Any updates?” I mindlinked one of my patrol guards stationed at our border with the BloodMoon Pack. There had been reports of rogues lurking in the area, likely under the orders of Alpha Sir Austin.

“All clear for now,” the guard replied.

“Fine. Stay vigilant and report back by late afternoon,” I instructed, ending the mindlink. I entered my car and drove off.

***

Stepping out of my car in the parking lot, I felt her presence immediately. Her scent lingered in the air, unmistakable. I spun on my heels, my eyes scanning the area until they landed on her crouched between two cars, muttering curses.

“Did you kill someone?” I asked, amused.

“Fuck!” Maya exclaimed, falling to her knees and crawling away before facing me. “Bastard! What the hell are you doing here?” she snapped, her heart pounding audibly in her chest.

“Did you kill someone?” I repeated as she stood, grabbing her phone.

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. She was a perfect little vixen—talkative, sharp-tongued, and audacious, even when she couldn’t defend herself. Her bobbed hair was tied in a knot, and she wore a crop top and bum shorts in winter. Who does that?

“Pervert!” she yelled, pulling out a handkerchief to cover her chest. Her reaction made me chuckle.

“You think you’re that sexy? With those tiny tits?” I teased.

“Despicable men everywhere!” she groaned through gritted teeth. “You and that cunt made me ugly, and you’ll pay dearly for it.”

“Is that so?” I asked, running a hand through my hair. “Did we add the figure too?”

“What figure?”

“Never mind. Why were you hiding? Did you kill someone?”

“What kind of foolish question is that? Do I look like I have blood on my hands?” she retorted, glancing over her shoulder nervously.

“You’re always on the run,” I remarked, leaning against a car.

“And you’re always lurking in the shadows,” she shot back, narrowing her eyes. “Are you stalking me? You’re one of them!” she gasped, stepping back.

“You mean him?” I pointed at the stout man behind her.

She turned, squealed, and darted behind me. “Goodness gracious! What do you want, Stephen? Why are you suddenly everywhere?” she demanded, using me as a shield.

“That’s going to be a long chat,” I said, stepping aside.

“Where are you going?” Maya flitted to stand in front of me.

“No one’s paid for your services yet, Maya. Stop running,” Stephen said before getting into his car and driving off.

“Are you really a stripper?” I asked, smirking.

Her hands trembled as she clenched her fists. “Wait… what’s even wrong with being a stripper?” she asked, then tilted her head toward me.

“Nothing,” I replied nonchalantly, walking away.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” she yelled, blocking my path. “What was the meaning of the rubbish you told my mom? Why couldn’t you keep your mouth shut and let me handle her?”

“She deserves to know what her daughter does in the dark,” I replied. “You should be thankful I didn’t mention you’re a cheap stripper.”

“You should’ve told her you’re my manager,” she shot back.

“Manager?” I chuckled as we exited the parking lot. “The person who hired you must be an idiot.”

“Not surprising to hear you call yourself an idiot. You’re one in a million.”

“Why are you following me?” I stopped, turning to face her.

“To lead you to a dark alley and strangle you to death,” she hissed. “You’ve tormented me enough, and I’ll use you as a scapegoat for my other enemies.”

“Do you even know who I am?” I asked, leaning in and inhaling her intoxicating scent before locking eyes with her.

Ryker, my wolf, stirred within me. He hadn’t spoken to me since the night my parents died and we couldn't find our mate. Though I could still transform into him, he no longer communicated. A witch once told me I might reconnect with him after finding my mate. If only my mate knows how much I long to see her.

Maya gasped, her hand flying to her chest as she tried to back away. I grabbed her arms, holding her in place, forcing her to meet my gaze.

“Don’t do that again, please. Let me go!” she cried, her lips quivering.

“Should I show you who I am instead?” I whispered in her ear. Her body trembled, and a tear rolled down her face.