Azura
His lips linger over my ear for longer than they should, awakening the butterflies in my stomach. He pulls himself away and lets go of my elbows. I swallow hard when his words sink into my mind and I realize that he has recognized me. My ex, Ryker Lockwood, the most arrogant and cold-hearted Alpha and half-brother of my mate has saved me from falling.
I peer into his brown eyes and my gaze falls on his lips. My wolf is smitten by his handsome face, she liked him a lot. I hadn’t expected her to like him after having our fated mate but I guess my wolf is shameless and crazy. She growls at me and I ignore her tantrums. I frown when I see his lips twitching into a nasty smirk. I follow his gaze and realize that my hands are still resting on his chest.
“Arrogant asshole,” I mutter to myself, immediately pushing him away and heading toward the lobby but he grips my hand and drags me along with him.
I subtly clear my throat, masking my natural tone with a deeper, more masculine resonance. “Where are you taking me? Let go of my hand.”
“For real?” He breaks into a fit of laughter but continues walking toward the medical facilities which is the most secluded area currently as the students are enjoying their vacation in their packs and the Alphas who have come to attend the training have reached today only so probably no one will be there and it makes my heart race wildly.
Why is he dragging me there? I’m still not able to understand how he recognized me when Jack couldn’t.
“What? Are you deaf or something? Let me go.” I struggle to get rid of his tight grip around my wrist but fail to even budge his finger from my skin.
“Stop speaking in that fake accent. You’re sounding cute and foolish,” he remarks, chuckling again.
I pull my hand closer to my mouth and sink my teeth into his hand, using all my strength to break free. He turns and scrutinizes me with a furious face.
“Did you really think that this little pain will make me scream and I will let go of your hand?” He asks coldly. “The side-effect of living with a stupid husband,” he shrugs casually. “The smart girl I knew is now nothing but a stupid girl who has come back to the Academy to get his husband’s attention again because she can’t spend a minute without him, let alone three months.”
His taunts make my nostrils flare and I look at him sharply, gritting my teeth in annoyance. Ryker hates Nicholas and everyone is aware of the hatred between these half-brothers but now, he is getting on my nerves. Although he is right, I knew that Alphas had a high pain tolerance but the desperation and fear have turned my mind off.
Only if he knew about my purpose behind coming here and what his asshole brother did to me. I’m not going to tell him anything about my life. I will not let his words get to me, I’m gonna pretend as if nothing happened.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me go or I will report you to the officers,” I threaten him.
He leans closer to my neck and sniffs. “Hmm, I’m smelling fear here. Go ahead and report me. I will tell them who you are and reveal your true identity.”
No. My wolf jumps restlessly and tells me to do anything to stop him. We can’t afford that right now. If I want to reach out to the Alpha King, it is my only chance and I can’t lose it because of this asshole.
“Fine,” I sigh defeatedly and let my shoulders loose. “What do you want from me, Ryker?”
“Hmm, now, I can see the glimpse of my ex,” he says, standing dangerously closer to me. “I like your real voice more, ex-girlfriend.” He mocks me and I lose my mind.
“Stop calling me that, asshole,” I mutter through gritted teeth, clenching my jaw.
“Careful, Zuzu. I can spill your little secret and you don’t even know the consequences of what will happen to you if the Alpha King gets to know about this,” Ryker warns me and I purse my lips, balling my fists tightly by my side to restrain my anger.
“If you want me to respect you, then, don’t call me Zuzu,” I tell him calmly. I look around and feel relieved after finding no one around us. I can’t let anyone overhear about any of this and gain one more enemy who can threaten me.
Ryker observes me with his narrowed eyes and folds his hands across his chest. “If you don’t want me to reveal your secret, then, be my roommate.”
“No fucking way,” I reply too quickly. I can’t even breathe the same air as him, he annoys the shit out of me.
“Why? Are you afraid that you will fall for me and cheat on your bastard husband with me?” He smirks.
“Fuck off, Ryker. I can’t fall for an arrogant asshole. Besides, the officer told me to find my room and roommate on the board. You can’t swap your roommate,” I tell him coldly, rolling my eyes.
“Nothing is impossible for me, little Kitten,” he says arrogantly.
I don’t doubt that. He has connections and power, everyone fears him so swapping roommates won’t be a big deal for him.
“Be my roommate and my lips will be sealed.” Ryker throws his hands in his pockets and watches me keenly, waiting for my reply.
My wolf forces me to agree with his condition and I shut her up. She will throw herself at him if I let her but I don’t have any other choice.
“You don’t have any other choice, Zuzu,” he reminds me as if I have forgotten it.
“Stop calling me that and I will agree,” I tell him icily, crossing my arms across my chest.
“Okay, deal.” Ryker smiles, putting his dimples on the display. He rarely smiles but whenever he smiles, his dimples make him look ten times more gorgeous.
I don’t know how far my little secret will take me but I’m not the one who will back off.
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AzuraOne Week Later...The Blue Moon hangs like a glowing beacon in the night sky, casting its luminous glow over the packhouse grounds. Tonight is not just any night—it’s the rarest of nights when magic courses through the air, weaving a mystical tapestry between all who gather under its light. It’s as if fate itself has written this moment, for not only is it my wedding night but also the Blue Moon, a time when the most powerful bonds can be revealed. I pray to the Moon Goddess to give me Ryker as my fated mate, but even if she is up to some game and gives me someone else as my second chance mate, I’m determined to reject him in the blink of an eye. I stand in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the woman reflected there. My wedding gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace, hugs my body like a dream. The bodice is adorned with intricate silver embroidery, weaving the shapes of moons and wolves, while the long, flowing skirt spills around me like water, glistening with the light fr
AzuraThe smell of sizzling eggs and freshly brewed coffee fills the air as I step into the dining room, the warmth of the early morning sun streaming through the windows. My heart still feels like it’s floating somewhere above my head, ever since last night. The proposal. Ryker. My soon-to-be husband.I smile to myself as I sit at the breakfast table, but the moment I do, I notice something strange—everyone’s looking at me. Elysia’s grinning, Dante’s trying to hold back a smirk, and even Rosie is practically buzzing with excitement.“What?” I ask cautiously, narrowing my eyes at them.Elysia leans over the table, wiggling her eyebrows. “Oh, nothing. Just that your fiancé—" she drags out the word with extra emphasis, “—decided to make a very public proposal last night.”“Very public,” Dante echoes, unable to hide his grin. “I mean, the whole pack was watching.”“And now,” Rosie chimes in, her eyes sparkling mischievously, “it’s going viral. The Alpha’s proposal is the talk of the town
Ryker“Nothing’s wrong,” I assure her, my lips curving into a smile. “In fact, everything feels right. More right than it’s ever been.”Her eyes soften, and I can see the question forming on her lips, but I don’t give her a chance to ask. Instead, I stand up, pushing my chair back as I get down on one knee.The gasps around us are immediate. The pack members who have been subtly watching our every move are now openly staring, their eyes wide with shock and curiosity as a few of them start recording it on their phones. But none of that matters anymore. The only thing that matters is the woman in front of me.Azura’s hands fly to her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise. “Ryker, what are you—”“Azura,” I interrupt softly, pulling the ring from my pocket and holding it up for her to see. “From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. Strong, fierce, and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen—everything I’ve ever wanted in my wife. You’ve challenged me, pushed me, and made m
RykerThe moment she steps out of the bathroom, wearing my shirt and looking both regal and relaxed, my breath catches in my throat. Azura—the one person who can shatter me with a glance and, at the same time, make me feel invincible—is here, wrapped up in my scent, my world, and for the first time in what feels like forever, everything seems right.Her hair cascades down her back, damp from the shower, catching the light in a way that makes her look ethereal, like some kind of warrior goddess who has walked straight out of legend. And yet, there is this softness to her that draws me in. The way her lips curve into a soft smile when she catches me staring, the subtle blush on her cheeks... damn, I’m a goner.I can’t help but shake my head as a light blush creeps onto my cheeks as I recall the moment she came to me, begging me to fuck her and make her forget everything else that’s been running through her mind. She is silly but cute and yet demanding; I absolutely love that about her.
AzuraA sliver of sunlight peeks through the curtains, dancing across my eyelids. I stir, blinking as the warmth wraps around me like a soft blanket. My muscles are sore, my body deliciously tired, but it’s the weight of the arms around me that brings a smile to my lips before I even open my eyes.RykerThe heat of him against my back is grounding, his heartbeat steady and strong, a rhythmic reminder of the night before. Memories flood back, each one sending a shiver down my spine. His touch, his words, the way he made me forget everything but him.I turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of him still fast asleep. His dark hair falls messily across his forehead, his jaw relaxed, and his arm is draped possessively over my waist. Even in sleep, he doesn’t let me go.He looks so gorgeous even in sleep; his long eyelashes, sharp jawline, square face, and full lips make him look like a Greek god. I give him a small pack on his lips, nose, and forehead. A flutter of emotion tightens my
Ryker “Put me down, Ryker!” She snaps, her voice laced with fury, but I’m already halfway up the stairs, my steps heavy with intent. I don’t stop until I reach my bedroom door, and with one swift kick, I push it open. The sound echoes in the quiet hallway as I stride in, locking the door behind me.I toss her onto the bed, her body bouncing slightly against the mattress, but she quickly scrambles to her feet and tries to run away. Before she can make another move, I’m in front of her, pinning her against the wall, trapping her between my body and the cold surface behind her. Her breath hitches, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and something else—something that matches the heat blazing in my chest.“You want to know what I want, Azura?” I growl, my voice low as I lean in closer, my lips inches from hers. “I want you to stop pushing me away. I want you to stop acting like you don’t feel this, too.”Her breathing quickens, and for a split second, I see a flicker of uncertainty in her e
Ryker“You wanted to dance, right? Let’s go and dance,” I growl, holding her hand firmly when she tries to walk away.Azura stops in her tracks, her back stiffening at my words. She turns to look at me, her eyes blazing with anger, but I can feel the tension in her hand as I grip it tightly. She’s furious, and to be honest, so am I.How could she let another man touch her? Dance with him, no less, while I’m standing here, watching her? Did she think I’d just let it slide? Not a chance.But instead, she pulls away from me with a sharp yank, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Don’t play with me, Ryker. Go back to your bitch. I’m sure she’s waiting for you on the dance floor."My jaw clenches at her words. "Azura, I wasn’t dancing with her because I wanted to. The Elders—"She scoffs, cutting me off. "Are you going to give me excuses now? And do you expect me to believe you?" She crosses her arms, her stance challenging me, daring me to give her a weak excuse.I grit my teeth, trying
AzuraI can’t help but feel a pang of guilt gnawing at me as I sit quietly, picking at my food. Ryker’s question echoes in my mind. Did you not like the dress I bought for you? How could I have missed that? A part of me feels bad for not going to his room and checking out the dress earlier. He looked so hurt, but he was quick to mask it over with a smile when he got to know that I hadn’t seen it.I glance at him across the room as he chats with some of the warriors; he is looking so hot in that suit. Of course, the women would throw themselves at him. I scan the venue and find the girls staring at him with lovesick eyes. Sighing, I grab my glass of red wine that Xander had brought for me, only to spill it onto my dress accidentally. “Oh no!” I mutter under my breath, blotting at the grease stain with a napkin. Of all the times to be clumsy. As I try to clean it with the tissue, the stain doesn’t go away; it spreads on my dress. My wolf smirks at me; you did it intentionally. I sho
RykerThe chaos erupts when Elysia’s parents storm in. It feels like a crack of thunder, sharp and jarring. My body stiffens, my wolf on edge, ready to act. Elysia’s mother looks livid, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line while her father strides toward Dante with a fury that promises trouble."How dare you abduct my daughter?" Her father’s booming voice slices through the peaceful atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention. His eyes blaze with a mixture of anger and disbelief as he takes in the sight of his daughter in a wedding dress, standing next to Dante, who looks caught between panic and determination. I immediately step forward, my protective instincts kicking in, but before I can speak, Andrew and my grandfather appear out of nowhere, moving to intercept Elysia’s parents. Their presence is a calming force, and I see both of them exchange a quick glance before addressing the royal witches.“Wait,” Andrew begins, his voice calm but firm, as he raises his hands to sto