Chapter 9

The wind roared in Myra’s ears as she fell, her body weightless, her mind strangely quiet, as though everything that had once hurt her had finally gone still. The pain from the broken bond lingered faintly in her chest, but even that was fading, swallowed by the emptiness consuming her. Her eyes fluttered shut as darkness rose to meet her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt nothing.

Miles away, Matteo stilled abruptly, his grip tightening around the glass in his hand as something unfamiliar struck deep within him, sharp and urgent, like a pull he could neither ignore nor understand. His expression darkened as he straightened, his senses sharpening instantly. “Stop the car,” he ordered, his voice low and commanding, and the vehicle halted at once. He stepped out into the cold night air, that strange feeling intensifying, dragging him in a single direction, and without hesitation, he moved, his speed fast and inhuman as instinct took over. The closer he got, the stronger it became, until her scent reached him, a mix of rose and lavender. His eyes narrowed, and then he saw her, falling. For a fraction of a second, everything slowed before he moved, launching himself over the edge without hesitation, the wind tearing past him as he descended with terrifying speed. He reached her just before impact, pulling her into his arms and turning his body to absorb the force as he landed, the ground cracking beneath his feet. He barely registered it, his focus entirely on the woman in his arms, her body cold, far too cold, her breathing faint. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, revealing her clearly under the dim light, and something inside him stilled with certainty. It was her. His mate.

A low, dangerous calm settled over him as his hold tightened, his senses taking in the faint rise and fall of her chest, her body filled with scars. He removed his jacket to cover her bare body and disappearing into the night with her in his arms.

Myra stirred faintly, caught between consciousness and darkness as warmth surrounded her, unfamiliar yet comforting after the cold she had embraced. The scent reached her first, milk and sandalwood, wrapping around her senses. Her lashes fluttered as she tried to open her eyes, but her vision remained blurred. “Aiden…” she whispered weakly, her voice fragile, but no one answered, and she slipped back into unconsciousness.

Matteo held her securely as he moved, his expression controlled, his grip firm, his jacket wrapped around her to shield her from the cold. His wolf stirred restlessly within him, pressing for dominance, for possession, but he held it back. His gaze dropped to her face, taking in the vulnerability, the faint traces of pain etched into her features, and the healing marks along her skin. The car door opened as Carl stepped forward immediately, lowering his head in respect as Matteo entered without a word, Myra still cradled in his arms. The door shut, and the car moved smoothly through the night, silence settling between them. Matteo did not speak, his attention fixed entirely on her, his hand adjusting slightly against her back as if ensuring she was still there.

“Aiden…” she murmured again. Matteo’s eyes darkened instantly, something sharp flashing through him, but he suppressed it just as quickly, his jaw tightening as he adjusted the jacket around her, covering her more securely. “I need a detailed investigation about her first thing tomorrow,” he said calmly.

“Yes, my king,” Carl replied, though he couldn’t help the brief glance he cast toward the mirror, curiosity flickering as he caught sight of her, but the moment his eyes met Matteo’s cold and warning reflection, he immediately looked away and raised the partition. The journey continued in silence, the forest stretching endlessly around them, the Lycan Kingdom still hours away.

—

Alpha Ryan’s patience had snapped.

“Have you found her?” his voice thundered through the hall as rows of guards stood lined before him, their heads lowered, none daring to respond. His expression darkened further, anger simmering beneath the surface. “So you’re telling me,” he continued slowly, dangerously, “that the strongest werewolf pack cannot keep track of one woman?”

His hand slammed against the table. “A bunch of incompetent fools,” he spat. “You had one job. One!! And you still managed to mess it up.”

“Ryan, calm down,” Luna Daria said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “Don’t forget your health.”

He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to sit, taking the glass of water she handed him before his gaze swept across the guards once more. “Find her,” he ordered coldly. “I don’t care if she’s dead or alive. Even if all that’s left are her bones, bring them to me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Alpha!” they responded in unison.

“Then get out of my sight.”

The guards scattered immediately.

“Father?” Lyka’s voice came lightly as she approached, now dressed in something simpler but still elegant, her composure intact. “Some of the guests are leaving. We should at least see them off.”

Ryan barely acknowledged her at first, his thoughts elsewhere, until something clicked suddenly. He straightened. “The Lycan King,” he said sharply. “Where is he?”

Lyka blinked, confused. “The Lycan King? I didn’t see him.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Ryan’s face as he turned away from her and approached Aiden instead. “Where is the Lycan King?” he demanded. “Has he left?”

Aiden looked up, “Yes. He said he had other matters to attend to.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened, Aiden hesitated before speaking again. “Alpha Ryan… have you seen Myra?”

Ryan’s gaze snapped back to him instantly. “Why?” he asked coldly.

“I noticed she wasn’t around,” Aiden replied carefully.

A scoff left Ryan’s lips as he stepped closer, his presence oppressive. “And why would that concern you? Isn’t that chapter of your life already closed?” Aiden said nothing, and Ryan leaned in slightly, his voice lowering into something far more dangerous. “Let me make this clear. You have just married my daughter. That makes you my son-in-law, and I will not tolerate you chasing after another woman, especially not that girl. She brings nothing but trouble.”

Aiden’s jaw tightened.

“If I ever see tears in Lyka’s eyes because of you,” Ryan continued, each word deliberate, “that will be the end of the Stonefield family. She is my daughter, and she will be treated as such.”

Aiden lowered his gaze. “Understood.”

Ryan watched him for a moment before turning away.

Hours later, the Lycan Kingdom finally came into view, its gates opening immediately at Matteo’s arrival as guards bowed in silent respect. Inside the car, Myra had not stirred once. Matteo’s expression darkened slightly as he looked down at her, his grip tightening before he stepped out the moment the car stopped.

“Prepare the infirmary,” he ordered.