LOGINIRISRyker stared at me with a hard expression, his eyes scanning my face like he couldn’t tell if I was being serious.That made frustration spark in my chest. “Ryker.”He pushed off the door, his expression hardened instantly. “No.”I blinked at the immediate response. “You didn’t even let me explain.”“I don’t need an explanation.” He said flatly. “Absolutely not.”Frustration surged through me. “You said it yourself these things are dangerous. What if everyone missed something?”“We didn’t.”“You can’t know that.”“Iris-”“No, listen to me for once!” I snapped, stepping toward him. “You said these hybrids kill with one bite. What if there’s a pattern? What if there’s something on the body that points to where they came from or what they are?”Ryker’s jaw clenched. “You shouldn’t have to see things like that.”My breath caught, only for a second before the mission overrode that feeling that settled in my chest.“She’s now unrecognizable, Iris.” Ryker’s voice lowered. “Death has a w
IRISTwo days of having Timothy and three other scouts hover around me was starting to crack my sanity.Their heavy boots thudded against the ground, gravel crunching underneath their weights. One of them breathed too loud and I snapped, turning sharply.They all came to a halt, Timothy holding an apologetic expression while the others looked like they would be anywhere but here. The feeling was mutual.“I’m heading to Alpha Ryker’s chambers.” I announced, crossing my arms. “I would appreciate it if you gentlemen could give me some privacy.”A frown formed on Alan’s face, the youngest. “Uh I don’t think-““Alpha Kade’s instructions were clear.” Timothy cut in sharply, his tone flickering with something too close to jealousy.Cute. But I didn’t have patience to have four grown wolves breathing down my neck. Not today.I tilted my head to the side, meeting his gaze. “Are you trying to say the alpha of the Moonveil pack isn’t strong enough to keep an eye on me?”Three out of the four pal
IRISI’d learnt a few things.Stab.The hybrids were still a factor of mystery.Stab. Stab.Sussie’s death was caused by one single bite from those bastards. Suspect was still at large. The girl from the borders had some rare ancient emerald stone that could presumably point us- them in the right direction.My traitorous mind strayed.Rum. Pine. Ryker’s strong hands, pulling me flush against him. His warm breath ghosted my skin as he peppered kisses against my skin. That sound he always made when he took a whiff of my scent… something between desperation and absolute need.I clenched my jaw hard, stabbing the wet soil for the thousandth time. “Goddess,” Camille chuckled under her breath, stepping into the garden. “I’d hate to be on the receiving end of that weaponThe world flooded back in at once. The sun was scorching a little bit hotter than normal, the smell of dirt and rain underneath the flowers. I blinked, tearing my fingers off the trowel.“Camille,” I breathed, forcing my
IRIS“I’m surprised to see you on my doorstep this fine evening,” Ryker drawled, leaning one arm against the doorframe, his tone dripping with passive aggression. “I was under the impression that you were avoiding me.”“Kade had three scouts patrolling my house,” I said flatly, crossing my arms across my chest.His gaze dipped to the neckline of my shirt, his jaw ticking.And just like that, I was suddenly self conscious, my skin tightening the longer his gaze lingered. Then irritation sparked.“Didn’t see you paying any courtesy visits,” I finally said, pushing down the feeling. “At least Ash was-““What did Ash do?” Ryker cut in sharply, eyes snapping to my face as he pushed off the doorframe and straightening. He was too easy.“I came here because I need you to tell me the truth,” His gaze sharpened. “I already did.”I shook my head slowly. “I’m not talking about your past… grievances.”His eyes narrowed.“I’m talking about what’s happening in the pack.”His shoulders stiffened,
IRISI accepted Selene’s offer.Of course I did. I didn’t exactly have a line of options waiting for me. So what if I agreed to team up with an ancient being who I knew absolutely nothing about? That was how steep my choices were.And besides, I had a gnawing feeling that whatever was going on in the pack, was connected to Katrina’s murder. Yes, I know, a very kind stretch but the feeling wouldn’t go away.My conscience would never let me ignore it.I had two options.Stay clueless and let Kade and the others handle it… like they had claimed they’ve been doing since the beginning of time. Or take matters into my hand. The choice was clear.I pulled out my journal from the top drawer, sinking into my bed as I scribbled furiously.The known variables.Magic stones. Barriers. Attacks. Hybrids? Inconclusive.But then the image flashed in my head again. The one from that night that refused to settle. The creature. I’d never seen anything like that. It had to be a hybrid.All I needed now
IRISI held my breath, refusing to open my eyes.What if it didn’t work?But then I heard her voice bounce off the walls, echoing in the cave.“I didn’t expect you back here so soon, Lorelei.” My eyes snapped open, zeroing in on the only source of light in the pitch dark space. The woman sat behind the flickering fire, tending to it like it might go off any second.Relief slammed into me so fast I let out a sigh. Then my brain registered what she just said. I frowned. “That’s… not my name.”Her gaze lingered on me, silence filling the space between us before she let out a breathy chuckle.“Yes,” she muttered. “I apologize for the mixup, child. Staying cooped up in this purgatory will do that to you.”My chest tightened but regardless, I moved forward, only stopping when I was a pace away from the fire. She looked… normal this time. Not towering over me like before.I had a thousand questions. Why was I suddenly seeing things? Why did Katrina have a magical necklace hidden in her roo







