LILIANAI bit my lower lip, realizing I'd just stepped into dangerous territory. “I was just asking,” I finally said, trying to defend myself.Ryder let out a quiet sigh, then stood up. He pulled me behind the big rock where he had been leaning earlier. We were hidden from everyone. Strangely, I didn’t resist. Instead, I stayed still, even though every part of me wanted to step back.“Serina means nothing to me,” he said, standing right in front of me. His arms were pressed against the rock, trapping me between them. “And I don’t let anyone decide my life for me.”I swallowed hard. Something about the way he spoke made me feel like he was trying to make a point.“Then,” I whispered, refusing to be intimidated, “why is she so mad at me?”Ryder narrowed his eyes. “You ask too many questions.”I scoffed, trying to hide my nervousness. “I’m a hostage here. What else am I supposed to do besides ask questions?”He didn’t respond right away. Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in closer. His bre
LILIANAWith a lot of effort, I finally managed to break free from him and move away. I grabbed the blanket I was sitting on, wrapped myself up, and rolled under a tree. If he wouldn’t let me go back to the cabin, then fine—I’d sleep out here. I didn’t care.The night breeze blew softly, making my skin feel even colder. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, trying to calm myself down. But that peace didn’t last long.Out of nowhere, Ryder grabbed me, lifting me up along with the blanket wrapped around me. I was trapped! I struggled with all my might, but it was useless."What are you doing?!" I yelled."Taking you away," he said flatly.I kept squirming, trying to get loose, but Ryder walked confidently as if I weighed nothing. Desperate, I bit his arm, hoping he’d let me go."Aww!" He cursed under his breath but didn’t stop walking. "Damn, you’re really wild."I didn’t care. I kept fighting, but he only tightened his grip. I could feel his warmth seeping through the blanket."Stay
LILIANAI've made up my mind. All day and night, I kept thinking about my plan to escape. I spent time walking around the village, studying my escape routes and figuring out what vehicle I could use.There were a few camper vans and trucks parked in the village square, usually used for campfires at night. But there were too many people around. No way I could steal one without getting caught.So, what else? A horse? Suddenly, I remembered the one Ryder used when he brought me here. But no—that horse was left behind in the previous village, and we came here by truck.Not giving up, I snuck out again after bathing in the river. I kept searching, and sure enough, I found a few horses in the stables—three or four of them. Looks like they use them for hunting.I've thought everything through. Tonight, just before dawn, when everyone is deep asleep after dinner, I'll take one of the horses and get out of here. Where to? I have no idea. But escaping comes first. I'll figure things out later.
LILIANAI didn’t have much of a choice but to ride with him. Ryder yanked me up onto his horse without warning, making our bodies press together. I could feel his heavy breathing right by my ear, one hand on the reins and the other wrapped tightly around my waist.I felt sick. Not having a wolf made me feel like dead weight. Ryder didn’t even bother carrying me on his back—he’d rather use a horse to drag us both around."Sit still and stop moving," he hissed. "If you try to jump off, I’m not responsible if you get hurt."I bit my lip, holding back the rage boiling inside me. I knew Ryder wasn’t someone you could reason with—especially not in moments like this. His horse galloped down a rocky road, far from the nearest village. I felt trapped, like a bird with no wings."So... whose baby is it?" His cold voice cut through my thoughts.I tensed. My heart started pounding faster. He knew. But how?"Does Ethan Darnell know you have a kid? Or is it someone else’s?"I closed my eyes, trying
LILIANAHe threw me down on the sturdy, pretty decent-sized bed in this cabin. Honestly, this bed was way better than the one they stuck me with last night. But it wasn’t the bed I cared about. I wanted answers.Ryder couldn’t just walk away after what he said. I should’ve known from the start that something felt off. I struggled to sit up and was ready to sprint after him to stop him from leaving.I glared at Ryder’s back, my whole body burning with rage. But he didn’t even flinch. Like my anger didn’t mean a damn thing to him. Without even glancing back, he walked toward the rickety wooden door. This cabin didn’t even have windows—obviously built to keep people locked in. People like me.“Wait!” I screamed, my voice echoing through the stuffy room. “Don’t you dare leave me without answering, Ryder! Don’t you freaking ignore me!”I could feel my pulse pounding under my skin. My anger boiled over, burning away every last bit of logic I had. I seriously felt like I could do anything ri
LILIANAI don’t even know how long I sat curled up on that hard bed, my body stiff and aching. The rough ropes tying my wrists and ankles just got more painful every time I tried to move. The cold air inside this wooden cabin cut right to the bone, making the hopelessness gnawing at my heart even worse.I was beyond bored—but mostly, I was furious.Earlier this afternoon, some big guy had brought me food. He also offered to help me go to the bathroom, all stiff and formal like a damn robot. I refused both. I wasn’t about to depend on anyone here, especially not to show weakness.He ignored all my begging and threats. His face didn’t even change when I tried. After I tried to escape last night—stealing one of their horses, no less—they were definitely being way more careful.I let out a slow breath, trying to keep the frustration inside.When night fell and it got darker outside, I heard heavy footsteps coming toward the cabin. I immediately sat up straighter, alert. Maybe this was ano
LILIANAIt was late at night. The wind slipped in through the cracks of the old cabin door, brushing against my skin, carrying the scent of wet earth and mist. Inside this cabin built from solid wood, lit only by a flickering oil lamp, I stood frozen. My breath hitched. Ryder stood tall in front of me—rigid and unyielding. His eyes locked on me like a hawk eyeing its prey."Fine," he finally said, voice deep and sharp. "I'll let you go..."I could barely believe what I just heard. My throat clenched. My chest felt like it might explode. Did this mean he finally realized how foolish it was to trust Ethan? Or... did my words actually get through to him? Did they make him feel something?But before I could even process that thought, his cold voice cut through again."On one condition," he added.I blinked. Of course. There was always a condition. It was never that easy. I clenched my fists, trying to calm the chaos in my chest."Condition?" I muttered, barely audible.Ryder stared at me
LILIANAThat night felt cold, even though the fire in the cabin’s hearth still burned. A thin mist hung outside, as if it too was hiding sins that had yet to be uncovered.I tried to push his chest. But he was too strong, and I was too weak in his embrace.“Let me go, Ryder!” I hissed, half panicked, half disgusted.His hand traced my waist slowly, as if marking his territory. The touch made my body tense—not out of desire, but out of disgust and fear. The tremble of his hand was cold against my skin, sending waves of nausea through my stomach.“I didn’t do it! I’m not a whore!” I cried desperately.But that’s what the rumors said. It was even featured in a special news report for the wives of famous men. My name and face were clearly displayed on the screen, next to a headline that made everyone blame me for my divorce with Ethan three years ago. Gossip too perfect to believe, too cruel to ignore.“That’s just gossip!” I hissed, trying to keep my distance from Ryder, slipping away fr
LILIANAThat night felt cold, even though the fire in the cabin’s hearth still burned. A thin mist hung outside, as if it too was hiding sins that had yet to be uncovered.I tried to push his chest. But he was too strong, and I was too weak in his embrace.“Let me go, Ryder!” I hissed, half panicked, half disgusted.His hand traced my waist slowly, as if marking his territory. The touch made my body tense—not out of desire, but out of disgust and fear. The tremble of his hand was cold against my skin, sending waves of nausea through my stomach.“I didn’t do it! I’m not a whore!” I cried desperately.But that’s what the rumors said. It was even featured in a special news report for the wives of famous men. My name and face were clearly displayed on the screen, next to a headline that made everyone blame me for my divorce with Ethan three years ago. Gossip too perfect to believe, too cruel to ignore.“That’s just gossip!” I hissed, trying to keep my distance from Ryder, slipping away fr
LILIANAIt was late at night. The wind slipped in through the cracks of the old cabin door, brushing against my skin, carrying the scent of wet earth and mist. Inside this cabin built from solid wood, lit only by a flickering oil lamp, I stood frozen. My breath hitched. Ryder stood tall in front of me—rigid and unyielding. His eyes locked on me like a hawk eyeing its prey."Fine," he finally said, voice deep and sharp. "I'll let you go..."I could barely believe what I just heard. My throat clenched. My chest felt like it might explode. Did this mean he finally realized how foolish it was to trust Ethan? Or... did my words actually get through to him? Did they make him feel something?But before I could even process that thought, his cold voice cut through again."On one condition," he added.I blinked. Of course. There was always a condition. It was never that easy. I clenched my fists, trying to calm the chaos in my chest."Condition?" I muttered, barely audible.Ryder stared at me
LILIANAI don’t even know how long I sat curled up on that hard bed, my body stiff and aching. The rough ropes tying my wrists and ankles just got more painful every time I tried to move. The cold air inside this wooden cabin cut right to the bone, making the hopelessness gnawing at my heart even worse.I was beyond bored—but mostly, I was furious.Earlier this afternoon, some big guy had brought me food. He also offered to help me go to the bathroom, all stiff and formal like a damn robot. I refused both. I wasn’t about to depend on anyone here, especially not to show weakness.He ignored all my begging and threats. His face didn’t even change when I tried. After I tried to escape last night—stealing one of their horses, no less—they were definitely being way more careful.I let out a slow breath, trying to keep the frustration inside.When night fell and it got darker outside, I heard heavy footsteps coming toward the cabin. I immediately sat up straighter, alert. Maybe this was ano
LILIANAHe threw me down on the sturdy, pretty decent-sized bed in this cabin. Honestly, this bed was way better than the one they stuck me with last night. But it wasn’t the bed I cared about. I wanted answers.Ryder couldn’t just walk away after what he said. I should’ve known from the start that something felt off. I struggled to sit up and was ready to sprint after him to stop him from leaving.I glared at Ryder’s back, my whole body burning with rage. But he didn’t even flinch. Like my anger didn’t mean a damn thing to him. Without even glancing back, he walked toward the rickety wooden door. This cabin didn’t even have windows—obviously built to keep people locked in. People like me.“Wait!” I screamed, my voice echoing through the stuffy room. “Don’t you dare leave me without answering, Ryder! Don’t you freaking ignore me!”I could feel my pulse pounding under my skin. My anger boiled over, burning away every last bit of logic I had. I seriously felt like I could do anything ri
LILIANAI didn’t have much of a choice but to ride with him. Ryder yanked me up onto his horse without warning, making our bodies press together. I could feel his heavy breathing right by my ear, one hand on the reins and the other wrapped tightly around my waist.I felt sick. Not having a wolf made me feel like dead weight. Ryder didn’t even bother carrying me on his back—he’d rather use a horse to drag us both around."Sit still and stop moving," he hissed. "If you try to jump off, I’m not responsible if you get hurt."I bit my lip, holding back the rage boiling inside me. I knew Ryder wasn’t someone you could reason with—especially not in moments like this. His horse galloped down a rocky road, far from the nearest village. I felt trapped, like a bird with no wings."So... whose baby is it?" His cold voice cut through my thoughts.I tensed. My heart started pounding faster. He knew. But how?"Does Ethan Darnell know you have a kid? Or is it someone else’s?"I closed my eyes, trying
LILIANAI've made up my mind. All day and night, I kept thinking about my plan to escape. I spent time walking around the village, studying my escape routes and figuring out what vehicle I could use.There were a few camper vans and trucks parked in the village square, usually used for campfires at night. But there were too many people around. No way I could steal one without getting caught.So, what else? A horse? Suddenly, I remembered the one Ryder used when he brought me here. But no—that horse was left behind in the previous village, and we came here by truck.Not giving up, I snuck out again after bathing in the river. I kept searching, and sure enough, I found a few horses in the stables—three or four of them. Looks like they use them for hunting.I've thought everything through. Tonight, just before dawn, when everyone is deep asleep after dinner, I'll take one of the horses and get out of here. Where to? I have no idea. But escaping comes first. I'll figure things out later.
LILIANAWith a lot of effort, I finally managed to break free from him and move away. I grabbed the blanket I was sitting on, wrapped myself up, and rolled under a tree. If he wouldn’t let me go back to the cabin, then fine—I’d sleep out here. I didn’t care.The night breeze blew softly, making my skin feel even colder. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, trying to calm myself down. But that peace didn’t last long.Out of nowhere, Ryder grabbed me, lifting me up along with the blanket wrapped around me. I was trapped! I struggled with all my might, but it was useless."What are you doing?!" I yelled."Taking you away," he said flatly.I kept squirming, trying to get loose, but Ryder walked confidently as if I weighed nothing. Desperate, I bit his arm, hoping he’d let me go."Aww!" He cursed under his breath but didn’t stop walking. "Damn, you’re really wild."I didn’t care. I kept fighting, but he only tightened his grip. I could feel his warmth seeping through the blanket."Stay
LILIANAI bit my lower lip, realizing I'd just stepped into dangerous territory. “I was just asking,” I finally said, trying to defend myself.Ryder let out a quiet sigh, then stood up. He pulled me behind the big rock where he had been leaning earlier. We were hidden from everyone. Strangely, I didn’t resist. Instead, I stayed still, even though every part of me wanted to step back.“Serina means nothing to me,” he said, standing right in front of me. His arms were pressed against the rock, trapping me between them. “And I don’t let anyone decide my life for me.”I swallowed hard. Something about the way he spoke made me feel like he was trying to make a point.“Then,” I whispered, refusing to be intimidated, “why is she so mad at me?”Ryder narrowed his eyes. “You ask too many questions.”I scoffed, trying to hide my nervousness. “I’m a hostage here. What else am I supposed to do besides ask questions?”He didn’t respond right away. Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in closer. His bre
LILIANABefore I could respond, one of the guards moved fast, his big hand grabbing my arm and yanking me roughly. I struggled, screamed, and fought back with all my strength. "No!" I cried out, my voice breaking. I tried to pull away from the guard's tight grip, but it was useless. His strong hand was unyielding, dragging me mercilessly.I felt my body being lifted off the ground, completely powerless to fight back. Without hesitation, they hauled me out of the meeting hall, dragging me back to the cabin. I knew what was coming next. I'd be locked up there, alone. They wouldn’t let me out until they were sure I wouldn’t try to escape or do anything that could be a threat to them.With each step they took, I felt myself being pulled further away from whatever was left of my freedom. It felt like a giant wall was blocking my way, and I had no idea how to get past it. I felt trapped, like a mouse caught in its own snare.Inside the cabin, I just sat in the corner. That day, I felt even