Chapter 3

A One nightstand.

Ryan's POV

My eyes were fixated on the scenery in front of me. The sound of the knock on the door distracted me.The door opened. My Beta was standing there with an amused look. I arched my eyebrows at his attitude.

“What!”

“Nothing sir, it's just the alarming news of the rogue's attack. It's getting too much.” Connor came closer.

“Increase the men on the patrol.”

“Capable men please.” I told him.

Connor was about to say something but stopped. I rolled my eyes. I knew there was something else going on apart from the news of the rogues.

“If there is nothing else, you can leave my office.” I sat on the swivel chair.

“Ryan.”

“Just spill it out!”

“Aren't you disturbed by the rumors the elders are spreading? Even the pack members are getting confused on what to believe.”

“Why don't you host a meeting with the elders,Ryan.”

I shook my head at the suggestion there was no way I would stoop so low in explaining to those hold hags.

“They can believe whatever they want to believe.” I said to Connor.

“Ryan.” He called calmly.

“What now!” He was bothering me.

“I heard of a mating ceremony that is coming up tonight at the Silver Claw Pack where wolves from different packs will be gathered there.”

“So what I mean is for you to go there maybe you will find someone.” Connor said persuaded.

“I'm not desperate for a woman.” I countered.

“When was the last time you got intimate with a woman?”

“Six months ago.” I frowned.

“Six months that like decades ago!!”

“This is why the pack members are really worried about you not having a Luna. They believe that if you have a woman by your side you will be less…”

“Less ruthless.” I finished his statement for him.

“If you won't go to the mating ceremony, at least go here.” Connor dropped a ticket on the table before leaving my office.

I sighed and took the ticket. It was a ticket to a VIP night club still at the Silver Claw. Connor knew there was no way I would attend a mating ceremony so he came up with plan B.

The Silver Claw Pack was still the same the club wasn't what I was expecting but it meet my status I went in and went to where the VIP was being hosted.I had to mask my scent so I won't be noticed by those around, from where I was seated I could see what was going downstairs but they wouldn't be able to see those in the VIP lounge.

I could hear the chattings and the conversation of those around it was about the mating ceremony.Something or should I say someone got my attention it was a lady seated drinking alcohol seriously she didn't pay attention to those around and that piqued my interest.

I left the VIP lounge and went over to her side. She didn't seem to notice me. I took the glass from her before she could gulp it in.

“You've had enough.”

She gradually turned to look at me. She gasped when she saw me. I smirked I had that effect on every lady.I took the seat next to her and sat down.

“You seem worried?”

“What's your name?” I asked again when I didn't get a response from her.

“Natasha.” My wolf stirred when we heard her voice.

I pushed my wolf back and focus on what was at hand.

“Can I call you Tasha? Natasha is a bit too long.” I frowned.

She looked at me and nodded when I saw that I already got her attention. I asked her why she was alone. I could feel that she was very sad from the aura around her. She seemed broken,she took another glass. This time around I let her be. I don't why I was suddenly interested in her.

“My…. mate.” She sobbed.

“What happened to your mate?” I arched my eyebrows.

“He rejected me.” I nodded at her words and waited for her explanation.

“He doesn't deserve you.” I took a glass after hearing what she has been through in the hands of her mate and her so-called family.

Who treats a mate like that?

“I…can't even …. go…home.” She looked at me painfully.

I won't ever forget the expression in her ocean blue eyes. I looked away from her,it was getting difficult for me to restrain myself.

“Do you want to go with me?”

“Yes …..Mr?”

“It's Ryan, call me Ryan.”

I paid the bar man and took Tasha with me. I didn't know my way around and I didn't want to ask her for directions so she wouldn't find me weird. She thinks I'm one of the pack members,after much thinking I decided to lodge us in a hotel.

“The bathroom Is over-” I was about to tell her to change but stopped when I saw that she had already settled on the bed.

I laid next to her but made sure there was space between us. From her heartbeat I could hear that she wasn't asleep and that she was nervous.

“Tasha.”

“Hmmn.” She hummed.

“Do you trust me?” I was now in a hovering position.

She opened her eyes to look at me when I didn't get a reply from her I decided to let her be but she stopped me from laying back.

“I trust you.”

I took that has her permission and started trailing kisses over her. I knew for once that it was going to be a long night.

Ryan woke up to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains, his arm draped over Tasha's warm body. He watched her sleep for a moment, taking in the peaceful expression on her face, so different from the sorrow she'd shown the night before. A strange warmth filled his chest—a feeling he hadn't let himself experience in years.

He slowly pulled his arm away and got up, careful not to wake her. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the events of the night. He hadn't expected to feel so drawn to her, to have this urge to protect her, to comfort her in ways he barely understood himself.

The moment he stepped out of bed, his phone buzzed. It was Connor.

"Where are you, Ryan? The elders are demanding an explanation for your absence," Connor's voice came through with urgency.

Ryan glanced back at Tasha, still sleeping soundly. He exhaled, conflicted but knowing he couldn't ignore his responsibilities any longer.

“I'll be back in the pack soon, Connor,” he replied, ending the call.

As he turned, Tasha stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet his. She looked at him, a mixture of surprise and vulnerability in her gaze, as if she couldn't believe where she was—or who she was with.

Ryan's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to say something, to tell her he'd be back, but instead he just held her gaze.

“Tasha… I have to go,” he said softly, hating how the words felt.

A pang of disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she nodded.

“Will I see you again?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He hesitated, feeling torn between duty and the unexplainable pull he felt toward her. "I don't know. But... I hope so.”

And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving behind a part of himself he never thought he'd lose.