Tristan’s POV
Even hours after the guards hurled Reya out of my office, I still felt rage boiling inside me. The nerve of her to sever the same bond that I sacrificed my happiness to create. Who the hell did she think she was?
I glanced at the shot of tequila I held in my hand then looked up at the sky. I had resulted to alcohol to stabilize my emotions but it wasn’t working. Reya had made so worked up I was sure I will stay up all night like this.
Fuck that woman.
“Why am I still sensing anger coming from you, Lycan?” the voice of my beta echoed from behind me. “Don’t tell me you’re drunk.”
I growled, rolling my eyes when his face came into view. “Where is Chloe? I was hoping I could meet her and welcome her back personally.”
I growled again, displeased with the flirtatious tone he was using when referring to the love of my life. “She left to meet up with a few of her old friends.”
I answered bitterly. I wished she had stayed, maybe I won’t be so upset. But she wanted me to sort out my feelings by giving me some space. Gosh, I missed her. She was always so considerate. It was just one of the reasons I had fallen in love with her...
“What did you find? I stood up straight, suddenly recalling why my beta was not here to welcome his soon-to-be Luna. That was because I had sent him on an errand.
His face suddenly sobered up and he shook his head. “I found Reya’s father dead in his living room when I got there. It looked like he was already dead for a few days because when I arrived, his body was decomposing.”
He scrunched his nose, disgust marring his face, as he recalled whatever he saw. My mind immediately travelled to Reya and the fact that her father was the only remaining member of her family and the only reason why she accepted to become my Luna other than the fact that she was my fated mate.
“Keep this from her,” I ordered. “At least till we finalize all arrangements with Alpha Wyvern. You don’t know what she’ll do once she finds out the only leverage we have on her is gone.”
Isaac nodded. “You’re right.” He paused. “And his body? What do we do with it?”
“Leave it in our morgue until we tell Reya. She should decide what she wants for her father.” I answered.
We both looked up as the door to my office opened and Richard, my gamma stepped inside. His eyes roamed the office before stopping at me and Isaac at the balcony. With long steps, he walked towards us.
“Alpha Wyvern just sent words,” he announced, bowing his head slightly as a form of respect for his Alpha.
I nodded, taking a step away from the railing and into my office. “And what did he say?”
“He wanted you to know that he arrived safely. Once he’s done with preparing his pack for Reya, then he will come back and take her.”
My heart clenched painfully but I dismissed it. If the bond wanted to act up, that was its business but I was done with Reya. Still, I was still surprised that an Alpha like Wyvern wanted her.
How did he know her and what did he want with her? I had been curious, but despite all my investigations, I couldn’t find anything remarkable about the woman. If they wanted her, then they could have her.
At least, I got something back from the whole arrangements. My mind wandered to Chloe and how majestic she looked when she walked into my pack house a day ago. It’s only been two years since the last time I saw her but it looked like a lot changed about her.
She had grown into an even more beautiful woman with delicate curves and a body that could send even the strongest men to their knees and now, she was mine.
I had Reya to thank for that.
Nodding at my beta and gamma, I excused myself, my legs carrying me to the prison room where she was in.
As soon as I stopped in front of the door, her familiar scent of flowers assaulted my senses and my wolf stirred to the surface. Even after two years and despite all our arguments. Reya was the only woman he would accept.
I shoved him into the deepest and darkest part of my mind. He will learn to accept Chloe whether he liked it or not. She was the only woman for us, no one else.
Deep in thoughts, I did not realize the door was open until I saw Reya’s bloodshot eyes staring back at me. Her nose flared and she stood to her feet, scuttling to a corner of the room like I was a beast about to pounce on her.
The gesture made me wince and hurt squeezed at my heat but I ignored the emotion. It was her scent, I told myself. Our bond was strong and being around her always drove me crazy.
Stepping into the room, I closed the door behind me and took over the single bed in the room.
“Strip!” I ordered.
As usual, I expected her to tremble with fear and longing as she did for the past tow years and obey my order, but to my surprise, she met my gaze without flinching and uttered the one word I never thought I will ever hear from her.
“No!”
Whether it was because it was my first time hearing that word from her or because I didn’t expect to see the defiance that flashed in her eyes, my mind was unable to comprehend it.
I could hear Rex, my wolf, laughing from the darkness I pushed him into.
“What was that, mate?” I asked, infusing my voice with every atom of challenge and authority I could gather. “Did you just say no to me?”
She inhaled sharply, averting her gaze and she stepped further back into the corner. Good, I said to myself. That was how she was supposed to react to me.
“Do I need to repeat myself, mate?” I growled impatiently. My wolf longed for her. I had a need and she was the only person capable of satisfying it. Just this last time, I promised myself. One last time before I claimed Chloe as mine and gave myself to her forever.
I was doing this for my wolf, because after today, he might not see his mate again. I needed to give him this closure, or else he’ll never let me hear the end of it. So, for the last time, I was going to indulge in this sweetness.
I stood to my feet and walked over to my mate, grabbing her jaw with my hand. Her eyes widened but I could already smell her arousal even as she tried to fight me off.
She wanted me just as much as my body yearned for her. She was saying something but I wasn’t listening. My wolf was eager for control and I let him have all of it. I swept her off her feet, throwing her on the bed.
My eyes ravaged her body and, in my mind, I registered that she had a beautiful body, she always did have a beautiful body. Much curvier than Chloe’s, but I’ll never admit that to her. Her long legs tried to kick me away but I was faster.
I tugged at her feet yanking her towards me and then flipped her over. My eyes dilated instantly, goddess. This woman was going to ruin me, but I will not let her.
“Stay still,” I groaned and she obeyed instantly. I ripped her dress away as I whispered nonsense – even I couldn’t understand – into her ears.
Goddess, she was so sweet and honestly, it was hard letting this sweetness go. I devoured her. Pumping her with every bit of desire that I felt. I wanted to punish myself for wanting her this much when my heart belonged to another woman.
But I also wanted to punish her for being so intoxicating that letting go was hard. We both orgasmed at the same time and my wolf was consoled. Once I was done, he retreated to the back of my mind and I collapsed beside Reya on the small bed.
She soon dozed off and I used that opportunity to slip out of the prison room. By tomorrow, she will be nothing to me and by the time Wyvern returned to take her, Chloe and I will be together.
Reya's POV The past had elapsed in such a serene manner, as water flowed through the stone and pain was gradually eroded. Today, there was no fear of the wind and nothing but laughter. And it wasn't mine. It belonged to my children. Running through the fields outside the Riverdale compound, Pearl and Luis were happily howling as they ran around, their golden-red fur shimmering under the sun. My arms were swung back and I couldn't contain my excitement as I rested on the porch railing. My every breath had the aroma of freedom. Of peace. I never obtained anything, and I struggled hard to give it to them. Behind me, the porch creaked. I didn't have to turn to find out if it was Alpha Tristan. “They are moving at a faster pace than us,’ he blurted. "I grinned." They seem safer now than they were before. Our children were playing wolf-like, and we stood in silence. But Pearl was more strategic, quicker and sharper. Luis, raw power. Balanced. Dangerous. They were trained by me to
Reya’s POVThere was a distinct sensation in the air at Riverdale. Lighter. Without any fear of kneading, I stood in the courtyard of the Riverdale Packhouse for the first time in years. This was an unusual sight. The burned banners had been exchanged. Blood oozed out of the stone. Children played in the places where warriors had fallen. And Alpha Tristan…. He stood beside me. Not as my Alpha. Not even as my mate. I am a man who is bruised, mournful, and making an effort. Upon arriving, Lydia was met with the realization that they still talk about their actions. You fashioned something out of nothing, Reya. I didn't respond. Our children were under my observation instead of the others. Amidst the afternoon sun, Luis and Pearl are chasing each other, their laughter echoing through all the hills. They deserve a childhood they never had,' I murmured. The voice of Alpha Tristan was lowered beside me. "And they've got it, thanks to you."I turned to confront him. "We're in relatio
Reya’s POVThe stench of ash and burnt earth.” The wind blew. Smoke drifted from the far-off Wyvern's castle ruins, and the sounds of death had faded to a dull background. We had won. Yet, there was no sense of achievement. While blood covered my armor, some were mine and most were not. The adrenaline crash from the war caused my limbs to shake, not weakness. Despite the fact that my children were safe, the foretelling was accurate, and Myra Webb was only a remnant of scorched bones, I couldn't shake off the hollowness. The Lycan King walked through the debris and inquired, "Is it finished?" Nodding and blinking through grimy, I said: "Myra's gone." In reply. Alpha Wyvern's soldiers have surrendered. It's over.”His eyes twinkled with a sharp flicker." And your passion?" I asked. My veins were still so hot, and I said "I buried it with her." There was still something within me from the divine being. She was watching. Despite his face burned, the Lycan King reached into his cloa
Reya’s POVFire. Pain. Blood. I was drenched in all three.” Our last siege caused the fortress grounds to shake. My troops had penetrated the walls of Alpha Wyvern. War whistles echoed through the sky. Magic crackled in every direction. Injected corpses tumbled, clouds shone, and the odor of coal and steel made breathing impossible. Myra Webb's savage kick to my chest caused me to fall over and collide with a heap of crushed stone. My ribs screamed. My breath hitched. My hands trembled. "I had a greater expectation of the Luna Phoenix," she said, her eyes wide open and her mouth swish. "Take heed of me." Bleeding. Broken. Powerless.” I coughed, tasting blood. A blackened armor, adorned with silver runes, belonged to Myra and was filled mitting with cursed energy. Dark magic ruined her eyes, but they still sparkled like that. Our warriors were pushed back by the remaining men of Alpha Wyvern behind her.” Alpha Tristan was residing in someplace, fighting against hell. My childr
Reya's POV. The night roared. Stars shone as they were lit by torches. The cliffs were punctuated by the sound of drums, which brought together warriors who had previously stood on opposite sides and now identified as mine.' Among the sea of scars and anger stood an array of characters, including Alphas, rogues like Ginkgo, outcasts from outer space, and omegas. I stood in the front.'" I emphasized that the battle was not for revenge, but for justice. "We are fighting for it."For the children stolen. For the blood spilled. Every person who thought they were lost in time."A cry of war shook the stillness. And then we ran. The fortress of Alpha Wyvern was ahead, its walls slicked with flames, like the jaws of a monster. The gates were shattered by explosions as our wolves detonated the barriers, making way for the charge. I shifted mid-run. The crimson fur ran through my armor.' The smell of blood was all over my mouth. We clashed. Thunder was the only sound heard as the first
Reya's POV. The garden was silent. Too silent. There was no sound from the breeze, only the fragrance of lilacs and tension. My twins, Luis and Kiera, were playing close to the fountain as I stood beneath the twisted willow. The tone of their chuckles was gentle, with an innocence that I'd rather preserve. I clung to that sound like a lifeline. The threats were not communicated to them by me. With respect to Chloe’s escape from the dungeons. Upon discovering one of their fellow prison guards dead, the guard's throat was ripped open like an animal'. She was out there somewhere. I had the impression that she was not running.' Then the wind shifted. The light caught Pearl's golden curls as she froze in mid-spin." Luis turned his head sharply. The sharp aroma of perfume, cloying and familiar also hit me. "Inside. Now." I ordered. Without delay, they followed instructions, but the figure stumbled from behind the hedge.”Chloe. In her customary white attire, she resembles a sinister