All Chapters of Curse of the Alpha demon: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ryker's POV I forced myself to take a deep breath, pushing down the rage that threatened to consume me. Losing control now would only make things worse—and I needed to understand exactly what game was being played here. I cleared my throat deliberately, the sound cutting through their laughter like a blade. Both of them turned toward me, their intimate bubble bursting in an instant. Serena's eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck that had nothing to do with Alec's attention. Alec, on the other hand, had the audacity to smile at me—that easy, brotherly smile he'd worn since we were children. He nodded at me, his expression shifting to one of concern. It was our silent language, developed over years of being brothers. He was asking if I was alright, if I needed anything. I nodded back curtly, telling him I was fine. But fine was the last thing I felt. Without breaking eye contact with Alec, I strode across the room to where Serena sat frozen on the couch. Her scent hit me immed

Ryker's POVI slammed my bedroom door shut and leaned against it, my chest heaving like I'd just run a marathon. Alec's words kept playing in my head like a broken record. *Do you really think she'll accept you when she finds out what you did to her father?*Of course she wouldn’t. I walked to my window and stared out at the woods beyond. The truth was eating me alive. Deep down, I knew Alec was right. Serena would never forgive me. How could she? I had killed her father. Even though I couldn’t remember who exactly her father is. I couldn't stay in this room. I couldn't think about this anymore.—-Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in a bar downtown. The place was dark and loud, exactly what I needed. I ordered whiskey and kept ordering until the bartender stopped asking what I wanted and just kept refilling my glass.The alcohol burned going down, but it wasn't enough to burn away Alec's words. Or the look on Serena's face when she'd brought me that sandwich. "Hey there, hands

Serena's POVI woke up to the sound of Ryker's voice, low and troubled. My neck was killing me from sleeping in that awkward position, but I stayed still and listened."Can't lose it," he was mumbling, his brow furrowed even in sleep. "Can't lose my pack... everything I built..."His hand was still wrapped around my wrist, but looser now. He was having some kind of nightmare, his body tense with whatever he was dreaming about.Without thinking, I reached over with my free hand and touched his arm gently. "Shh," I whispered. "It's okay."He went quiet almost immediately, his face relaxing as if my touch had chased away whatever demons were haunting his sleep.I stared down at him, wondering what could make someone so powerful look so scared, even in his dreams.My eyes drifted to his shirt again. To that lipstick stain that was still there, mocking me. The anger came rushing back, hot and fierce and completely unwelcome.I carefully pulled my wrist free from his grip and stood up. He s

Ryker's POV "What did you mean?" I demanded, stepping closer to Serena. "What mistress?" Jason stared at me and left the room. Serena crossed her arms and looked away from me, her jaw set in that stubborn way that meant she wasn't going to answer. "Serena, I asked you a question." "And I don't have to answer it." Her voice was cold, distant. "You figure it out." I was about to press her further when heavy footsteps pounded up the stairs. Jason appeared in the doorway looking frantic. "Alpha, you need to go attend to the elder now. The elders are waiting and they're not happy about the delay." I looked between Jason's urgent face and Serena's turned back. The elders never called emergency meetings unless something was seriously wrong, but I wasn't done with this conversation. "Five minutes," I told Jason. "Alpha, with respect, we don't have five minutes….” "Fine." I looked at Serena one more time. "We'll finish this when I get back." I followed Jason downstairs

Ryker's POV The meeting with the elders had been a complete disaster. Three hours of arguing about territory disputes and pack alliances, and we had settled nothing. My head was pounding as I drove back home, wanting nothing more than to grab something to eat and maybe check on Serena. I pulled into the driveway and got out of my car, already thinking about what I would say to Serena. Maybe I could convince her to have dinner with me tonight. Maybe we could actually have a conversation that didn't end with her storming off or me losing my temper. I had barely walked through the front door when the guard at the entrance practically threw himself at my feet. "Alpha, I'm sorry, I had to let her go…” "What are you talking about?" I cut him off, already feeling my blood pressure rise. The guard looked terrified, his face pale and sweaty. "The lady... Serena. She left with Miss Isabella about an hour ago. Miss Isabella said she would take responsibility….” The words hit me like a phys