CHAPTER 41

ALPHA TIBERIUS.I hated him. Yes, he was my son, but that changed nothing.If all he'd ever do was thwart my plans, then he was as good as dead to me.“Are you going to keep ranting or you'd tell me what's wrong?” Mark added, unperturbed.I froze, his audacity alarming. Did he just speak to me that way or was I hallucinating?“Get out. Now!!” I sprung to my feet, fuming hard. He shrugged. “With pleasure.”“Please calm down sir. Stress isn't good for you,” Satori's calm voice reached my ears. Gentle! Soothing.I sat back, my fists clenched into balls. “Would you believe what happened because of him?” Pain clouded my voice as I spoke, right after making sure he wasn't there.She leaned closer, curious. “He managed to save Samien from those I had sent to kidnap her. Now, we're back to square one.”Her face shattered, shoulders stooping low. “This isn't good news. How come he was there at the same time as the men?”“That is what I'm not sure of. There's no way they could have snitched t

CHAPTER 42

SAMIEN'S POV “Let me see that!” Lyra pulled the paper from me after seeing the confusion on my face.She glanced through it, a loud gasp trailing from her lips afterwards.“Gosh! Ryker is inviting you to a ball. How could that be so difficult for you to understand?” My eyes flickered in disbelief. How could that be so difficult to read? An invite having such big grammars and all?“Why wasn't it simply written? Geez. But why's he hosting a ball now? This felt weird. Strange.“When is the ball holding?”“Two days from now!”I froze. So close? My brows hardened as I pondered hard. There was more to this, and only Ryker could provide me with an answer.Later that day, I stood in the training ground, trying to catch my breath.Two hours — I had been training nonstop, exhausting every ounce of strength in me.“You know you don't have to do this?” A thick voice rang behind me. I turned, my gaze resting on a figure.Father!“What are the doing here, dad?” “I was taking a stroll when I noti

CHAPTER 43

MARK'S POV Bright rays of sunlight seeped into the room, tiny holes between the curtains a worthy accomplice. I squinted, sitting upright as it shone right into my eyes. I yawned, exhausted. My head still banged from last night. How many bottles did I down? Five… six? I lost count. “Mark!!” My door flung open. Father stood there, his eyes burning with anger. “What do you think you're doing? Why are you still in bed by this time?” I yawned. “Good morning Dad. What's wrong? Why are you so cranky?” “Cranky? Do you realize what time it is? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your graduation ceremony?” “Okayy?? But why so early?” “Is this a joke? It's almost ten. The ceremo

CHAPTER 44

RYKER'S POV My nose flared, the sight before me confusing. What in the world was happening? I frowned, fists tightening. “Is something wrong?” I asked. Samien stared at me, her face brightening with relief. It was almost like she'd been waiting for me to appear. To save her. “Nothing! Samien and I were only discussing. Trying to catch up since the last time at the academy.” “Oh, I see.” Samien drew closer. I reached for her hands, locking them in mine. “If you don't mind, Samien and I have something to attend to.” “Sure!” Mark's face glowed with a smile. He waved, swiftly disappearing before I could blink twice. I turned towards Samien, my hands wrapping around her face. “Are you okay? You look stress

CHAPTER 45

SAMIEN'S POV “Why wouldn't mark leave me the fuck alone? How difficult can it be for him to understand that I belong to Ryker now.” I paced around the room, my eyes burning with fury. Lyra sat on the bed, lips sealed. Through my rants, she had done nothing but keep mute. “Aren't you going to say something?” I snapped. I could bear it no more. She adjusted quickly. “I was going to do so now. Really.. This is crazy. Where was all this energy before you got approached by Ryker?” “That's the point!” I gasped, hands running through my hair. Frustration filled every word I uttered. “Just when Ryker comes into the picture and things are starting to take shape, he remembers he loves me.” Silence fell quickly and not a sound was to be heard s

CHAPTER 46

SAMIEN'S POV The hall was buzzing with activities by the time we pulled up. I took a long drag of air, straightening up. My heart palpitated, anxiety welling quickly inside of me. “Relax!” Ryker's soothing voice echoed beside me. I nodded, sliding my palm against his open hand. “Oh my! Who do we have here? My beautiful daughter!” His father said aloud as he caught sight of me. I blushed. His hands wrapped around my shoulders as I greeted him. “Good evening sir.” “Oh darling! You look so… gorgeous.” I smiled. Already, I could feel butterflies in my belly. “There's absolutely no doubt in me that there'd be no one whose beauty can match yours tonight.” “Sir!” I laughed,