Semua Bab Claimed Without a Scent: Bab 31 - Bab 40

Chapter 31 — CollapseRhea's POVIt's been over a week.Eight days since Ryker left.Eight days of nothing.No calls. No messages. No word from Colt either.The King says he hasn't heard anything. That they must be deep in the investigation. That everything is fine.But I don't believe him.Because something happened. I know it did.The day I collapsed during training. The pain that ripped through my chest. The bond screaming.When I woke up in the hospital, surrounded by the King, Finn, and Camila, I thought—I thought he'd slept with someone else.The King insisted he hadn't. Said Ryker would never do that to me now. That he'd changed.But how do I really know?How can I trust that when he's been gone this long without contact?I push the thoughts away. Try to focus on what I can control.Training. Routine. Survival.Mornings with Rapha have become my anchor. He pushes me hard. Doesn't coddle. Doesn't pity.I'm grateful for it."Again," Rapha says. "Faster this time."I run the agil

Chapter 33 — AttackedThird PersonThe lead rogue circled Rhea with predatory confidence. His pack flanked him—six wolves total, all grinning like they'd already won."Look at her," one sneered. "Standing there like she can actually do something.""I call first," another said, stepping forward. "I want to be the one to mark her. Send the video to the prince. Show him what happens to mates who wander off alone."Rhea's expression didn't change. Calm. Flat. Almost bored."You won't get the chance," she said quietly.The rogue laughed. "And why's that, little human?""Because I'm going to leave you barely alive for questioning. Then I'll kill you."Silence. Then laughter. Louder this time."Brave words from someone with no scent. No wolf. No—"Behind her, Camila's eyes went distant. She was mind-linking.Rapha. Six rogues. Woods east of palace. Surrounded. HELP.The message shot through the palace link like lightning.Palace — King's OfficeThe King was mid-sentence when Rapha stiffened.

Chapter 35 — ConfessionRyker's POVThe King's office is crowded.Me. Colt. Finn. Rapha. And Rhea.She sits as far from me as possible. Won't meet my eyes.My father stands behind his desk. Hands clasped. Expression serious."I asked you all here because we need to address what happened. Both the attack and—" He pauses. Looks at Rhea. "The secrets that were kept."Rhea's expression doesn't change. Still cold. Distant."Rhea," my father continues. "I owe you an apology. I kept Ryker's condition from you while he was away. I didn't want to worry you. Didn't want the bond pain to overwhelm you again." He pauses. "I was wrong. You deserved to know. And I'm sorry."Silence.Then Rhea speaks. Quiet. But cutting."I'm not hurt that you kept it from me to protect me." She looks at my father. Really looks at him. "I'm hurt that Lila knew and I didn't."My stomach drops."She made sure I knew," Rhea continues. "Made sure I understood that she was included. That she mattered. That I—" Her voice

Chapter 37 — AwakeningRhea's POVWake up.Sable's voice pulls me from sleep. Urgent. Excited.What?It's time. The moon has peaked. The transformation begins soon.My eyes snap open. The room is bathed in silver moonlight.Ryker's side of the bed is empty. I hear water running in the bathroom.I sit up. My heart pounds.Tonight. It happens tonight.I get out of bed. Move to the closet.What do I wear for a Lycan transformation?Sable answers immediately. Something you can shift back into. The navy dress. Off-shoulder. Flowy.I find it. Pull it on. The fabric is soft. Comfortable.The bathroom door opens. Ryker emerges. Hair damp. Wearing dark pants and a simple shirt.He stops when he sees me. Eyes sweeping over the dress."You look—" He pauses. "Beautiful.""Thank you."Silence. Charged. Awkward.We've been intimate. Shared things most mates don't share before marking.But we're still—fragile. Uncertain."Are you ready?" he asks."I think so.""Nervous?""Terrified."A small smile.

Chapter 39 — BondedRhea's POVWe lie side by side. Catching our breath. Hearts still racing.My hand finds the mark on his neck. Traces it gently.His hand mirrors mine. Touching my mark."I'm sorry," Ryker says quietly.I look at him. "For what?""For how it happened. For not—planning it better. For letting King take over—""Stop." I press my finger to his lips. "I marked you first. Sable did it before I could think. If anyone should apologize, it's me."He kisses my finger. "You have nothing to apologize for.""Neither do you."We're quiet for a moment. Just looking at each other."I know his name now," Ryker says suddenly."What?""King. His name. He told me. After the marking.""He did?""Yes. He said—" Ryker pauses. "He said he withheld it for decades. As punishment. For my recklessness with other women. For not being worthy of knowing it."My chest tightens. "That's—harsh.""That's honest." He smiles slightly. "The name was always there. The relationship just wasn't ready. We w