Alpha Ryker – POV We had searched three houses without finding our spy, confirming my suspicion that Elton had taken him. How he'd figured out, our surveillance was a mystery. There was one more place to check. Our last hope was to find both Flora and Elton. This time, I was determined to put an end to Elton. He'd dared to touch my mate. I didn't have a strong enough reason to go after Elton in the past, but his recent actions crossed a line. As an Alpha, it was my duty to protect my mate. My heart raced, every beat echoing my worry for Flora. Was she injured? Elton was unpredictable and could do anything. "I'm sorry this happened. I know it's hard on you," Nathan said, trying to ease the tension. "I don't need your sympathy, Nathan," I retorted. "I just need to find my mate safe and sound. It's frustrating that you couldn't closely watch our spy." Nathan didn't reply as we stepped into the final house. A faint hint of Flora's scent, reminiscent of fresh flowers, hung in the air. S
Flora - POV "Where are we?" I asked, my voice laced with fear. "We're in a vortex, leading us somewhere safe. And please, call me Shirley. 'Aunty' makes me feel old," Shirley responded with a calming tone. I gave her a small smile. "If you're scared, hold my hand." She offered her wrinkled, tan hand. Gratefully, I took it. Despite our situation, she exuded calmness, while I was worried. "Thank you," I whispered. Suddenly, our descent halted. The ground beneath opened up, and I gently landed on my feet, still holding Shirley's hand. Looking around, I realized we were in an alley. "We're in the United Kingdom," Shirley informed me. "I have a place here. We can stay among trustworthy people. You'll be safe." I didn't know how to respond. I was still trying to process everything that had just occurred. I followed her quietly as she led me to a luxurious building. The security at the entrance asked Shirley for identification. She presented a card bearing a logo that matched the building
Flora – POV I was shocked to see Ryker. My heart raced not from fear but from the pull of our mate bond. "I need to go," I managed to say, regaining my balance. However, Ryker's grip on me remained firm. "You're not going anywhere, Flora," he said with authority. I struggled, trying to break free. Seeing my distress, he loosened his hold. I looked up, meeting his intense gray eyes that stirred something deep within me. "What do you want from me, Ryker?" I demanded. Gently, he led me to his room, releasing me once inside. He locked the door behind us. "Flora, I need to know what happened. I've searched for you relentlessly over the past six months, and now I've finally found you," he said, sitting close and gazing into my eyes. "Why do you care, Ryker? I never asked to be your mate. I want to reject this bond and live a normal life," I snapped back. "Why are you so adamant about staying away from me and the wolf pack?" he asked. "Because I'm not a wolf shifter. The rumors about m
Flora - POV "Mom," Belle began, but hesitated to move further into the cell. "Belle," Shirley whispered, her eyes meeting mine. "Flora, why are you both here?" Her voice trembled with worry. "Is it true that you helped Elton escape?" I asked. She met my gaze. "Yes," Shirley admitted softly, lowering her head in guilt. I turned to Belle, who looked stunned. "Why did you help him, Mom? I know there's more to it. Please tell me," Belle pressed, her voice breaking. "I admit it, Alpha Ryker. I worked with Elton," Shirley confessed. It felt like a blow to hear this. Why? Shirley had always seemed to want to protect me. She had guided me to safety and even convinced Belle to help me get back on my feet. None of this made sense. "I'm sorry, Flora, but it's true," Shirley added. "Stop, Mom. You're lying. What aren't you telling us? Who are you trying to protect that you'd willingly face punishment?" Belle demanded. Shirley looked at Ryker. "I've confessed. I pleaded with you not to inv
Flora -POV "I'll tell you everything later. I don't trust you yet to keep information to yourself and not spill it to that woman," Ryker said. I raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Her name is Belle," I corrected. "And I won't share everything with her." He sighed, clearly doubting my words. "Let's take this one day at a time. We'll reveal our secrets gradually. I need time to trust you. Discussing sensitive matters with you now doesn't feel right," he said. "You make it sound like I'm some clueless teenager," I retorted. "Aren't you technically eighteen and a half years old?" Ryker countered. "Old geezer," I shot back, to which he raised an eyebrow. "I'm only 30, not 60," he clarified. "Whatever," I responded dismissively, focusing on the delicious food and wine before us. We continued eating in silence, and my frustration grew with Ryker's reluctance to open up about the pack, me, or himself. "Where's Ivan?" I inquired about his son. Ryker looked distant for a moment. "He's
Flora – POV I woke up with an intense headache and saw a note on the table. "Meet me once you've taken the medicine and your hangover subsides," the note from Ryker read. There was water and medicine on the small table beside me. I took them, and after a few minutes, I felt better and got out of bed. I was annoyed with myself for drinking too much. As I freshened up, the image of his grey eyes and handsome face was all I could think of. While searching for an outfit for the day, my phone chimed with a text notification. I opened it to find a message: "My penthouse looks like it's been hit by a storm." An attached photo showed the once beautiful penthouse in a state of disarray. I gasped upon seeing claw marks on the floors and walls and evidence of magic damage. I wondered how on earth Elton had escaped. Had he jumped from the building? "So sorry, it looks terrible. I'll help with the repair costs," I texted. "Thanks. I had to spend a lot, but no one reported any suspicious activit
Flora - POV "I'll go. Tell Ryker I'll be ready. What time are we leaving?" I asked. "By 8:00 PM," Pixy replied before departing to inform Ryker. I knew I couldn't lounge on the bed since I had some remote work to finish. I quickly called my colleagues to prepare for the spring and winter-themed runway walk in Paris. Once off the call, I rummaged through the wardrobe, selecting a red dress Ryker had suggested. I chose a sweetheart neckline dress that fell a bit above the knee. It was off-shoulder with full sleeves and had a subtle shimmer. I paired it with black pencil heels and styled my blonde hair in loose waves. With red lipstick and light eye makeup, I felt ready. Descending the stairs, I found Ryker impeccably dressed. His black shirt, sleeves rolled up, complemented his brown slacks and black formal shoes. Two of his shirt buttons were undone. His hair was neatly set back, emphasizing his sharp features. His grey eyes briefly looked stunned when they met mine, or maybe I just
Flora - POV After Alpha Bryan's speech ended, I could sense a change in Ryker. He seemed jealous and looked upset, though he did well to mask his emotions. Maybe I'm just imagining things. Why would he be jealous? We're just pretending. "Ryker," I called. "Yes, Princess?" He responded affectionately. "Can we talk to Alpha Bryan? I want to ask him about what he has that belonged to my parents," I whispered. "I'll talk to him. You stay with Alexia," Ryker said. "I don't like how Bryan keeps staring at you," he murmured. Instead of being alarmed by his possessiveness, I found my heart fluttering. "I'm coming with you. And don't worry, I don't have feelings for Alpha Bryan," I assured him. Ryker gave me a blank look before heading towards Alpha Bryan, and I followed close behind. "Alpha Bryan, we need the belongings of Flora's parents that you have. My mate is tired, and I need to take her home," Ryker stated bluntly. "Alpha Ryker, please stay longer at the party. I promise to give