Chelsa - POVStanding outside Ryker's office, I hesitated, confident that Nathan would be inside, managing Pack affairs in Ryker's absence. Taking a deep breath, I grappled with the realization that Nathan was my second mate.The door opened, revealing Nathan. His brown eyes, always so warm, met mine. "Planning to just stand there?" Nathan queried."I was wondering if I helped Ivan with that potion," I lied, stepping inside. Nathan closed the door, and a wave of warmth enveloped me."Please accept Nathan," urged Mary, my inner wolf."Quiet, Mary. I need time. Nathan hasn't acknowledged the mate bond; maybe he's unhappy," I replied, focusing on Ryker's administrative tasks.Nathan approached, holding a file, invading my personal space. I avoided his gaze, but his proximity left me no choice."Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.Raising an eyebrow, I retorted, "You've been avoiding me too. You only showed up yesterday to dance with me."His voice softened. "I'm sorry."“What do you mea
Flora – POVRyker looked at me, then at the pregnancy test I had taken before we were to leave for our honeymoon. "You're pregnant," he stated. I nodded, confirming his words."I'm so happy, Flora," Ryker said with a huge grin, embracing me tightly, his arms warm and reassuring. Tears of joy streamed down my face. I had been so anxious about my pregnancy, wondering if Ryker truly wanted to be a father. But seeing his happiness washed away all my fears, bringing a deep sense of relief."Aren't you happy, Flora? Why are you crying?" Ryker asked, a note of alarm in his voice as we stepped back from our embrace."They're happy tears, Ryker. I'm not sad," I replied, chuckling softly and wiping my tears. It was endearing to see the concern in his eyes shift to relief."We need to start planning for the baby. A new crib, and we must ensure that you have the best health care," Ryker began, his mind already racing with plans."Ryker, let's just enjoy this moment. We have plenty of time," I sai
Flora - POV Every year, I hoped to meet my omega wolf on my birthday. Most people meet their wolf's spirit at sixteen. So it's no surprise I was stuck doing laundry instead of advanced studies or combat training. Even though my dad was an omega, not having a wolf meant I didn't get the same opportunities. I was sick of being the pack's maid, washing dirty clothes daily. I would come home to my tiny, worn-out apartment, where I lived alone. My parents passed away when I was young, and I grew up an orphan. The wall clock glass was cracked, but it still worked. It was midnight, and now I was eighteen. At last, I was an adult. I lit a candle on a cookie - the only dessert I had. Before blowing it out, I wished for a better year and someone to love. Seeing everyone else with wolves with their families and partners, I felt so alone while I had nobody. I somehow fell asleep, even though I knew another busy day awaited me. Besides my usual laundry tasks, I also had to assist the kitchen
Flora–POV The next day, I did my usual chores: laundry for the pack. I felt the weight of hostile glares from others in the pack. I guessed they blamed me for Luna Methil's incident, but it was Cassie's plot to frame me. During my break, I saw Cassie and Bryan walking hand in hand. What hurt even more was watching Bryan gently caress Cassie's face before they shared a passionate kiss. The pain from last night's rejection was still fresh; seeing them together was like rubbing salt in the wound. Wiping away my tears, I went back to work. I paused when I overheard my name being discussed in the conference room. "Alpha Jude, please don't punish Flora," Cassie said, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "Cassie, you're kind to worry about an orphaned maid, but remember, she was fate mate of Bryan. She might also bring trouble for you and Bryan if she stays here," warned Alpha Jude. "You're right, Alpha Jude," Cassie replied, her voice soft and agreeable. "Call me 'father', Cassie. Y
Flora – POV "Alpha Ryker of the Black Mist Pack," the slave trader said, his voice quivering with fear. "If you're here, this place is finished." "You've got that right," came Alpha Ryker's cold reply. As he pulled me close with one hand, he swiftly ended the life of the slave trader with the other. I could hear the distant sound of fighting. "My team will shut down this illegal operation," Alpha Ryker reassured me. As he fought the guards and people and killed them mercilessly, it was a brutal scene, and he felt engulfed in anger after he wiped the blood from his hand and face. Looking down at me, he asked, "Where do you come from, my mate?" The sight of the surrounding blood made me hesitate. "I'm... I'm a rogue. I don't have a wolf," I admitted hesitantly, my heart heavy. The idea of facing another mate, especially after the pain of my earlier rejection, was daunting. The Moon Goddess had sent me a second chance on this stormy day to save me from more problems, or Would I be in
Flora – POV I walked to my bedroom just as Robina, the maid, entered with a jug of water. She was friendly, unlike some of the other maids I'd encountered. "Robina, do you mind if I ask you something?" I inquired. "Not at all, Ms. Evers." "First, please call me by my name. Second, can you tell me about Alpha Ryker's life?" I asked. "You mean about Alpha Ryker's family and love life?" Robina asked. "Alpha Ryker had a sister, but she was abducted by a rogue wolf and sold to slave traders. Since that day, Alpha Ryker vowed to find his sister and dismantle every slave trade operation to find a clue about his missing sibling. She was the only family he had left." A wave of sorrow washed over me as I listened to Robina. He must have suffered immensely. "What happened to Alpha Ryker's parents?" I asked. "Alpha Ryker's parents died in an accident when he was sixteen. After that, he took on the Alpha title of the Black Mist pack," Robina said, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I respect Alp
Flora–POV I couldn't sleep all night because I was watching over Ivan. I stepped out of his room while he was still asleep. When I exited, I met Robina's worried gaze. Before entering the house, she had to go through a security check. "Let me make you some coffee. You look like you could use one," Robina offered. She walked to the kitchen to prepare the coffee. I sat down, finding it unusual to relax on a luxurious couch. I was more accustomed to sitting on the floor, especially when a high-ranking wolf took the sofa. My thoughts drifted to Ivan. What had he seen? He wasn't ready to talk about it. Ryker had come in earlier to check on Ivan, but seeing him asleep, he left to pack matters. Ryker seemed concerned. "Flora, here's your coffee and breakfast," Robina handed it to me. I sipped the coffee, noting its premium quality, far better than what I was used to. I began eating the breakfast. "On my way here, I heard Alpha Ryker found the attacker's body near our pack's territory," Ro
Alpha Ryker - POV I returned to the pack after attempting to solve the mystery of the rogue's murder. With no clues, my frustration grew. I stopped when I picked up Ivan's scent near Alexia's place. I knocked on the door, and when it opened, I saw Alexia holding Ivan, who was munching on pancakes. "Ivan, how are you?" I asked, taking him into my arms. A wave of relief washed over me, seeing he seemed okay after the previous night's events. "Dad," Ivan said, hugging me tightly. "Why is Ivan with you, Alexia? I left him with Flora," I remarked. "I didn't want your mate to have the trouble of caring for a child while she's recovering," Alexia replied. I nodded, appreciating her consideration for Flora. I had initially thought Alexia might feel uneasy around Flora. "I'll take Ivan with me," I decided. As I began to walk away, I caught a faint whiff of Flora's scent nearby. Was she outside the bungalow? Just then, Ivan's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Dad, I have something to ask you