Ryan’s Pov
We Stand on the forest floor woven with ancient tree roots. I can hear the distant river and breaking tree branches from a distance. The car cannot go any further. Philip and I decided to walk. The drive from school appeared to be longer than I expected. All I can wonder is how she managed to get to school every single day without a car. Did buses really come all the way here? The forest is silent yet again.
There is a direct pathway that leads inside. All I can ask myself is why I had not taken the opportunity to visit nature once again. Everything looked breathtakingly beautiful. Nature has always been part of the Moon goddess. And it ought to be the responsibility of every werewolf to take care of it. Perhaps that's why my mate lives here to begin with. I can only assume that she is a lover of nature.
“Do you think she's home right now?’’
“She has nowhere else to go; you saw her class records. She hardly ever misses any day. She has perfect attendance at school. She isn't the type to get out of her way and hang out with friends if she has any to begin with. I fail to understand why. She is incredibly beautiful. She is breathtaking. Why would she choose to isolate herself this way?
We walk for a couple of minutes more before we come to the land clearing where a cabin is built in the middle. Even though I didn't expect much, the cabin was so little that I had time to understand how a father and his daughter lived there alone.
“WATCH OUT!’’ I reach for Philip and I pull him down with me; the arrow comes darting over our heads and towards a tree. Another arrow is shot and I rolled to the ground, letting it miss the target.
I am filled with rage as I focus my senses on the heartbeat around. We were not alone.
Philip disappears towards the distant bushes. With the golden opportunity, I push myself up and charge in the opposite direction where the arrows are coming from.
Another arrow is shot towards me, but the skills are reckless. Like a drunkard trying to use a bow and arrow for the first time. Supporting my weight on a large mahogany tree in the middle, I jumped forward, making contact with an elderly man who had been standing behind the trees.
Philip comes from behind him and his fingers are swerve around the man's neck, strangling him. The bow and arrow slip from his fingers and he falls down with Philip. Anger and irritation flood my features. An attempt against my own life calls for the punishment of death.
“Who are you?” the mocking smile on his face does not change. Even with my beta’s hands still around his neck. He doesn't act threatened in the slightest way. He is unbothered.
Then the color of his eyes remind me of someone. Realization dawns on me like a lighted bulb.
“Is that your house?’’ I point back to the cabin in the woods. He stares at it and then back at me.
Giving a signal, Philip releases him and the man moves from Philip with a fearful expression. He tries to dust himself.
“Who are you and why are you trespassing my land?’’
The question gave me the answer I needed. But it equally provides more confusion than I originally had.
“This is a forest. It is a public land and it does not belong to any individual.’’ I can tell by the expression on his face that he did not share those thoughts.
Why am I not surprised?
“I believe you are Taylor's father. Am I right?’’
The expression on his face becomes heavy. He stands on his feet but he ends up stumbling forward. My eyebrows furrowed as I stared at him. Something was off about this man. But maybe I was just being skeptical.
“W… Who are yo- you and what are you doi… doing here?” He tries his best to form a complete sentence. He does not stand but I can tell by his movements that he wasn't sober.
“I'm just looking for your daughter, sir. May we come in.’’ I stared back at The Cabin in an attempt to hear another heartbeat but no one was there. The frustration almost kills me. I want to see her. To talk to her again and to understand why she was running from me.
“My daughter is not here. She isn't back from school yet.’’ the man said.
“Do you know when she's going to be here?’’ I ask.
“Not soon.’’ he answers in a heartbeat. “Do you.. uhh.. would you tell me what this is about?’’
Philip and I stare at each other and then back at Mr. Brooke.
“We have a school project.’’
I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. Mr. Brooke looks at us skeptically and I can tell he doesn't quite believe us. He stares at me with his eyes almost shot. The intoxication of the alcohol is evident even by the way he smiles.
"A school project, huh? And what exactly is this project about?" he asks.
"It's a history project," Philip chimes in. "We're researching the local legends and folklore of the area and we thought your daughter might have some insight on it."
Mr. Brooke’s expression suddenly sobered a bit and he nodded. "I see. Well, I'm afraid she won't be able to help you. She's been away at school for the past year and she hasn't been back home since."
"That's alright," I say, trying to hide my disappointment. "We understand. Thank you for your time, Mr. Brooke."
"No problem, boys. Good luck with your project," he says as he starts to close the door.
“Thank you sir…’’ there was still something off about the man. I hoped it was because he attacked us, or maybe it is because of how easily he turned into a sweet person in just the flash of second. He was eager to make a sleeve. He didn't want us here and there had to be a reason behind it.
“You boys don't look like students. If your students then why would you attack me like that?”
He tries his best to stand up straight. This man was drunk. As drunk as he could possibly be, I can tell by his bloodshot eyes and his impaired speech, that I've seen this in my brother a couple dozen times.
“You attacked first, sir. We only defended ourselves.’’ Philip recounts.
Mr Brooke remained quiet. I look at the man more closely. He looks so familiar. Yet again, all I can think is that I am comparing him to his own daughter. He had her image. Especially her eyes. Even a blind man could see that there was a striking resemblance between the both of them. But I didn't want him to be the type of person who reminded me of my mate. I wanted to trust the man but something was just off with him. Maybe it's because I generally do not like drunkards. Or maybe it's the fact that he attacked us to begin with.
“We're leaving now. When Taylor comes back, pass the information that we were looking for her for the project. The teacher will give us a bad score if we don't submit early’’ He nods his head vigorously, as if desperate for us to leave. I noticed it but I said nothing. Philip throws down the bow and arrow in a place out of his reach, and then I nod my head before turning around and walking away. My mate was not here for some reason. Home is not the first place that she thought to come.
“Let me out. I'm going to find her.’’ My wolf demands.
Taylor’s Pov “What the fuck did I do?’’ I hear the sound of my father's voice as soon as I enter the room. He seems to be conversing with himself. Something he hardly ever does unless he is having a nightmare about the day my sister died. Today however, he's standing in front of the mirror in our living room, reprimanding himself or something. “What did I fucking do? I should have told them that…’’ Suddenly, his head flips in my direction and the color of his eyes direct to darker ones. His wolf is almost emerging and I haven't seen my father in this state of anger before. “You little bitch, I told you countless times to mask your scent. I told you to be careful and no one should know who you are or where you live.’’ he clenches his fists as he approaches me. I can see the hatred in his eyes. His emotions are much different from his normal ones. He is looking at me like he could tear me apart any moment now. It scares me. My father is capable of doing anything cruel and inhuman. “
Ryan's POV All my life I have learnt to keep my emotions in check. To understand them and to balance them resourcefully. But with her, I find myself losing control, letting my emotions run wild, and it is the most beautiful feeling in the world. Each day with her feels like a blessing, and I am grateful for every moment I spend with her by my side. I cannot help but feel that the universe has brought us together for a reason. I will be honored to be her partner, her protector, and her lover. I will spend the rest of my days cherishing her, loving her and making her happy. That was why, when I stared at her in that broken and painful situation, it crushed my heart. It took everything in me not to tear her father apart. “Son.’’ the voice of my father resonates over the room as he enters. There is a curious expression plastered on his face as he moves towards me and embraces me. “Father.’’ “I heard what happened, is the girl okay?’’ he asked the question with a hint of worry lac
Taylor's POV When I open my eyes, the first thing that intrudes is the sharp light that almost blinds me. I have a splitting headache but yet there is a feeling that this is the least of my worries. I'm laying on a warm surface, my wolf is suddenly awake inside me and I feel that I'm in danger. Using what little strength I feel I have left, I kick and fight against the person holding the hands down. “Easy there, little one.’’ the masculine voice says with almost a hint of mockery and laughter. My struggles and attempts to save myself are in vain. I am weak and feeble, unable to move and unable to do anything for myself. It only reminds me of who I am. How pathetic am I? Is this one of my father's main games? Is this his idea of getting rid of me now? “The alpha assigned me to take good care of you because he trusts me the most. I think that should be enough to get you to understand that I'm not here to hurt you, Taylor.’’ The man holding me down is a wolf just like myself. I ca
Ryan's POV I knew that it was going to be difficult. I expected a challenge from her. I understood why she didn't trust me. Yet at the same time, I had expected that she would feel the bond between us and she wouldn't have this much doubt. When she asked me that question however, nothing broke my heart as much as that. The very idea that my mate would think of me as a person that would harm her. As werewolves we are taught that the only people who we can rely on and depend on are the mates whom the moon goddess has blessed us with. I have lived my life thinking about how I'm going to love and protect my mate and want to meet her. I would burn down the whole world if she was in danger. But she thinks so low of me. The idea of even poisoning her or lacing her food would never cross my mind. Not in a thousand light-years. “I am hurt that you think so low of me.’’ her beautiful blue eyes as she looks into mine makes me feel like I'm connecting to her in ways that are not possible. Ho
Taylor We had a civilized conversation. Or at least I would think so. I haven't really been able to sit down and talk to another person in a long time. “You still managed to be the invisible girl despite being extremely intelligent.’’ Ryan spoke, setting aside his plate. Before any of these, I hadn't even realized where the conversation began. All I know is that one moment, we were sitting in silence having our meal, and then the next, we were engrossed in a conversation so deeply that I felt like I had known him for a thousand years. “ It's not really about intelligence. If I answered all the questions correctly, then I'll get an unwanted attention.’’ I said, with my head lowered. “You made yourself average on purpose?’’ he asked me, looking all serious like he was expecting more from me. And of course he was. I remain silent for a moment. There is an unfamiliar feeling of Joy inside of my heart, something I haven't felt in a long time, but talking about my grades will only
Taylor's Pov Raul had come in to check on me almost three times today. The doctor didn't appear to be as hostile as I expected. Yet I couldn't just trust anyone in this Pack. “Do you have any idea where my father is being held?’’ I asked, and he looked up at me with shock. He draws out the syringe from my arm and proceeds to place a cotton ball soaked in spirit over the incision. “I have no idea my queen.’’ “I told you not to call me that. I am not..’’ “The alpha has made it clear that you will be the Queen of this Pack.’’ “Ryan shouldn't..’’ “Not alpha Ryan.’’ It is dense. The doctor is hesitant. “Alpha Joseph is also quite happy about your arrival.’’ I could tell that he was incredibly afraid just by mentioning his Alpha's name, as the expression on his face was not the same one when he had mentioned Ryan. He was a little bit more calm, and his shoulders were dropped. I had learnt to study a person's behavior from years of being beaten up by my father. It will become a ne
Ryan’s Pov Nothing is ever out of control. Nothing is out of my hands. I have grown up learning and believing that I am in control of the things that happen. But I've never been so unsure about something as I am right now. I went out with Philip to hunt as planned. Changing or canceling my plans would have blown the whistle to whoever was watching and following us. I hate feeling vulnerable. Perhaps, part of the reason why I had decided to not blow the whistle is because I welcome the challenge. I was frustrated and pent-up with thought about my mate that I would really appreciate beating up someone right now. It was part of the reason why I chose to pretend that Philip and I knew nothing about the intruder. Ever since meeting my mate, I have not really been out to train the warriors. I left it all to Phillip and Nikita and my father. I haven't really complained about my absence. He was just as equally supportive about my mate and he wanted the both of us united as soon as possib
Ryan’s Pov “Because an alpha never thinks with his heart alone.’’ We stand at a safe distance away from the warriors and anyone else. A space that guarantees nothing but absolute privacy. “There was someone following us while we were hunting.” I changed the subject immediately. I could tell where my father was headed with what he had to say. His statement had created doubt that I didn't think was possible. I couldn't help but wonder whether I had made the right decision by choosing my fated mate and not a different woman of Higher political gain. Yet for my father to agree with my decision must also mean that he also benefits from this union. whether or not I would like to agree to it, but the fact that he has given me his blessings, is more than enough for me to go by. I choose to not continue that conversation any longer. My father and I have always maintained a public appearance. We are always united. together. Yet in private, our differences are unearthing. The same thing a