IvyI am running as fast as my short legs allow me, but I can feel Ryder gaining on me. I don't know why I'm running away instead of talking to him, but things between us were a bit weird last night.When I closed my eyes and tried to feel a connection between him and me, I felt strange.No, actually, it was more than just a strange feeling. It was electrifying.As I run, I realize I can't outrun Ryder forever. He is a lot faster than me.But why am I scared of him over a mere feeling?Okay, I lied. It's not just the feeling that made me want to run for the hills. It was a vision I saw in my mind when I closed my eyes. In my vision, I saw us together.My heart raced as I remembered the vision. It was vivid as if it were real. In the vision, Ryder and I were laughing and holding hands, walking down the forest. It felt so real, so perfect, that it scared me. And the worst of all, my belly was swollen, and I looked...Someone grabs my arm as I slow down to a stop, so I scream, "I'M NOT
IvyOn the night of the Lunar Ball, I am feeling excited and anxious at the same time.Okay, mostly just anxious.As I get ready for the ball, I feel a flurry of emotions. My heart is beating fast, and my hands are shaking as I apply my makeup. I keep second-guessing my dress. It's made of flowy, emerald-green fabric that glimmers in the light. I keep wondering if it's too revealing or not sexy enough.I take a deep breath and remind myself that you're going to have fun regardless of what happens with Ryder."Sweetheart, are you feeling alright? You look pale," Greta asks me as I fiddle with my hair. I turn to Greta and give her a small smile. "I'm just a bit nervous, that's all," I say, taking a deep breath. "I've never been to a Lunar Ball before, and I don't really know what to expect."Greta nods sympathetically. "I remember my first Lunar Ball. I was so nervous I thought I was going to faint. But once I got there, it was magical. You'll see."I smile gratefully at Greta, feeling
RyderIvy is taking a long time in the bathroom. She didn't run away, did she? I better go check on her.I go to look for the bathroom, and I eventually find it. I notice that the door is locked. I knock on it gently. "Ivy, are you okay in there? It's me, Ryder," I say softly, hoping she'll answer."Ry...Ryder?" I hear her meek voice from the inside.Yes, it's me. Are you okay in there?" I ask, concern evident in my voice.I hear Ivy taking a deep breath before responding. "Yeah, I'm okay. I just got scared," she says, her voice shaky."Scared? What happened?" I ask worriedly."I thought I saw something in the mirror," Ivy explains.My protective instincts kick in, and I immediately ask, "Do you want me to come in there with you? I can keep you safe."Ivy hesitates for a moment before answering. "Yes, please."I try the doorknob, but it's still locked. "Can you unlock the door for me?"After a few seconds, I hear the click of the lock, and I slowly push the door open. Ivy is standing
IvyOh, hell no.A tent?A fucking tent!?I shake my head furiously. "No, way. This isn't happening."Alpha Maurice furrows his brows at me. "Do you have a problem with this arrangement, Ivy?"I clear my throat, preparing to give him a speech. "Alpha Maurice, with all due respect, a tent isn't suitable for um...um...canoodling."Canoodling? Why the hell did I say that?Alpha Maurice raises an eyebrow at me. "And what, pray tell, would be suitable for canoodling?"I look at Ryder pleadingly, silently begging him to come up with something.Ryder takes a deep breath. "A private room, perhaps? A cabin or something?" he suggests.Alpha Maurice nods thoughtfully. "I see you are embarrassed, but it's a tradition to finish the mating ritual by mating where the whole pack is present."I look at Alpha Maurice incredulously. "Seriously? You want us to have sex in front of everyone?"Alpha Maurice nods again. "Yes, it's part of our traditions. It's a way for the pack to witness and acknowledge yo
RyderI can't believe this.I'm a freaking Alpha. I should be commanding Ivy, demanding her to submit under me. But here I am, indulging her some kind of sick fantasy.She is leaning back against the headboard, smirking as I'm standing here I'm front of her, about to take my clothes off."What are you waiting on? Take your clothes off!" Ivy teases me.I raise my eyebrows. "What? No music?"Ivy giggles, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, you want some music, do you?"I grin. "If you want me to do a strip tease, music will set the mood."Ivy laughs, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I wouldn't want to deprive you of that opportunity, Alpha."She reaches over to the nightstand and turns on the small speaker, selecting a playlist of seductive music.As the first notes begin to play, I start to unbutton my shirt, one by one. "You are a bad girl Ivy. I will punish you later for making me do this.""I am so scared," Ivy feigned a gasp.I chuckle, my heart lightening at her playful
IvyWhat is happening to me?And why isn't Ryder trying to help me? He got off me, but now he is staring at me with a stunned expression in his eyes.As the transformation continues, I feel my body changing in ways I could never have imagined. My skin tingles as vines start to grow around my arms and legs.At first, I am terrified by what is happening to me. But as the transformation reaches its peak, I start to feel a strange sense of peace wash over me. I feel connected to the earth in a way I never have before, and I can sense the life force of every plant and tree outside.I look up at Ryder, and for a moment, I see fear and confusion in his eyes. But then, his expression softens, and he reaches out to touch me. I feel a jolt of electricity run through my body as his fingers brush against my skin."Wow," he whispers, staring at me with wonder. "You're beautiful."Am I?I can't see myself yet. I lift my hand and hold it in front of my face.I look at my hand. My skin is now a pale
Ivy In the morning, I storm over to Alpha Maurice's den. I need answers about my past and I need them now. Alpha Maurice looks at me as if he has been expecting me. "Ivy, what's the good news? Did your wolf come out?" I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "No, but something else came out." Alpha Maurice squints at me as if he is confused. "Something else?" "Yes! Leaves came out of my body, and I turned green!" I chirp. Alpha Maurice furrows his brows. "Strange, I thought your wolf would've overpowered your other side." "My other side?" "Yes, it seems that way. But that still leaves the question of who your parents are. I assume that's why you're here?" Alpha asks. I nod. "Yes, I need to know. Do you have any information about them?" Alpha Maurice leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers. "I do, but it's not something I can just tell you outright. There are some things that you need to understand first." I cross my arms, feeling frustrated. "What things
IvyThe next day, I pack my bags and prepare to move to Ryder's pack. My heart pounds with anticipation and my chest feels heavy with emotion. I am about to leave everything I've ever known behind for Ryder.Greta comes into my room to help me. I look st her with teary eyes. She raised me like her own, so it'll be especially hard to leave her.Greta wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I'm going to miss you so much, Ivy," she says, her voice choked with emotion. "But I know this is what you want, what you need. And I support you all the way."I hug her back, tears streaming down my face. "Thank you for everything, Greta. You've been like a mother to me, and I'll always be grateful for that."Greta pulls back and cups my face in her hands, looking into my eyes. "You go out there and make a new home with Ryder. Build a life and a family. And never forget where you came from."I nod, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I won't forget, Greta. I promise."Greta hesitates a