LISA’S POV
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out as Ronan throws me over his shoulder.“Not so fast, Lis. I haven’t even gotten started yet, and you're already apologizing?” I don’t need to see his face to know he's smirking.“I didn’t mean to push you into the mud with your fast reflexes and all I thought you’d block me. I guess you’re not as fast as they say,” I taunt with a snicker, but the low growl that erupts from his chest lets me know he doesn’t find my joke funny.“Ronan,” someone calls his name, and he stops in his tracks, turning to face the person. I try looking, but his broad shoulders are all I can see.“Please, let me go,” I plead, wiggling in his hold, but his firm grip keeps me in place.The pack members don't like me as it is, and if some blabbermouth sees me like this pinned on his shoulder, they won't hesitate to tell the ‘Ronan fan Club’ as I like to call them.They haven’t accepted themselves as his fan club, but the unmated she-wolves with nothing better to do in this pack have this group where they crush hard on Ronan and make the life of every girl he talks to hell.The girls he talks to, the only girl talks to is me, so I've been on their radar for longer than I'm supposed to be. Not only do I get bullied for being weak, but I'm also being bullied by the girls who will probably never get a ‘hi’ from him.I don’t blame them for obsessing over him. Ronan is just so handsome. I can’t lie, I also had this huge crush on him when I was younger, I used to pray he would turn out to be my mate. But when my wolf came, she told me I was too weak for her to shift our wolf form, however she was strong enough to sense Ronan wasn’t my mate.I was a little heartbroken. I thought we might’ve been mates because of the way we clicked and had been friends since childhood and he didn't turn his back on me when my parents died and when I didn’t shift like my peers years ago.one thing I forgot was Ronan is two years older than me, and he would’ve recognized me as his mate two years earlier before I shifted.Mate bond or no mate bond, I still feel like he feels the same way as I do. I don’t know if it's just my delusions. I think he likes me too. I still have my hopes up, maybe someday we could be something.I’m taken out of my trance when Ronan finally sets me down. The mud has already caked onto my clothes, making me acutely aware of the mess I'm in.“What happened here?” Kyle, the beta’s son and also one of Ronan’s friends, strolls toward us his mulberry scent invading my nose. Unlike the other pack members, Kyle and I have never had any issues. He never bullied me or anything. He acts like I don’t exist, or when the other guys are talking trash about me, he just looks bored or leaves the spot, which, to be honest, is nice if you ask me.“Why are you here?” Ronan asks, steadying me on the floor.“I have some news for you,” Kyle speaks, sparing me a glance that says, 'Leave, this doesn’t concern you.' “Can we talk?” He turns his gaze to Ronan.I didn’t need to be told twice before I turned to leave, but Ronan pulled me back, holding me in place.His firm grip sends a jolt through me, a mix of frustration and vulnerability settling in my chest.“What do you want to talk about?” Ronan asks Kyle but his eyes land on me.“Can we talk? in private” Kyle mutters emphasizing the ‘private.’Ronan scans our surroundings; we are in the open fields. “I don’t see anyone lurking, and we are probably out of any strangers' earshot.”“Err, I think they need me in the pack house.” The tension is only growing, and I know he doesn’t trust me to listen to whatever it is he has to say.“Who said they need you at the pack house?” Ronan raises a brow; he knows the pack members hardly mind-link me; it was mostly him.“I, um, have chores. I didn’t finish my chores before I came to train. I think I should go finish them now.” I let out an awkward laugh, pulling my hand out of his grip, but he doesn’t budge."Let me go," I mind-link him since acting like he can't read signs anymore."Why?" His voice is in my head now. I wish I could slap that smirk off his face."Because Kyle has something important he wants to tell you, and I need to get this sticky mud off my body before it dries on me." I frown at him."Kyle can say what he wants here because I'm not done with you, at least not after what you did.""I said I'm sorry. Can we move on past that?" Why can't he just let it go? I apologized, but his stubbornness was infuriating. Does he enjoy seeing me like this?"You, of all people, know I don't forgive easily. You should've thought about that before pushing me into a puddle of mud." The smirk on his handsome face made a shiver run down my spine.“You know what, I think the news can wait. We'll talk later.” Kyle turns to leave. No, he can't leave. If he leaves, then Ronan will proceed to do whatever he's planning, and that evil glint in his eyes tells me he is up to no good.“No,” I yell, causing Kyle to stop at his pace. “You guys can talk. I was actually on my way to do something important.” I grit the last word out.I dig my fingers into his hand, causing him to let go of my hand.“Goodbye, have a good talk.” I smile, turning in the direction of the pack house, speed walking until I'm in front of the back door. Thankfully, there aren’t many people around.I quickly walked to the attic, which became my room after my parents' death. I slip out of my mud-soaked outfit and rush to the little bathroom adjoining my room. I take a long warm shower, taking my time washing all the mud and gravel from my hair.After my shower, I dress in a pair of my favourite sweatpants and a tank top. Crashing onto my bed, I open the health journal I borrowed from the library two days ago, I've been working there whenever I've got time, I'd clean the shelves and read any of the health books around in return, after med school the alpha said I couldn't do my residency because there weren't any open spot for me close to the pack territories, I'd have to go to another city.I wanted to go but he told me if left the pack I would be exiled, and that isn't an option, wolves can't live without a pack, they don't do well alone rumour has it that lone wolves end up killing their selves due to pain
I don't like my life here but not to the point of killing myself, so had to stay here and work for Suzie, the mean librarian plus even if I got my licence no one would let me come close to them much less treat them.
shaking off the thought, I read a few paragraphs when exhaustion from all the running and training kicks in, and I drift off.***I jolt awake, the sensation of cold water drenching me. What now? My mind races to make sense of the situation. I scan my surroundings. The Earthy scent and with the help of the moon’s light I could see the abundance of pine and oak trees which told me I was in the woods, probably nearest to the borders of the pack for it is known for having lots of pine trees.“Welcome back, sleeping beauty. I thought you were dead, but all that snoring said otherwise.” Ashley spits with venom, and her three minions Gemma, Vale and Astrid giggle behind her.What did I do now? I know I did everything she asked of me before I left for training, and I'm not in charge of dinner today. Why is she doing this now? Why has she brought me out here?Ashley is the gamma’s daughter who finds peace in my misery. She has been bullying me right from our childhood. She hated the fact that Ronan was friends with me and not her. She’s also the leader of the Ronan Fan Club.I try moving, but my hands and legs have been chained in place with silver. I know because I can feel the burning sensation on my skin.“I did all the things you asked me to do,” I croaked out, my heart racing within my chest. Fear is consuming me, but I try my best to not show it. I can’t give them the benefit of the doubt.“Who said this has anything to do with chores?” A smirk appears on her overly contoured face. I don't know if she and her minions don't look in the mirror while they paint their faces, or if they’re blind because they never fail to look like clowns.“Then why are you doing this to me?”“My hands were itching, and I thought I might scratch them.”Before I could say anything, I felt a blow to my left cheek and another to my right cheek. I taste the metallic flavour of blood on my tongue.“You don't do makeup, so I thought I'd give you a reason to apply some. Isn't that right, girls?” Ashley spits, and her minions giggle their approval.I stay in place as her minions join in the fun, as she'd like to call it. I close my eyes as their hits come from every angle.‘It will all be over soon.’ I chant the same words in my head. I always tell myself whenever I'm getting bullied.Without notice, lightning strikes, and rain begins pouring. Strange, I remember checking the forecast in the morning and it didn’t say anything about raining today.“That's enough, girls. Let's go. I can't mess my hair up; I just got it done,” Ashley speaks before turning to leave with her minions following after her.They've done worse things, but now that I'm all alone on the grass in this woods, I feel so alone. The worst part is I can't even call for help because no one would help me. If I'm not lucky and someone comes, they'll only make fun of me or do even worse things.I try crying, but no. After everything, I can't even cry. I try, but nothing. My eyes are still as dry as ever. I don't know if it's a curse or a gift that I can't even cry after getting humiliated and not being able to defend myself.Unlike other times, I don't even try to free myself. I just lie on the ground as the raindrops fall harshly on my body drenching my clothes.When will this all come to an end? When can I finally be able to stand up for myself and show them I'm not as weak as they think me to be?“Lisa,” my ear picks up Ronan’s voice. Am I hearing things or is he somewhere in this woods?LISA'S POV“Oh my word, Lisa? who did this to you?” He kneels to my level, but I avoid eye contact, burying my face into the now-wet grass.Ronan is the last person I want to find me in this pathetic state; he will probably think I’m a weak wolf that can’t defend herself: it’s true, but it still hurts.A growl escapes Ronan's chest as he breaks the silver chains with a menacing sound. I unintentionally release a sigh when the pain the silver has been causing me seizes.He scoops me into his arms; my weak attempts to resist are silenced when he holds me so close to his chest.“I want names," he turns my face towards him, his eyes darkened, his fingers brushing my tangled hair away. Focusing my gaze on him wasn’t easy due to the heavy raindrops befalling my eyes making it hard to see.When I don’t respond, he didn't ask again but sprints out of the woods with me still tucked in the security of his arms, with no clue as to where he’s taking me.Until his house comes into view. Unlike the
LISA'S POVThe amount of sleep I'm getting feels nice, but for some reason, there isn't the usual pack commotion; that can't be possible.My eyes snap open, scanning my surroundings. This isn't my room. I'm in a dark-themed room with a few touches of white.Looking down, I notice I'm lying naked with nothing but a large duvet covering me. Recalling the events of last night, I feel my cheeks heat up. Instead of the typical pack house commotions, Ronan's arms envelop me in the quiet room, with only the sounds of his light breathing and his musky cedar-wood scent calming my nerves.Turning to face him, I find him looking even more charming in his sleep, lashes cascading down his face. My eyes linger on his bare chest adorned with tattoos. I knew he had a tattoo, but I've never seen it this close.A huge flower design on the left side of his chest catches my attention. It looks like a rare flower, yet it seems familiar. I don't know, but I've seen it somewhere.I bring my hand to his ches
LISA’S POV. I attempted to move again, but my feet remained stubborn as if a magnetic force held me in place. I scanned the room, heart pounding, searching for a hiding spot, but none presented itself. The bed caught my eye, and despite the hassle, it seemed like a viable hiding place. "Ronan," Kyle's voice boomed, too late. Kyle stood by the door, eyes shifting between Ronan and me. I took a few steps away from Ronan, trying to appear nonchalant despite the beads of sweat forming on my feet and my uncontrollably shaking legs. “You’re not ready?” Kyle's eyes travelled down Ronan’s bare torso. “What brings you here, Kyle” Ronan questioned. “I’m here to congratulate you, of course.” Kyle stuffed his hands in the pocket of his baggy shorts. Congratulate him! For what? Ronan’s birthday was two months ago. “You’re taking over today. Figured I should drop by before the ceremony,” Kyle explained. Take over? Ceremony? Big day. It clicked; it was Ronan’s succession ceremony. I had fo
LISA’S POVSuccession ceremonies had always been intimate events, usually held in the pack hall or by a bonfire on the beach. However, this time, it was taking place in the open garden close to the borders, which I find a little odd. But, judging by the auras I sensed, there were a lot of guests from other packs, so perhaps they picked this venue for security reasons.I take in a deep breath, turning to the mirror by the entrance. My dress is still in good shape, but my bun, on the other hand, wasn’t as neat as it was. Few strands had stuck out of the bun, making it look messy and a bit sweaty.Running here was a bad idea, but with no means of transport and no one willing to give me a lift, running down here was the only option left on my table, and with my slow short legs, it wasn’t easy.I released my hair from the bun and raked my fingers through it, attempting to make it appear neater before stepping into the garden.My jaw almost dropped to the floor when I took in the place. It
Lisa’s POV:"Everyone, this is my mate Gretchen," Ronan’s voice etched in my head.Mate?The same man I spread my legs for not less than twenty-four hours ago? I think I'm missing something here.He said he loved me, or did he?Did he say those words to get into my pants? Is that his way of torturing me? Using me and dumping me?No! That can’t be the case. We’ve been friends since childhood. Maybe his parents forced him.There must be a reason why he’s picking this beautiful girl with a sweet, unassuming smile and perfectly styled hair over me.She has big blue eyes that are prettier than my dull brown ones, her hair may not be as long as mine, but they were curled into perfection.She is everything I'm not—prettier, nicer, and definitely stronger, but he said he loved me. There must be a mistake.Maybe it’s all a nightmare, so I punched myself, hoping this scene unfolding before me disappears, and I find myself in the safety of my room.When the scene does disappear, I pinch myself a
LISA’S POVSEVEN YEARS LATER“Chrissy and the hot guy in room five are having an affair,” Jessica whispered into my ear, and I almost choked on the hot coffee.“Oh, come on, Jessica, can you not,” I complained, taking another sip of my coffee with a grimace. We're currently standing by the vending machine, aka Jessica’s favorite gossiping spot or tea-spilling spot, as she liked to call it.Jessica and I have been friends for seven years now. After the pack, I ran out of money faster than I thought because I got scammed and almost molested.Jessica’s father found me sleeping on the side of an alleyway and offered to take me home with him. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I didn't have much time to think due to my exhaustion, and following him was the best decision I've made.He treated me as if I were no different from his other children without asking me about my past or how I ended up in the alleyway. When I asked him why he hadn’t asked, he said I will tell him when I’m ready in
RONAN’S POV“I’m sorry, sir, but there's nothing I can do about this,” the short old man said taking off his glasses. He is the fifth healer we’ve invited to treat my dad this month alone, but like the other many doctors and healer his response is same as the rest.Everyone has told me to give up on him, but I can’t bring myself to do it I can’t let him go not now not ever he is the only family I have left. After a group of rebels attacked the pack three years ago, my mother was killed and my father got injured while trying to protect her.In the end, we were able to fight them off and kill the whole group, but nothing about it made me feel victorious. We were left with a few injured wolves, but I lost my mother and I'm slowly losing my father too.While fighting the rebels, my father got stabbed with a weird dagger to the chest, but the doctors here were able to save him, hoping his body will do the rest of the healing. The healing stopped, and he was slowly dying.A healer that ca
Ronan’s POV“That was fast,” Kyle spoke when I walked into my office. He is seated across from an old lady in an ancient-looking cloak, her full grey hair in two long plaits on each side of her shoulders. I figured she is the Marien who came to us with a solution to my dad’s illness.I took a seat across from them. “Hello, Marien. I heard you found a way to treat my father,” I ask, going straight to the point.“Well, after a few tests with a friend of mine, I think we have found a way to save him. I don’t know if it will work, but it will most probably work.”“And what is it?” I try my best to keep the eagerness at bay.“Well, after some pondering, I remembered I had a friend who had treated a case similar to your father’s-““And where can we find that friend?” I cut in.Marien smiles. “Patience, child.”“Well, my friend who treated this case is, well, no longer with us. I found out she passed away a long time ago.” The little hope I had before coming into this room slowly dies.“But,