Ryan's point of view
The huge door creaked open, and I stepped in arrogantly, my heels echoing off the marble floor. I strode gracefully like the god I was, my presence silencing even the faintest whispers.
I sat on the gold-carved throne, my arms draping lazily over the throne's armrests.
"You called my attention? Speak!" I ordered, my voice sharp. "Why was my attention so desperately needed?" I asked.
The elders exchanged glances, afraid to speak. My presence evoked fear in everyone nearby, and I enjoyed watching them quiver before they spoke.
Marcus, the eldest, mustered enough courage to clear his throat.
"My Alpha," Marcus began, his tone low, "it is a matter of urgency regarding your Luna. The pack requires stability. Without a Luna—"
A cold laughter flowed out of my tongue cutting him off, sharp and biting.
"My Luna," I drawled, leaning forward, "is out there, running. But she won't get far. She's mine."
The room grew colder with my words hanging in the air, the elders shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
"My Alpha," Marcus dared again, though his voice faltered, "time is of the essence. The council—"
"Enough." Ryan's tone was ice. He stood, his towering figure casting a shadow over Marcus. His eyes glowed faintly, the beast within him stirring. "Speak out of turn again, Marcus, and I'll ensure you'll never speak another word. Do you understand me?"
Marcus's face turned pale, and he nodded quickly, sitting back in his seat like the coward he was. The rest of the elders shifted their gaze to their palms, too afraid to look me in the eyes.
The thought that I was outrightly rejected by my Luna on the day of my coronation made my stomach churn with bitterness. How dare she?
My wolf rejected her, but I accepted her. Then, in return, what did she do? She rejected me.
"I don't want to be your Luna," she whispered, slowly walking away from me.
I felt humiliated. I tried to call her attention, but it turned out that her mind was made up. She ran off without stealing a glance at me.
My wolf growled. He seemed pleased by the air of dominance I breathed out. Despite how arrogant I looked, I was still afraid—afraid of the unknown. I needed a successor, someone who'd take over this kingdom after I passed away.
"I don't wish to speak of this anymore," I said, snapping my head up. With a final glare at them, I walked outside.
The cool breeze of the night bit my skin as I made my way to the sleek black car in my garage. I slid into the back seat, my jaw tight.
"To the party," I said curtly to the driver.
The engine hummed beneath as the car sped through the tarred road. My lips parted, warm breath escaping through them.
The party was a loud one. The Alpha of the Crescent Pack had invited me. He was celebrating his anniversary with his wife. The beating of the music reverberated through the atmosphere, and I watched the strippers gyrate to the music, my gaze feeding on their seductive bodies.
"I'm glad you made it," Alpha Davon said. I swirled the glass cup in the air, my lips resting on it. The hot whiskey burned down my throat, offering the warmth I had deprived myself of.
My wolf shifted in discomfort. I could hear him whisper in my ear,
"Mate."
Mate? I thought I was without a mate. My wolf had rejected every lady I had an affair with. I only settled down with Kyle because she was the daughter of one of the most powerful Alphas, Alpha Derrick—the bastard who murdered my father while I was young. Without Kyle, I wouldn't have my revenge on him. She was just the perfect pawn I needed to get close to him.
My wolf clawed beneath my skin, threatening to overwhelm me.
My eyes scanned the room, my hand tightening around the glass I held as I spotted the woman approaching me. The party light was dim; I couldn't see her face.
Davon's voice turned muffled, every sound drowning in my mind. She stopped a few meters away from me, her gaze locking with mine.
"I'll see you soon," Davon said, patting me on my chest before walking out. I bet he noticed I was lost, staring at the goddess before me.
She craved me as much as I did, and I watched her lips moan my name as we explored our bodies in one of the suites. She was drunk, I noticed. But everything about her was irresistible.
I couldn't even remember her name, just her scent, which had weirdly occupied a space in my head.
Exhausted, I lay beside her, our breathing shallow.
The first ray of sunlight pierced through the curtains, pulling me up from my sleep. I squinted, getting my pupils accustomed to the harsh rays of sunlight.
A smile curved up my lips, and I turned to meet the lady I had made out with. She was gone.
"Damn it!" I muttered, running a hand through my hair. How could I be that careless? How did I let her go that easily?
My wolf growled in frustration. My jaw clenched, my fists turning into knuckles. My eyes scanned the room, searching for clues or anything related to her. Predictably, she left without a trace. I couldn't forgive myself for such a dire mistake.
The shrill ringing of my phone pierced through the atmosphere. I reached for it, dragging it to eye view. Alpha Derrick. Perfect timing, huh?
"You failed to appear at dinner yesterday with Kyle. Got any explanation for that?" he questioned.
My chest tightened with anger, and I rolled my eyes in frustration. How do I tell him that I haven't set an eye on his daughter for the past six months? I had no clue of her whereabouts.
"Pack duties. We had rogues in town, and I had to drive them away. Kyle is safe and happy," I replied, my voice firm.
"Okay. I've longed to see you both. When can we meet next?" he asked, his voice gruff.
"Umm… I'd be traveling soon. When I'm back… maybe," I replied, a hint of skepticism laced in my voice.
"Okay. See you soon," he said, hanging up. I rolled my eyes in frustration, walking into the bathroom.
Hot liquid raced down the shower head, washing away last night's grime. I could feel her breath on me, the way she moaned my name. I had a lot of concubines and maids at my disposal, but she? She was damn special.
I slipped into my coat, walking out of the suite with a cool demeanor. A glance at my wristwatch, I realized I was late. My pack got settled down in the Asian continent, and I was going to choose a beta.
"To the airport," I said to the driver, leaning on the plush leather chair and shutting my eyes, my mind racing to the mysterious woman I met last night. My mate.