Ryker Pov
Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he remarked. “You have proved yourself to be worthy of me. You will follow me back to the pack.”
Zephyrine laughed. A soft, breathy laugh at first, then a full, dissing laugh that filled the air between them.
Ryker's eyes hardened and he tensed. "What is so funny?" She tilted her head and crossed her arms. "Your audacity." There was a coldness beneath the amusement that lit up her eyes. "I do not know who you think you are, but I do not know you at all."
" Do not play games with me, Zephyrine."
“Who’s playing?” She took another step forward, looking at his stance stiffening. “I truly am unfamiliar with you. I wouldn't waste any more time on you, even if I did."
“You are talking to an Alpha. Show your respect. I can get rid of you from where you stand.”
“You can’t even if you try. "I’m not that weak, wolf-less girl you rejected anymore.”
He took a step closer, looming over her. His presence was meant to be intimidating, but Zephyrine didn’t even flinch. If anything, she seemed amused.
“You’ve grown bold,” he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.
Zephyrine smirked, tilting her head. “And you’ve grown desperate.” She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “You came all this way, to Terran, to beg for help." An Alpha, on his knees before another Alpha, asking for troops to defend your pack. I’m sure that must sting.”
“Is that why you’re with him?” he demanded, his voice dropping an octave. “Are you seeing Terran?”
Zephyrine arched a brow. “And why would that concern you?”
His nostrils flared. “Because you belong to me.”
“I think your audacity is affecting your thinking. Let me make myself clear Ryker. You got yourself a mate. Focus on that.”
“Camille was chosen by the Elders, not by me. And it was a mistake.”
Zephyrine laughed softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "That's not my problem," she said. "Your mistake is thinking you can just walk back into my life and act like I'm yours to take back."
A sly smile spread across his face. "You can pretend otherwise, but I know you still miss me," he said, feeling confident in what he said.
Is this man for real?
Ryker took her silence as permission to continue. “I know you were devastated after your first mate died.” His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he took a step closer. “Even he wasn’t worthy of you. That’s why the bond never fully formed. That’s why you don’t have the mate mark.”
Her fingers twitched at her sides.
"And no one will ever choose you," he pressed, his voice turning almost pitying. "You should just come back to me before you regret it for the rest of your life."
When he saw her expression, he thought he had finally made her see sense in what he said. Finally, I have you all to myself again.
The moment the last word left his lips, the air shifted.
Ryker’s body jerked.
He was hit with an invincible force that felt incredibly strong, and it knocked him to his knees. His muscles tensed, leaving him unable to move. His head snapped up, and for the first time, fear flashed in his eyes.
Zephyrine’s own eyes burned with power. "You will never insult my first mate again," she said, her voice like ice.
He struggled, gritting his teeth. "Zeph—"
Her fingers twitched again, and an unseen force pressed him lower. His hands hit the dirt. His arms trembled as he fought against the pressure, but it was useless.
She moved closer, standing over him. "Over my dead body will I ever think of being your mate,” she said, her voice deadly quiet.
Then, with one final motion of her hand, Ryker bowed.
His forehead touched the ground.
His body trembled, his pride in shreds, as he struggled against the invisible force holding him captive. "What have you done to me? "Release your Alpha this instant," he growled.
She wanted to let it go on a little bit longer, but she had made
“Have a good day, Alpha.” She lets go of him and leaves.
Ryker inhaled sharply, pushing himself to his feet.
“She will not get away with this.”
He breathed heavily in anger as he walked quickly to the guest rooms, thinking of ways to defeat her. Just because she had powers now didn't mean she was unbeatable.
“Ryker?”
Camille stood near the hallway, her arms crossed, watching him closely. “How was it?”
He ignored her and kept walking, his footsteps heavy against the floor.
She huffed and quickly followed. “Hey! What is wrong with you? What happened there?” Ignore me all you want, shit head.
Ryker threw the door open to his guest room, stepping inside. Camille slipped in before he could shut her out, her sharp gaze locked on him.
She was waiting for an answer. He let out a deep breath, turning to face her. His features softened—not with affection, but with carefully placed remorse. “I owe you an apology,” he said.
Camille’s brows furrowed in surprise. "What for?"
"Because of how I've been treating you," he said softly.I know I've been cold and you've had questions. You deserve better."
She studied him, narrowing her eyes. “You expect me to believe that after the way you ignored me just now?”
“I know. And I am sorry.”
“Why? Let me guess. "She rejected you?” she mocked.
He forced a low chuckle. “You think she could reject me?” He stepped closer, tilting his head as if amused by the idea. “No, Camille. Zephyrine is playing a game—pretending she’s someone she’s not. But it won’t last.”
Camille scoffed, crossing her arms. “And that suddenly makes you realize you’ve treated me poorly?” Her eyes narrowed, searching his face for deception.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair, his expression carefully measured. It made me realize that I needed to start valuing what I have. That includes you.”
Her lips parted slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked them with a skeptical look. “What do you want, Ryker?”
He smirked. She was predictable.
“I need your help.”
Just like I guessed, who does this man think I am? Camille thought, masking her face with a coy smile. “Help?” she repeated, tilting her head slightly. “What could I possibly do for you, Alpha?”
“Remember the rumors that have been spreading about this prophecy?”
Camille’s lips parted slightly before she nodded. “Of course." Everyone has.”
His smirk deepened. “Good. "Then let’s add to the whispers. He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. “Let’s make them believe Zephyrine is the one meant to fulfill it.”
For a brief moment, Camille stilled. Then, realization dawned, and a slow, knowing smile spread across her face. “You want to turn them against her,” she murmured, amusement flickering in her eyes.
“She will regret messing with me.” His fingers curled into fists at his sides. And when there’s nowhere left for her to run… she’ll come back to me.