Page 7

A sudden, loud noise wakes me from my sleep, jarring me into a defensive stance.

I scan my surroundings and relax as I see nothing out of place.

As I take in the familiar sight of the cave, Jasmine whines lowly in my mind, reminding me why we are here in the first place.

I huff at the flood of emotions running through me.

They rush by so fast I barely have time to tell what they are.

Seems like a recurring theme in the life of Jade Collins, I think bitterly to myself.

Streaks of lights shining through the strands of vines tell me that I've slept through the night.

I wonder if Ryder is having a temper tantrum of his own over not being able to find me.

I gently step towards the entrance, pausing at the pool of water to quench the thirst that built overnight.

Once there, I use my snout to part a sliver in the vines.

I cautiously scan my environment. Though the Royal Pack is the most protected pack land in North America, my training has taught me to always be weary while my parents taught me to rely on my instincts.

This time my instincts tell me no one is around, especially Ryder Mathews.

Well...he could have hidden his scent, but I feel as though I would still sense him near.

I exit my nighttime shelter and sniff the air around me. Within seconds I am able to pick up the scents of the Royal Pack members and begin to track them back to the Castle.

The trek back is seemingly a lot longer than I believed it to be last night, but nearly an hour into my walk, I hear a snap to my left.

I immediately focus my attention on the sound, partially relieved to find a Royal Pack member.

A quick inspection of the wolf tells me they are a pack warrior.

As I evaluate the situation, two more pack warriors emerge behind the first.

The wolves move closer as if to herd me back in the direction of the Castle, but I growl lowly as a warning. The leading warrior's eyes glaze over quickly before returning to normal, letting me know he had mind-linked someone. I'll take500 for Ryder, Alex!

I roll my wolfy eyes and begin to walk past the warriors.

My path is suddenly cut off by the two newest wolves.

I narrow my eyes and growl a second time.

Their wolves struggle against their humans to submit to me.

'Please move. Your presence isn't necessary,' I tell them through the link.

Both wolves shake their heads, making me growl louder in annoyance.

I take confident steps forward and push my way through both of them.

However, they once again move to stop me.

I growl ferociously and snap my jaws in their direction.

I make eye contact with them both, daring them to try again.

This time both humans allow their wolves to submit and they bow their heads.

I continue on my way with the warriors following close behind. A few minutes pass before I hear paws pounding on the forest floor. The fantastic scent of lime and cedarwood floods my nose and I know who's coming before I see him.

Ryder's wolf bursts through the trees, stopping and then finding me with his eyes.

His wolf is beautiful, as I imagined he would be.

He stands a few inches taller than me. His wolf is midnight black with a circular patch of white fur around his right eye, the signature design of a Yin Yang wolf.

His eyes are a glorious silver with his familiar blue encasing the silver in a ring.

I find myself surprised that his eyes aren't completely silver, signally that his wolf hasn't taken over.

I thought he would be furious at me for running off in the middle of the night.

Ryder and I share a tense stare for a moment, neither of us willing to break contact first. However, Ryder steps closer to me, so I swiftly step to the side and turn my head from him. I don't wait for him to try again and start walking once more.

Unable to be oblivious to it, I feel sadness and hurt run through me.

Why did it have to be him? Out of all of the eligible, bachelor werewolves on this continent alone, how did I just happen to fall into the lap of the Alpha King?

Plus, it's clear we can't stand each other!

Five minutes in a room together and one of us will pick something to argue about.

'Jade, stop thinking so negatively. You have yet to even give him a chance,' my wolf quips from my mind. I sigh and do as she asks, letting my mind wander elsewhere.

My brother...I miss him. A whine escapes me carelessly and I cringe at the slip, hoping no one heard.

Sadly, I know it's not the case when Ryder, who was previously giving me some space, is instantly by my side.

'Jade?' Ryder's voice rings through my head and my heart skips at the genuine concern I hear in it. 'What is wrong?'

I briefly consider telling him what is bothering me, perhaps allowing myself to open up to him, but I quickly shut down the idea. There's nothing I can say to him to change the situation. Instead, I continue looking down and give my head a dismissive shake before walking on.

I breathe deeply to try and relieve the pressure building in my chest. My head snaps up from the forest floor and into the direction of the foul smell assaulting my nose. It's my instinct and training, so I don't think - I run.

I allow my nose to lead me to the intruders, the smell getting stronger as I close in.

How did they even get past the border?

The scent leads me to a small clearing among the miles of trees.

I come to a stop along its edge when I see two shifted rogues, one curled up on the ground and the other standing protectively over it.

Looking at them, and the way they interact, one can easily tell the wolves are mated.

My eyes travel down to inspect the smaller wolf. I narrow my eyes in confusion as I see something move near her stomach. I step closer and my demeanor eases when I spot a baby amongst her fur.

I spin around in a blink at the sound of footsteps behind me.

I lower my head as Ryder and the three warriors come into view.

Ryder's demeanor is anything but relaxed and he looks murderous.

I shiver runs over me. Is this the Alpha King that I've heard stories about?

His eyes are almost completely silver, letting me know that his wolf is pushing for control.

Ryder scans me over before focusing back on the clearing behind me. He starts taking stalking steps closer and I know the look that crosses his face. It's the face of a predator, a fighter, ready to defend what is his. I've had that same look on my face many times before.

However, this is not how their story is supposed to end. I step in front of Ryder, pausing him in his tracks. 'Wait,' I speak to him through our link.

Ryder's eyes narrow at mine. 'They are rogues on Royal territory.

I will not wait to take action to protect my land or people.

' Ryder steps around me, but I move to block his way again, this time pushing his shoulder back with my head.

If we weren't trying to be quiet, I'm sure Ryder would be growling at me now.

'I said wait, Ryder,' I snap in the link.

'Just look,' I say and nod my head to the clearing.

I walk back to the treeline with Ryder next to me.

'They have a pup with them,' I explain as small arms reach toward the face of the smaller wolf curled around it.

I watch Ryder as he continues to stare, not sure of what he is thinking.

'It could be a trap, Jade. They are rogues. They lie, cheat, and steal in any way they can to survive. They are dangerous.' Ryder turns his giant wolf head to catch my eye. 'You should know that better than anyone.'

I immediately piece together that he's talking about what happened to my pack.

Anger begins to pump in my blood. So he does know.

I narrow my eyes at him, angry that he would even bring my family into this.

This isn't the same situation. There will always be rogues and I've accepted that, but the rogues that tore my family apart weren't normal.

They wanted something from the Royals and my pack is what stood in the way for decades. ..until they aggressively retaliated.

I turn to study the wolves yet again. It's been my duty for the majority of my life to identify and eliminate any dangers to the Crown, my pack, my family, and myself. I know the danger that lives in this world and I don't think these wolves are a part of it in the slightest.

'Just trust me on this,' I finally respond through the link, 'please.' I glance at Ryder who looks confused before I step from the treeline and into the clearing.

The moment I step into the open area, both wolves have their attention on me. The bigger wolf bares his teeth at me and growls in a warning to stay back. I instantly lower my head to signal I mean no harm, but neither wolf relaxes.

I shift back to human form before them and I see their eyes simultaneously widen.

Probably because I can shift back with clothes on.

Gotta love those Yin Yang perks. I continue to give them their space and smile kindly.

"Hello. Please shift so that we may talk," I tell them calmly.

The wolves share a look, but the larger wolf nods their head.

I bow my head in thanks before turning around to allow them privacy.

As I hear bones popping, I catch Ryder's silver eyes trained on me through the leaves.

I nod to assure him that everything is fine, hoping he won't jump out and arrest them. ..or worse.

"You can turn now," a male voice calls. I turn and see a tall, brunette man with his arm wrapped protectively around the waist of a shorter blonde woman.

The young couple both wear modest and worn clothing, but neither seems to be in poor health or appearance.

The woman has a sling over her shoulder and is holding a large lump to her chest - the baby, I presume.

"Hello, my name is Jade. You are?" I ask politely, still hesitant to the newcomers.

The couple shares a glance before the guy turns back to me. "I'm Aaron. This is my mate, Cassie."

I nod in acknowledgment. "Apologies for startling you, but you've managed to cross into Royal Pack territory." I am still not sure exactly how they managed to wander across the border but here they are nonetheless.

Again, Aaron and Cassie share a look, but this time the fear is unsurprisingly evident in their features.

Though it's not technically listed as a crime in werewolf law, trespassing onto a pack's territory without permission is highly frowned upon, not to mention dangerous.

Most Alphas order their warriors to seize rogues on sight, but I have heard of more belligerent Alphas who have a kill-upon-capture policy.

"We're very sorry. We've been on the move for over a month because our pack banished us.

The forest gets confusing sometimes and we must have gotten turned around," Aaron pleads their case.

His voice is calm, but I can sense desperation there as well.

My training and experience tell me what Ryder did, that rogues are dangerous. It pushes questions into my mind that tug at their story. "Why would your pack banish you both? Usually counsels only go to such extreme lengths if a serious crime has been committed," I question further.

From behind, I hear a low growl and the crunching of leaves. Cassie and Aaron's expressions change from surprise to fear as they look over my shoulder. Aaron uses his arm to nudge Cassie behind his frame as he steps forward in a defensive stance.

Another low growl at Aaron's movements pushes me to turn. Ryder has emerged from the treeline with his warriors lined behind him. I frown at him, mainly in annoyance, but also disappointment. I asked him to trust me on this.

I focus on the annoyance I feel and narrow my eyes. "Enough, Ryder," I state with a deathly calm. Ryder and I stare each other down, or rather I stare up into his wolfy eye. After a moment of unspoken war, Ryder focuses his sharp attention on the couple.

As I turn to join him, a sense of pride wells in my chest, and I fight the urge to smirk at my small victory. By this point, Aaron has relaxed his position slightly and Cassie has moved back into view. "Why?" I ask again, needing an answer to my question.

Cassies suddenly takes a step forward. She gently reaches her hand up to pull away part of the fabric wrapped around her, revealing the face of a beautiful baby boy.

"We had a child, our son, Brayden. My father was on the pack counsel.

He disapproved of my mate and having a child so young.

To punish me, he somehow convinced the rest of the counsel that we were a danger to the pack and they banished us. "

Their story tugs at my heart and I find myself questioning my beliefs about rogues, about Royals, about.

..Ryder. If anything, their story supports that the world isn't black and white, it's made up of a million shades of grey.

I suddenly fight the urge to laugh. Look at me having an existential revelation in the middle of a serious moment.

I face Ryder and he looks at me. 'I think we should let them join the pack,' I state through our link.

'Are you crazy? They are rogues, Jade. They can lie. You cannot honestly be this naive,' Ryder retorts.

I deadpan, 'If they join the pack they would no longer be rogues, they'd be pack members.

They are two kids with a baby. What damage do you expect them to do?

' I try to reason. 'Worst case scenario, they are evil and you can deal with them how I've heard you like to deal with the rest.'

A low growl leaks from Ryder's chest at my words, but he started it. Again, we lock in a staredown, but this time I'm concerned that Ryder won't back down. 'I'm trusting my gut on this, Ryder. I'm asking you to do the same,' I implore.

Ryder's wolf abruptly closes the distance between us until he's mere inches from my body. He doesn't break eye contact until he promptly closes them and begins to lean his head down. I freeze due to the anticipation running through my veins. What is he doing?

His large wolfy head pauses when it reaches my head level in a bowed position. Looking over him in this majestic form is a sight to see and in that sight, I see this as him reaching out. My emotions are still bitter from his actions last night, but I'd be a complete asshole to reject his advance.

Hesitantly, I reach out and place both my hands on the side of his face before I lean forward as well, connecting our foreheads.

Ryder's muscles move under my fingers as I feel him relax, and I can feel myself do the same at our touch and his smell.

'Very well. They may join the pack, but only after a rigorous background check. '

I chuckle lightly at Ryder's comment and pull away from our position as he does the same. In just a moment, I can almost see Ryder in a new light...almost. Though this moment is special, I can't push myself to completely ignore the past. "Thank you," I whisper genuinely with a small smile.

I walk away from Ryder and to the young couple, and I share the good news with them. "The Alpha King would like to extend an invitation to you both, and your son, to join the Royal Pack and live in the Castle." Aaron and Cassie both stare at me in shock before their eyes glaze over in conversation.

After a moment of silence, they both return with a smile. "We would be honored, Luna Queen," Aaron excepts politely and they both bow. Yet again, addressing me as my soon-to-be new title takes me by surprise.

I smile kindly. "Please, call me Jade." An empty silence soon follows my words and I rock back on my heels in the awkwardness. I clear my throat and chuckle. "How about we head back and I'll show you around?" The two agree and everyone makes their way out of the clearing.

On the way back, I walk alongside Aaron and Cassie as I begin explaining how the Royal Pack operates and what the rules are.

Ryder walks directly behind us, still on alert, and his warriors follow behind him.

Once we reach the Castle, Ryder releases his men back onto patrol and suddenly shifts back to human.

His face is expressionless, but I know there must be some emotions of his own brewing under the surface as I'm sure he hasn't forgotten last night either.

Pausing first to have a brief conversation with Ryder about what spaces were available, we walk Aaron and Cassie to their new room.

"Here are two keys to the room. All the necessities should be inside, but if not, you can ask one of the servants for anything you might need.

And, uh," I pause, digging into my pocket and then holding my hand out to Cassie, "here is a little extra cash to get Brayden whatever he needs as well.

" I notice Cassie look hesitantly at the money in my hand.

I laugh lightly. "If you don't take it, I'll be highly offended," I tease.

Cassie laughs as well and takes the money.

When she looks back up at me, it shocks me to find tears in her eyes.

"Our thanks aren't enough to offer you for what you've done for us, but right now it's all we can give, so thank you, Jade.

" Cassie pauses again before looking over to Ryder who stands with his arms crossed to our sides.

"Thank you, Alpha King. Your kindness knows no bounds," Cassie thanks Ryder, and she and Aaron both bow in respect.

I smile at them both as they rise. "We will take our leave then. Please feel free to ask if you need anything." They both proclaim their thanks and bow as I turn to walk away with Ryder following suit.

I take the lead on the short journey back to Ryder's room.

Well, I guess it's our room now. I push open the door and enter, hearing Ryder close the door behind him.

Without further acknowledgment, I walk to the closet and pull out some black pants and a blue split-sleeve top, along with a black lace undergarment set.

I plan to go straight to the bathroom to bathe, but I'm halted in my steps by Ryder who waits right outside the closet door.

I raise an eyebrow in question, still refusing to be the one who speaks first now that we're alone.

Ryder's eyes scan my body before settling back on my face.

"We should talk about last night," he says with a straight face. So business-like.

Though I hesitate at the probability of another argument ensuing, I respect his wanting to discuss the situation rather than ignore it.

Looking down, I sigh, fiddling with the articles of clothing.

"If we must then we will," I look back up, "but after I take a shower.

I slept in a cave last night and I smell like algae. "

I step to move past Ryder, but he continues to block my way. I find his eyes burning into mine as a small smirk tugs his lips upward. "I think you smell lovely."

I roll my eyes and shove past his shoulder. "Only you would, you weirdo," I scoff with a laugh.

"Did you just call me a weirdo?"

Turning at the bathroom door, I smile. "Yes, I think I just did." Now it's Ryder's turn to roll his eyes, but I see the smile play on his lips.

Ryder raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Wow," he chuckles as he rubs his chin, "I think that is a first." I offer him a tight-lipped grin before closing the bathroom door and locking it behind me. I spend the next thirty minutes pondering over my last twenty-four hours.

My beliefs and training had been called into question today by my own instinct.

Seeing how ready Ryder and his men were to eliminate rogues without hesitation made me pause.

I paused because I know I have done the exact same.

I have killed beings who I perceived as a threat without hesitation, only because I believed I was protecting my people. ..at least those who were left.

If Ryder had done the same today, he would have killed three innocent lives.

Seeing the fear in the eyes of Aaron and Cassie struck a nerve in me as well.

It pulled me back to a moment I wish I could forget.

It pulled me back to a moment where I was the helpless, scared young wolf staring down the eyes of a predator.

My mind races in circles with my emotions.

Perhaps my past trauma has blinded me from seeing that not all things are truly right or truly wrong.

My tears mix with the water and soap, washing away the evidence of my vulnerable moment.

However, once the damn broke, it was hard to repair.

I sink to the tiled shower floor, freezing to the touch, and pull my knees to my chest. Resting my head on my knees, my body shakes with sobs silenced by my hands.

I miss you, Mom and Dad. I miss you so fucking much.

I'm sorry I've been doing this so wrong for so long, I think to them silently.

My heart, cracked long ago, bleeds its pain into my body and hurts me all over.

I'll do better, I swear, I promise them.

With my promise fresh and my emotions raw, I stand and turn the water cold.

The cold water refreshes my face and pulls me away from my thoughts.

I exit the shower and dress, drying my hair and applying slight touches of makeup once done. However, as I get ready, I anxiously wonder what kind of conversation Ryder and I will have when I leave the bathroom.

I stand in front of the bathroom door with my fingers wrapped around the handle.

I close my eyes, taking a deep, calming breath.

You promised to be better. You can be better.

You will be better. After my self-encouragement mantra is imprinted in my head, I step out into the rather extremely quiet bedroom.

Ryder sits on the edge of his bed effortlessly typing.

He looks up when I enter the room, immediately closing the laptop.

I hesitate at the silence then take steps closer until I am standing by his side of the bed.

I glance around awkwardly because he still has yet to say anything.

Instead, he's just...staring. I clear my throat, looking away from his extremely captivating eyes. "You wanted to talk?" I question.

Ryder stands, slightly closing the distance between us, but still not moving his eyes from my face.

His chest rises and falls slowly as the seconds tick by and I look up at him expectantly.

"I am sorry for how I treated you last night, Jade.

It was idiotic and ignorant of me to assume what happened between you and Stacy.

As my mate and as a member of the kingdom, I should have offered you the respect of listening to your side before behaving harshly.

" I stand in shock as Ryder closes almost all the distance between us and reaches down to gently wrap his hands around mine.

His eyes are honest as he peers down into my own.

"Please understand that I truly meant none of the words I said and that I acted in nothing but anger.

You are my mate, Jade, the perfect person for me.

There is not a single thing I would dare change about you. "

Emotions flood my head and chest, making me short of breath and lightheaded.

The mate bond between us is growing stronger by the second, pulling our souls closer towards its ultimate goal of combining our souls into one.

I know I am at a crossroads, and how I choose to respond lays the foundation for our journey.

I promised to be better because I know I can be.

My training and experience are telling me to run, but my instincts and heart are telling me to jump.

Studying Ryder's face, trying to dive deeper into the pools of his mind, I feel.

..hope. Maybe he's my path to better.

"Ryder," I whisper, hearing how thick the emotion in my voice is.

I look down. "I'm sorry too." I connect our eyes again, hoping he can see my truthfulness in them.

"Life hasn't always been fair to me and I've come to run from hope because I usually find myself left down in the end.

It's also apparent that you've learned much quicker how to control the emotions and powers that come with being what we are," I reveal with a mirthless chuckle.

"Sometimes I suddenly become irrationally angry or upset, but I promise I'm trying to be better and I'm trying to learn how to control myself. "

Ryder suddenly removes one of his hands to caress my cheek.

"You are too hard on yourself, my queen.

" I smile slightly at the term. "I have spent many years training to be the man I am with years of repetitive, hard discipline before that.

To compare your level of control to mine would not be fair, as I have had an unfair advantage and lack the scars of your experiences.

" Ryder's eyes move to slowly trace the features of my face before coming back to rest on mine.

"You are something extraordinary, Jade. My help is yours if what you truly want is to seek control of your inner self.

If you would allow me, I would like to be the one to show you that hope does not always lead you to disappointment.

" His words are the exact right ones to dance past the cracks in my heart and make it race with feelings I had yet to feel.

Again, trusting my heart and instincts, I jump. "I'm yours if you can keep me, Mathews," I breathe, letting a smile grow on my lips.

Ryder's expression changes to match mine and his eyes flicker down to my lips.

He looks back up, the question clear in his mind.

Holy shit, is this about to happen? His lips draw my attention down as I bite my lower lip and that is enough for Ryder.

He lets my hands go, using his now free one to grip my hip and pull us closer.

His hand on my cheek moves so that it now rests on the nape of my neck.

Using our new position, Ryder connects our lips in a glorious explosion as my body reacts to our touch.

Soon, our tongues are intertwined, bringing a new level of heat to the kiss.

However, before the heat can burn us, we pull away for air and he rests his forehead on mine, much like he did earlier.

Ryder smiles brightly at me and I can't help a giggle and an eye roll.

A sudden knock pulls us completely apart.

I step aside and Ryder's hands graciously slide from my body.

With a wink, Ryder walks away to the door and pulls it open.

A draft is pulled into the room from the hall and a very familiar scent hits my nose, halting me in my place.

"Cameron. What can I do for you?" Ryder asks the person.

My eyes widen so much I fear they will pop out and my body runs to the door before my mind has the good sense to.

I push past Ryder with my chest moving rapidly, dancing to the beat of my pounding pulse.

I can't believe what I am seeing as my eyes take in the appearance of the man in front of us.

There's no way. There's no way he's been here all this time.

However, his scent, appearance, and name tell me otherwise.

Cameron's face is also one of shock, then happiness, and then grief. It's him...oh my, Goddess, it's really him. With tears in my eyes, I take the face of the man between my hands, searching his eyes deeply and seeing his own tears. "Cameron?" My voice manages to break out his name.

Cameron still stands shell-shocked as his eyes move rapidly around my face. "Jade?" I begin to nod but Cameron immediately pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, one I wouldn't trade for the world. I squeeze him back just as tightly, refusing at the moment to ever let go again.

"I've missed you, little brother."