The Rejected Werewolf Princess by Didiadeyemi

RYKER'S POV

Neither Camilla nor I spoke again after that. I got cleaned only to find her already curled up in bed next to our daughters. She wasn't asleep, just lying on her side and watching them. I had no intentions of falling asleep either but I climbed into bed behind her and gently stroked her hair with my hand. She didn't say it, but I felt her nestle closer to me as her eyes started to drift closed. Even once I was sure that she was asleep, I didn't stop, not for a long time after. She needed the rest and I was going to make sure that she got it.

I finally pulled away after a few minutes and placed a soft kiss on her head. I would have given anything in that moment to just be there and exist with her but I needed to deal with some other things. I dragged myself out of the room and headed straight for the guest rooms. I passed by a record number of guards and maids who were discussing everything that happened. No one was using their earplugs anymore, the threat was gone, at least, that was what they thought.

From the little discussions I was able to pick up, the front of the palace had been scrubbed clean and the body was taken, that much was enough for me, at least until I knew how to deal with the little siren. I pushed open the door to the room and after making sure no one was watching, I slipped inside. At first, I didn’t see anyone and I thought she had found a way to escape. I wouldn't have blamed her though.

Just as I turned to leave, I caught a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye and I watched as she stepped out of the shadows. She looked a tad bit fearful, almost as if she thought I was someone else but when she saw it was me, her shoulders deflated in relief.

“I saw the food you sent,” she began slowly as she walked over to the bed. “Thank you.”

I gave her a curt nod and took the chair closest to me. It gave me enough distance from the bed where she felt safe but close enough that I would be able to catch her if she made any sudden movements.

“Why did you stab her?” I asked not wanting to waste any time with pointless conversation. If I was going to stop them from killing her, I needed to have a good reason. “She was of no threat to you."

“I had to," she whispered softly. “I just- I knew I had to. I know you're upset but-"

“Upset doesn't begin to cut it. You stabbed a defenseless pregnant woman. She could have died, her babies could have died.”

Her eyes lit up. “She's alive, oh thank Neptune. I tried not to stab her too deep so she would at least have a chance to-"

“Can you hear yourself?" I cut her off.

“You wouldn't understand,” her voice was soft.

wouldn't I understand? You are ten and

so, and I don't say no to mum,

If she had compelled you to do it then the compulsion would have been broken

me to look at the

and didn't even bother to turn to me.

will die. I don't care, I am ready to die." I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be stupid, you are ten, what do you know

that old wolf but they wanted the money and they wanted the power. I had to go with them, but don’t ask me what I know about death when death

me again and I knew the conversation was over. I opened and closed my mouth but no words would come out. At the end of the day, I just stood to my feet and walked out of the room. I debated locking the door but I knew that if she wanted

had happened but even my conscience wouldn't have let me do that. I found myself going back up to Juan's room, he was still seated on the chair next to Christine, the babies were in their respective bassinets sound asleep but he looked like he hadn't even blinked since we walked out. He barely acknowledged my presence although I knew for sure that he had heard me come in. I

breathing,” his voice sounded hollow.

is only a matter of time

“You saved my kids."

“I didn't-"

like and I had resigned myself to the fact that they were going to die. I saw you heal them. I

like a wisp of the wind flow into her and it was

me for that. As long as they are

was hurt. I could feel our bond ripping from the seams. That was torture and I deserve to know who was responsible. I know it wasn't

please,” I began but

get to do that, not about her. If it was Camilla in this bed,” his words hit their mark in my chest. Camilla had been in that position more than once and I knew

says she

he cut me off. “I want her

“She is ten.”

I want her dead, Ryker, and so help me, if you don't do it yourself, I will do it. I don't care if I have to go behind your back to make that happen but I will make sure that

know where she