Jennifer’s POV
The moment I step into Ryan’s study, I was taken aback by the sheer volume of books. This wasn’t merely a study—it resembled a miniature library. Two adjoining rooms had been merged, with meticulously arranged rows of bookshelves dominating the space.
Following Ryan’s instructions, I sifted through the second row of shelves behind the desk and found a delicate wooden box. Inside lay a seal crafted from emerald. Securing the box, I hastened to the safe beneath the desk, inputting the code provided by Ryan. Within the safe rested a dark green box. I opened the box and was surprised to find a seal mirroring the appearance of the earlier one.
I stood there for a few moments, hesitating. In the end I switched the two seals, then grabbed a book off the shelf then returned to the room.
“What book did you choose?” Ryan inquired.
“Beginners: 10 Tips for Hitting on Women,” I glanced at the title and read it aloud.
“Seriously?” Ryan’s expression darkened as he seized my arm, dragging me towards the bedroom.
“What are you doing?”
“I asked for a book to read, and you bring this? Do you think I need guidance on pleasing women?” He chuckled darkly. “To tell you what, there are countless women lining up waiting to be f****d by me! Or perhaps you desire such attention? Well, if this is the case I “ll grant your wish. Time to lie down and spread your legs.”
“I’ll select another book! Please release me!” I pleaded as he pushed me into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind us.
Once inside I broke away from his grip and looked at him accusingly, “You’re gripping me too tightly. It hurts!”
Ryan chuckled softly, dismissing my complaint as petulance. Ignoring his laughter, I settled on the carpet, massaging my arm. “Aren’t there surveillance devices in the bedroom? Can they hear our conversation here?”
Ryan sat down next to me and assured me, “Don't worry. They can’t hear us. I’ve installed equipment to block electronic signals.”
I pulled my phone out of my pocket, and confirmed the lack of signal. Impressed by his caution, I leaned closer, and Ryan draw back instinctively. “What’s wrong?” He asked.
“You’ve been let down by those close to you, yet you trust a stranger like me. Why?” I probed.
“Perhaps when those around you prove untrustworthy, you seek solace in an outsider,” he mused, shrugging his shoulders.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” I asserted, locking eyes with him while edging him towards the bed. “I want the real answer.” I said in a demanding voice.
Tracing his hand along my shoulder to my cheek, Ryan remarked, “You must bear a striking resemblance to your mother.”
Intrigued, I raised my brows and asked, “What led you to that?”
“Your mother is Laurel Swift, isn’t she?”
My eyes widened in surprise and I asked, “How do you know that?”
“My father once invited your mother to come to the palace to paint a mural for the auditorium. At that time my mother was suffering from depression and she always locked herself in her room. I wanted to see my mom so much but was not allowed. They were afraid that I would disturb her rest or that she would lose control of her emotions and frighten me. Your mother stayed with me during that time, telling me stories, taking me to eat and rest, and she even turned into a wolf to play with me. Your mother’s wolf was white and she was so pretty!”
“What else did you remember?” I asked excitedly, hoping to hear more stories about my mom.
“I’m sorry, I was very young and my memories are vague.” Ryan gave me an apologetic look. He added quickly, “But I remember your mom being kind, humorous and wise. I barely felt any affection at home during those years, and your mom was like a mother to me, gentle and patient. I was in kindergarten the year you were born. I even went to your pack to visit Luna Laurel. I even held you. You were so tiny and soft. I poked you in the mouth with my hand and accidentally disturbed you from your slumber. The moment you opened your eyes and saw me, you raised your little hand and slapped me....”
I was utterly shocked. Gaping at Ryan, I asked, “Really?”
“Yeah.” Ryan chuckled.
“And then what happened?”
“Then I cried. Maybe I scared you by crying so loud, you cried too and then peed on me. I froze for a second and then cried louder, “Ryan muttered, his face flushing with embarrassment as he recalled the past.
I couldn’t help but burst out laughing, “I can’t believe we actually met that early in life.”
“Yep. Call it fate,” Ryan beamed. “Now do you see why I have faith in you?”
“Maybe you just made it up,” I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t remember anything from that early.” Despite saying so, I already fully believed his words.
“It’s true,” Ryan said firmly.
“Okay,” I said.
“Jennifer,” Ryan whispered my name.
“Yeah?”
“You hesitated when you saw the two seals, did you?” he observed.
Caught off guard, I confessed, “Yeah. They’re identical. My father promised me my mother’s house if I could provide him with the seals. Ryan... I almost succumbed to betraying you. I’m sorry, for I yearn for my mom’ s house..”
Ryan extended a comforting hand, patting my back gently. “It’s alright. I understand. I’m relieved you didn’t betray me in the end. I’ll help you reclaim your house.”
I looked at the floor in shame, avoiding his gaze. “So when my father offered that he had another daughter who could come over as a slave in place of his son, you agreed instantly. You knew it would be me.”
“Aye. I bet you’re just as smart and strong as your mother,” Ryan smiled.
I blushed at his sincere praise and whispered, “Thanks,”
Yet, at the same time I’m suddenly frustrated—if Ryan knew I didn’t have a wolf, would he still be as sweet as he is now? The more he expects from me, the more the truth will only disappoint him. What would happen if I confessed to him now that I didn’t have a wolf? Would he send me to the Royal Medical Academy as an experiment subject?
A lump formed in my throat. Struggling with my confession, I swallowed hard began, “Ryan, I need to tell you something...”
Before I could finish my sentence, Ryan swiftly tore off his shirt, revealing his pecs. Mesmerized, I lost my train of thought. As I stared at him, he tackled me to the carpet, and ran his right hand up my back, deftly undoing my corset.
My eyes widened and before I could react, he kissed me. The soft, unfamiliar touch hit me with the unique pine scent of his body. I gasped in shock, and as soon as I opened my mouth, his tongue immediately invaded my lips. He pressed down on me, and I was overwhelmed by the intimacy. His touch stirred conflicting desires within me. As he deepened the kiss, a mix of panic and longing surged through me. I placed my hand on his chest, but couldn’t push him away.
Maybe because I wasn’t pushing with all my might.
Because I didn’t want to.
Because I wanted to feel like I was WANTED by someone.
But if he knew I didn’t have a wolf, would he still want me?
I froze.
Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have taken advantage of his lack of knowledge. But f**k it, all I wanted now was his dicking me down. Surrendering to the moment, I swallowed the hard truth and kissed him back.