Just as I stepped out of the library, my phone rang, and it was Bran.

"Pack a few things. I'm coming to pick you up for dinner,"

"I'm not on campus. There's a registration for an academic exchange event, and they need the original of my award certificate. I'm heading home to get it," I replied, my fingers tightening around the phone.

Bran insisted on coming to fetch me, but I politely declined. As I hailed a cab to the pier, we remained on the cal.

From the moment I first saw Bran, I felt the pull.

And so, he pursued me relentlessly, while I played hard - to - get.

As I emerged from the pier, I spotted Bran immediately.

We intertwined our fingers and made our way to the sleek, black Bentley parked by the curb.

The moment we were inside the car, Bran yanked me into his arms.

His tongue forcefully parted my lips, delving deep and his hands roaming restlessly over my body.

The backseat of the Bentley became our intimate haven.

He pulled me onto his lap, his hold on me tightening. "Baby, I've waited far too long for this," he murmured against my lips.

His kisses trailed down my nec. His hands slid under my shirt, caressing my skin with a touch that was both urgent and tender.

I could feel the heat rising between us, the passion igniting like a wildfire.

He laid me down on the backseat as best he could, the soft leather providing a luxurious surface. This time, the kiss was even more ferocious, his tongue exploring every corner of my mouth, as if he was trying to claim every part of me.

Then Bran led me into a famous werewolf bar. The moment we entered, the pounding music assaulted our ears.

On the dance floor, werewolves were dancing wildly.

We walked into a private booth. Immediately, a chorus of voices filled the air. Bran! You're finally here!"

Well, well, look at your little mate. So delicate, like a porcelain doll just waiting to be broken. How do you manage to keep such a precious thing all to yourself?"

Bran's face darkened in an instant.

"Shut up!" Bran growled.

"I... I'm sorry, Bran. I had too much to drink."

A member quickly stepped in. "Cut it out! Apologize properly."

"I'm really sorry. " He downed the drink in one go.

Hours passed with laughter, drinking.

When we left, a row of flashy cars awaited.

The engines roared, and someone shouted, "Let's hit the road and have some real fun tonight!"

Bran sped down the road. The car screamed.

I sat beside him, my hand teasing.

He let out a growl - moan, yanking my head close.

"Suck it."

"Bran..." I whispered, and leaned in.

Suddenly, blaring horns shattered the moment.

I looked up. A Ferrari and a Maserati trailed us.

Windows rolled down.

The guy in the Maserati sneered, "Having fun, Bran? Didn't know you'd get distracted so easily."

Bran's face turned thunderous. "Mind your own fucking business, Ryder!"

Ryder just laughed, "Oh, come on. We all know your pack's losing power. You can't even keep your focus on the road."

"One more word, and I'll rip your throat out."

Ryder's smirk grew. "Big talk for a future alpha on the decline."

Bran sneered, "Which she - wolves are you chasing now?"

"Back off, Bran. This isn't your business."

Bran laughed. "Hit a nerve? Can't take a little teasing?"

"Shut up! Go play elsewhere," Ryder snapped, slamming his window up.

Bran turned to me. "He's gone. Let's continue."

I cowered, not daring to move.

That voice... I knew it too well.

Bran pulled my face up. "Scared or shy? Talk to me."

"Let me go home," I begged.

"Not a chance. There's a top - secret werewolf party tonight. You'll be safe with me. It's going to be epic."

"I can't... I'm not feeling well," I stammered.

"Come on, nothing's wrong with you. You're coming with me," Bran insisted.

The car halted at the club.

Trapped, I clung to a foolish hope.

Five years had passed. Maybe he'd forget me?

At the party, a man's glance on me was enough.

Bran yanked me behind him. "Back off!"

A bold guy dared to step forward. "Just a chat, Bran. No harm."

Bran's claws extended, glinting in the dim light. "One more word, and you'll regret it."

The girls around whispered enviously. "He's so possessive. Lucky her."

I tugged at Bran's sleeve. "Let's go. I'm scared."

Bran pulled me close, his voice softening. "I won't let anyone hurt you. You're mine."

I looked timid, struggling to blend in with the noisy crowd at the club while trying to act normal. But deep down, I was terrified that someone who knew my true identity would suddenly appear.

Bran noticed my unease and lowered his voice to ask, "What's wrong?"

I tilted my head up and leaned close to his ear, whispering softly, "I want to find a quieter place."

Bran smiled and nodded.

I went through the bustling dance floor into the VIP private room of the club.

Once the door of the private room closed, the outside noise was finally blocked out. I just needed to be alone, to calm down and think of a way out.

But what if it was really him?

My mind was flooded with absurd memories.

I remembered the days when I had a fever, and he took care of me day and night. He constantly checked my temperature, his large hands cool against my forehead. He would rush out in the middle of the night to buy the medicine I needed, returning with a gentle smile even though he was exhausted.

He cooked nourishing soups, blowing on the spoon to cool it down before feeding me.

I also remembered the passionate moments when we made love in every corner of our little home.

But there were also the quieter, more tender times. Like when we would sit on the couch, my head on his lap as he gently stroked my hair while we watched the sunset through the window.

Or the early mornings when he would wake up before me, and I'd find him in the kitchen, making my favorite breakfast.

I thought I had long forgotten all those past events.

After all, it had been almost five years since we last saw each other.

But now, the mere possibility of his presence was enough to stir up all those buried emotions and fears.

Just as I sank into my thoughts, the private room door burst open with a bang.

I stumbled back.

If it was really him, great!

I rose to leave.

One step, and a shadow shot from behind the door.

Wordlessly, a hand clamped around my arm, dragging me in.

Then, the dim light revealed his face.

The door slammed shut again.

Club noise outside, two of us trapped within.

I lifted my chin, locking eyes with the man before me.

The man fixed his eyes intently on my face, his gaze gliding slowly from my eyes, down past my pert nose and pink lips, before finally landing on my knee - length evening gown.

"Found a new backer and want to completely cut ties with the past?" Ryder sneered.

"I have nothing to do with you now. I'm Bran's mate,"

"Oh, climbed up the social ladder, huh? Can he really satisfy you?"

"None of your business,"

"Now you've learned to be sharp - tongued."

"We're broken up. Who I sleep with has nothing to do with you. Stay away from me!"

A wicked smile curled up on Ryder's lips.

"Break up? Baby, you can't get rid of me that easily."

Ryder reached out and gently tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. "I was gone for a while, and you were so eager to find a new lover. Hmm?"

I tried to bypass Ryder and leave.

Suddenly, Ryder grabbed my arm .

He pulled me towards the plush sofa in the corner of the room and pushed me down onto it.

I let out a startled yelp.

I lifted my leg to kick him, but Ryder swiftly wedged himself between my legs.

In an instant, my hand cracked across his face.

"Nice one, baby. That fire of yours? It's driving me wild. I could just devour you right here."

I raised my hand again. "You'll never have me! I'd rather die!"

Ryder snatched my wrist.

I tried to strike with my left, only to be caught firmly.

Meeting my fierce glare, Ryder threw his head back and laughed. "You're magnificent when you're angry. Give me another, if it makes you feel better."

He released one wrist, his fingers tracing down my neck. "I sent a fortune to find you. Who else would be so generous when they're done with you?"

I was suddenly transported back to five years ago.

I was Ryder's mate.

One day, I lost all contact with Ryder.

His phone went from being switched off to out - of - service, .

I was terrified that something dreadful had befallen Ryder. I pulled out all the stops to find him.

But everyone clammed up, feigning ignorance.

It was as if Ryder had evaporated into thin air.

A month later, a stranger approached me, handing me a check , one thousand dollars.

"Where is he?"

But the person insisted he had no idea.

In that gut - wrenching moment, the truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

Ryder wasn't in trouble; he had simply grown tired of me and cast me aside.

I tore up the cheque.

I had once foolishly dreamed that one day, Ryder would reappear, laughing, and tell me it was all just a cruel test to see if I was after his wealth.

But he disappeared for five years.

"We're done! Stay the hell away from me!"

Ryder's face contorted with fury.

" You're mine, and you're not going anywhere!"

"You're nothing to me now. Bran is a real man, not a coward like you."

With a snarl, Ryder's grip on my hands tightened.

"You'll regret those words."

In a flash, he had me pinned against the wall.

I gasped for air, my nails raking down his arm.

Blood trickled from the deep gashes, but he didn't flinch.

"Submit to me," he growled.

I spat in his face.

He crashed his lips onto mine, his teeth biting down hard.

I tasted blood, but I fought back, scratching and clawing at his chest.

Ryder was like a wild beast driven even more insane by the scent of blood.

The more I resisted, the more excited he seemed to become.

As he frantically reached for my skirt, I trembled, screaming at the top of my lungs,

"Ryder, if you don't stop this instant, I swear, I'll hate you for the rest of my life!"

Ryder slowly lifted his head, bloodshot eyes locking with mine.

"Don't you already hate me? I want you to loathe me, to be haunted by me forever!"

"Touch me again and I'll spill every filthy secret you've got!" I shot back.

Ryder let out a mocking laugh. "Spill? You were in it too. We're both in the muck." With that, he yanked me off the sofa.

"You're not going anywhere. "

"Let me go! We're done. There's nothing left to say!" I shouted, struggling in vain.

"Done? What am I to you? A plaything?"

I gritted my teeth. "You know what you did. Don't play dumb."

"Fine, since you're being heartless, don't blame me." His hands tightened, and he started ripping at my clothes.

"Are you insane? Stop!"

His eyes landed on my neck, where the werewolf - mate bond mark once was. Now, there was only bare skin.

"The mate bond mark... where the hell did it go?"

Ryder's fury boiled over.

"Speak!"

"Let go! It's killing me!"

Miraculously, my cry snapped him back. He released me, and I fled to the corner.

There were clear fingerprints on my wrist.

Ryder stepped closer. "Let me see."

"Who do you think you are? "

"I was wrong. Punish me. Just calm down."

"I'm done. Stay away!"

As I tried to leave, he blocked me. "You refused the check. You still love me."

Ryder pounced, pinning me to the corner. I shoved him, but he caught my wrists.

"Let go!" I screamed.

"Isabelle... I'm back. I swear, no matter what happens from now on, I'll never leave you again."

"I don't like you. Stop deluding yourself!"

I was tired of his empty promises and the pain he had caused me in the past.

"I still love you,"

I quickly turned my face away. Just as I opened my mouth , a familiar male voice drifted in from outside the door. "Baby?Are you there?"

It was Bran!

My face drained of color.

Ryder whispered "Think Bran will believe you're loyal?"

"Gag me if you don't want a sound."

I froze.

Then, he opened his mouth, ready to expose us.

Panicked, I yanked him down.

He buried his head in my neck leaving stinging marks.

Just then, Bran's voice boomed, "Baby?" as he turned the handle, my heart thundered.

Huddled in the corner, I clung to Ryder, praying for a miracle.

"I'm here," I croaked.

Bran's voice filtered through the door once again, laced with a tinge of suspicion.

"Why's it taking so long?"

"I think I left my special werewolf - protection charm at the car. Could you go get it for me? It's really important."

Bran was silent for a moment.

"Alright, stay put. I'll be right back."

I let out a sigh of relief, knowing that I had bought myself some time, but also dreading what would happen next with Ryder still in the room.

As soon as Bran left, I summoned all my strength and shoved Ryder away .

"You're really going to stay loyal to him?" he asked.

Then, before I could respond, as if consumed by a fit of jealousy, he blurted out impulsively, "You're not a virgin anymore. What's there to be so protective about?"

"I've had four or five relationships after you, and I treated them all the same."

Ryder's face darkened.

"Leave now. I don't owe you anything. Cut out this crazy act. You say you love me? If you hadn't seen me suddenly, you wouldn't even remember who I am."

Ryder's expression was terrifyingly gloomy.

Ryder suddenly lunged at me wordlessly, tearing at my skirt like a madman.

I clung to his wrists, my nails almost digging into his skin. "Ryder, don't..."

Ryder showed no mercy.

"Ryder!" I was on the verge of tears.

But Ryder was in a frenzy, completely ignoring me.

"Isabelle....." Ryder looked at me, my face as pale as if all the blood had been drained from my body. For a moment, he seemed to be transported back five years.

Back then, he had held me just like this, filled with heart - wrenching tenderness. But now, everything had changed.

Suddenly, Ryder swept me off my feet.

I drove my elbow backwards with all my might.

He winced in pain and loosened his grip, and I stumbled back into the corner.

Just then, a clear voice of a waiter came from outside the restroom.

"Lady, are you okay in there?"

I crouched in the corner, breathing heavily "I'm here..."

The waiter seemed to sense something was wrong. "Are you safe out there. Could you open the door?"

Leaning against the wall, my legs weak, I forced myself to stand up and tried to calm down.

After a few seconds, I reached out to unlock the door.

The door opened slowly, just a crack.

The waiter saw my disheveled hair and terrified eyes, and his face was filled with worry. "Do you need any help? Is someone bullying you?"

"Thank you, I'm fine. Could you get me a glass of hot water?"

"Sure. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." The waiter left reluctantly, looking back at me several times.

Suddenly, just as the waiter turned the corner of the corridor, he was stopped by Bran .

The waiter told Bran that I looked extremely flustered and was in a very strange state. Upon hearing this, Bran immediately strode quickly in this direction.

At that very moment, Ryder also stepped out of the VIP room.

The two men faced each other on a narrow path, and their eyes met instantly.

Bran sized Ryder up with a wary look in his eyes and said coldly, "What are you doing here? "

A mocking smile curled up on Ryder's lips. "You're meddling too much, aren't you? Do you really think you can control everything about her?"

Bran's face darkened, and he was about to flare up when my voice came from behind. "Bran."

Bran immediately turned around and walked quickly to my side.

Seeing my disheveled state, his heart ached. "What happened to you? Did he bully you?"

I leaned into Bran's arms, my eyes welling up with tears. "I'm okay, just a little scared."

Bran gently patted my back to soothe me, then turned to look at Ryder, his eyes full of warnings. "Stay away from her, or don't blame me for being ruthless."

Ryder let out a cold laugh. "Ruthless? What can you do? "

Ryder's gaze, sharp as that of a hawk, locked onto me firmly.

I forced myself to stay calm.

Before I could open my mouth , Bran, like a protective bull guarding its calf, swiftly stepped to the side and blocked me with his body.

"Stay the hell away from her. You've caused enough trouble already."