HIS LAST WISH

Chapter 3

Shadows Closing In

Eden’s eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy from the laboratory’s sedatives. Ryker’s concerned face came into focus.

“Ryker?” Eden whispered.

“I’m here,” Ryker replied, holding Eden’s hand. “You’re safe now.”

Eden’s memories began to resurface – fragmented images and whispers.

“Ryker, my head.… what happened to me?” Eden asked.

Ryker’s grip tightened. “You were a bit unconscious and you fell off. You’re better now, Eden. I’m here with you.

Ryker smiled, gently.

Eden’s thoughts swirled, memories hidden deep within his mind. “I… I remember something. A voice.”

Ryker’s eyes narrowed. “What voice?”

Eden’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure. It was familiar.”

Morgan entered the room, a determined look on her face. “I’ve been researching Alexander’s research. It’s time we knew what he discovered.”

Eden’s heart skipped a beat. “What did you find?”

Morgan hesitated. “Alexander mentioned a project codenamed ‘Eclipse.’ It’s connected to my past.”

Eden’s eyes widened. “Eclipse… what is it?”

Ryker’s expression turned serious. “We’re not sure yet.”

Morgan’s expression turned resolute. “We’ll uncover the truth.”

Taylor entered, her eyes scanning the space. “Hey, guys. What’s going on?”

Eden forced a smile. “Just discussing… family history.”

Taylor’s gaze lingered on Eden, her expression uneasy. “Eden, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Eden nodded, following Taylor to the balcony.

“Hey, I’ve been feeling really left out,” Taylor said. “You’re always with Ryker.”

“I Can’t really recall what happened, but Ryker saved me.”

“And how can you be so sure you barely even know these people, Eden. What’s go on?”

“You need to calm down, Yay.”

“So easy for you to say, Eden. When did you ever start hanging out without me. Not caring about me. When did you become this person, Eden?”

“Your my best friend, Taylor. And I do care so much about you. I really don’t ever want to put your life on hold because of my needs, Taylor.

“You never sound this way, is this still about me, or Ryker?”

“Come on Taylor, it’s you. It has always been us. And nothing is ever changing that, Tay.”

“Not when I’ve already lost you to someone else, Eden.”

Eden’s heart went out to Taylor. “Taylor, you’re not losing me.”

”And what family discussions were you having with those people. Eden you barely even know this people.”

“You don’t have anything to worry about, Taylor. Trust me.”
As they returned inside, Morgan briefed Taylor on Project Eclipse. Ryker’s eyes never left Eden’s face.

“Morgan, can you hack into the facility’s database?” Ryker asked.

Morgan nodded. “I’ll try.”

Eden’s thoughts swirled. What secrets lay hidden?

Later that night, Ryker walked Eden to his room. “You’re safe with me, Eden.”

Eden’s heart skipped a beat. Ryker’s words comforted him.

As Ryker departed, Eden’s thoughts lingered:

_Why couldn’t she shake the feeling of being watched?_
_Was it just her paranoia?_
_Or something more?_

Eden’s thoughts swirled as he gazed out the window. Ryker’s overprotectiveness both warmed and unsettled him.

“Ryker, can I ask you something?” Eden said.

Ryker looked up from her phone. “Of course.”

“How do you always know when something’s wrong?” Eden asked.

Ryker’s expression softened. “Just a sixth sense.”

Eden’s curiosity lingered.

Before he could ask more, Ryker’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen.

“I need to take this,” Ryker said.

As Ryker stepped outside, Eden’s phone buzzed. A text from Taylor:

“Hey, Eden. Meet me at the library tomorrow.”

Eden’s heart quickened.

Meanwhile, Ryker stood outside.

“Carl,” Ryker said.

Mia’s uncle, Carl.

Carl’s deep voice rumbled through the line. “Ryker.”

“We have a problem,” Ryker said. “Someone’s tracking Morgan.”

Carl’s tone turned serious. “Be cautious.”

Ryker nodded.

As Ryker ended the call, Kael appeared.

“Ryker,” Kael said.

Keal, Rykers fellow werewolf pack mate.

Ryker’s instincts heightened. “What is it?”

Kael’s expression turned grim. “Morgan’s past is catching  up.”

Taylor’s gaze lingered on Ryker, her expression a mix of concern and suspicion. “Eden, be careful around her. She’s not what she seems.”

Eden’s face flushed, his eyes darting between Taylor and Ryker. “Taylor, what’s going on? You’re being really weird.”

Taylor’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ve seen the way Ryker looks at you, Eden. It’s not normal. And those guys who showed up at the party… they were scared of her.”

Ryker’s eyes narrowed. “Taylor, what are you insinuating?”

Taylor stood her ground. “I’m saying Ryker’s hiding something, Eden. Something big. You deserve to know the truth.”

Eden stepped between them, his hands raised calmingly. “Taylor, stop. Ryker’s been helping me. She’s been there for me when I needed someone.”

Taylor’s expression softened, her voice cracking. “I just want to protect you, Eden. You’re my best friend.”

Ryker’s instincts screamed warning. Victor’s influence?

“Taylor, I appreciate your concern,” Ryker said, “but Eden and I are just friends. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Taylor’s gaze lingered on Ryker before shifting to Eden. “Fine. But if anything happens to you, Eden…”

“I’ll be fine, Taylor,” Eden reassured. “Ryker’s looking out for me.”

Later that night, Ryker patrolled the woods, sensing Victor’s presence.

“Victor,” Ryker growled, her eyes scanning the shadows.

Victor emerged, a sly smile spreading. “Ryker, you’re getting too close to Eden. Back off.”

Ryker’s hackles rose. “You’ll never harm him.”

Victor chuckled. “We’ll see about that. You think you can protect him? You’re just a foolish little wolf.”

Ryker’s claws extended, her voice low and menacing. “You’ll never touch him. I’ll kill you first.”

Victor’s eyes gleamed. “You’re no match for me, Ryker. I have powers beyond your wildest dreams.”

The next day, Ryker took Eden on a picnic. They laughed and talked, their connection deepening.

As they sat together, Eden’s hand brushed Ryker’s. Sparks flew.

“Ryker?” Eden whispered.

“Yes?” Ryker replied.

Eden’s eyes locked onto hers. “I feel safe with you. Like nothing can hurt me.”

Ryker’s heart skipped a beat. “You are safe with me, Eden. I’ll always protect you.”

Their gazes held, tension building.

Eden’s face leaned closer, Ryker’s pulse racing.

Just as their lips almost touched, a twig snapped.

Ryker’s instincts flared. Victor?

Eden’s eyes widened. “What was that?”

Ryker’s gaze scanned the surroundings. “Just a stray animal.”

Eden’s face returned to hers. “Ryker?”

“Yes?” Ryker replied.

Eden’s voice dropped. “I think I’m falling for you.”

Ryker’s heart soared.

But their moment was short-lived.

Taylor faked a cough, her eyes locked on Eden’s concerned face.

“Eden, I don’t feel well,” Taylor whispered.

Eden’s brow furrowed. “What’s wrong, Taylor?”

Taylor’s voice trembled. “I think I’m coming down with something. Can you take me home?”

Eden nodded, helping Taylor up.

As they walked, Taylor’s gaze darted around, searching for Ryker.

“Have you seen Ryker today?” Taylor asked casually.

Eden shook his head. “No, I haven’t.”

Taylor’s smile hid her triumph. “Maybe she’s lost interest.”

Eden’s expression faltered.

That night, Ryker confronted Victor in the woods.

“Victor, leave Eden alone,” Ryker growled.

Victor sneered. “You think you can protect him? You’re just a novice werewolf.”

Ryker’s claws extended, but Morgan intervened.

“Ryker, stop! You can’t control your powers yet.”

Ryker’s eyes blazed. “I won’t let him hurt Eden.”

Morgan’s calm voice soothed Ryker’s rage. “We’ll protect Eden together.”

Meanwhile, Taylor poisoned Eden’s mind.

“Eden, Ryker’s probably found someone else. She’s not interested in you.”

Eden’s doubts grew. “Do you think so, Taylor?”

Taylor nodded. “Yes, Eden. You deserve better.”

As the days passed, Ryker’s absence fueled Eden’s uncertainty.

Taylor’s fake illness worsened, and Eden spent more time with her.

Ryker, busy with Morgan, planned their next move.
Just as Eden was absorbed in thoughts with Taylor’s lies.
Grandma jeans, Eden’s grandmother walks in.

“How is she feeling, Eden?”

“She’s getting better granny.”

“And what about you. I’ve noticed a bit change in you. I’d there anything you’d like to share with me?”

“No granny. Thanks.”

“very well then. Take care. And watch over Taylor. Always.”