All Chapters of Claimed Without a Scent: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter 21 — DoubtRhea’s POVI can’t stop thinking about it.Nine years ago. A mate he scented. A mate he searched for.A mate who wasn’t me.I lie in bed staring at the ceiling. Ryker left hours ago for meetings. Said he’d be back before dinner.But I’m still here. Still replaying Ronaldo’s words. Still picking apart every interaction Ryker and I have had.Why hasn’t he marked me?He said he’s waiting for my transformation. To make it less painful.But what if that’s not the real reason?What if he’s waiting to see if the other mate—the one from nine years ago—comes back?What if I really am second choice?Sable growls. Stop. You’re spiraling.I can’t help it. What if—What if nothing. He chose us. The moon goddess chose us for him. That’s all that matters.But is it?I roll over. Bury my face in the pillow.This is ridiculous. I should be out there. Exploring the palace. Meeting people. Learning what it means to be a future queen.Instead I’m hiding in this room like—like I don’t b

Chapter 23 — TensionRyker’s POVShe arrives ten minutes late.Head high. Shoulders back. Walking like she owns the palace.My chest tightens. King purrs with pride.Beautiful. Strong. Ours.She greets my father warmly. “Your Majesty. Thank you for the invitation.”“Of course, child. We’re glad you could join us.” He gestures to the empty seat. Far from me. “Please. Sit.”She does. Doesn’t even glance my way.The slight stings more than it should.Food is served. Conversation starts.Rhea eats quietly. Politely. But there’s steel in her spine that wasn’t there this morning.“Rhea,” my father says. “Camila mentioned you had something to say.”She sets down her fork. Dabs her mouth with a napkin.Then she speaks. Clear. Composed. Devastating.“I did, Your Majesty. I wanted to establish some boundaries for my time here at the palace.”“Go on.”“I will no longer eat at a table where Lila is present.” She doesn’t look at Lila. Doesn’t acknowledge her at all. “And I will not tolerate Ronald

Chapter 25 — ApologyRyker's POVI set her down in our room and immediately step back.She's furious. Eyes blazing. Hands clenched into fists."Don't ever do that again," she says. Voice shaking with rage."I needed to talk to you—""So you carried me like a sack of grain? In front of the entire palace?""You wouldn't come willingly—""Because I didn't want to come!" She throws her hands up. "You can't just—just physically move me whenever I don't do what you want!""I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—" I run a hand through my hair. "Ronaldo was lying. About what happened with you and Lila. I should have asked you first. I should have trusted you.""I don't care about that."I blink. "What?""I don't care that you believed a lie." She steps closer. "I care that you grabbed me by the throat. Twice. While believing it."My stomach drops."Rhea—""Do you understand how terrifying that was? How—how violated I felt?" Her voice cracks. "You're stronger than me. Faster. You could hurt me so easily.

Chapter 27 — ReconciliationRyker's POV[Mature Content Warning]I've been patient for six days.Six days of sleeping beside her without touching.Six days of watching her walk away.Six days of dying slowly from the inside out.Tonight, I'm changing that.I arranged dinner carefully. Just the three of us—me, Rhea, and my father. No Lila. No Ronaldo. No one who might upset her.She arrives on time. Wearing a simple green dress that makes her eyes look darker.Beautiful. As always.She sits across from me. Not beside me.The distance stings, but I don't comment.My father notices immediately. His eyebrow raises slightly."Interesting seating choice," he murmurs.Rhea's lips twitch. Almost a smile. "I like to see who I'm talking to.""Fair enough." My father pours wine. "How was training today?""Brutal. Rapha is merciless.""That's how you know he respects you. He's only merciless with trainees he thinks have potential."Her cheeks flush slightly. Pleased.I watch her talk with my fath

Chapter 29 — DepartureRyker's POV"You're different," Colt says from the driver's seat.I don't look up from the reports I'm reading. "What?""Different. Since you reconciled with Rhea.""I'm the same.""You're really not." He glances at me. Grinning. "You're—softer. Happier. Less likely to rip someone's head off for breathing wrong.""I was never that bad.""You absolutely were." He laughs. "Remember two months ago when that warrior asked if you wanted coffee and you nearly took his hand off?""He startled me.""He said 'good morning, Your Highness.' Very threatening."I flip him off. He just laughs harder."I'm serious though," Colt continues. "She's good for you. Grounds you. Makes you—human. Well, as human as a Lycan can be.""She's my mate. Of course she's good for me.""Not all mates are. Some bring out the worst. But Rhea?" He shakes his head. "She brings out something in you I didn't think existed. Patience. Gentleness. The ability to admit when you're wrong.""I've always be