Page 53 of The Renegade Mate

The cold, smooth sheets of the bed in Evelyn’s cousin’s guest room pressed against my skin. I was trying to rest, but my mind refused to quiet down, replaying the past few hours like a relentless movie reel. After Ryan refused to listen to me and walked out, I’d started planning our move from Thomas’s. Ryan came back after half an hour, and we’d gone over the plan with him. Both Ryan and I had avoided the subject of me handing myself in, and we’d set things in motion.

I could still feel the tension that was in the air as we’d waited for Ryan, Mason, and Jase to scout around Thomas’s house, taking out anyone who might have been sent to watch us. Thomas, Wally, and I had prepared Sam—still in a coma—for the move, working under Thomas’s directions. The weight of Sam’s limp body on the stretcher was a reminder of everything we had to lose.

Ryan and Mason had brought two cars around, and we’d bundled into them. They drove carefully, watching to see that we weren’t followed, doubling back a few times to make sure. Then we’d headed to Evelyn’s cousin’s house. Ryan, Mason, and Jase had dropped us off to get Sam settled, then they’d headed back to collect all the enforcers still tied up at Thomas’s house.

We couldn’t kill them—that wasn’t who we were—and we couldn’t leave them there for Brock and Tristan to find. They would tell them that Ryan and I were back, and we still needed the element of surprise. Ryan knew one of his enforcers, one who hadn’t been rounded up; a werewolf called Irina had a place where she could keep them secured until we decided what to do with them.

I’d sat with Sam for a while, watching his chest rise and fall.

“Everything will be okay, Sam,” I’d whispered, my voice barely audible. “I promise.”

Then I’d come up here to rest. Not that sleep was happening. As I lay there, the sound of the door creaking open broke into my thoughts. I turned to see Ryan walk into the room. He looked so tired.

“Any news?” I asked, sitting up and wrapping the sheet around me.

“Brock and Hayley have been rounding up our people,” he stated. “We’ve been able to contact a few. But they’re not just targeting our people. They’re taking their families, too. My guess is they’ll hold them until they are sure they can hold the Pack.”

A lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard, struggling to keep my emotions in check. “They’re destroying everything Jem worked so hard for.”

“We’ll get it back,” he whispered, lying down next to me and stroking my hair. “We’ll undo all the damage they’ve done. We’ll make it ours, make it better for everyone.”

I nodded, not trusting my words right now, and cuddled into him. The tension in my body began to ease. The warmth of his presence and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled me into a state of calm. My mind wandered, unable to resist the magnetic pull of desire that sparked between us. In that moment, I craved nothing more than to be as close to him as possible.

“Ryan,” I murmured, my voice thick with longing. He looked down at me, his blue eyes darkening with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

I didn’t need to say anything more. He didn’t hesitate. His lips found mine in a kiss that left us both breathless. Our bodies moved together slowly, exploring each other as if it was going to be our last time. Every touch was deliberate, every caress gentle yet possessive. It was tender and sensual, everything I needed right then. Ryan positioned himself between my legs, his hard length pressing against my entrance. My breath hitched as he slowly pushed inside me, filling me completely. We both gasped at the intense sensation, our bodies joining as one.

“You feel so perfect,” Ryan whispered, his voice rough with desire.

With each slow, deliberate thrust, I felt waves of pleasure building within me. It was tantalizing; every nerve of mine was on fire. He was going to coax this orgasm from me, one stroke at a time.

“Ryan …” I moaned, my fingers digging into his broad shoulders as I clung to him.

“Shushhhhh,” he murmured against my lips as he rolled his hips. Our bodies slick with sweat, I wrapped my legs around his waist, holding him close to me and giving him access to deeper parts of me. The pressure inside me grew, and I could feel my orgasm approaching, an unstoppable force threatening to consume me.

Ryan cupped my head with his hands, and I looked deep into his eyes, feeling the love he felt for me surround me and fill me up. I wanted this. I wanted this every fucking day. I had everything to fight for, and I intended to make sure it was me left standing, not Brock and not Hayley.

We moved together, taking our time, gradually increasing the pace. It felt amazing, this slow, relentless build-up that was making my whole body hum with pleasure. I never wanted it to stop, but my body had other ideas. It was like I had no control; Ryan’s hard body was steering me toward the heights of bliss. My pussy tightened around his cock, milking him and sending me over the edge. I cried out as my orgasm hit me, just as Ryan shuddered with his own release.

Ryan collapsed on top of me, and I loved the feel of his weight bearing down on me. I wanted him to stay there forever so I could savor the intimacy and connection we shared. I wanted to shut out reality, but it was almost as if I could hear a clock ticking on our time together.

“We can do this, Mai. We’ll find a way. Don’t ever doubt that,” Ryan said, kissing me gently.

I wished I could believe him. I really did.

Chapter thirty-one

Mai

Ryan, Mason, Evelyn, and Jase had gotten up early this morning, heading out to track down more of our potential supporters. It was vital we rounded up as many as we could. They needed to go in person, as we couldn’t be sure if Brock’s enforcers were standing over anyone we called on the phone. Wally and Thomas were in with Sam. I’d stayed behind to help with Sam, but Thomas had ushered me out when he decided they were going to give him a sponge bath. Thomas thought we might be able to bring Sam out of the coma tomorrow.

I tiptoed into the kitchen, found a scrap piece of paper and a pen, and sat down to write.

He was going to be pissed, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I left the note on the table, addressed to Ryan. Then I opened the door, slipped outside, and ran straight into Jase and Mason.

I stared at them. They stared at me. Then Mason took out his wallet, removed a twenty, and handed it to Jase.

I lifted an eyebrow.

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