Page 17 of Claiming Her Alpha

“I like the idea of the warriors living together. Ours usually live with their families all over the village, some even further away in the woods,” she shared freely.

Gabriel studied her closer and must have determined that she was genuine. “It’s a long tradition that strengthens the bond between our warriors.”

“I like that, but I don’t think it would work for our pack. Many of our warriors have families with children. They’ve gotten used to the intimacy they can share with them in their down time.”

“Ryker doesn’t allow us to have much such down time,” Andrew chuckled, earning himself a warning gaze from Ryker.

“Andrew!” Gabriel scolded.

“I thought as much,” Kendra giggled in return. Then her face turned serious. “Beta Gabriel, would you please give my apologies to Alpha Vallerian for interrupting your pack’s celebrations? I know how important this night must have been for your pack and those who have received our Goddess’s touch and wolf last night. It wasn’t my intention to ruin it for anyone. Though I can’t change it, I think an apology is necessary.”

“I will forward your apology.”

“Thank you.”

“I know that you are aware of Alpha Vallerian’s terms of this arrangement, but I need to make sure you understand you can never return and retrieve your mate. Your wolf taking over is no excuse.”

“I understand and will respect that.”

“Though this wasn’t clearly stated at the beginning, your bond to Ryker shouldn’t be shared with your pack.”

“I wasn’t planning on doing so. As I said before, I value every single member of my pack and sharing what happened today would only cause harm. Not just for mine, but yours too.”

Gabriel nodded and led her into the south part of the woods.

Ryker could hear Kendra’s heart speed up and felt her anxiety radiate from her body. She was afraid of the shift, afraid of that pain returning. Instinctively, he took her hand in his.

“This time you’ll be in control. You know what will happen and so will your wolf. Yes, there will be pain, but not as intense as last night. You’re not alone.”

“I know you’re right because I’ve seen it so many times. I’m just nervous, you know?”

“That’s to be expected considering your first shift, but this will be nothing compared to that. Each shift will get easier.”

She squeezed his hand and nodded.

“Will someone meet you when you get home?”

“Once in pack reach I’ll link with Mike and have him meet me outside of the border.”

“Good.”

“I’ll leave the clothes behind as well. It’ll be more believable that I was simply wandering.”

‘I like her.’ That coming from Gabriel was a huge compliment.

‘You might have to hold me back when she crosses the border.’

‘You have to be strong for yourself.’

‘Delegating things one can’t do himself is a sign of strength.’

‘I’ll do what is necessary.’

When Gabriel stopped, so did Kendra. Her eyes nervously flickered between the four men.

Ryker understood her hesitancy. “If you don’t want to take the clothes off, just shift. I’ll replace them for you.”

“Will it make it harder?”

---