Page 22 of Claiming Her Alpha

“I would rather you talk to us then run off into the woods and get yourself hurt.”

“But even if we discussed this openly, nothing would change. I would still be here waiting for my knight in shining armour to come save me so I can become a luna or some beta’s mate.”

Her father walked around the desk and sat in the chair before it. His face was softer, much softer than usual. “With each year that passes, I can see your frustration grow but I’m not entirely sure that it’s just about your mate.”

“We both know what else bothers me.”

“That is nothing for you to worry about.”

“You want me to be honest?”

He stayed silent so she took it as a yes.

“I worry about it because it doesn’t just affect us–the whole pack is at stake. You shouldn’t tolerate this, just put an end to it.”

“He’ll calm when he finds his mate.”

“And what if he’s like me?”

Her heart started to bleed because she had found her soul, but was unable to be with him because she was willing to sacrifice herself for her pack. Her brother would never be able to show such strength. No one would ever know what she was willing to give up for the sake of her pack.

“He will.”

Her father’s tone made it clear that the conversation was over, so she hit the save icon on the document and stood up. “I’ll finish this tomorrow.”

He nodded and watched her leave without saying another word.

Chapter Seven

Watching Kendra leave ripped his soul to pieces. He stood by the blood line, not even daring to take a single step closer. His eyes were glued to her as she stepped out of the river and headed towards home. He wrestled with his wolf, fighting the primal urge to chase after her. Though it broke him to see her go, he was glad that she took his advice not to look back. If their eyes would have met, he would’ve lost it.

Gabriel gave him until her grey fur disappeared between the trees before he nudged him to leave. Beating his wolf into the back of his mind, Ryker turned north and began to run back to the village, where his punishments awaited him. He ran past Sean and Andrew who then turned to follow him. Ryker pushed himself faster, his muscles burning and almost matching the agonizing pain of losing his mate.

He only stopped once he reached the clearing where Kendra shifted. He shifted and dressed himself, desperately trying to ignore her lingering scent. With Gabriel by his side, he walked through the village. He kept his face stoic, hiding all his emotions. He’d never been a man to show his inner workings openly but never had he felt that vulnerable.

Ryker paused, letting Gabriel enter the office ahead of him. It was separated from the alpha family’s private home by a second entrance to the home. Luna Sophia wasn’t a very outgoing person and Alpha Vallerian liked it that way.

Without looking up from his papers, Alpha Vallerian spoke. “Is it done?”

“Yes, Alpha. Ryker and I escorted her off your territory.”

He looked up with a sinister smile, dark eyes fixed on Ryker. “I see you can still obey, but will your men do the same after what you’ve done?”

Ryker’s heart started to beat faster in his chest. Alpha Vallerian wasn’t going to punish him by taking his title. Instead, he’d make him work even harder to earn his respect back.

“Prepare for the blood ceremony tonight.”

Ryker and Gabriel bowed their heads before leaving the room. Ryker wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or scared to death that he’d be able to keep his title. The Blood Wolves were a very proud pack. They were loyal and very obedient when it came to orders. No one ever dared to go against them, which made them the strong pack they were. The good and safety of the pack always came first.

Gabriel was the one to break the silence as they approached the Nest–the warrior housing. “Would you like me to be there with you when you talk to them?”

“Yes, but you don’t need to say anything. Just observe.”

Gabriel nodded and Ryker called for his men through the bonds. It was more of a feeling that he shared with them, something they’d practiced for a long time.

In the living space of the Nest, Ryker leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest. Some like Sean appeared straight away, while others trickled in a bit slower. Tailor, however, took his sweet time–a sign of his disrespect. Ryker wasn’t upset. He’d expected nothing less. When everyone had arrived and taken a seat, he took a deep breath and began to speak.

“Look, I’m not here to make excuses. I fucked up. I made an inexcusable mistake. But Alpha Vallerian has decided that you are stuck with me. I’ll work my ass off to regain your trust.”

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