Page 25 of Claiming Her Alpha

Chapter Eight

Arriving at Alpha Raygon’s house was as awkward as ever. Or maybe it just felt that way because Kendra’s father eagerly introduced her to alpha Raygon’s two youngest sons: Maveric and Lake. The youngest, Maveric, had only just come of age, but he seemed somewhat relieved when he didn’t feel a bond with her. He likely didn’t want a mate so much older than he was.

After all the introductions were made, Kendra tried to escape by pretending she’d forgotten something in the car. It was only once she reached the outskirts of the Dagger Wolves’ village that she felt she could breathe again.

“I’m surprised your father still takes Kent with him.”

She turned and saw Rowan, the alpha heir, walking after her. “Better keep your sister under lock and key.”

“I always forget you’re not shy about letting the world know what you think.”

She shrugged and slowed her feet so he could catch up.

“I see you still don’t wear a mark.”

“And I heard you have been lucky to find your mate just a little while ago.”

“Yes. I was hoping we could catch up, maybe have dinner together?”

“Let me guess: there will be other unmarked guys around that could happen to be my mate?”

“Ah, I wasn’t as smooth as I thought I was.”

She sighed, unable to hide her annoyance.

“I’m sorry but it seems like you are the new most wanted woman out there.”

“Very charming but I would’ve come regardless.”

“Wonderful. I promise I’ll make sure everyone behaves.”

“Can you make my brother behave too?”

“Unfortunately, I was given the task to look for his mate as well.”

“Great…”

He pointed at a house to their right. “That’s mine and Amanda’s. Come whenever you like, dinner is around six.”

“I’ll be there in a bit.”

She’d always gotten along well with Rowan. At least, they had the few times they’d met. Her father would’ve loved him to be her mate–he and Alpha Raygon were old friends.

At the car, Kendra tried to suppress her emotions. All she wanted was to shout her bond from the rooftops. She missed her mate dearly every second of the day. Over the past week she’d tried to fight her wolf. She hadn’t dared to shift, afraid she would take control and run towards Ryker. Every day she woke up wondering what happened to him after she’d left. She hoped he hadn’t been punished even more but knowing the Blood Pack and their vicious nature, she didn’t hope too much.

Her wolf was constantly banging against the prison bars Kendra had stuck her behind. Kendra didn’t trust her and that scared her. She wasn’t ready yet to show her wolf to the world, though that time would hopefully come sooner rather than later.

The evening went well, though Rowan seemed to be right about her being on the “Most Wanted Mate” list. Their quiet dinner turned into a small gathering as the evening progressed. Despite that, no one was rude and if they were, Kendra made sure to let them know. There were a few disappointed looks when she met new men, but they were more from them than herself.

Kendra stayed long enough that when she decided to leave, it wouldn’t be seen as rude. She thanked Rowan and his mate for their hospitality and left. Of course Kent stayed, women hanging off all sides. Though none of them found their mate within him, they all hoped to at least get a night of pleasure.

She found herself alone in the guest house. Her father was probably still talking with his old friend over a glass of whisky and she surely hoped Kent would keep his escapades far away from her. She quickly changed into her pyjamas and cuddled up in bed, hugging a pillow tight to her chest.

As soon as her eyes closed, she imagined Ryker wrapping his strong arms around her. She took slow, deep breaths, recalling the way his heart beat in her ear. That was how she’d fallen asleep every night since she’d returned home. And every morning she woke up completely shattered that none of it was real.

The next morning was no different. Her heart broke when she woke up without Ryker’s warmth hugging her, nor his crooked half smile grinning down at her. Frustrated yet again, she got up and dressed herself before finding her father sitting in the small kitchen sipping on his coffee.

“Ah, you’re up. I was hoping we could leave early.”

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