Page 53 of Claiming Her Alpha

“It feels like I’m breaking apart and as soon as I see her, I’ll shatter into a thousand pieces.”

“It will and no one expects for you to just live on as if nothing happened. We’re here to help you through it.”

“We might need more duct tape than expected to fix you back up,” Andrew joked as he let Tailor’s legs drag through some thorns.

Andrew seemed to purposely take the path that would cover Tailor in the most cuts and bruises possible. Ryker didn’t stop him–he was too tired. Nor did he care enough about Tailor.

“We’ll respect your privacy, but we’re here for you if you want to talk.”

Ryker nodded, deeply touched by their words. They walked for what felt like days before they reached the village in the mid afternoon. Ryker followed Andrew to Melanie while Sean disappeared to find food. Tailor was still unconscious. Every time he’d started to stir Andrew “accidentally” dropped him or hit his head on something that had been in his way.

Andrew roughly dropped Tailor on the bed and nudged Melanie towards Ryker. “I think Ryker needs some fluids and maybe a good night’s rest.”

“I don’t need to be drugged,” Ryker protested.

Melanie gently guided Ryker to another empty bed. “But some vitamins and fluids would be good. You look exhausted and maybe a little dehydrated.”

Ryker didn’t fight her, watching as she placed an IV line in his arm. As soon as Ryker had food in his hands, Melanie turned her attention to Tailor. She scoured his body for wounds, determining that none of them were life threatening and needed to heal without her help.

Ryker closed his eyes and opened his mind in search of Gabriel. ‘We need to talk about Tailor.’

Chapter Fifteen

With tears in her eyes, Kendra sat in her new office, looking at the card in her hands. She’d sent out an invitation to all surrounding packs for her luna ceremony–it was tradition. But she never expected the Blood Wolves to respond. She set the card aside and tried to calm herself.

Alpha Vallerian announced that he would be bringing himself, his luna–and ten other people. Alpha Raygon was sending his son in his place, and Alpha Finlay was bringing Luke, but most alphas were only traveling with their betas. Vallerian was likely doing it to provoke her.

She knew deep down she had to prepare herself mentally and physically to see Ryker again. She had no doubt that Alpha Vallerian would bring him to punish her even more. He’d also been the last one to send back his reply. He deliberately sent it back late, only giving them three weeks to prepare. Though it would break her, she would have to keep it together if she wanted to see her plan through.

A knock on the door made her head turn. Though she’d taken over her father’s office–and most of his duties–her family was still living with her. She had insisted on them staying until after her ceremony, but her father thought it was a good idea to show her strength and independence if they moved out beforehand. They’d compromised that she would take the office for now, and they would move out after the Moondance.

Her mom stepped in and gave her a gentle smile. “How about one last dinner together?”

“It feels surreal that you’re going to move out so soon.”

“I’m sure you’ll be so busy that you’ll barely notice.”

Kendra stood up and followed her mom out of the office and towards the dining room. Her father, Jenevea, and her sisters were already sitting at the table. Kent hadn’t been welcomed back into the house since the night he attacked her. He’d spent days chained with silver to a tree without food or water. Being a werewolf, he’d survived. Barely—but he’d survived. After that, her father had disowned him and had sent him out to provide for the pack like every other man. His friends, along with the rest of the pack, turned on him. He was only allowed to continue living in the village so his father could keep an eye on him.

She sat next to Jenevea and looked around for her new niece. “Is Lorena asleep?”

“Don’t provoke her,” she giggled and pointed at the baby monitor in front of her. “I’m sure she’ll wake up soon and if you like you can hold her then.”

Jenevea had given birth just over three months ago. Lorena was the spitting image of her father, but Kent still didn’t want to have anything to do with either of them. He blamed them for losing everything. Kendra, on the other hand, had fallen in love, trying to spend every waking moment with both of them.

“I love me some baby snuggles,” Kendra confessed.

“Lucky you that you’re surrounded by so many right now,” her mom joked as she dished out the food.

Lukas, Mike’s baby, had been born just after Lorena and they both had stolen Kendra’s heart. Jenevea had found a true friend in Lina. They’d been attached at the hip. Kendra loved seeing their friendship grow–and not just because of the babies.

“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Jenevea asked.

“A little,” Kendra confessed. “I know I’ve seen Father guide a lot of wolves through their first shift, but I don’t know if I can do it as well as he can.”

Her father’s eyes rested knowingly on her. “The first time is always special, but with each wolf it will become easier, more natural.”

“Do you feel them right now?” Abigail asked curiously.

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