Page 59 of Claiming Her Alpha

The road led through the woods, giving way to larger trees that draped a thick canopy over the forest. With each passing minute Ryker grew more uncomfortable, his muscles aching as they emerged deeper into their enemy’s territory. The village was much larger than what he’d expected, a huge clearing in the trees making room for the pack’s people. The sun was shining down, blinding after spending time under the trees.

Sean steered the SUV to the right where he parked next to the garage. Gabriel did the same, parking next to them while the third car enclosed Alpha Vallerian’s vehicle. Ryker quickly jumped out and just like they’d practiced, his warriors formed themselves around Alpha Vallerian and Luna Sophia. Though Alpha Vallerian was in the midst of them, he wasn’t the one they were protecting. Luna Sophia was their utmost priority.

As he stood next to Gabriel, he overlooked the village, his eyes drifting over the houses to familiarize himself with the layout. He tried to map out his surroundings, even tried to find spots in which their enemies could hide from an ambush against them. When his eyes found her, his heart dropped into a deep void he’d tried to ignore for so long. Her hair was waving in the breeze, the red only enhanced by the sun shining down on her. She was wearing tight, dark jeans and a white blouse that dipped low enough to show her cleavage. She was breathtaking, her blue eyes beaming and her lips twitching into a smile as she looked at the man next to her.

He wanted to feel jealous but before he could, Gabriel’s mind pressed against his, a mixture of warning and trying to give him strength. Ryker forced himself to take his eyes off her and continue scanning the village. Though there was excitement and curiosity in the air, Ryker couldn’t sense anything threatening.

Knowing he couldn’t rely solely on himself–especially with Kendra around–he reached for Sean’s mind. ‘What do you think?’

He didn’t have to explain himself. Sean knew what he wanted to know—what Ryker needed from him. ‘I believe you’re right.’

As Kendra approached, she didn’t lose her smile. Her eyes beamed and her heart raced. Alpha Vallerian stepped before Ryker and Gabriel, his eyes coldly resting on the approaching luna.

“Alpha Vallerian, welcome,” Kendra greeted him.

In response, Alpha Vallerian gave her a courteous nod.

“May I introduce Beta Avery to you? He has been my father’s beta and will continue his role as mine.”

Alpha Vallerian was a man of few words as he indicated Gabriel, then Ryker. “Beta Gabriel and my lead warrior Ryker.”

Ryker could see a glimpse of surprise in her eyes as her gaze rested on him for just a split second before she smiled at Gabriel.

Following her mate's call, Luna Sophia stepped forward.

“This is my luna.”

“It is nice meeting you, Luna Sophia.” Kendra could probably sense or even knew that Luna Sophia was shy and continued after a friendly smile. “I believe you all had a long journey behind you. How about I show you to your guest houses?”

She led the group towards the edge of the village to their left. Letting herself fall back, she walked close to Alpha Vallerian with her beta right by her side. Though her heartbeat was much faster than that of the others, everything else about her was calm–even her aura didn’t give away anything. He on the other hand was sure everyone could see his struggle. His palms were sweating, and he was barely able to breathe. His heart was still, swallowed by a cold void. He was sure he looked like a nervous fucking wreck. He turned his head towards the village again, desperate for something to look at aside from the sway of Kendra’s hips ahead of him.

“You are the first to arrive. So hopefully you can enjoy the village before the chaos starts. The main house is to the other side of the village while our guest housing is straight ahead. We have stocked all the guest houses but if you find anything missing, please feel free to use our shop. Take whatever you need,” she offered as she pointed to a little house with a storefront.

Fuck! This woman was so calm and friendly, even to the man who hurt her in unimaginable ways. Her beta on the other hand was more tense. He was never more than a foot away from her. They seemed to be close, which ruffled Ryker’s fur a little. He knew he was her beta and that’s how it was supposed to be, but Ryker didn’t like another man being close to her in any way.

Forcing his eyes away from them, Ryker looked around. Beta Avery wasn’t the only one who seemed to be tense. They were a big crowd and didn’t hide the fact that they were warriors. Ryker had made them dress in all black from their boots to their shirts.

Kendra stopped before two houses. “These two are yours. I would suggest you take this one,” she said to Alpha Vallerian. “It’s the only one with a master bedroom and private bath.”

Ryker nudged for two of his warriors to check out the buildings which seemed to amuse Kendra slightly. Her eyes flickered towards him, just for a moment.

With a smile on her face, she turned back to the other alpha and luna. “Let us know if you need anything. I will be having a dinner for all alphas and betas and their mates tomorrow evening at my house. I hope to see you three there.”

Without waiting for an answer, she left, walking towards the village. Ryker couldn’t help but watch and listen with jealousy boiling in his soul as Avery handed her a chocolate bar and jokingly laughed with her.

“I think someone needs a relax-your-fucking-heart-treat.”

She took it and opened it. “I see you and Mike have exchanged secrets.”

Whipping his head around, Ryker watched as his two men returned, deeming the houses safe. While half his men took the second house, Ryker followed Gabriel into the house they’d share with their alpha.

As he stood on the porch, Ryker watched over the village while everyone settled into their rooms. Though he tried not to, his eyes searched for her, but she was nowhere to be found. As he watched the pack prepare for their other guests, he tried to remember everything he knew about them. Kent didn’t seem to be around and he questioned more than once if he’d found Mike–Kendra never did tell him what he looked like. There were two women with babies in their arms, one of which he assumed was the girl Kent had gotten pregnant.

“At least I won’t feel lonely tonight,” Gabriel teased and stepped next to him. “It seems we’ll have to share a bed.”

Ryker tried to smile, but couldn’t. Every muscle in his body ached.

“Has anyone else arrived yet?”

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