Page 82 of Claiming Her Alpha

“How are you feeling?”

“Nervous, excited… nauseous,” she admitted openly and felt Ryker’s surprise. “Please tell me that’s how you felt when you became alpha.”

“I did. Though I wasn’t sitting as calmly as you are right now.”

“I’m just trying to keep my mind busy. But I’m sure that’s not why you’re here.”

“No, it’s not. I came to talk to you, Ryker.” Her father’s eyes rested on Ryker, who was still sitting behind her. “I felt you become one with the pack last night and I assume Kendra marked you.”

“Yes, she did.”

“We didn’t have much time to talk yesterday, so I thought I would come by now before Kendra officially becomes our luna. I know all of this is very new to you, but I want to make sure you understand what her ceremony means for you.”

“I’m not here to take her title.”

Her father’s face softened. “I didn’t mean to imply that, but I wanted to make sure that your wolf understands too. Your role within your old pack was a leading one. You commanded the men beneath you and your wolf may have gotten used to that.”

“Kendra is our luna–our alpha. We both understand that and are willing to submit.”

“I trust Ryker and his wolf,” Kendra’s words came out much harsher than she intended.

“And that is how it is supposed to be.” Her father leaned back and relaxed into his chair. “When a new wolf joins a pack, the alpha feels him, and often, the rank he had before joining. You being the lead warrior, I could feel your wolf’s confidence and willingness to lead.”

“It worried you, but there is no need, Father.”

“What would ease your concerns?” Ryker asked, willing to do whatever her father suggested.

“I’m afraid that people will naturally see you as the pack’s leader. Not only because of your title, but because your wolf radiates that strength.”

“ I will always correct them.”

“When she announces you to the pack, bow to her like one would do to their new alpha.”

“I didn’t know we’d skip that part,” Ryker said, confused.

Kendra couldn’t hold back an amused chuckle. “I hadn’t planned on it.”

“I wasn’t sure if you would, but it worried me.” Her father stood up and smiled, relieved, at Ryker. “Welcome to the pack–and family, Alpha Ryker.”

“I hope we’ll get to know each other better soon.”

“We can’t wait to have family dinner with all of you,” Kendra said happily.

After her father left, Ryker continued to run his fingers through her hair. “This issue will haunt us forever but know I meant what I said: I will make sure everyone knows I’m your subject.”

“Well… unless we are behind closed doors.”

He leaned down and licked her earlobe before playfully biting down on it. “Then you are all mine, little luna.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

The entire morning was spent in the office. Ryker couldn’t help but feel excited about his future. If this was what their days would look like, he would be more than happy to wake up every morning.

She rested against his legs while reading through the papers before her, slowly sorting them into folders. Here and there, she explained the financial side of the pack, or showed him the properties they owned. It was quite fascinating to see this side of pack business.

Around lunchtime, Avery stepped in, updating them on everything that was happening outside. “Your mom is keeping us all busy trying to decorate everything while your dad is trying to wrangle her.”

“What about Kent?” Kendra asked.

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