Page 51 of Fated Wolf's Destiny

With one hand still firmly wrapped around his erection, Ryder uses the other to grip the back of my head, pulling me towards him until our faces are just inches apart. His eyes burn into mine as he rumbles, "Come for me now."

And with that command I do, my body shaking with pleasure as wave after wave of ecstasy floods through me. My orgasm is intense, a result of my own touch combined with the knowledge that Ryder is watching me, eager to claim his pleasure from me next.

As I come down from my high, Ryder steps closer and takes my hand away from my wet core. He presses his dick against me, the head sliding easily into my entrance as he tilts me back, bringing my legs up around his waist. He pushes harder, filling me completely with his thick shaft. I gasp at the feel of him inside me, so hard and hot.

He starts to move, thrusting slowly at first, building up speed as he watches me writhe beneath him. His hands grip my hips tightly, never letting go even as our bodies move together rhythmically. Every thrust sends sparks through me, making me want him more and more until I'm moaning again.

I look up at him, eyes wide and filled with desire. "Harder," I beg him softly, loving how he dominates me in this moment. He grins cruelly, and without pause, he obliges. His rhythm intensifies; his thrusts are deep and powerful now, each one hitting my sweet spot just right to induce another orgasm within moments of the first one subsiding.

And so we continue, Ryder pounding into me relentlessly while I cling to him for dear life, both of us seeking release in this primal bond we share. It's exhilarating; it's terrifying; it's intoxicating. In this moment, I am completely and utterly under his control, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

His gaze fixes on mine, his eyes dark with lust as he drives into me over and over again. I am a vessel for his passion, a willing participant in his desire. And as he nears his climax, I can see it in the way his muscles tense, the way his breath quickens, the way his eyes flash dangerously.

"I'm going to fill you up," he whispers, the words barely audible over the sound of our bodies slapping together.

The thought sends a shockwave of pleasure through me, knowing that I am the cause of his ecstasy. He doesn't hesitate, thrusting harder and faster now as he nears his peak. His breathis ragged, each word an effort. With that, he thrusts one final time before releasing inside me with a hoarse cry.

As he collapses against me, still joined, we linger in the aftermath, tangled in each other and the echoes of what just happened. His breath comes shallow and labored, his body trembling against mine as I trail my fingers along his damp skin. Slowly, he withdraws, leaving a spark of longing in his wake. My eyes flutter shut as he scoops me up effortlessly, carrying me to the bed—but the intensity of his gaze tells me this night is far from over.

CHAPTER 19

RYDER

The Elders’ chamber feels colder than usual tonight. Their eyes, sharp and assessing, track Bella as she sits next to me, her chin lifted in defiance. Lucas stands at the back, arms crossed, leaning against the wall like he hasn’t a care in the world. But I know my brother. He’s coiled, ready to spring. He’s waiting for someone to say the wrong thing about her.

“She’s not one of us,” Tannis says, her voice sharp as ever, a blade disguised in aged wisdom. “A trace of shifter DNA or not, she doesn’t belong here.”

Bella bristles beside me, but I rest a hand on her knee beneath the table. A small gesture to remind us both of the larger implications. Her warmth seeps through the fabric of her jeans, igniting the constant spark between us.

“She’s an outsider,” another Elder agrees, leaning forward. “Her very presence is a liability.”

“You’re wrong,” I say, taking the floor. “She is my mate.”

The room stills.

“You think she’s a liability because she’s different?” I continue, my words meant more for the rest of the pack that are gathered here. “That difference might be what saves us. You’veall seen what’s happening. The Crimson Claw, the poachers, the declining birthrates. We’re facing threats to our survival from all sides. Bella’s already proven she’s more than capable of handling herself.”

“She’s reckless,” Tannis counters, narrowing her eyes.

“She’s resourceful,” Lucas retorts from his place at the back of the chamber. “Arthur saw it. That’s why he trusted her with so much.”

Bella straightens, her eyes moving between Lucas and I. She’s still trying to find her footing in all this, but she doesn’t waver.

“She has no experience with pack life,” another Elder says, his tone measured. “That could put us all at risk.”

“And what’s your solution?” I say, my voice cutting through the room like a blade. “Push her away? Leave her vulnerable? I say again, she’s my mate—my fated mate. The one spoken of in the prophecy. The Crimson Claw may have targeted her because of what Arthur discovered, but as long as there is breath in my body, she will be protected.”

Silence hangs heavy in the chamber. Lucas glances toward me, clearly satisfied that I’ve just made their argument irrelevant.

“I understand the risks,” Bella says suddenly, her voice clear and steady. All eyes shift to her. “And I’m not going anywhere. Your alpha is my mate. We will be together.”

I glance at her, the fire in her gaze intoxicating. She’s as stubborn as she is brave, and damn it, if that doesn’t make me want her more.

Lucas steps closer, his gaze sweeping over the Elders. “We all know the pack needs to change. Ryder’s known it for years, but out of his respect for you, he’s tried to bring change at a pace you won’t find intolerable. Bella’s not a threat to us—she’san opportunity. She’s smart, tenacious, and she’s already neck-deep in this fight.”

The room buzzes with murmurs, the Elders exchanging glances. I can feel the tension shifting, the winds of change are blowing strong tonight. I wanted them to come around. Their doing so would have made it easier for Bella, but I’m done pandering to them.

“She stays,” I say, my tone leaving no room for argument. “That’s final.”

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