Page 71 of Howling Night

He reached out, taking my hand in his. “I didn’t know this would happen. I didn’t even think it was possible with a human.”

“So, what happens to me now?” I asked, searching his eyes.

He glanced at his truck, then back at me. “Now I protect what’s mine.”

The possessive words should have angered me further, but instead, they sent a shiver of something else entirely down my spine. It should have annoyed me, but it didn’t. Instead, I felt something… new. Something I definitely didn’t understand.

“Can’t you just order me to leave?” I asked, looking into his eyes.

He shook his head. “I think it would weaken me. I can’t risk that either.”

“I can’t believe this,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I… I don’t understand. What am I to you now?”

Ryder’s gaze intensified. “Everything.”

ChapterThirty-Two

I stared at Ryder, a chill creeping up my spine as I tried to process what was happening between us. For the most part, other than the absolute infatuation with Ryder, I felt the same as I always had.

More scared and afraid for my life, but I didn’t think that had anything to do with the imprinting.

“So, um, do I have to obey your every command now?” I asked, hating the quiver in my voice. I couldn’t deny that the connection between us felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Ryder’s expression softened. “No, Everly. That’s not something I’d ever enforce. I’m not looking to control you.” He ran a hand through his hair, seeming just as overwhelmed as I was. “If you wanted to leave badly enough, I think the SUV would start. The bond’s strong, but it’s not a prison.”

“So, it’s breakable?” I asked, raising a brow.

“Do you want to break it?” he asked.

I opened my mouth but snapped it shut.

“I mean, to be totally honest, I don’t know enough about it, having never experienced it before,” Ryder said, running his hand through his hair. “I’m sure there are ways… I’ll need to talk to?—”

“Right now, when you told me to stop walking, I did,” I said, chewing my lip. “If you’re not my master or whatever, then why did I stop? I didn’t even think about it… my body just responded.”

“It’s a deep connection,” he said quietly. “I think on some level we just don’t want to be apart.”

I looked out at the trees. “I am very worried about all of this.”

“I promise I won’t order you around like some kind of submissive,” Ryder said, looking into my eyes. “That’s not what I want. I just want to protect you. Be with you. I would do anything to keep you safe.”

“This is a lot,” I said, chewing a nail.

“I’ll learn more about it,” Ryder said, glancing over his shoulder. “I will, but this Kellan bullshit has to come first. He’s far too big of a threat to you and to my pack.”

I looked down at my feet. “And to you.”

“Please,” Ryder said, pulling me into his arms. “I’m not afraid of Kellan.”

“What if I am?”

“I’m older, I’ve been a pack leader longer?—”

“Why does it feel like there’s something you’re not telling me?” I asked, burying my face against his chest.

Ryder sighed. “There is probably a lot that I’m not telling you, but it’s for your protection.” He cleared his throat and gestured toward the house. “You should go inside. Do you think you’ll be okay here alone, or should I send Gage or Trevor?”

“I’ll be fine,” I said.

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