Page 60 of Ryder

“I’ll take you down,” Reever said.“The guys will bring down all the shit you need promptly.”

I look toward Jace and Dane.An ashen-faced Jude was standing to their right, along with the rest of my crew.“We got you covered, Ryder,” Jace said.“Nothing is going to happen on my watch.”

I nodded, so fucking grateful that they’d picked me up and brought me under their protection all those years ago.

I was taken along a warren of corridors that must span much farther than the above building.Down some metal steps, we came out beside a thick metal door, and inside was a bunker.A mattress had been dumped in the corner, and an open door on the opposite wall revealed a small, functional shower room.Behind us came an army of betas, carrying a carton of bottled water, snack bars, and big sealed clear plastic cubes with the logo of a fancy hotel chain in gold on the wrapper—new blankets and bedding.

“Container was full of fucking bedding,” Reever said.“Jimmie’s struggling to shift the damn stuff.”He jerked his head toward the door.“Bolt is secure.No one is coming in here until you open it up.”

“Thanks,” I said.“I owe you.”

“Nah, man.I owe Dane more.Take care of your omega.See you on the other side.”

ChapterTwenty

Emma

The door shut with a hiss, and Ryder shoved a huge levered bolt into place.

It was dark, save for an emergency light in the ceiling.His hand went to the light switch near the door.“Please don’t,” I said.The dim lighting was a blessing to my sensitive eyes.

He stopped, and his hand returned to me.

I liked this, being in his arms.There were just too many clothes in the way.

My nose twitched.A mattress had been laid out in one corner, and it smelled relatively clean.Stacked up against the wall beside us were bottles of water and snacks, along with new, sealed packages of bedding.Imagining how soft and clean they would be, my fingers clenched in anticipation of getting hold of them and putting them to my liking.

My tummy clenched again, more slick trickling out, and I whimpered.

Snagging a bottle with me still in his arms, Ryder strode for the mattress and sat with me nestled on his lap.“Drink some, Emma,” he instructed, voice raspy behind the plastic.Snapping the water bottle open, he presented it to me.

I took the bottle, thirsty yet disinclined to drink.“Please take the mask off.”

He shook his head, taking the bottle and my hand within his and directing it toward my lips.“Baby, when I take this off, I’m not going to be able to think rationally anymore.”

I shivered, wanting him out of control in a way that was probably unhealthy.Taking a sip, I stared at the alpha who was about to rut me through my heat.The moment had a tinge of disassociation with it, like a living dream.I felt like I should be more frightened than I was.He’d just beaten another alpha to a bloody pulp before my eyes.The former beta me would’ve been horrified.The newly awakened omega delighted in a strong mate who did whatever it took to keep me safe.The two parts sat in contrast, but there was no going back.I loved my inner self—the animalistic side that wanted to be bred by a worthy mate.

I took another sip while shamelessly grinding my wet pussy against the bulge of his crotch, all the while staring boldly at my chosen alpha.

Behind the mask, the corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement.“Your pussy getting needy, baby?”He brushed the hair back from my flushed cheeks in an unmistakably tender way.

I nodded, embracing the calm before the carnal storm.The pain was throbbing low in my belly but bearable.I sensed it wasn’t going to stay that way for long.Nature would demand my heat run its course, and soon, Ryder would remove his mask.

He took the bottle from me.“Let’s get you cleaned up.You’re covered in that asshole’s blood.”

Rising, he carried me through to the tiny, stark shower room.Here, he stripped me, turned the shower on, and ushered me under the spray.Still wearing the gas mask and fully clothed, he cleaned me up.

I fought him.I had no idea why.It was like a fire sparking inside me that demanded I rebel.

“Little fucking brat,” he rumbled, landing a firm swat against my ass.Ignoring my weak struggles, he scrubbed me down with methodical attention, not satisfied until I was squeaky clean.My body and mind went into riot mode as he dumped me, shivering, next to the mattress.I stood there trembling all over.He might not have access to my scent, but his was driving me wild, especially now that the water had washed the blood off.

The plastic bedding packages were sliced open, and the vacuum-packed contents sprung out.

Selecting the nearest blanket, he went to dry me off.

I hissed at him like some kind of feral kitten and snatched the blanket from his grasp.The moment it was in my hand, a calm came over me, and he stepped back, giving me space.

Goosebumps sprang up across my flesh, my cold hair making rivulets as it trickled over my breasts, back, and ass.

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