Page 43 of Cursed
Ryland freezes in the middle of lacing his boots as he catches a whiff of Nori’s desire. “Damn, woman! It’s going to be difficult to ride a horse with a raging hard-on!” He looks up to see her completely naked, holding herself up against the wall, her breathing labored.
Nori fans her face to relieve some of the heat. “Sorry. Sorry. But you look like a fucking god in that battle armor, Ryland. You should have warned me that getting ready meant...” She points to him. “...well, that!”
Ryland laughs, striding over to her. He grabs her behind her back, pulling her in for a scorching kiss. He ends the kiss quickly, running his thumb along her jawline. “I seriously cannot get enough of you, Nori, but you need to put on some clothes before I take you up against this wall.”
She giggles as he releases her to load up his weapons and gear.
“How long will you be gone?” Nori asks shyly, putting on her shirt.
Ryland sighs and looks up. “I hate to leave you so soon after we’ve decided to trust one another. I would stay if I could, but it’s my duty as Alpha to lead the men.”
She frowns, “I wasn’t asking you to—”
“No, I know,” he says, interrupting her. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. I hate leaving you.”
A frown slides across his face, thinking about how much he is going to miss her. “The town is deep within our northern province. It’s roughly a day's ride through dense forests to get there. We’ll need a day or two to clear out the Rogues, then another day back. So, about four days.”
She blows out a breath, “OK.”
Ryland grabs his bags. “Are you ready?” He turns and sees worry all over her face. “Hey, we do this all the time. I’ll be fine.”
Nori nods her head. “Of course. You’ll be fine.”
“I’ve already reached out to Adele, letting her know I’m leaving. You can hang out with her while I’m gone. Garek will also be here should you need anything.” Ryland takes her hand and leads her out the doors.
Nori follows him through the castle, and they step outside onto a landing at the top of a staircase, overlooking a courtyard. Nori’s pulse increases as she looks out over the group of roughly one hundred pack members and severalhorses near what looks to be the castle’s stables. Enforcers, Guards, Omegas, and family members gather below her.
A hush passes over the crowd as they turn to face their Prince. Every pair of eyes widens when they see him holding hands with a she-wolf.
Ryland’s piercing gaze sweeps over his pack members as he speaks to them in his deep, commanding voice.
“Blood Moon Pack! We ride today, not for glory or victory, but for blood and vengeance! The Rogue filth attacking our northern provincewill meet our steel and none will survive!”
The crowd erupts in a deafening cheer!
Nori is completely awestruck. Listening to Ryland address the Pack, she’s startled by the wave of emotions she feels for him. She whispers to Aylin, “He is incredible.”
Aylin snarkily replies to her, “I’m ready to accept this Mate Bond whenever you are.”
As the pack members settle down, Ryland wraps his arm around Nori’s waist and announces her to the group. “Before we leave, I want you to be the first to hear the news. After eighty years of enduring this curse, I am happy to announce that the Moon Goddess has graced me with a Mate, Nori Valcrest.”
Again, the crowd cheers, but this time, startled gasps ripple through them. Nori’s gasp is among them, and Ryland looks down and smiles warmly at her.
Setting his penetrating gaze back on the pack members, he continues, “As you can see, the curse has not yet been broken. We have only recently discovered the Bond. Those of you remaining here should spread the word. She is to be treated with the utmost respect. If I return to find anyone has mistreated her in any way, make no mistake, I will rip them to pieces!”
He looks into every pair of eyes below him to ensure they understand his warning. He nods and says, “Let’s ride!”
The crowd disperses, and the Enforcers, traveling on the journey, say their goodbyes. The men load their gear and begin mounting their horses.
Ryland takes Nori’s hand again and leads her over to his giant black warhorse, where Garek is waiting for them.
“So, it’s official then?” Garek asks.
Ryland nods. “It is. I expect you to look out for her and protect her while I am gone.” With a growl for emphasis, he says, “I am deadly serious, Garek.”
A wry smile slides over Ryland’s face. “And send a note from me back to that asshole Beta of Starfall. Tell him I will not be returning Norina Valcrest. I have granted her full sanctuary at Blood Moon Pack.” He pauses as a sneer settles on his face. “Tell him I will tear his spine from his body if he comes anywhere near her ever again.”
Garek replies solemnly, “I will send the note, and I swear, I will protect her with my life, Alpha.”
