CHAPTER 36
Ryder’s POV
Sleep had stopped coming easy. Not since that kiss.
It was like tasting something I didn’t know I craved until it was on my lips, and now I couldn’t get enough. My wolf hadn’t shut up since, pacing in my head, growling about how close we weren’t. Demanding more.
I pushed out of bed much earlier with a groan, running a hand down my face. My body ached for release, my mind refused to quiet, and my wolf’s nagging didn’t help. A cold shower, that’s what I needed. Something to snap me out of the haze. Steam filled the small bathing chamber, but even under the water, I couldn’t shake the memory of her taste–warm, sweet, and addictive.
‘You should be with her. Not here. Not away.’ Max growled.
“Enough,” I muttered, shutting the water off. But he didn’t relent.
I towelled off and pulled on my ceremonial tunic, paired it with dark trousers and my boots, tying my hair to the back, forcing my mind to the day ahead. The alphas were coming, and I needed my head clear. I mind-linked Andre before leaving my chambers.
‘Escort Zelda to the hall. Don’t leave her side. I’ll be there earlier to settle things, won't be able to wait for her.’
‘On it,’ Andre replied, his voice groggy.
I didn't want to leave her without a word, but I didn't want to disturb her sleep either as it was still early and also, duty pulled. Still, I promised myself I’d find a moment before the alphas arrived.
When I did see her, I nearly stopped breathing.
I was used to seeing her in simple–loose dresses, hair wild and untamed. But today… today she had smoothed herself out, hair tied back, her gown simple yet elegant, cinched at the waist with a thin woven belt. Modest, but enough to make wolves stare. Too many wolves.
My wolf puffed his chest at the sight, pride swelling, but I hated the attention. She was mine. Only mine. I forced the thought down before it could spill over my face.
I forced my gaze back to my plate, tried to focus on food, but my stomach turned, refusing to settle. My wolf growled every time another male glanced her way. One day, I promised myself, she would sit at my side during these gatherings. One day, her place would be undeniable.
I sat through breakfast with little appetite, stabbing at the food in front of me. My attention kept sliding back to her–her hands, the way her lashes lowered, the curve of her mouth. I wanted her lips again.
I cornered her before the courtyard gathering, unable to resist. I’d been itching to steal a moment all morning, especially after the information I received about Riven's arrival–and when I kissed her–by the gods, the calm that swept me. She moaned into me, and it took everything in me to stop. Pulling away felt like tearing off my own skin.
But I had to.
When the alphas arrived, I kept my posture tall, my voice strong. Hillary, with his scarred jaw and fur-lined cloak, carried himself like always–intimidating, watching everything. Cephus, his steel-gray hair and the scar carved across his face, reminded me of battles neither of us would forget. He’d earned that scar defying the council itself, when they ordered him to wipe out a pack for treason. He’d refused to slaughter innocents, clashed with Elder Nolan himself, and nearly lost his life for it.
Seeing him again stirred a quiet respect and he was one of the few I respected. He’d taught me much when I was just finding my footing as Alpha of Stormfang.
And then… Riven. Smirking as if he belonged.
I kept my wolf on a leash when his lips lingered on Zelda’s hand, he was daring me.
Later, when the formalities ended, I led them into my office. The chamber was large, lined with maps and heavy oak shelves, the Stormfang crest hanging on the wall behind my desk. We sat–Hillary sprawling with easy confidence, Cephus, expression masked and unreadable, Riven lounging like he owned the place. This fucker was just trying so hard to feel important.
The opening talk was civil. Border matters. Trade routes. The rising tension with rogues who’d been spotted near the Riverlands and smaller packs.
Then Riven leaned back, feigning politeness. “I mean no disrespect, Ryder, but tell me–why is your mate still unmarked?”
My fingers tightened around the armrest. I opened my mouth, ready to dismiss him, when Hillary chimed in, voice mild but pointed. “I noticed that as well.”
“It’s none of your concern,” I said evenly, keeping my wolf in check.
Hillary raised his hands in mock surrender. Riven, of course, pushed further, lips curling. “Or is it because she has no wolf?”
Cephus’s brow furrowed, interest sparking. He leaned forward slightly.
My wolf snarled, claws raking at my chest. I forced him back, steadying my breath. “Did you come here to discuss my mate, or the matters of our packs?” I asked evenly, not giving Riven the satisfaction of a crack in my control
His smile sharpened. “Touchy. But tell me, Ryder–why delay? Unless… you doubt her. Unless she’s not enough.”
I leaned forward, my voice dropping low. “Funny words from a man who let his mate slip through his fingers. Or was it sheer stupidity?”
Riven growled, lips pulling back to bare his teeth. I didn’t flinch.
Then he smirked, venom dripping from every word. “Well, it’s not like the one you have is pure. I still remember her begging to be claimed, desperate for her wolf. Or whatever lie she clung to back then. Pathetic, really.”
My wolf lunged inside me, furious, demanding release. ‘Let me tear his throat out.’
No, I told him firmly. That’s what he wants. I won’t give it to him.
Cephus and Hillary growled in unison.
Hillary sighed, glancing at Cephus. “This was how they were, going at each other in my pack.” He turned to the bastard. “Riven, you are in Ryder's pack and you will accord him that respect.”
But my mind was already caught on Riven’s words. Begged to be claimed? Why? What had they told her? I shoved the thought aside. He could just be spitting filth to get under my skin.
Cephus shook his head, muttering, “She must be one special girl to stir Ryder like this.”
Riven huffed, rising. “I’ll take a look around. Your pack’s borders interest me.”
I didn’t trust the glint in his eyes. I mind-linked a warrior instantly. Escort Alpha Riven. Don’t leave him unattended.
When the door shut behind him, I sent another link. ‘Andre. Where’s Zelda?’
‘With me.’ His reply came without hesitation.
‘Don’t let her out of your sight,’ I ordered.
Because if Riven so much as breathed wrong in her direction again, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop my wolf.