CHAPTER 33
Zeena’s POV
The moment those words left my mouth, Ryder moved. It was like the last thread of restraint in him snapped. He closed the space between us so fast I barely had time to breathe before his lips crashed onto mine.
The kiss wasn’t gentle. It was deep, heated, hungry, like he had been holding back for too long. My breath caught, but then I melted into him, clutching his shoulders as if I could drag him closer. My fingers fisted into his shirt as he pressed me closer, and I swore my knees would’ve given out if he wasn’t holding me up. When we pulled back for air, gasping, his lips found mine again, rougher this time, like he couldn’t stand the space between us.
We only pulled apart again when air became a problem, but our lips kept brushing, desperate for more. This….this was nothing like the kiss in my dream. It was raw, alive, and it made my head spin. His mouth trailed from mine to my jaw, down to the curve of my neck. My head tilted without permission, a shaky sound slipping from me as his breath brushed my skin. My hands slid up into his hair, tugging, pressing my body against his, needing him closer, needing more. He groaned against my throat and the sound sent heat racing through me and shivers up my spine.
Then he stopped. Just like that. He pulled back, breathing hard, as if he was fighting himself again.
I blinked, chest heaving, dazed at the loss. My lips tingled, already missing the warmth of his. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead instead, and I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped me. It was like he knew, because Ryder pulled me into his arms again, holding me against him with his head resting on mine.
His sigh rumbled through me. “Why do I have to go putty in your hands?” he muttered, sounding frustrated but soft all the same. “What are you doing to me?”
I couldn’t answer. My heart was still thundering, my body still buzzing, and all I could do was cling to him. Somewhere between those stolen kisses and his arms around me, I realized I’d fallen completely for this tall, impossible man.
He grumbled suddenly, breaking the silence.
“What?” I asked, peering up at him.
“I’m needed,” he muttered, reluctant. Then, softer, “Come on, let’s walk back.”
We started toward the courtyard, his fingers sliding into mine like it was the most natural thing in the world. I couldn’t hide my grin even if I tried.
When we reached the courtyard, he stopped and turned to me. “I’ll see you later.” He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles. My chest warmed, my cheeks flushed–and then he walked off.
I was about to leave when Andre’s tall figure came into view. He grinned the moment he saw me and ruffled my hair like I was a kid when he came up to me.
I huffed and smacked his arm. “Seriously? Where have you been? You’re busier than the Alpha himself.” Then I narrowed my eyes playfully. “I thought you said you loved me.”
He chuckled. “Careful. Don’t let your mate hear that. My chin’s still sore from the last time.” His grin softened into something tired. He really looked tired. “Gamma duties. With the full moon coming, borders need watching. Rogues like to get clever when packs are distracted.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but then he wrinkled his nose.
“What?” I asked.
His grin turned wicked. “Don’t tell me you did it?”
“Did what?” I frowned.
He wiggled his brows. “It. With the Alpha. Because, sweetheart, you reek of him.”
Heat rushed to my face so fast I slapped both hands over it. “Andre–stop!” My words came out muffled through my palms.
“How was it?” he teased.
“Shut up!” I swung to smack him again but another voice cut in.
Laura. She strolled past, nose wrinkling. “Girl, even a bath won’t fix that so quick.”
I squeaked, horrified, while they laughed. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, warmth prickled at my back. Before I even turned, Ryder’s voice came sharp and protective.
“Enough. Stop teasing my mate. You’re just jealous.”
Laura and Andre made loud gagging noises. Andre shook his head. “Please. If I had my mate, I’d have marked her by now. Wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”
I gave him my best look of disgust. “Gross.”
Laura snorted. “Might as well tattoo your name on her forehead.”
Andre grinned. “Not a bad idea.”
“You’re hopeless,” I muttered, shaking my head.
Laura smirked. “Couldn’t agree more.”
Andre puffed his chest. “You’re both jealous.”
Ryder cleared his throat, ready to speak, but Laura rolled her eyes. “Here comes the killjoy.”
I giggled before I could stop myself. Ryder’s head whipped toward me, and I slapped my hand over my mouth, looking away like that would save me.
When did I start making sounds like that?!
“Go get a room already,” Andre hollered.
Ryder chuckled, low and warm, and something about the sound made my stomach flip. But then his tone shifted, serious.
“Some Alphas are visiting soon. We need the pack ready.”
Andre straightened. “When?”
“In two days,” Ryder answered.
“Who?” Laura pressed.
“Alpha Hillary from Ravenclaw. Alpha Cephus from Shadowfang. Alpha Riven from Stormclaw was supposed to come too, but I barred him from setting foot here.”
Alpha Hillary I'd seen, Alpha Cephus I hadn't but the moment I heard Riven’s name, my stomach dropped. Then relief followed–he wouldn’t be coming. Thank you, I whispered in my head, sending it to Ryder even if he couldn’t hear it.
When I looked up, they were staring at me. Pity in Laura’s eyes. Concern in Andre’s. Ryder searching my face like he could read every thought.
I forced a small laugh, rubbing at my arm. “I’m fine. Really. I’m over it.”
Laura raised a brow. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I am.”
“Good,” she said simply.
She and Andre muttered something about getting busy, then they drifted off, leaving me with Ryder.
He studied me for a long moment. “Are you really fine?”
I hesitated, then shook my head. Might as well just get it off of my chest. “Not exactly. I’m not ready to face him yet. Hearing his name is enough to remind me I’ll never be good enough. That I’ll never be complete.”
Ryder’s lips parted like he wanted to reassure me, but I spoke first.
“I know you care for me, Ryder. Even without my wolf. I tried to deny it for a while because it felt too soon, and maybe it’s selfish, but I’m glad I don’t have a wolf right now. At least I know the choices I make are mine, not some bond clouding my head. And now… I want to see where this goes. With you.”
When I finally looked at him, he was gaping, mouth opening and closing like he couldn’t find words. The sight made me laugh, and I reached up to pinch his side. He flinched, wincing, and I laughed harder.
“You’re almost right,” he said quietly, coming to push a strand of hair from out of my face.
I blinked. “Almost?”
“I don’t just care for you, Zelda. I adore you. And I can’t wait for the day you’re my Luna officially.”
My heart skipped, but I raised both hands in a quick stop motion. “Hold up—hold up. Isn’t that moving a little fast?”
He shook his head, determined.
“Ryder, I barely climbed out of Omega status months ago. I have no idea how I’d even handle something like that.”
“You’d handle it perfectly,” he said simply. “Because it’s who you are. It would come naturally.”