Chapter 61

Chapter 61
Nara rested a hip against the doorframe and pressed a finger to her chin as she looked upward. “Hmm, let me think about it….”

“Nara…” Ryker Steelheart growled.

Nara threw back her head, tinkling laughter erupting from her. Another figure slipped into view from inside the cabin, padding toward her. The figure had a strong build, muscles stacked upon muscles, though the male’s frame appeared leaner than Ryker’s. He pressed behind Nara and placed an arm around her hip, a protective hand over her swollen belly.

His gaze narrowed on me. It was obvious that he was her mate, his protective instincts ramping up with me being near his female. I was a werewolf. Even latent, I was still the enemy.

“What’s going on?” the male werebear asked.

Ryker’s mouth opened, but Nara answered, “I was just contemplating whether I should let my little brother inside.” Nara glanced at her mate. She flashed a smug grin at Ryker. “I’ve decided. Enter.”

With that, she pushed away from the doorframe and toddled further into the cabin. Her hand rested on her back to balance the weight from her protruding belly. The male eyed me again, before stepping back to allow for our entrance. Ryker swept inside, striding into the living room with me still perched in his arms. He was tender as he lowered me onto the couch. I pushed myself into a sitting position and peered around.

The cabin had a homey feel. Pictures of landscapes featuring rolling hills and lush clearings framed the walls. Little trinkets and knick knacks, such as ceramic dolls, and flowers perched on the floating oak bookshelves. A soft amber glow illuminated from the living room chandelier. Soft downy pillows flanked the couch I sat on, the fine leather plush. My toes curled into the padded, soft rug beneath my feet.

She’s nesting. I stared in wonder. The final stages of a female’s pregnancy involved her making the home acceptable for receiving the young. The scented candles throughout the house brought nutmeg and cinnamon wafting through the house. It completed the coziness Nara was aiming for.

“Your home is lovely,” I told Nara and smiled. “Your cubs are well loved already.”

A warm smile touched her lips. “Thank you.” She cast a glance at her mate. “This gruff male is my mate, Liam Thornfield.”

Liam gave a jerk of his chin, his gaze never straying from me. I shoved away the urge to lift my chin in challenge and dipped my head in respect instead. The male was just warring with instincts to protect his mate and unborn cubs from another predator—me.

“Pleased to meet you,” I told Liam.

He gave a noncommittal grunt. Ryker narrowed an eye at him, to which Liam replied, “A pleasure.”

Ryker turned to his sister, pointing at me and told Nara, “Tell her what you are.”

Nara’s eyes widened. Liam was at her side in an instant. “What? Why?”

“Tell. Her.” Ryker’s voice grew hard, brooking no argument.

Understanding sparked in his sister’s eyes. She gave a solemn nod.

“Nara,” Liam growled a warning.

Nara turned to me and dipped her head. She raised a hand and placed it over her heart. “I am a latent.”

Shock raced through my veins. My head whipped toward Ryker. I read the answer in his eyes.

Liam’s upper lip peeled back. “And there’s nothing wrong with that.” He stood by his mate’s side like a proud statue, a hand resting on her shoulder.

A slow smile curled my lips. “No,” I intoned. “No, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Nara watched her brother, familial love brimming in her eyes, a mirror reflection in Ryker’s. I wasn’t an idiot and could see the love both siblings had for each other. Through the window of the bedroom I was resting in, I saw it. Ryker had crossed paths with Nara before, and his countenance always seemed to soften a tad with her. At first I had mistaken her for a potential love interest, and my heart had endured pangs because of it. But then I understood. What I had witnessed between the two earlier was a sibling’s affection for one another.

That Ryker held such a bond with Nara could only mean…

“You’re not averse to Latents,” I said, watching him.

A flash of indignation raced across his features. He rolled his shoulders back, lips set in a hard line. As if that were an answer enough.

My thoughts flashed back to the forest when I had first encountered the alpha male. The distance that bled across his face, the revulsion. His words.

I will never take a werewolf as my mate.

I swallowed hard. At that time, I had assumed he didn’t want a werewolf latent as a mate. But now… “W-Why did you reject me then?” I asked him, hating the slight wobble in my voice.

Ryker’s brows slammed over stormy blue eyes. “That I don’t hate latents is all you need to know.” He stepped past me and headed for the door, calling over his shoulder, “Enemies don’t need further details.”

The words lanced through my heart surer than any blade ever would.