Ryder’s eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. “I know more than you think,” he said finally. “And I’m trying to protect you.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Protect me? You’re the one who brought me here, who put me in this situation.”
Each point was made with me slamming my fist flat against the bed.
Ryder’s face went still as he paused in his movements, his eyes flashing with something I couldn’t quite read.
“I did what I had to do,” he said finally. “And now, I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“What do you fucking want from me?” I screeched, my voice filled with rage. “Why did you pick me out of all the people in your pack? There were a lot of other pretty girls, why me?”
Ryder leaned in, his breath close to my ear. It felt ticklish and warm, smelling of freshly brewed coffee-tantalizing and delicious-making my stomach clench.
“Could I not be attracted to someone who was boldly inviting me to bed last night?” he whispered, each hot breath sending a wave of heat down my tensed body. His voice was husky, wrapping my mind in an erotic haze.
“Calling me handsome and hot?” His tone was teasing, and I felt myself squirm.
Biting my lip, I kept my face poker straight, my eyes darting around. What else had I opened my big mouth and said? I could feel color rising to my cheeks in embarrassment. I hadn’t tried getting drunk before… maybe once, after Jason’s rejection… but I’d been alone then, so no one was around to witness whatever folly I’d done.
I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. Now he would think I was a sl*t.
Ryder’s eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, as if he knew a secret I didn’t. His gaze made me uncomfortable, as it was mocking, making me feel like he could read my mind.
Just then, Seraphina walked in, her timing impeccable. Rising, Ryder took it as his cue to leave, his eyes never leaving mine.
“You’ll be joining me for breakfast,” he said aloud, his back to me, before pausing in his step. He raised his index finger-something I suspected he liked doing for dramatic effect.
“And forget about any alcohol. You won’t be having that for some time yet.” With his cocky remark, he sauntered away.
“Prick,” I muttered under my breath before snorting.
Looking into the mirror, I wanted to laugh at my reflection, but I knew it would only hurt Seraphina. My hair was piled into a messy bun, accentuating my high cheekbones and prominent forehead. Not that I looked ugly, but it was just too much for breakfast.
I tugged at the hem of my dress uncomfortably while Seraphina made the finishing touches on my hair.
“With all this effort, I’m wondering how dinner will be,” I yawned, leaning my head against my hand. My neck was beginning to hurt.
A little smile lit up her round face.
“The Alpha wants you to look your best,” was her simple remark.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I thought about Ryder’s gaze on me. How was I even going to face him? Sapphira had told me what I’d done last night. Too embarrassed to listen, I stopped her before she could finish the story. I was still ashamed, and the fact that I was dressing like I was going to the Met Gala didn’t help.
“Are you sure all this is necessary for breakfast?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but deep down, I was fidgeting.
Seraphina was silent for a minute, a soft hum escaping her lips.
“Let’s just say the Alpha has plans for you today. And I’m not just talking about breakfast,” she finally said.
Now done with my makeover, I had limited time to dwell on her statement. Minutes later, Seraphina finished my hair and handed me a pair of black peeptoe high-heeled sandals. I frowned; they were longer than the short ones I usually wore.
Making the sign of the cross on my chest, I hoped I would be able to walk in them. With Seraphina’s support, I was finally able to balance on them, but my legs still wobbled.
The house, with several corridors that looked alike, made me grateful I wasn’t alone. I thought we were heading to the same place where I had dinner the night before, but instead, she passed it, heading down another corridor. My eyes drank in the beauty of my new home as they widened, my lips partly open, taking in the stunning interior-a blend of wood, rich fabrics, and minimalist decoration.
My gaping stopped as soon as the sound of voices became louder. I tightened my grip on Seraphina’s arm, my heart thumping so loudly I thought it would rip out of my chest.
The sound itself came from a large opening. My legs froze to the ground, refusing to budge. The noise grew louder-the sound of several male voices booming softly as it drifted around the surroundings.
“We need to keep moving,” Seraphina said, tugging at my arm, and I nodded. My breath hitched as I took in the sight before me. The dining hall was filled with people-Lycans-all seated and waiting.
“My goodness, there are so many,” I said to no one in particular.
If the ground had opened at that moment, I would have willingly jumped into the crack. Standing still, I was suddenly transported back to my pack, where I was always the center of attention-but not for anything remarkable. This reminiscence made me wonder if I was going to suffer the same fate here.
I took a deep breath and took a few slow steps forward, my heart racing with anxiety with each step. Ryder was already seated at the head of the table, looking impossibly handsome in a white shirt with cuffs folded neatly and black tailored suit pants. His laid-back outfit made me uncomfortable in my frumpy dress.
Raising his eyes slowly, he gazed at me lazily, his eyes gentle instead of his usual smirk. As if sensing my tension, he beckoned me forward with a subtle nod.
My feet remained firm, transfixed to the spot. Something just wasn’t right; I could feel it. My palms were tingling.
The lazy expression was gone from his face when he nodded again, but I wasn’t convinced.
“My lady, the Alpha doesn’t appreciate delays. You should meet him before he gets angry,” Seraphina’s small voice rasped from beside me. I shook my head hurriedly, blocking her words with my annoyance.
“If he wants me there, he should come and fetch me himself,” I rolled my eyes. “I’m a lady, not some servant or guard for him to summon at any time.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened, and she whispered, tugging at the sleeve of my frumpy dress.
“My lady, please be careful. You don’t want to provoke him.” Her voice was persuasive as she pleaded.
But I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest, my palms now moist with sweat as my eyes hovered around the room. My breath grew heavier. I wasn’t going to-
I wasn’t going to be intimidated or treated like some inferior being. Ryder could come to me, or I wouldn’t move an inch.
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