“I can walk you up there. That’s where I was trying to get when Amy stopped me,” Ryker said, bidding Robin goodnight before joining me down the hall.
Robin whispered something to him**too low for me to hear**but I could tell by his reaction, a low grunt or huff, that he caught every word. He didn’t reply verbally, though.
Instead of returning to the main hall, Ryker led me through a side corridor, making a few turns before we arrived at the kitchen. It was dim and empty, the quiet hum of the refrigerator the only sound.
He moved toward a door in the corner, which I assumed was just another pantry, but when he opened it, I saw a hidden staircase.
“Ooh! Secret stairs. You’re not leading me to some dungeon to murder me, are you?” I teased, half-joking.
“No. If I wanted to kill you, I’d do it publicly. Haven’t you heard the rumors?” he replied with a smirk.
“Of course, but most rumors are just information taken out of context. I prefer to figure things out on my own. I mean, I’m a human training as a warrior in a werewolf pack,” I shrugged, trying to sound casual despite my pounding heart as we climbed the dark stairs. “I’m sure there were assumptions about me before I got here. And now, I’m invited to some invite-only training.”
“You mean my training?” Ryker’s voice held a note of surprise.
“Yeah, Greta invited me. I guess I never thought to ask if that was okay. Do you mind?” I felt a flicker of worry**I might have overstepped somehow, even though it wasn’t my idea. He’d kept his distance all night unless forced near me. Maybe he didn’t want a human taking up time in his specialized training.
“No, not really. After everything I’ve heard, it’ll be interesting to see you fight,” he said.
We reached the landing, and before I could even reach for the handle, Ryker reached around me to open the door. His scent washed over me again, a wave that hit straight to my core, making my stomach twist. I needed to pull away and regain control.
“This really is your super-secret door. Is this how you sneak in late-night hook-ups without anyone noticing?” I teased, noticing we were in the Alpha hall, right across from his bedroom door.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he smirked again. Why was that so damn sexy?
“Sorry for cockblocking you downstairs,” I said with a grin. “But I’m sure you can find someone a little higher on the intelligence scale if you need a quickie. Just remember**I’m right next door, so either keep it quiet or be loud enough that I can get off too.” I winked and turned to leave, and I swear I heard a low growl behind me.
“My neighbor has some kinks. Good to know. Should I be worried about visitors and noises from your room tonight?” he asked.
I turned slowly, giving myself a moment to steady my breathing and think of a reply. I wasn’t sure I’d ever had sexy banter leave me genuinely breathless.
“Visitors? No. Noises? Maybe. I have two hands that do an excellent job,” I teased back, winking before heading to my door.
As I opened it and stepped inside, he called after me, “In that case, leave your balcony door open. You’re not the only one who likes to listen.”
I caught his blinding grin just before the door closed, and his eyes darkened with that dangerous gleam. I realized then why he smirked so often**his smile was a lethal weapon all on its own.
Ryker
I storm into my room, slamming the door harder than I probably should, and then slump against it, trying to steady my racing thoughts. How could one person have such a hold on me? The suffocating weight of my suit feels unbearable now. I yank off my jacket and fling it carelessly onto the chair by my desk. Then, reaching over, I switch on the lamp beside my bed, bathing the room in a soft, muted glow.
That encounter with her was by far the most intense and electrifying I’ve ever experienced with a woman**and I hadn’t even laid a finger on her. She knew exactly which buttons to push, the precise words to say, stirring something deep inside me, igniting a fire that only grew hotter. I can’t stop pacing, the tension coiling tighter with every step, fueled by the memory of her. The ache doesn’t ease; it just builds.
And then there was tonight, walking into the ballroom. The moment my eyes landed on her, my heart nearly stopped. Seeing her from afar at the training grounds didn’t begin to capture her true presence. Her hair was swept up high, elongating her neck in a way that made it impossible to look away**giving me a perfect target for the mark I longed to leave. The neckline of her dress revealed just enough of her shoulder, that delicate curve where skin met fabric. Her smile, painted in bold red lipstick, shot straight to my core, setting off a primal hunger. My wolf stirred instantly, claiming her as his own, unwilling to let any other expression cross her face. He was hooked, and so was I.
But then jealousy slammed into me like a freight train. There she was, sitting comfortably between her Beta, Gamma, and Delta**and my own pack**knowing full well that one or all of them had earned that radiant look on her face, but not me. Danny was far too close, his arm casually draped over the back of her chair. I’ve never wanted to tear my best friend’s arm off before, but in that moment, every fiber of me screamed to do just that. I had to fight to keep still, to keep my wolf and myself in check. Taking a deep, steadying breath, I forced calm into my body. Danny had told me he was interested in her, and I was okay with that**until that exact moment. Then, the image of her charging at me flashed back, while Amy clung to me, begging to be taken to my bed that night. The jealousy radiating from Kennedy was so tangible, so fierce, it practically scorched the air.
I’m honestly surprised Amy didn’t recoil entirely; the intensity of that feeling was overwhelming. At least she finally released her grip on me, which was something.
Watching Kennedy stride past me again set my raging desire aflame once more**right after Amy’s presence had deflated it completely. I’m convinced she added an extra sway to her hips on purpose, those “f*ck me” heels clicking with every step, her dress scandalously short, daring me to look.
Later, when we were in my office**the last place I needed her scent and presence to linger**I struggled to keep my composure. She was so playful, teasing, and I fought the urge to bend her over my desk, right there in front of Robin, and claim her without hesitation. Every time her hand brushed mine, I felt the heat radiate through the layers of my suit. I was close to combusting, and I could tell Robin noticed too, dragging the moment out longer than necessary. Then, as I followed her up the back stairs to our floor, I swear I caught glimpses of her curves with every step**her ass just barely peeking out. It’s a miracle I’m even able to walk straight, with this steel rod pressing hard against my zipper.
Speaking of which**I’m way overdressed. The heat from being near her has me panting, practically drenched in sweat. I unbutton my shirt and shrug it off as I pace the room. Moving toward the balcony door, I push it open, letting the cool night breeze wash over me in a desperate attempt to cool my overheated skin**and maybe, just maybe, hoping she’ll hear me and come.
I stand there, inhaling deeply, the crisp air soothing my burning chest.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.