“Only if you want them,” Ryker assured me. “Kennedy, I would never force you into anything. You’re natural with pups, but I know plenty of people who don’t want or can’t have kids.”
“But isn’t there an expectation? To have an heir?”
“Well, yes, technically. But I promise, it’s a decision we make together. No pressure.” I simply nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. How had this conversation gotten so intense so quickly?
“What about you?” I asked, curiosity creeping in.
“What about me?”
“Do you want kids? I mean, I know an alpha’s role is to have an heir and keep the bloodline going, but what do you really want?”
He looked down at his lap for a moment, as if summoning courage. His face was a perfect mask, revealing nothing. Then he spoke quietly.
“Would you be angry if I said I want a big family?”
I blinked in surprise. “Uh, what?”
“It’s always been just Rayna and me. I’ve wondered what it would be like to have a bunch of brothers to run around with, or if she had sisters to play house and dolls with**or whatever other dress-up madness she got into.”
I laughed. “What do you mean by ‘big’ and ‘bunch’? Do you plan on having me pregnant forever?”
I was joking, but the sparkle in his eyes told me he wasn’t opposed to the idea.
“Honestly? I’ll take as many as the Moon Goddess will give us. But I’m not foolish enough to throw out a number when I don’t have to grow them all.” He chuckled, leaned in to kiss my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “Whatever you’re willing to give me, I’ll take. Though I have a feeling I’ll enjoy practicing.”
Before I could respond, Jeeves’s voice cut through the moment from the driver’s seat. “We’re here, boss.”
I wasn’t about to let Ryker have the upper hand. “Too bad. You need more time. Otherwise, I’d kick Jeeves out and practice before we go in.” His nostrils flared, and his grip on my face tightened. Got him!
Jeeves stepped out, laughing softly as he opened my door first. “Remind me never to mess with you, Luna. You fight dirty.”
I shrugged with a grin as Ryker stepped out beside me, clearly adjusting himself. I couldn’t help but giggle when he wrapped me in a side hug, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“Well, well, well. Isn’t this a sight?” a voice called out, low and rough. “I never thought I’d see the day when Alpha Ryker Tryn would take a mate.”
Ryker’s deep growl rumbled through me, setting every nerve on edge. This was no casual irritation. Something was wrong**unexpected and dangerous.
Kennedy
I edged closer to Ryker, but not because I was scared. The sharp insult from that small man had pierced the air, and I could sense Ryker stiffen immediately. Those familiar barriers he’d built around himself snapped back into place, like an invisible fortress rising up. It had been a while since I’d seen him like this, but away from his pack, he must rely on these defenses as armor. I couldn’t reach him with my mind to ask what the problem was, and he wasn’t about to explain what made this guy such a thorn in his side. Still, I knew there was some history, some tension simmering beneath the surface. This encounter promised to be an intriguing battle of wills.
Ryker’s arm slid around my waist as we turned to face the unwelcome visitor. “Claude,” Ryker said, his voice low but sharp. “I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought events like this were beneath you.” His grip on me felt like a lifeline**or maybe a way to steady himself, to stop from snapping at this man right here, right now.
Claude was small for a male werewolf**not exactly short, but definitely thin and wiry. I’d never really seen a werewolf without muscle before; I’d always assumed their bodies were naturally powerful. Tommy, for example, was leaner than most, built like a runner, but still strong. Even Uncle James, in his forties, maintained an impressive fitness level, looking barely older than Jeremiah. But Claude looked fragile, almost sickly, like his body was fighting some unseen battle.
“I thought I’d check in on our young friend,” Claude said, voice laced with something threatening beneath the surface, “to see how his transition is going.” There was a warning there, subtle but unmistakable. It was clear we needed to watch over Rory carefully. Maybe Ryker already was. I didn’t know much about this kid**I hadn’t even met him yet**but the way Ryker’s body tensed told me Rory meant a lot to him. That was enough to ignite my protective instincts.
“Like any alpha stepping up to lead his pack,” Ryker replied with a shrug, his answer deliberately vague. “He’s doing what he needs to.”
Claude ignored Ryker and turned his gaze to me, blatantly scanning me from head to toe. But his eyes weren’t filled with desire or hunger; instead, it felt like he was trying to unsettle me. I wasn’t about to let that slide. This guy had another thing coming.
“Are you done?” I asked, my voice sweet but firm, gesturing down at myself. I was dressed in a cream-colored sweater dress that draped off one shoulder, paired with brown leggings and matching ankle boots. My hair was simply styled in a half-up, business-casual top knot. “I don’t think anyone’s ever taken this long to inspect my outfit.” His eyes snapped to mine, flashing with irritation. I wondered if he was one of those old-fashioned types who believed women should be seen and not heard**or maybe he thought I was insignificant because I was human. Whatever the reason, he was easily riled up, which was good to know.
I glanced up at Ryker. “We should go. I want to find Antonia and Rory before he disappears somewhere in the crowd.” I hoped my tone made it sound like I really knew them.
The dazzling smile Ryker gave me in return made enduring this clown worthwhile. I had a feeling Claude wasn’t finished with us yet, but for now, I could lead us away.
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.