Page 30 of Claiming Her Alpha

Adrianna stepped back and reached up to his face, wiping away his tears only as a mother would.

“I wish I’d realized sooner who she was.”

“It wouldn’t have made a difference.” Gabriel’s deep voice resonated through the kitchen.

“I wouldn’t have lost control.”

“Maybe not, but she still crossed the border. Not to mention she’s a Shadow Wolf. Let’s be honest: Alpha Vallerian would’ve never allowed her to be part of our pack, nor would he let you leave this one.”

Gabriel’s words stunned him. They were honest as always, but they crossed a line that he’d never crossed before. His tone was disapproving towards his alpha, something he as a beta had never done–at least not to Ryker’s knowledge.

“He knows I don’t approve. I am honest after all.” He set a bottle of wine on the counter and grabbed three glasses. “I won’t ever try to change his mind, but I let him know how I think about all his decisions. It’s my duty as his beta.”

“I didn’t know…”

Gabriel grinned. “And here I thought you knew me better.”

Adrianna handed Ryker the lasagna dish. “Will you tell me about her?”

“I don’t have much.”

“I know.”

They sat down and ate while Ryker told Adrianna everything Kendra had shared with him. How she was pure alpha even without knowing it, how she spoke her mind and why she’d crossed the blood line in the first place. Adrianna was petrified when he told her about her first shift and how Kendra had gone through hell without knowing what was happening.

“That poor woman!”

“Ryker made up for it though. He helped her through her second shift like he’d been doing it for years.”

“Just think of it, every time she shifts, she’ll be thinking of you. That’s a wonderful bond you both have,” Adrianna cheered.

Ryker, of course, had thought of that. He was proud to have been there for Kendra like that.

“How is Tailor treating you these days? Sean told me about what happened in the gym and that he still talks bad about Kendra so you lose it.”

Ryker laughed. “Sean was also the one who suggested pairing Devon with Tailor for patrols.”

“Ah, I see what you two have done there–punishment by the talking waterfall.”

Adrianna giggled. “I’m sure Tailor is very excited about the long nights out there.”

While Adrianna insisted on doing the clearing up herself, Ryker and Gabriel sat down in the living room with refilled wine glasses.

“I’m going to ask you something. You can decide whether you want to talk about it or not.” Gabriel seemed serious, though the wine made him a little more relaxed.

“Okay…”

“Did you suggest that Kendra could take her father’s title?”

“No.”

“But you can see it happening?”

“Yes. She already thinks her brother is useless. If she and her wolf figure out that she’s the true heir, she’ll be able to take it.”

“I’m with you on that, but it would bring more problems.”

“Why?”