Page 5 of Claiming Her Alpha
Melanie’s home was at the edge of the village, close to the warrior training quarters. She was already waiting in front of the house, watching Ryker with concern as he approached. The sun was already peeking past the horizon as he stepped into Melanie’s home.
She pointed at a bed in the infirmary and Ryker laid his now sweetest possession on it. He wanted to stay and make sure she was alright, but Gabriel pulled at his shoulder. “You heard what he said. He wants you right away.”
Ryker couldn’t move as he watched Melanie quickly assess and attend his mate’s wounds.
“Melanie will take good care of her, but you need to come with me now.”
Ryker’s chest vibrated as a deep, threatening growl rumbled from him.
“Ryker!” Gabriel said in a tone so commanding, Ryker couldn’t ignore it. “Don’t be stupid. Obey now and you won’t lose everything you’ve worked so hard for.”
He knew Gabriel was right, but it physically pained him to turn his back and leave.
“Good. Now keep that wolf of yours under control. If not for your sake then hers.”
They quickly got dressed in the clothes Melanie offered them and walked out into the warm morning air.
“I messed up.” Ryker’s throat felt dry and pained as he spoke.
“You did.”
Gabriel had always been the honest type. He never sugar-coated anything and that was what made him a good beta. The walk to Alpha Vallerian’s house felt much longer than usual. Not because Ryker feared his punishment, but because his heart was with the red-headed woman that carried part of his soul.
Alpha Vallerian stood behind his desk. A boiling anger filled the air, though he didn’t look at Ryker. He stood a step behind Gabriel, eyes cast down to his feet.
“Were there others?”
As lead warrior, Ryker normally would have been the one to answer such questions. But this time, it wasn’t intended for him. Ryker was no longer worthy of his title. Not after how he’d acted.
“Not right now, Alpha. I’ve upped the patrols to make sure no one else crosses into our territory, but so far she seems to have been alone.”
Guilt flooded Ryker’s soul. That kind of delegation should’ve come from him, not the beta. He was responsible for the pack’s safety, especially the borders. By not doing so himself he’d endangered the pack even more.
“She doesn’t seem rogue, so there are likely more,” Alpha Vallerian speculated.
“All our warriors are out there.”
“She trespassed and I want her punished.”
Ryker’s wolf growled, but this time Ryker kept him in check.
“May I speak freely, Alpha?” Gabriel asked, seeming a little hesitant.
“Yes.”
“I might have a theory of who she is. Her size and speed indicate that she must be of alpha blood. To my knowledge there is only one alpha daughter her age with fire red hair.”
“Alpha Desmond,” Alpha Vallerian spat out.
The Shadow and Blood Wolves had a rivalry that spanned decades. It had all started generations ago when the many packs had fought each other to death to establish territories. Wolves hadn’t always lived peacefully among each other. At times they’d been uncivilized savages.
Ryker’s heart sank into his stomach. If that was true, Alpha Vallerian would definitely punish her. Ryker didn’t want her hurt, but if he said something against it, he would dig his own hole even deeper.
“We should confirm her identity and figure out her intention of coming here, before we decide anything.”
A dark, angered growl made the air vibrate. “Her intention has no say in her punishment. She crossed my border, came onto my land and she will be punished for it accordingly.”
Gabriel quickly bowed his head. “Yes, Alpha.”