Page 6 of Claiming Her Alpha

Alpha Vallerian walked around the table and grabbed Ryker by the throat, claws digging into his skin. “I should use my father’s old whip to make an example out of you.”

Ryker didn’t dare to look him in the eyes. Nor did he flinch when the claws dragged over his skin and left marks along their way.

“You disobeyed and injured your own men. You put your own need above theirs.”

He couldn’t have answered if he wanted to. He was yanked off his feet and lifted into the air, his airway crushed. It only lasted for a few seconds before Alpha Vallerian let him go without warning. His knees buckled as he desperately tried to draw in a breath.

Alpha Vallerian turned and marched out the door, with Gabriel right behind him. Ryker was quick to follow. They walked back to Melanie’s home, and by now news had spread. With every step heads turned to stare at him. Most were upset, but others were simply curious. It hurt his pride, which was exactly why Alpha Vallerian wanted him to walk back with them.

Ryker wanted nothing more than to follow them inside, but he stayed on the doorstep like a dog being punished. His head bowed to the floor as he listened to Melanie update them about his mate’s healing.

“I gave her some IV fluids and washed out her wounds. They were superficial, she didn’t even need stitches.”

“Is she awake?”

“Yes, Alpha. She has shown no sign of aggression towards myself or Malik.”

Malik must have stayed behind as guard. Ryker listened as his alpha and beta stepped into her room.

“Who are you?” Alpha Vallerian barked at her right away.

“My name is Kendra.”

Kendra was a beautiful name–a strong name. Ryker loved it, but that was probably everyone’s reaction when they heard their mate’s name for the first time.

“I thought the daughter of the great Alpha Desmond would be smart enough not to cross our blood line.”

Ryker’s wolf growled in the back of his mind, unimpressed with how Alpha Vallerian spat the words into her face.

“I never intended to cross your border.” Kendra’s voice was strong, and though she kept it cool she wasn’t disrespectful.

“And yet here you are.”

“I am and I take full responsibility for my wolf’s actions.”

“I knew your father was weak but not showing his daughter to control her wolf is just plain stupid.”

“He’s had no chance to do so. I only met her last night without my pack present.”

That surprised Ryker. He’d thought she would’ve been blessed with her wolf many years ago. Usually, the ones with alpha blood were united with their wolves early in life.

“And now both of you will pay the price.”

“It seems so.”

“You will leave my territory without your mate’s mark. A mark you will never be able to wear.”

“Fair enough.”

Alpha Vallerian must have worn his emotions on his face.

“What did you expect, Alpha Vallerian? That I fall to my knees and beg you from doing so? I’ve been around alphas my whole life. I know that you can’t kill me, despite that being the one thing you truly wish to do. Not because of my father but because your pack values our goddess’ mate bonds highly. If you killed me, you might lose their trust. Even if I broke your law, my violation isn’t valid enough to kill someone’s mate. You want to hurt me by taking my soul, which is a greater punishment than beating me. I, on the other hand, won’t fight you because I value every single soul in my pack. I won’t risk someone’s life for my own happiness.”

Ryker felt Alpha Vallerian’s mind pull at his. He entered the house and then the infirmary. His wolf roared, banging against Ryker’s mind. Kendra was standing before the two men with nothing but a long, white shirt covering her. Her legs were bare, her breasts clearly visible underneath the thin fabric. It took all his strength to keep his wolf under control. This sight was only meant for him and his wolf. No other man was supposed to see her like this.

With an evil grin, Alpha Vallerian turned to leave. “I want her off my territory before sundown. You shall not follow her, ever.”

“Yes, Alpha.”