Page 71 of Claiming Her Alpha
He nervously laughed and looked back down at the table, straightening a fork that didn’t necessarily need it.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow too?” she asked.
“Yeah. I just hope they’ll accept me.”
“I’m sure they will. They are probably just glad that a wild woman like me has a man to tame her.” She laughed, trying to ease his mind.
“I don’t want to tame you.”
“Only when we’re alone and doing dirty things,” she whispered, stamping a kiss to his cheek.
Before he could reply, there was a knock at the door. Ryker pulled her into a kiss, seemingly needing one more touch to reassure him. A moment later, reluctantly, he let go and followed her to the front door.
Kendra greeted Rowan with a hug and smile before turning to Ryker and introducing him. “Rowan, meet Ryker, my mate. Ryker, this is Rowan, Alpha Heir of the Dagger Wolves.”
“So, the rumours are true. Interesting.” Rowan held out his hand and shook Ryker’s with a tight grip. “It’s a pleasure.”
“It’s all mine.”
Rowan stepped aside, revealing his father’s beta. “Ryker, I don’t think you’ve met Beta Ned yet.”
Ryker took the beta’s hand. “It’s a pleasure.”
Rowan’s eyes travelled around the house. “I do hope you have some wine.”
“Make yourself at home,” Kendra said happily, though her eyes were trained on the open door.
Gabriel was walking towards the house and neither of them knew if it was a good or bad sign. Him attending instead of his alpha could open Pandora’s box so to speak. Questions would be asked and she wasn’t sure how she should react.
“Luna Kendra, I have to apologize for my alpha’s absence. Our luna wasn’t feeling well so he returned home with her.” Gabriel was formal, but still warm.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Please wish her all the best from me.”
“I will.”
“Come in and make yourself at home. I believe Rowan is already pouring the wine.”
Gabriel seemed to relax–a little–and nodded, walking into the dining room.
Relieved, Kendra saw Avery approach. Ryker was still close to her, slightly nervous.
“I’m late, aren’t I?”
“Everyone is just early,” Kendra giggled.
Avery crooked his eyebrow towards Ryker. “You look nervous.”
“Is it that obvious?”
Kendra quickly took his hand, weaving their fingers together. “Maybe wine isn’t such a bad idea.”
She gently pulled Ryker towards the dining room where she could hear Rowan, mid-conversation with Gabriel.
“I didn’t want to believe it when I heard Alpha Vallerian left before the ceremony. I thought he came all this way to finally make peace. I guess losing his warrior to our gorgeous Kendra wasn’t to his liking, huh?”
“Luna Sophia wasn’t feeling well, and we are very protective of our moon.”
“So I’ve heard. Is it true she barely leaves the house? I’m sure traveling this far must have been quite straining on her.”