Page 73 of Claiming Her Alpha
She watched and waited as everyone filled their plates and only once everyone else had gone did she fill her own plate.
“So, Ryker wouldn’t answer this question because he’s too much of a gentleman–but who will mark who?” Rowan’s voice was underlined with a faint slur.
“Maybe I’m too shy to answer such a question,” Kendra responded.
“Bullshit. You’ve never been shy.”
“Well then you’ll just have to use your imagination.”
“Where is the fun in that?” Ned nudged Rowan and gave Kendra an apologetic look. “Fine I’ll behave.”
Kendra turned her attention to Brian. “I heard you’re expecting your second child. How far along is Charlotte?”
“Only four months and already nesting.”
“It has been far too long since I’ve visited.”
“I believe last time, my father was alpha and you were still a child.”
“Now I feel old,” she laughed.
“You are welcome to come back at any time.”
“I would love to! I believe it was your territory that had the lavender field and the gorgeous tree growing in the midst of it.”
“You are correct.”
Kendra turned to Ryker, who probably had never been to any other territory but his own. “It’s really gorgeous! When we visited, we spent most of our days out there. Actually, more time there than anywhere else.”
“Teresa always talks about it,” Finlay chimed in and quickly added for everyone’s understanding, “Teresa is one of mine, though she was part of the Night Stars before she met her mate and joined us.”
“I still have to visit you again, and run the mountain with you. Last time I was huffing and puffing by the time we reached your village,” Kendra laughed.
“It would be a pleasure.”
They chatted throughout the meal, exchanging stories and sharing memories. Gabriel was the quietest of them all, probably not wanting to share his pack’s secrets. He was always polite, seeming to enjoy simply listening to the conversation.
Instinctively, she reached for Ryker’s mind, wanting to ask him something privately but was met with silence instead. She was reminded that he was still technically rogue, his wolf probably steering lonely in his mind. Unable to reach his mind she took his hand in hers, weaving their fingers under the table. Sparks tingled on her skin, his hazel eyes meeting hers.
Her wolf stirred in her mind, wanting him to be part of the pack right away. She wanted to claim him, make him hers, but she knew they had to wait. She couldn’t just throw everyone out. She was luna, after all and being rude during such an important dinner was out of the question. She’d wanted it to be casual, but that didn’t make it any less meaningful. The packs getting along with each other was essential for their wellbeing.
After everyone had eaten, Avery collected the empty plates before following her into the kitchen to help with dessert. “Maybe we should make all the dinners less formal. I’m actually enjoying myself.”
“Don’t tell Father, he might not appreciate his former beta saying that.”
Avery laughed, then turned serious and lowered his voice. “If you want, we can slowly bring an end to the evening. I’m sure your wolf is itching under your skin.”
She sighed and shook her head. “She is but no. That would be rude and I don’t want to ruin what we just built because of my impatience.”
He nodded and took the dessert plates while she followed with the cake.
All through dessert, Kendra couldn’t help but keep a tight grip on Ryker’s hand, needing his touch to calm her wolf. Her mind kept searching the black hole where his mind would’ve been. She tried to hide her frustration, though Ryker seemed to be better at it, casually talking with everyone else.
Finally, after another long hour, Finlay was the first to stand. “Thank you for having us, Kendra.”
“Well, I hope you didn’t mind my less formal approach. We can always differ it next time.”
“I actually enjoyed it.”