Page 86 of Claiming Her Alpha

“I’m not sure if my questions are appropriate. Not even sure if I’m allowed to talk to you.”

Before Ryker or even Gabriel could say anything in return, they stepped out of the trees and into a clearing. The moon had risen high in the sky, beautifully contrasting the lanterns that hung in the tree. The pack already seemed assembled, with Kendra’s family at the front, flanked by Avery and Mike.

As they joined the other alphas, Ryker could feel the pack’s stares. He was glad he was hiding his mark beneath his shirt. Though he was proud, he wanted their primary focus to be on their luna.

As they settled amongst the group of alphas, Rowan stepped up beside him. He smirked as his eyes searched Rykers neck. “Have fun last night?”

Ryker cocked his brow and looked at Rowan. He knew he and Kendra were close, but didn’t know exactly how much they shared with each other.

“Well, it was worth a try. But I do want to know who marked who first.”

The clearing fell silent as Desmond stood before the pack, smiling down upon them from his elevated platform. He still radiated his alpha, though it was weaker with Kendra’s transition just moments away.

“Today is a very special day. Not only will you witness our first luna take on her duties as protector and provider of her pack, but I’ll finally be able to retire.” He chuckled along with the pack. “Kendra has gone through her first trials, some of which we saw, others she fought silently as she grew into the role Isis gave her. Today, she’ll take her rightful place as your luna, mother, provider, warrior, and protector. Kendra, step before your pack.”

Ryker turned his head with everyone else and watched as the crowd split in half to create a path for Kendra. Through the many people, Ryker couldn’t see her at first. It was only once she stepped before them that he was able to lay his eyes on her.

She looked breathtaking. There was simply no other word. Her skin shimmered in the moonlight and glowed from the lanterns around them. With each step she took, her long, tanned legs peeked through the slits in her dress. She was wearing his mother’s necklace, her hair in a loose braid falling down her back, each step strong and secure as her boots met the dirt.

“Careful, your eyes might fall out,” Rowan whispered next to him.

Ryker didn’t care. He couldn’t help but keep his gaze on Kendra, whose mark was shining in the light. Little whispers started up through the crowd as people noticed.

Kendra kneeled before her father, head bowed and her neck exposed. It was a sign of her obedience and respect. Even though she’d taken over some of his duties, he was still the true alpha.

“Kendra, I ask you before your family, blood and otherwise: Are you going to accept the path Isis has chosen for you?”

“I do.”

“Are you going to take your rightful place as the luna of the Shadow Wolves, protecting them from all evil and providing for each soul regardless of their name?”

“I will.”

“Rise, Luna Kendra.”

Kendra slowly stood, the air surrounding her vibrating as she officially became Luna of the Shadow Wolves. Her mind and soul felt mighty and powerful through the bond and Ryker’s wolf bowed before her.

Kendra looked up at her father, her eyes radiating her new strength. She didn’t need words for him to feel or obey. Desmond willingly bowed before his daughter and fell to his knees exposing his neck. Every hair on Ryker’s body stood on end, goosebumps breaking out over his flesh as he watched the exchange before him.

“Desmond, rise before the pack… as a retired old man,” Kendra chuckled.

“Yes, Luna.”

Desmond grinned up at his daughter and luna, his eyes proud. He stood up and kissed his daughter’s forehead before walking to the side where he stood beside Maya.

Kendra turned to the pack with a bright smile on her lips, the air around her still vibrating. “I believe you are all very eager to meet someone very special. So eager, that we can skip the formal speech.”

She turned her head towards Ryker, easily finding his eyes in the crowd.

“Ryker, come before the pack so they may meet their new alpha.”

Ryker’s heart thumped in his chest, loud and wild. His feet moved as their bond pulled him towards Kendra like a magnet. Her mind wrapped around him, washing away all his insecurities. As soon as he stood before her, he fell to his knees, his head bowed and neck exposed. It felt natural, now more than ever with her alpha so present.

‘Open your shirt.’

As she addressed the pack again, he started to unbutton his shirt.

“Ryker came to us as the lead warrior of the Blood Wolves. He grew up as a rogue and has made it his life’s purpose to protect his family, blood or otherwise.”