Page 87 of Claiming Her Alpha
He could hear the pride in her words as she stood before the pack and introduced him to them. She wasn’t ashamed of his heritage and admired how far he’d come.
“Ryker came from nothing, taking his strength from deep within to follow the path Isis chose for him.”
Just as he loosened the last button, Kendra’s hands slid under the fabric and pushed it off his shoulders, letting the fabric flutter to the ground and expose the mark on his neck.
“Ryker, do you take your place within the pack that Isis has chosen for you?”
“I will.”
“Will you serve the Shadow Wolves and me, your Luna, to the best of your abilities and strength to keep them safe?”
“I will.”
She stepped back and he instantly missed her presence. She pulled at his wolf through the bond, demanding he show himself to both her and the pack. Ryker retreated, letting his wolf take over his body and soul. His bones cracked and his pants shredded as his wolf emerged.
As soon as he fully shifted, his wolf lay flat on the ground. Ryker watched on as his wolf laid his head between his front paws. Kendra gently smiled down on him, as she walked around him, fingers combing through his fur.
‘Good little puppy,’ she hummed in the bond.
Ryker groaned silently and even though his wolf was now in control, Kendra heard him, her lips twitching into a grin.
Standing before him once again, Kendra eased her commanding aura. “Rise, my alpha.”
Ryker rose to his full height and stood behind Kendra, taking his rightful place.
“I know everyone is eager to meet Ryker and I promise I’ll introduce him to all of you, but just like with any other new member please don’t overwhelm him. There will be enough time to get to know him. Now, how about we all enjoy the evening together?”
The pack cheered and Ryker couldn’t help but love how easy she made this feel. Though it was formal, it still felt like a relaxed family gathering–with way more people. The crowd dispersed as the children rushed to the buffet while a few of the men lit a bonfire. Desmond and Maya approached first, with two teen girls curiously following. As Ryker shifted, he accepted the pair of jeans Maya offered him.
As he finished dressing, Maya pulled Kendra into a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“I liked how you called Father old and rusty,” one of the twins giggled.
“Ah yes, the first of many insults, now that you outrank me.” Desmond seemed much more relaxed, as if giving his title over had lifted a weight off his shoulders.
Maya quickly pulled Ryker into a hug too and squeezed him tight. “You two make such a sweet couple.” She turned to the two girls and introduced them. “Ryker, these are Abigail and Annabelle, your sisters-in-law.”
Ryker shook their hands. “It’s very nice meeting you. I promise I’ll try my best not to mix you two up.”
They both blushed and giggled.
Kendra took his hand in hers, eyes scanning her pack. “I think we should make sure our guests get settled and have enough food.”
“Of course, duty calls,” Maya chirped and hastily pushed her mate and her daughters away.
“I like your mother.”
“She is sweet. Though she can be a tad bit overbearing sometimes.” Kendra punctuated her sentence with a soft laugh.
They made their rounds to make sure everyone found a place and had a full plate before doing so themselves. As he ate, he let his eyes graze over the crowd, curious to know the people he was now alpha to. Was this how every new luna felt? He felt separated, like he should know each and every one of them–but he knew no one. His eyes fell on Mike with two women holding their babies in their arms.
‘You’re more than welcome to mingle.’
‘It’s not rude to leave our guests here?’
‘No. I’ll keep them occupied. Go have fun.’