Page 89 of Claiming Her Alpha
“I was supposed to be the lead warrior. Kent took that from me.”
“Why didn’t she offer you lead warrior again?”
“She did, but I don’t do good with pity.”
“So she promised to make Kent pay?”
“Yes, though at the time she didn’t tell me how.”
“But you trusted her enough to get her what she needed.”
“She’s a woman of her word. She even sweetened the deal when she let me see your pathetic alpha get his ass handed to him on a platter.”
Ryker couldn’t help but grin as he remembered how good it had felt to see Kendra overpower Vallerian. “But she didn’t tell you about me?”
“As I said, she is a woman of her word. She wanted dirt and the moment she stepped foot into my home, I knew it was personal.” Benjamin shrugged. “Just didn’t know how personal.”
Ryker liked him. “But you don’t want to be a warrior again?”
“I’ve found other skills that I enjoy more.” Benjamin bowed his head. “Alpha.”
Ryker watched as he walked away, retreating from the pack and disappearing into the woods.
“Since he was pushed out by Kent’s friends, the pack barely sees him anymore,” Mike explained.
“Clever for someone with his skillset. When he mapped out the territory, I wasn’t able to recognize him as Shadow Wolf, though I could smell he wasn’t a rogue.”
“Because he chooses to separate himself from the pack?”
“Exactly.”
Warm arms wrapped around him, Kendra’s scent making his mouth water. “So, you and Benjamin get along, huh?”
“I like him.”
“Good, me too.”
They spent the rest of the evening together, with Kendra introducing him to even more people. Midnight came and went, and his head spun with all the new names and faces. He was glad when the pack slowly began to return home. Kendra found a seat beside Mike, who was speaking with Ned, Rowan, and Avery.
“That was fun.” Kendra seemed happy though he could feel fatigue creep up on her.
“My brain is about to explode,” Ryker admitted freely.
They were the few people he didn’t have to pretend in front of. It was truly a blessing to be able to relax. Gabriel and Andrew had excused themselves a few hours ago, but promised Kendra they’d stop by to pick up her gift for Luna Sophia.
“I’m sorry.” Kendra took his hand in hers and kissed his knuckles. “I overdid the whole introduction thing, didn’t I?”
“Please don’t test my memory tomorrow because I will fail.”
“I got a little over excited I guess,” she laughed and leaned against him.
“You’ll slowly get to know everyone. No one expects you to remember all their names,” Avery chuckled.
Mike stood, calling an end to the conversation. “Congratulations on a night well done, Luna, but Lukas is not giving Lina any rest so I’ll be heading home now.”
“I think we should all join you. It’s been a long day,” Kendra suggested, getting to her own feet.
They all walked down the path back to the village, with a promise to get together more often.