47 - Kennedy


    “Are you f*cking kidding me? Ryker, put me down! Now!" It is not lost on me that I am looking down at the most perfect ass I have ever seen in my whole life and pounding my fists against muscles so ripped, he probably doesn''t feel it. I am trying not to think of the front half of this massive man. Specifically the appendage that keeps pping the side of my ankle.


    “Not a chance littlemb, you''re skittish. I wouldn''t want you to run off again and get lost. Lots of big bad wolves out there ready to gobble you up." Now he thinks he''s aedian.


    I know it''s not going to do me any good and will probably leave bruises on me tomorrow, but I keep iling around just to be difficult and make him as irritated as I am right now. It''s the principle of reminding him that he doesn''t haveplete control over me. As long as I move enough to force him to keep adjusting his grip I am satisfied. And the pain reminds me to be mad at him and not enjoy the feel of his skin under my hands or the smell of his cologne or body wash or whatever he uses.


    I hear the crunch of tires over the rough dirt path.


    “It''s about f*cking time." He grumbles under me. I can''t see anything as he moves toward what I assume is Danny and Josh, but I hear the door click open and then my world blurs as I''m thrown into the backseat." Get her to the packhouse. She is not to be left alone under any circumstances. Not even in her own room." Then he ms the door in my face and turns away. The f*ckers have the child locks on so I can''t let myself out again.


    "Where are you going boss?" Josh asks out loud, I hope for my sake. I''m tired of the secret conversations.


    “To check for more rogues in these woods. They are rarely alone.”


    "You want backup?" Danny asks.


    “No, she''s your priority. Check in when she''s secure and we''ll make ns from there.” It''s like I''m not even here. My anger res again and without him so close it''s full force this time. It takes everything in me not to kick the seat like a child. I have to remember that Josh and Danny are just doing their jobs. I am not mad at them, yet.


    We drive the short distance in silence and I jump out of the back window they left open before Josh has the SUVpletely stopped.


    "What the hell?! Kennedy!" Danny yells at me, but I ignore him and keep walking.


    I didn''t even think about what I might be walking into when I got back. I was so caught up in my anger at Ryker and my new found situation. Aunt Beth''s attacking hug came out of nowhere.


    "Oh! My sweet girl. We were so worried. We heard about the rogue." She kisses the top of my head. I take a deep breath and leave her to her coddling. It tends to go faster if you don''t resist. "Where were you going?"


    I pushed away from her, not answering, but Jeremiah caught me in a hug before I could get all the way out of her grip. "Ken, you can''t just take off like that. What if something happened? You were lucky Be and Ryker caught the rogue before he caught you."


    "Yep. I was so lucky that my wolf friends want to keep their human pet around, but on a leash so short she can''t do anything without their knowledge or say so." It was supposed to be sarcastic and biting, but came out more defeated and weary.


    Jeremiah pulls back and looks hurt, but I''m too drained to care. "You know it''s not like that.