68 - Ryker


    What the hell just happened? I came in my shorts without even touching myself. Kennedy is unbelievably sexy, and she knows exactly how to move her body. She clearly doesn''t need me at all. Yet, she let me watch, and it was incredible. More than that—she said my name. Not the nickname she uses for my wolf, not some teasing sarcasm-just my name. Like she needs me as much as I need her. But then she walked away. She didn''t stumble or falter; she just left. I shattered the shower with the intensity of my orgasm, but did it affect her the same way? Do I mean so little to her?


    "You really did abandon her, iste her like some cursed Rapunzel. You''re damn lucky she let us get this close. Don''t screw this up any further," my wolf growled in my mind.


    "I know, thanks for the reminder. So, what now?" I asked, feeling the weight of my own failure.


    "First, get out of those soaked shorts and go lie down next to her, dumbass."


    "What if she throws me out?"


    "Then so be it. You have to try. Right now, action is your best shot. Words aren''t cutting it."


    "You''re a real asshole, you know that?"


    "That''s why the Goddess gave me to you. Now go, see if she''ll let you stay."


    I peeled off my shorts, freeballing it since I knew just hearing her breathe made me hard again. Not exactly the smartest move, but there wasn''t much I could do. After finally steadying myself and pushing down the panic wing at my chest, I stepped out of the bathroom. There she was, already in bed, curled on her side, fast asleep.


    When she''s awake, she''s fierce and sharp-like a wild animal. But now, looking at her peaceful face, her hair syed like a halo around her pillow, she looked like an angel. My angel.


    "I thought you said she was amb," my wolf teased in my head.


    "She is. She always will be. Innocent, precious, easy to hurt. But she''s an angel. Look at her now."


    "I''ve been looking, idiot. Just waiting for you to catch on. Now get in bed before she realizes she still doesn''t like you."


    I couldn''t help but chuckle softly. He wasn''t wrong. I climbed in beside her, turning to face her. I wanted to memorize every curve, every detail, just in case. I was exhausted and knew I wouldn''tst long, but I was determined to stay awake as long as possible.


    "No, please, no," I heard a soft whimper, and my eyes snapped open. Kennedy was in trouble—I could feel her anxiety radiating off her. I didn''t move, taking in my surroundings carefully. "Please..." A tingling tension wrapped around my ribs, and I looked down. She was lying across my chest, wrapped tightly in my arms. I had no idea when she''d moved there, but I knew one thing for sure: she''de to me. I was still in the exact position I''d fallen asleep in.


    I pulled her closer, tucking her head beneath my chin. I wanted her to feel safe, protected-even in her sleep.


    "Kennedy, wake up. You''re having a nightmare." Her grip tightened, but she no longer cried out. "Wake up, littlemb, before the wolf gets you." I smiled softly into her hair. I didn''t know if she could hear me, but I liked our little joke.


    "Ryker, Alpha, help, please," she whimpered against my chest. I didn''t know what to do. She was still unconscious, but calling for me-calling for us. I''d never felt so helpless before.


    "Kennedy, angel, wake up. It''s just a dream. You''re safe. Wake up for me." I pulled her closer until she was pressed against my side and kissed the top of her head. She gasped, struggling against me. Against every instinct, I let her go as she pulled away. The loss of her warmth hit me immediately.


    "What? When did you get here?" She wrapped the nket tightly around herself, and only then did it hit me—she''d been sleeping naked next to me all night. How had I missed that?


    "I never left. You didn''t ask me to leave when I got in bed," I shrugged. It sounded better in my head, but my wolf was right-when it came to Kennedy, words just didn''te out right.


    “I didn''t think you''d stay,” she murmured, eyes cast down at herp.


    "I thought I made it clear yesterday. I can''t fight this bond anymore. I still don''t know


    if I can mark or mate with you without hurting you, but staying away isn''t working.


    It''s hurting more than just me. You, my team, the pack—they all feel the distance.


    It''s too early for breakfast, but I''m awake. I can leave if you want me to."


    She looked up slowly, searching my face. I held my breath, waiting for whatever she''d say next.