78 - Kennedy


    I edged closer to Ryker, but not because I was scared. The sharp insult from that small man had pierced the air, and I could sense Ryker stiffen immediately. Those familiar barriers he''d built around himself snapped back into ce, like an invisible fortress rising up. It had been a while since I''d seen him like this, but away from his pack, he must rely on these defenses as armor. I couldn''t reach him with my mind to ask what the problem was, and he wasn''t about to exin what made this guy such a thorn in his side. Still, I knew there was some history, some tension simmering beneath the surface. This encounter promised to be an intriguing battle of wills.


    Ryker''s arm slid around my waist as we turned to face the unwee visitor. "ude," Ryker said, his voice low but sharp. "I didn''t expect to see you here. I thought events like this were beneath you." His grip on me felt like a lifeline-or maybe a way to steady himself, to stop from snapping at this man right here, right


    now.


    ude was small for a male werewolf—not exactly short, but definitely thin and wiry. I''d never really seen a werewolf without muscle before; I''d always assumed their bodies were naturally powerful. Tommy, for example, was leaner than most, built like a runner, but still strong. Even Uncle James, in his forties, maintained an impressive fitness level, looking barely older than Jeremiah. But ude looked fragile, almost sickly, like his body was fighting some unseen battle.


    "I thought I''d check in on our young friend," ude said, voiceced with something threatening beneath the surface, "to see how his transition is going." There was a warning there, subtle but unmistakable. It was clear we needed to watch over Rory carefully. Maybe Ryker already was. I didn''t know much about this kid-I hadn''t even met him yet-but the way Ryker''s body tensed told me Rory meant a lot to him. That was enough to ignite my protective instincts.


    "Like any alpha stepping up to lead his pack," Ryker replied with a shrug, his answer deliberately vague. "He''s doing what he needs to."


    ude ignored Ryker and turned his gaze to me, tantly scanning me from head to toe. But his eyes weren''t filled with desire or hunger; instead, it felt like he was trying to unsettle me. I wasn''t about to let that slide. This guy had another thinging.


    "Are you done?" I asked, my voice sweet but firm, gesturing down at myself. I was dressed in a cream-colored sweater dress that draped off one shoulder, paired with brown leggings and matching ankle boots. My hair was simply styled in a half-up, business-casual top knot. “I don''t think anyone''s ever taken this long to inspect my outfit.” His eyes snapped to mine, shing with irritation. I wondered if he was one of those old-fashioned types who believed women should be seen and not heard-or maybe he thought I was insignificant because I was human. Whatever the reason, he was easily riled up, which was good to know.


    I nced up at Ryker. "We should go. I want to find Antonia and Rory before he disappears somewhere in the crowd." I hoped my tone made it sound like I really knew them.


    The dazzling smile Ryker gave me in return made enduring this clown worthwhile. I had a feeling ude wasn''t finished with us yet, but for now, I could lead us away.


    "Anything you want," Ryker murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before guiding us away from the driveway and toward the house. But we hadn''t taken two steps before ude spoke again.


    "It''s so nice to meet you...?" His hand extended, as if expecting a handshake or for me to finish the sentence.


    I didn''t take it. Something about him felt slimy, and I had no desire to touch him. Instead, I looked him square in the face, stered on my brightest smile, and said, “Luna.” Then I kept walking, Ryker close at my side, a low rumble ofughter vibrating in his chest. Be and Josh followed just behind us, their expressions carefully controlled.


    "You''re going to have to exin that idiot to meter, right?" I asked without looking up at Ryker, my eyes scanning the room as we stepped inside.


    "I figured as much," he replied. "That was brilliant, though. For now, we just avoid him. Honestly, I didn''t expect him to show up today. He''s been dodging us for a while now. He hates that I''m helping Rory."


    "Is that the Demon w alpha?" I whispered to myself, nodding toward a group of people we passed.


    "Former alpha,” Ryker corrected, his head dipping slightly in acknowledgment. He didn''t smile at any of them, and no one seemed surprised or bothered by his cold demeanor. I supposed that was normal in these circles.


    "And the plot thickens,” I thought quietly.


    We spent the next couple of hours mingling with other visiting alphas, lunas, and pack members who had stopped by. Ryker said little to anyone, his usual scowl firmly in ce. No one seemed to expect more than a few words or a nod from him. I found myself wondering if my fierce, dominant alpha was actually a bit shy.


    "So, when will Rory officially take over?” I asked after we finally found the birthday boy and settled at a table with some food.


    "Really, he could take over anytime," Ryker exined.


    "He could have assumed full control whenever he wanted. Like me, he could have been a young alpha. The difference is I still have my dad to guide me when I hit a wall. Rory doesn''t have that kind of support. His mom''s great, but she was a warrior''s daughter, so her knowledge is limited. I''m treating Rory like he''s my son- still capable of running things, but I''m gradually giving him more control and responsibilities as he learns the role. That way, he can ask questions, make small mistakes, and learn from them. That''s how it will be when..."


    He stopped abruptly and cleared his throat.