by Morgan Fox
Ryder nodded, glad to hear there was not one objection to his demand. He kept his gaze off of Bianca for fear he would ravish her in front of the entire pack including Brody.
“What about you?” his father asked, yanking him from his thoughts.
“What about me?”
“You’ll be taking over as the alpha leader of our pack,” Warren announced. “You’ve proven to us that you’re more than capable of assuming such a responsibility. Besides, you’ve shown us that sometimes even the council needs someone to hold them accountable.” Rather than hear a room full of objections, Ryder heard silence. “Do you accept our offer?”
Ryder glanced around, making sure he heard correctly. “You want me to lead our pack?”
“You were groomed for this, son,” Joe told him. “It’s what was always meant to be.”
Ryder’s body trembled, too many thoughts roaming his head. This was what he had intended for his pack. He wanted the role of leader, but he didn’t realize it would come to him so easily. He needed a moment to absorb it all. He needed to kiss Bianca.
“I’ve been hard on you, I know, but it was always for what I believed to be a good and true cause.” His father’s eyes were glistening. “I hope you can forgive me for perhaps being too hard.”
Ryder shook his head. He didn’t know who this man was. Never in his life had he ever imagined hearing his father apologize. The world truly was an unbelievable place.
Ryder shifted his gaze from his father to his mother and then back again. One thing Ryder had figured out on his life’s journey was that no one should ever be taken for granted. “I think it’s time you started treating Mom better, Dad.” He smiled at his mother, whose bottom jaw began to quiver. “She deserves your full attention now.” He cleared his throat. “I think perhaps some new faces need to be on our council. I think you should resign your position. Consider it early retirement.”
Ryder waited for the objection, but it never came.
Joe smiled proudly and nodded. “You’re right, son. It’s time I spent more time focusing on matters of the heart.” Joe faced his wife and held out his hand to her. She took it and he pulled her close up beside him. He whispered into her ear and she sobbed into his arms. He kissed her gently.
Ryder had a feeling Joe told her he was sorry. His heart bumped heavily in his chest as he prayed his father would honor his mother the way she deserved. Judging from the expressions on their faces, Ryder had a good feeling about their future.
Bianca moved to stand beside Brody, and rather than fill Ryder with rage, he seemed to embrace their relationship. Ryder didn’t quite understand it. He knew he’d be unable to move on with his life until he finally spoke with her, but he couldn’t do it in front of their pack. Glancing around the room filled with watchful eyes, he was tired of his life being so public.
Before he could do anything he needed a moment alone with Brie. He shifted his gaze to Brody. “Please escort Bianca home. I’ll catch up with you both later. I have a few things to finish up here.”
Bianca’s gaze seemed to focus on the ground. She wouldn’t look up at him and it was probably for the best. Her golden eyes had a power over him he could never explain. Looking into their depths had a way of rendering his brain useless.
Brody nodded and, with his hand on the small of her back, led her from the chambers. Ryder couldn’t help but follow them until they disappeared around the corner. Inhaling a slow, calming breath, he, too, left the room. Brie and Tiffany were at his sides, while Conrad Black trailed up from behind them. Ryder didn’t mutter a word until he was outside the chambers.
He turned to face Brie. “Thank you,” he breathed. “I wish I could say that seeing and feeling the memories of my past changed anything.”
Brie frowned. “It didn’t?”
“How could I steamroll into Bianca’s life now. She’s in love with Brody.
“Oh, Ryder. Why are you alpha types so incredibly dense?” Brie sighed. “Bianca isn’t just in love with Brody…she’s in love with you, too.”
Ryder narrowed his brow. “And what do I do with that information?”
Brie folded her arms over her chest. “Maybe I’m not the right person to speak with about being in love with two men.” Her brows shot up into her hair. “Then again, maybe I’m exactly the person—”
“Brie,” he muttered, licking his dry lips. “Stop. I know what you’re going to say. I know you love your mates. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.” He smiled. “No one would ever question that. But I’m not you, Sebastian, or Jonah.”
Brie smiled. “No, you’re not us. But you are a man in love.” She hugged him. “Before you decide anything, I suggest you go to Bianca and talk with her. Maybe she doesn’t even want you or care if you strip her of the mating bond.” Brie shrugged. “You might actually be doing her a favor.”
Ryder frowned. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Was it possible that Bianca didn’t want him? How could she not have some feelings for him? He’d seen the love in her eyes, felt the passion in her kiss.
A strange sensation stung his chest. He needed to speak with Bianca and he needed to do it now.
Chapter 20
Bianca punched the sandbag as if she planned to shove her fist right through the fabric. Gritting her teeth, she rounded, sending her foot into the bag. Fire burned within her belly. Bianca had a sneaking suspicion that Ryder stayed behind to discuss something with Brie. Her instincts told her he wanted to sever the mating bond, to find a way for him to be the super soldier he was trained to be. Who better to help him with that than a powerful fey witch?
Ryder doesn’t want me.
She knew it, could feel it deep into her bones.
Ryder was going to be the leader of their pack, and he didn’t need her and the memories of their past clouding his future. Everything she had fought so hard to achieve had been for nothing. Even though she didn’t thoroughly understand the reason behind her mission to reunite with Ryder, she always knew deep down that they were supposed to be together. Why hadn’t he sensed that, too?
Bianca’s eyes stung with tears, but she wouldn’t cry. She was through with the burning of tears that blurred her vision and choked her mind of rational thought. Stiffening her chin, she accepted that if Ryder was preparing to move on with his life, then so was she.
Spinning, she struck the sandbag once again with a firm backhand. Groaning, she shook her head. No matter how much she punched and kicked, nothing assuaged the ache in her chest. The thought of a life without Ryder was almost too much. She couldn’t comprehend how he didn’t feel the need burning within his veins, firing his blood like an inferno of longing.
She felt as though she was dying inside, and she always would until she took her last breath. Brody could only fill so much of the void left behind by her absent mate. Fury consumed her as she roared and struck the sandbag with all the force she could muster. On impact the bag split and sand rained down on her.
Gasping for breath, she knelt, gripping her thighs just above her knees. Fighting the overwhelming need to weep like a silly little girl, she closed her eyes, allowing her raging emotions a chance to settle. For several long moments, she concentrated on the air that filled her lungs. Then his powerful masculine scent filled her nostrils and she stood, stiffening her spine, bracing herself for the words she didn’t think she had the strength to hear.
“So glad that wasn’t me,” Ryder said. His baritone voice sent chills racing along her spine.
She couldn’t face him. She walked to the table with her back to him and began removing her fighting gloves.
“Don’t take them off just yet,” he quickly requested.
She stared at her white fingerless gloves and fisted her hands, squeezing her fingers tightly toward her palms. Ryder wanted to spar with her. He’d come to beat her down emotionally and physically.
Did he not understand mercy? Why would he choose to hurt her this way? Did he not understand that he was already killing her?
>
She closed her eyes as she felt his firm chest press up against her back. She wanted to weep as the heat from his body radiated into hers. Her breath hitched as his hands captured her shoulders, holding her so close. She felt his breath on her neck, and instantly she wanted to yield to him, feel his lips upon the throbbing pulse in her neck. Inhale the musky scent that was all Ryder. Her panther cried out, desiring him.
Collecting her thoughts, she quickly shrugged his touch away. If he was here to end any hope she had of finally capturing his love, then she wanted him to do it quickly. She prayed he would end her suffering with a one fatal swoop, not the teasing pleasure he offered her by standing so dangerously close.
“Bianca,” he whispered.
She cringed, hearing the pity in his voice. She shook her head, spinning to face him. “You came to fight me. She tossed a pair of Brody’s gloves at him. “So let’s fight.”
Bianca raised her leg and planted her foot firmly in the center of his chest. She grinned as the air from his lungs leapt from his throat. He dropped to one knee, craning his neck up to glare at her.
“Was it something I said?”
Bianca clenched her jaw. “Are you mocking me, Ryder?”
Anger burned in the pit of her stomach and raced out to her arms and legs as she whirled, striking the side of his head with a firm kick. Ryder’s head snapped to the side. Shaking his head, his eyes were wild and he looked thoroughly pissed off. His gaze drilled down on her like heat-seeking missiles.
Fueled by more than just rage, she growled, striking him in the face with a quick jab and twisting to the side to hit him across the back of his neck. She flipped, landing on his other side and clearing the distance between them before he could retaliate. With Ryder, she had to be quick. He was clearly stronger than she was, but she could move like an agile cat.
Ryder’s dark gaze narrowed on her as he wiped his mouth. She’d kicked him hard and split his lip. She should feel satisfied that she fought so well against him, but knowing that she’d caused him pain only made her insides quiver. She wanted to rush to him and kiss the pain away. But she couldn’t. He didn’t want her, and she had to keep reminding herself of that before she made a fatal mistake.
“I’d forgotten how well you fight,” Ryder said, rolling his shoulders and neck, settling in to a better stance. He smirked, wiggling his fingers at her, taunting her. “Come get some more, if you’re not afraid.”
Her heart leapt as a slow, teasing smile curled his lips. She practically melted where she stood as she studied the sumptuous mouth she was desperate to taste. His eyes sparkled, reminding her of all the nights he came to get her, sneaking out for a chance to be together.
The air froze in her lungs. Hating herself so completely, she turned from him, placing her back toward her enemy. She couldn’t do this anymore, couldn’t pretend that they were anything more than adversaries. It was the only way she would survive for the rest of her days.
Her legs were taken out from under her and she fell to the mat. Ryder was on her in seconds, flipping her over and pinning her down with his massive body. Her eyes locked on his, her jaw clenched tight.
“Why did you turn from me? Never turn against an opponent.”
“Or enemy,” she muttered, casting her gaze away from his.
Ryder’s grip eased and she shoved him off of her, rising to her feet. She ripped her gloves off her hands and tossed them onto the table. She wanted this nightmare to be over, needed it to be over.
“Why are you here, Ryder?”
She heard him shuffle to his feet. “We need to talk,” he told her.
She shook her head, swallowing down the tightness in her throat. “No, we don’t. I already know what you’re going to say, and I don’t want to hear it.” She inclined her head toward her shoulder, glancing at him askance. “You’ve got better things to do than to waste your time with me, so just leave.”
Ryder gripped her arms and spun her to face him. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Bianca rolled her eyes at him, trying with all her might to keep her emotions in check. “I can’t do this anymore. Just leave me alone.” She squeezed her eyes shut, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.
Ryder scoffed, shaking his head. “What the hell does everyone else see that I don’t?” He paused. “Brie, Tiffany, and Brody must be out of their minds.”
Bianca frowned.
Ryder growled, waving his hand in the air dismissively at her. “What was I thinking coming here? What did I expect would happen between us?” He ran a stiff hand through his unbound hair. “You’re driving me insane, woman.”
Bianca’s eyes rounded. “Nobody asked you to come here. Feel free to exit the door you came in through.”
As she went to leave the workout room, Ryder grabbed her by her arms. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I’m done here,” she snapped. “Now let me go before I fatten the other side of your lip.”
Ryder hauled her up against his chest. “You think you can? I wasn’t even trying.”
Bianca wanted to throttle him. “Release me then and watch as I kick your hybrid ass,” she shouted, twisting to free herself from his hold.
Ryder shook her, pulling her so close that she could feel his panting breath on her face. His fingers teased the flesh of her arm, burning with a sweet sensation. She sank against him, instinctively forcing her hips to his. His dark, alluring gaze danced from her eyes to her lips and back again.
“Bianca,” he groaned, sounding like a man starved with hunger. “Tell me you feel this way, too. Tell me your feelings are just as raw and renewed as mine are.” He closed his eyes, the muscles in his jaw straining. “Tell me you love me.”
Bianca gasped, her eyes widening. His memories had been restored, and like her, he was feeling every ounce of need that she felt. She trembled, praying that she wasn’t dreaming.
“Ryder, please don’t hurt me,” she begged.
He placed his forehead against hers. “Never,” he breathed. “I could never hurt you, Bianca.” He pulled back, his watery gaze stunned her. “I’ve missed you.”
Bianca’s mouth opened, but no words would come out. She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. Her bottom jaw quivered as she stared at the man that had possessed her soul more savagely than any demon ever could. She lowered her gaze as warm dampness trickled down her cheeks.
Ryder placed his index finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his. “I love you,” he confessed, and the deep timbre of his voice sent jolts of warmth flooding her system. “I never would’ve stopped. You were always meant to be mine.”
Bianca sobbed. Her body rocked as he engulfed her in a firm, all-consuming embrace. Shock and relief tormented her. Never in a million years did she expect to hear those words pour from his lips again.
“How is it that you never stopped trying and I was never the wiser?”
She shook her head. “You thought I was dead,” she said, sniffling. “I was reminded of it every single day that there was something between us that frightened the council.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “I guess I became obsessed, and deep down I knew you and I had a special connection.” She smiled softly. “They might’ve stripped our romantic rendezvous from my mind, but they could never fully erase how much I cared for you, how much my panther needed its mate.” She felt his muscles tense under her hands as she moved them to his sides. “You didn’t have to go through the same things I did. Your world didn’t change much once I was gone.”
“What they did to you was torture,” Ryder said with a hatred in his voice she never wanted directed at her.
She’d felt his wrath when he thought she aligned herself with Lilly. Bianca was grateful that the vampire queen was no longer able to haunt her life anymore.
She nodded slightly, pressing her cheek against the firm plains of his chest, thankful he didn’t pull away. “Yes, but I wasn’t completely alone.”
“Brody,” Ryder
muttered.
Bianca trembled in Ryder’s arms as she found the courage to gaze up at him. His dark eyes weren’t filled with the fury and resentment she expected. They were consumed with compassion and need.
“I can’t begin to tell you how strange this all is for me,” he told her. “I never thought I’d be forced to share my mate with another.” Bianca lowered her gaze, but Ryder wouldn’t let her look away. “I’m not saying I like the idea, but I won’t make you stop loving Brody either.” Ryder’s eyes glistened. “He took care of you when I couldn’t. He protected you when I couldn’t and he loved you when couldn’t.”
“Ryder, please,” she breathed, her fingers kneading through the fabric of his shirt.
He silenced her with a gentle kiss to her lips. His kiss was not filled with passion, but of the need to keep her from talking. She nibbled her bottom lip.
“Once again I feel as though we’ve been cheated.” She eyed him curiously. “Do you think my claiming you would’ve been any different?”
Her cheeks heated as she remembered the way his mouth clamped onto her shoulder as his teeth and cock sank into her welcoming body. She shuddered, feeling his body grow hard against her. He cupped her face, sliding his fingers to the back of her head, and pulled the hair tie free. He gently raked his fingers through her long, black hair.
Her body warmed as millions of tingles pulsed along her skin. She closed her eyes, tilting back her head as he continued to caress the strands of her hair. He clasped the nape of her neck, his fingers teasing the sensitive flesh. She opened her eyes as he stroked her cheek with the backs of his knuckles. His tenderness sent her heart revving into high gear.
“I spoke to your parents,” he whispered.
Her eyes widened. “And how did that go?”
Ryder grinned. “I bet your birthday and Christmas presents are gonna be awesome from now on.”
Bianca giggled. “You didn’t?”
“I did and I’d do it again if it meant protecting you and loving you as you deserve. Your parents never should’ve left you alone. I should’ve—”
