chapter 10

~~~~~~RYKER~~~~~

The moment she wrapped her arms around me, my wolf went wild.

A strange wave of heat rushed through my body, making it difficult to think clearly. I stiffened, caught completely off guard by her sudden action.

Why was she hugging me?

Was she embarrassed because the maids had watched me drag her around earlier? Or was she simply trying to prove something?

Whatever her reason was, I wasn't supposed to enjoy it.

I stood motionless, forcing myself to remain calm. Her arms tightened around my waist, almost as though she wanted to make me lose my balance. I could feel the warmth of her body against mine, and my wolf was becoming increasingly restless.

Then, as if suddenly remembering that we weren't alone, she released me.

I glanced around and noticed that the maids and guards had hurriedly disappeared from the dining area. Perhaps she had been waiting for them to leave before doing something so unexpected.

But my mind was no longer focused on them.

I couldn't think straight.

Before I could stop myself, I caught her by the waist and pulled her towards me, capturing her lips in a kiss.

My wolf had been restless for far too long, and I was beginning to lose my usual control. Yet, what surprised me most was that she kissed me back.

Instead of pushing me away, she responded to the kiss, leaving me even more confused.

My hands settled around her waist as I lifted her onto the edge of the dining table. For a moment, everything else seemed to disappear.

I had never experienced anything like this before.

The intensity of the moment was unfamiliar, almost unsettling. I had spent years keeping my emotions under control, yet this woman seemed capable of disrupting everything with a single touch.

My hand moved towards the zipper of her dress, but before I could do anything further, the sound of the door opening interrupted us.

Click!

I immediately turned towards the entrance.

Eric.

My beta stood there, looking rather uncomfortable with what he had just walked into.

That was enough to bring my senses back.

Layla quickly pulled away from me. Her cheeks were flushed, and she avoided looking in my direction before hurriedly jumping down from the table.

Without saying another word, she rushed out of the dining room.

I watched her disappear through the doorway, then slowly turned my attention to Eric.

He cleared his throat.

"My Lord, the Alphas are already waiting for you. The meeting is about to begin."

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to put the unexpected encounter behind me.

The meeting.

Of course.

I had nearly forgotten the reason I was in the dining area in the first place.

"Let's go," I ordered.

Eric immediately stepped aside, allowing me to walk ahead.

Within minutes, we arrived at the grand hall where the Alpha meeting was scheduled to take place.

The moment I entered, every Alpha rose from their seats and bowed in respect.

The Blood Moon Pack wasn't merely another pack among hundreds. We held the highest authority in the werewolf territories, and our influence extended far beyond our borders.

It was an authority my parents had paid for with their lives.

Their deaths were no accident. They had been murdered by people who wanted what belonged to us. People who believed that eliminating my family would give them the opportunity to seize the position of power.

They were wrong.

I had spent years making sure everyone understood that the Blood Moon Pack would never fall.

I raised one hand, signalling for the Alphas to sit.

My eyes travelled across the hall, briefly stopping at the Obsidian Pack delegation. As usual, they occupied the seats closest to the front.

I walked towards the long table reserved for the meeting's highest authority and took my position at the head.

"Let's begin."

I pulled my robe back and settled into my chair.

One of the Alphas immediately stood.

"Alpha Ryker, before we proceed with the matters concerning the territories, we would like to congratulate you on finding your fated mate. We have also prepared a gift in celebration of this occasion."

"Congratulations, Alpha Ryker!" the others chorused.

I leaned back slightly, unimpressed by the sudden display of enthusiasm.

"Thank you for your concern. Now, let's get started. I have no intention of spending the entire day here."

The Alpha nodded and returned to his seat.

The meeting proceeded with discussions about territorial boundaries, pack alliances, trade agreements and other matters concerning the werewolf territories.

Some Alphas raised concerns about recent disputes between neighbouring packs, while others presented reports on the security of their territories.

I listened carefully, occasionally interrupting when I found their explanations unsatisfactory.

It felt like an eternity before we finally reached the end.

I stood, adjusted my robe and signalled to Eric that we were leaving.

However, before I could take more than a few steps, someone moved into my path.

Alpha Landon.

The leader of the Obsidian Pack.

He wore a pleasant expression, but I knew better than to mistake his smile for friendliness.

"Oh, Alpha Ryker. What a pleasure to see you," he greeted, extending his hand. "Now that we're officially family, I suppose I'll have more reasons to visit your pack. I have missed my daughter terribly. I hope she hasn't been causing you too much trouble."

I stared at him for a moment before reluctantly acknowledging his greeting.

"Alright."

I didn't bother entertaining his conversation any further.

Landon's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered.

I walked past him, leaving him standing behind me.

What a waste of time.

Eric followed closely until we were far enough away from the other Alphas.

"My Lord," he began cautiously. "Have you decided what to do about Landon? He might try to use his daughter to get closer to you. I doubt his sudden interest in your marriage is entirely innocent."

I let out a humourless chuckle.

"Don't concern yourself with him. The same daughter he intends to use as a stepping stone towards gaining influence over me might become the very person through whom I'll destroy everything he's working for."

Eric glanced at me, his expression growing serious.

"But what about your wolf? It seems increasingly difficult for you to control yourself around her. Are you certain you can keep your feelings separate from your plans?"

I stopped walking.

My wolf stirred at the mere mention of her.

I clenched my jaw, irritated by the reaction.

"My wolf craves her. I don't."

Eric remained silent, apparently unconvinced.

I continued walking, unwilling to entertain the subject any longer.

"There's a difference between satisfying an instinct and developing feelings for someone. Don't confuse the two."

At least, that was what I wanted to believe.

Because if there was one thing I wasn't prepared to do, it was allow a woman to become my weakness.

Especially not Layla.

Not when her father was the very man I intended to destroy.