Celebrations

RYDER

I had never been more happy than at this moment.

I turned to Adara, who smiled brightly at me, proud of me and our hard work. I looked out over the small group of people I now had the duty and honor to care for and lead.

We moved into the dining hall, the small banquet already set up by Adara. We all ate happily, talking and laughing and enjoying the new camaraderie.

I sat watching everyone, thinking about the next step.

“Ryder?”

I was pulled from my thoughts as Adara spoke. She looked at me sideways. “Are you okay?”

I smiled. “Yep, just thinking about what comes next.”

She placed her hand on my thigh. “We’ll worry about that tomorrow. For right now, go get to know your pack. You’ll have to pick a Beta at some point as well.”

I nodded, forgetting I would need to do that. I leaned close to her. “Who would you recommend?”

She thought for a moment. “He’s your Beta, not mine. You will need to get to know each of the guys here and decide who you would work best with.

“Someone who you won’t butt heads with all the time, but who isn’t afraid to speak up or tell you when you’re being an idiot.” She looked up at me with a smirk.

“So pretty much I need a male version of you . . . ” I teased.

“Pretty much.” She laughed.

I stood. “Alright, let’s go mingle then.”

Adara chuckled before taking my hand and walking around the room with me. We chatted with the families and all of the single wolves.

By the end of the night, I was pretty sure I had narrowed it down to two guys. Each was smart, strong, and outspoken. They also had the respect of the group and I knew that was just as important.

“Ready to head up?” Adara asked as she approached me from the other side of the room.

I nodded, bidding random pack members goodnight as we made our way up.

As we entered the room, Adara flipped around, surprising me as she pulled me close.

She kissed me fiercely and I felt my body respond instantly. I knotted my hands through her hair as I kissed her back, crushing my lips to hers.

Suddenly I felt a strange sensation and I stopped.

“Did you feel that?” I asked, pulling away.

Adara laughed, rubbing her body against mine. “Definitely felt it.”

I chuckled. “Not that . . . It was something else. I think someone crossed into our borders.”

Adara pulled back from me. “Are you sure?”

“I have this sinking feeling, like something doesn’t belong,” I said quietly. I mind-linked a few of the single wolves in the pack and I walked to the door. “Stay here, Adara.”

She frowned at me. “Not likely.” She pushed past me and out of the apartment. I huffed, knowing better than to fight it.

The men met me in the front entry of the pack house. Just as I finished explaining our plan for searching the surrounding area, there was a knock at the door.

I growled, knowing a visit at almost midnight couldn’t be good. I opened the door and was surprised by a handful of wolves standing on the front porch.

At the front of the group was a large, angry looking man. He was tall, with dark features, and a scar going down across his right eye and cheek. He lowered his head in respect.

“Alpha Ryder. We heard you are taking in members. We have nowhere else to go.”

Adara pushed open the door. “Where are you from?”

“A pack in the far south. We were exiled because we spoke out against the cruelty of our Alpha,” he replied.

I stepped aside. “Come in.”

The small group walked into the house, staring in awe at the beauty.

“I can’t guarantee a place for you yet,” I began. “I will need to meet with each of you first, to be sure you will not endanger our pack.”

The leader nodded. “We understand. All we ask is some consideration.”

Adara walked toward them with a warm smile. “Come with me. We will find a place for all of you. It might be a little cozy though.”

After settling everyone in their beds, Adara and I returned to our room again. This time our exhaustion had gotten the both of us.

We crawled into bed and Adara cuddled close to me, releasing the business of the day with a deep exhale.

***

“Ryder . . . ”

“Ryder . . . ”

I opened my eyes to see Adara above me.

I gave a sleepy smile. “Hey . . . ”

She smiled. “Hey, sleepyhead. You planning on getting up today?”

I shuffled in the bed, rolling over to my side. “What time is it?”

“Nine-thirty,” she replied, placing a gentle hand on my back.

I groaned, knowing we needed to interview all those wolves today. I rolled onto my back. “I’m starting to miss having it just be us.”

Adara laughed. “That’s a lie and you know it. Things will calm down in a few days once everyone is settled. Now, get up.”

I smirked, grabbing her hands from off my chest and pulling them up so she had no choice but to fall or sit above me.

She straddled my waist, giving me a teasing smile before leaning down and placing a kiss on my lips.

“Five more minutes . . . ” I pleaded.

“If you make a good argument, I’ll let you have ten,” she whispered.

I growled into her kiss. That was enough for me.

I pulled her close, kissing her hard as she rubbed against me. I made quick work of our clothes, considering I was only wearing boxers and she was wearing a dress.

My hands roamed her body as she moved above me, grinding against my growing hardness. My kiss was feverish, moving up and down her neck, stopping at her mark knowing it would drive her crazy.

She moaned as I sucked her mark and she plunged herself onto me, moving fast as we felt the pressure build quickly.

***

Our little quickie this morning left me in a good mood. As I walked downstairs for the day, I was met by the leader of the group that had arrived last night.

“Alpha Ryder, we are ready for your interviews, whenever you are ready,” he said.

I nodded. “I’m ready now. Send the first family in.”

He nodded before walking back to the meeting hall. I entered my office and sat down, gathering the paperwork I would need each new member to sign. There was a tap at the door.

“Come in.”

The first family walked in nervously. I smiled warmly. “Please, take a seat. You don’t need to be nervous, this is all a formality, just to make sure you won’t pose a threat to our pack.”

They seemed to relax a bit and I continued. “So why did you leave your previous pack?” I asked, beginning the interview.

After interviewing every person in the group, it was time to talk to their leader.

“So what is your name?”

“My name is Callum, sir,” he replied coldly, refusing to show any emotion.

“Well, Callum, can you tell me why you’re here?” I asked.

The man lowered his head.

“Our Alpha was a cruel man. Every one of us was a warrior for the pack. When he decided to make an example of a young family by having their pups killed, the group of us refused. So we were exiled.”

I nodded. They had all given similar stories. I was just sad this had happened to them.

“I am sorry you all went through this,” I offered.

The man looked up. “Thank you. If I’m going to be honest though, Alpha, I don’t see the point of this. It looks like you need us just as much as we need you.”

I huffed. “Our numbers may be few, but I will not put our pack at risk just to gain some numbers.”

Callum smiled. “Good. I’m glad to see an Alpha that cares for his people.”

“You seem to care for your people as well,” I replied. I sat silently in thought for a moment before meeting his eyes. “Callum, how would you like to be my Beta?”

A look of shock crossed his scarred face. “Alpha . . . I’m not sure if I’m the best person for the job.”

I shook my head. “You are perfect. I need someone who is strong and protective of our pack, someone who is willing to be honest with me. You fit all of that. Say yes.”

Callum thought for a moment before standing up and offering his hand. “I would be honored, Alpha.”