Chapter 162
Chapter 162
86 – Ryker
I stood frozen, my mind refusing to process the words I had just heard. Did she really say that? There was no way I misheard her. She seemed so absorbed in the little girl, Emily, that the words slipped out almost unconsciously. Yet, those three simple words hit me like a thunderclap.
“If that’s true, then wouldn’t she be repeating phrases she uses all the time? Because that’s not something she’s ever said to either of us,” Alpha teased, a sly grin on his face. “I was kinda hoping she’d tell me first, you know? She does seem to like me better.” His joke barely masked the surprise in his voice, and I could tell he was just as stunned as I was. If he caught it, then I wasn’t imagining things.
Danny, ever the provocateur, couldn’t resist chipping in. “So, Bossman, did you just hear those special three words from a special Luna p>
“Uh, yeah. Pretty sure I did,” I admitted, still trying to wrap my head around it.
“Is she high or something? Like, does wolfsbane affect humans differently?” Danny asked, his grin widening. His expression was that of a cat who had just caught a canary, and it made me snap my head toward him sharply.
“Shut up,” I muttered, shaking off the distraction and forcing myself to follow Kennedy, who was walking with Emily. Danny trailed behind us, barely holding back his laughter.
As high-ranking wolves, we’ve all had countless women throw those words at us over the years. It always made my skin crawl when they clung to me, thinking that phrase would guarantee a lifetime with me. Even Greta had been on the receiving end from a few guys trying to get close to me. None of us ever took it seriously outside of immediate family, but this time it was different. My heart stopped, my entire body froze in place. Alpha was right—the words came out so naturally, as if she said them to me every single day. Could she possibly feel that strongly about me after everything I’ve done to her?
Over the past few months, we’d grown closer-friends, maybe something more— but I wasn’t sure if she could ever give me what my parents share, what her aunt and uncle have, or even what my sister and her best friend have. I had thought maybe she held a grudge, something that kept her from feeling anything beyond friendship for me.
I needed to be near her, to talk to her. I could see she was focused on Emily, but this couldn’t wait much longer. I had to know.
“NOOOOOO A sharp, high-pitched scream shattered my thoughts. I pushed through the crowd that had gathered around my mate, Emily, and Doc Bradshaw.
The little girl was thrashing, crying out in pain, while Kennedy tried desperately to soothe her. Another woman, Emily’s mother, reached out with trembling, tear- streaked hands, but Emily swatted her away violently.
“Em, please let Mama hold you. I need to see if you’re okay,” her mother pleaded softly.
“No! Don’t touch. The plants hurt,” Emily wailed, her small hands pushing her mother’s away again.
“I know, baby, but I want to help. Please let me help you,” her mother coaxed gently.
“No! You’ll get sick too. No!” Emily insisted, fear shining in her eyes.
Kennedy stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. “Em, sweet girl, look at me. Take a deep breath, okay? I know the wolfsbane hurts, but we have to stay calm. Your mom will stay back until Doc Bradshaw says we’re all cleaned off.” She glanced at Emily’s mom, and a silent understanding passed between them. “We just have a few more cuts for Doc Bradshaw to treat, and then we can head to the clinic to get everything washed off.” Kennedy gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind Emily’s ear, forcing the girl to meet her gaze. Slowly, Emily seemed to surrender and sat still for the doctor. I noticed Kennedy wasn’t distracting her from the pain but was explaining what was happening and why. Emily hung on every word, her fear easing bit by bit.
I rubbed my chest, right over my heart, and thought to myself, I want that. That kind
of trust, that kind of connection-it had never crossed my mind before. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on.net
“What do you want, Bossman?” Danny’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts. I realized I’d spoken aloud without meaning to.
“Uh I turned to see Danny, Bennet, Greta, and Josh all staring at me with varying expressions of curiosity and confusion. Before I could answer, the doctor spoke again, drawing my attention back.
“All right, Luna, you’re both safe to move now. We need to get you to a car, though p>
“No! I don’t want this stuff inside with any of you. Where’s… Ryker?” Emily’s eyes locked on me immediately, and for the first time, I understood exactly what she wanted without her having to say it. I nodded and took off, Josh right behind me.
“Bennet, Greta, stay with them,” I called over my shoulder. “Make sure everyone gets checked and cleared before we head back p>