Chapter 144
Chapter 144
77 – Kennedy
It took a solid ten minutes of coaxing before Ryker finally stepped out and climbed into the car beside me. His hand was locked around mine with a grip so tight it felt like a vise, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask him to loosen it. I understood his anxiety-after all, it wasn’t so different from my own. My history with road trips was far from flawless, and I carried my own bundle of travel nerves. Yet, what he was feeling seemed so much heavier, more intense. His tension was almost tangible; I could taste the nervous energy hanging thickly in the air around us. Still, I knew I had to break through it before either of us suffocated under the weight of silence.
“Tell me about Rory,” I said softly, leaning my head against Ryker’s shoulder to try and ease the stiffness radiating from him. He sat as rigid as a board, eyes fixed ahead, and I wondered how he planned to survive this two-hour drive without unraveling.
“He’s a good kid. About your age, actually,” Ryker replied, glancing at me with a flicker of unease before clearing his throat. He must have noticed the way I was comparing him to Rory when I called him a ‘kid.’ “Umm… he’s different, I guess. His whole situation is different. I’m just an interim alpha for them p>
“What do you mean by that? How does something like that work? I thought you had some kind of instinct or magic that tells you who your alpha is, who’s in charge p>
“We do,” Ryker said quietly, “but Rory was only nine when his father died. His mother came to me for help. Their pack borders the Demon Claw pack, and those two have never exactly been friendly. With such a young heir, they were vulnerable. So Antonia Rory’s mom-asked if I could help him learn how to be a good alpha and protect their pack until he’s old enough to take over. We started his transition last year. Today’s his birthday, and we’re going to the formal celebration. I can’t believe I’ve known him for ten years now.” Ryker rubbed his rough chin, a rare softness in his voice. “I’ve watched him grow up, like a nephew. It’s kind of crazy to think about p>
I smiled, teasing, “Yeah, just wait until your sister gives you a whole pack of nieces and nephews. Then you won’t know what hit you p>
I could hear the laugh in his voice, but his next words came with a hint of frustration.
“I can’t even think about that right now. Why would you put that idea in my head? Now I really want to rip Jeremiah’s head off p>
“Stop that!” I playfully swatted his arm. “They’re mates. It’s no different than you and me p>
Ryker shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “And I’m pretty sure Jeremiah’s reaction would be the same as mine. In my head, Rayna is still a little princess, twirling around in tutus, dancing like a ballerina—not making plans to be a mom.” He scrubbed his face, clearly unsettled.
“Well, I’m excited,” I said, my voice light. “I can’t wait to spoil nieces and nephews p>
“Really?” he asked, surprised.
“Absolutely! I’ve always loved pups. I’ve been looking forward forever to being an auntie.” I bounced slightly in my seat, unable to hide my enthusiasm. “Now I even know what they might look like. I imagine a little girl with Jeremiah’s milk chocolate hair and those striking emerald eyes like yours and Rayna’s. Or maybe a little boy with dark brown, almost black hair and warm honey eyes. They’ll probably be mischievous and playful most of the time p>
“Is that so?” Ryker smiled at me, and I nodded eagerly.
“What about you?” he asked suddenly.
“What about me?” I blinked, caught off guard. His gaze was mesmerizing, and I found myself drifting, only half-focused on the conversation. The walls of the SUV seemed to close in around us, but I didn’t feel trapped-just drawn in.
“Have you only thought about being an aunt, or do you want kids of your own someday p>
The question hit me like a wave. The space between us felt suddenly much smaller.
“I… I don’t know,” I stammered, unable to meet his eyes. “I guess… I’ve thought about it, sure. Doesn’t everyone?” My voice faltered, words tumbling awkwardly. “Hey,” he said gently, lifting my chin with one finger. “Talk to me.” He repeated my earlier question, softer this time. “Do you want kids p>
I shrugged, feeling vulnerable. “I guess it’s kind of inevitable now, isn’t it p>
“Only if you want them,” Ryker assured me. “Kennedy, I would never force you into anything. You’re natural with pups, but I know plenty of people who don’t want or can’t have kids p>
“But isn’t there an expectation? To have an heir p>
“Well, yes, technically. But I promise, it’s a decision we make together. No pressure p>
I simply nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. How had this conversation gotten so intense so quickly?
“What about you?” I asked, curiosity creeping in.
“What about me p>
“Do you want kids? I mean, I know an alpha’s role is to have an heir and keep the bloodline going, but what do you really want p>
He looked down at his lap for a moment, as if summoning courage. His face was a perfect mask, revealing nothing. Then he spoke quietly.
“Would you be angry if I said I want a big family p>
I blinked in surprise. “Uh, what p>
“It’s always been just Rayna and me. I’ve wondered what it would be like to have a bunch of brothers to run around with, or if she had sisters to play house and dolls with-or whatever other dress-up madness she got into p>
I laughed. “What do you mean by ‘big’ and ‘bunch’? Do you plan on having me pregnant forever p>
I was joking, but the sparkle in his eyes told me he wasn’t opposed to the idea.
“Honestly? I’ll take as many as the Moon Goddess will give us. But I’m not foolish enough to throw out a number when I don’t have to grow them all.” He chuckled, leaned in to kiss my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “Whatever you’re willing to give me, I’ll take. Though I have a feeling I’ll enjoy practicing p>
Before I could respond, Jeeves’s voice cut through the moment from the driver’s seat. “We’re here, boss p>
I wasn’t about to let Ryker have the upper hand. “Too bad. You need more time. Otherwise, I’d kick Jeeves out and practice before we go in.” His nostrils flared, and his grip on my face tightened. Got him!
Jeeves stepped out, laughing softly as he opened my door first. “Remind me never to mess with you, Luna. You fight dirty.” Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs
I shrugged with a grin as Ryker stepped out beside me, clearly adjusting himself. I couldn’t help but giggle when he wrapped me in a side hug, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“Well, well, well. Isn’t this a sight?” a voice called out, low and rough. “I never thought I’d see the day when Alpha Ryker Tryn would take a mate p>
Ryker’s deep growl rumbled through me, setting every nerve on edge. This was no casual irritation. Something was wrong-unexpected and dangerous.