Alpha Caleb and the Blessed Wolf

9.

NIKITA

Waking up to an empty bed, I groaned remembering last night. I thought asking Ryker to take my virginity would have gone differently. That hooking up with someone was what most boys want. I didn't realise his feeling were so much more. Seriously he couldn't have said how he felt earlier, boys! And now after our moment I can't deny how much I want him too. I know why Ryker said what he said but in the end once I started kissing him my own reasons flew right out that attic window. I found myself actually wanting to have s*x with him and not just because he would be gentle but because deep down the truth was that I always loved him. These feelings and desires were just buried under layers and layers of denial.

Shoving my face into the pillow frustrated that it still faintly smelt of his coffee and cinnamon scent. Izmelda told me he stayed by my side waiting for me to wake up. I wanted a perfect moment with someone I loved something my evil mate couldn't take from me.

If I rejected the Prince and chose Ryker I would be living with the pain of a broken bond and so would he. Asking him to give up his own mate is not fair. If our love wasn't strong enough to overcome the broken bonds it would break our relationship too. Goddess!!! Why was this so confusing. I was angry at her, at the Prince, at myself for being selfish right now when my pack is in danger. I hadn't even started to process that my parents could be....nope they are not dead.

Flinging the blankets off I stomped to the shower. I was not going to think on it once more. I needed to focus on helping my family and pack, that is what an Alpha would do, what my father would do.

Ryker was hunched over the dining table looking at some old maps that Izmelda had laid out. He looked delectable in a deep blue sweater that fit snugly across his broad shoulders, sleeves pushed up exposing thick, veiny forearms, and a pair of grey sweat pants. A warm flush crept onto my cheeks, so much for my 'focus on my pack' pep-talk in the shower. I stood awkwardly at the door until Izmelda spoke.

"Come in dear have some food you need to have a full belly for your journey. I have also packed some for later". Ryker's muscles tensed aware of my presence but eyes stayed focus on the map. Things had changed now, I had caused it by hurting him. He thought I was trying to use him, maybe his anger is for the best he would find his mate and be happy. Silently I ate my eggs.

"Izmelda, you said pack some for later?" I said finally breaking the silence.

"My Uncle's pack is past the mountains we need to make a move." Ryker said cutting in before Izmelda could speak. "It's dangerous taking the normal path with Prince Caleb tracking us, but taking on the Rogue woods is just as dangerous. Once we diverge off the trail its rogue lands." I nodded silently watching Ryker stuff the maps and other supplies in two small bags as I finished off my breakfast. Once I was finished there was no use in delaying the inevitable it was time to make a move before the weather turned or before we were found.

"Goodbye Izmelda thank you for taking care of us."

"There is no need to thank me my dear. Your parents are my Alpha and Luna as will you be. It was my honour. "

"Hopefully we can return your kindness someday." I said hugging her small plump figure. I had never met her before these past few days but felt as if I had know her all my life.

She gently placed her hands over mine as I pulled back.

"Your pack has protected me in many ways you have more support than you know. Good luck."

With that I fell into step behind Ryker, no more hiding.

**************

"Well this is awkward!" my brooding thought chimed in my head.

We had been running in human form for 2 hours. Trying to minimise our wolf scent from the Obsidian Blood pack and potential rogues in the woods.

It was 2 hours of deafening silence only broken by the occasional order from Ryker "Go this way", "don't step there", "cover those tracks". Quite frankly I was getting sick of his cranky attitude. It was torture!

My human lungs were about to explode as was my emotional state. I didn't know how to even start to fix things between us.

I felt like such an i***t! I have ruined everything.

Beginning to slow to a jog I finally called to Ryker that it was time for a break.

"Hey, can we stop a second?"

He slowed down his back remaining infront of me. I could see his strong back muscle knitted together. The tension from last night clearly still affecting him as it was me. I had an urge to run my fingers across his board shoulders and down his back. It took me a second to catch myself gawking. My wolf purred and I reprimanded her before breathing a huge sigh and looking down at the ground.

"We need to talk about last night."

"Now really isn't the time." His voice hoarse.

"Please! Please just let me apologies for coming onto you like that. I was being selfish asking you to...to have s*x with me. I know you are angry with me for that I am so sorry. Honestly, I never knew your true feelings for me until now" it all rushed out of my mouth in one breath. Taking a moment to flick my eyes to his preparing for an outburst. The deep brown eyes were soft, full of empathy and understanding it caught me by surprise I almost wanted to cry again.

"I should be the one apologizing." He spoke gently "I was furious that someone like him could be mated to someone so pure and perfect as you. But that isn't your fault." It was his turn to heave a sigh and look down. "The things I have heard about Obsidian Blood pack..." he paused I could have sworn a shiver ran across his skin. "I was the one being selfish to save my own heart but also means I didn't help my best friend. If Prince Caleb really is your mate I would hate to think of what he will do to you and you don't deserve that for your first time. When we get to Shadow Claw pack I promise I will put aside my feelings and do what you asked." That was one of the reasons I loved Ryker he would always put aside his feelings for the needs of everyone else. He will consider every scenario and make a plan that's why he will make a great gamma and warrior general.

"Thank you, Ry" I crashed into his chest giving him a big bear hug.

He chuckled "Plus, I have wanted to play with your t**s since you finally developed," my jaw dropped, "took them long enough so I guess I better make the most of my chance."

"Urgh boys!!! You can't just show your feelings, you have to ruin the moment with something s****l" rolling my eyes at him I gave a playful punch to his chest. "And they didn't take that long to grow everyone else just started early!" I said indignantly poking my tongue at him. I wasn't sure whether I was justifying it to him or to myself.

I was painfully self aware of how slow my development was, hence the reason I never made it past first base. Davis Chadwick avoided me like the plague after our first kiss, and that dickhead Hamish Caldwell was forever teasing me about my lack if t**s even when I did start growing.

We both burst out laughing at my response. One thing for sure was that I hated fighting with my best friend it was good to have him back.

"Alright enough feelings let's get to my Uncle's pack so I can get you naked."

"RY! OMG, don't make me regret asking you."

"Oh, but baby girl I can say what I want and you have to be nice to me. I am the one doing you the favour after all." He winked and gave me the cutest lopsided grin.

Damn that big viking man, no wonder all the girls in the village swooned around him. Too bad it took us so long to make a move. There was no time for regrets we had to get to Shadow Claw pack as soon as possible. Not just for myself and our safety but for the sake of our pack.

"Fine, let's go. But I'm tired can we please shift. I know it's dangerous but it will also be faster."

"I think we will have to. I can already smell the rogues. I guess we have entered into deep rogue territory. We are better fighters as wolves."

I couldn't help the little smile that crossed my lips when I saw him strip off, carefully strapping the back pack to his leg before slowly shifting to not break it. A part of me was very excited to get to Shadow Claw pack knowing that he would keep the promise he made. Our alliance is strong, they will help us. I trust Ryker with my life, I just hope the pack can hold on long enough for us to save them.