Ryder paid the bill before I could even pretend to reach for my bag, tossing down a wad of cash with a casual disregard that screamed pack money. He caught my wrist as I slid out of the leather booth, pulling me flush against his chest before I could take a step toward the door. His lips brushed the shell of my ear, his hot breath sending a sudden shudder straight down my spine.
"Ready to see where your new life starts, little wolf?" he rasped, his voice vibrating in his chest.
I couldn't bring myself to throw back a witty comeback. My pulse was hammering too hard against my throat.
Outside, the autumn wind bit into my cheeks, but the cold felt almost artificial compared to the fever burning under my skin. Ryder led me down the brick alley to his matte-black motorcycle. He picked up the
