Ryker storms across the training yard, shoulders rigid, jaw clenched so tight it looks painful. The storm overhead cracks again, but he doesn’t slow.
Kai is on him in seconds.
“Are you f*****g stupid?” Kai snaps at Ryker’s back.
Ryker doesn’t turn.
Kai grabs his arm and yanks him around. “No. Look at me. Are you actually out of your mind?”
Ryker’s eyes are wild — not angry, not defensive.
Panicked.
Kai steps closer, voice low and furious. “She whispered ‘mate’ and you said no. In front of the entire pack.”
Ryker’s throat works, but no words come out.
Kai doesn’t let up.
“She shifted, Ryker. She ran. She’s out there alone, in a storm, in pain you caused.”
Ryker flinches — actually flinches.
Kai shakes his head, disbelief and anger mixing. “You didn’t just reject the bond. You re
