Fated To Ruin My Mate

Chapter 9 - The moon pack territory

The Moon Pack’s territory stretched before them, vast and untamed, just like the man who ruled it. Ryder’s presence loomed large as he led Aylin through the dense forest, his hand gripping hers with a possessiveness that left no room for argument. The pack had assembled to greet them, their eyes wide with curiosity and respect as they took in the sight of their Alpha and the woman he’d claimed.

Aylin felt their gazes like a weight,

but Ryder’s pride was palpable. He paraded her through the village, his chest puffed out, his steps deliberate. Every glance, every whisper, seemed to reinforce his claim. She’s mine, his posture screamed. Mine. And though she wanted to resist, to cling to the last shred of her independence, she couldn’t deny the thrill that raced through her at the way he looked at her—like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

But Ryder wasn’t content with just their admiration. He wanted her submission. Her complete surrender. And he was relentless in his pursuit of it.

The Alpha’s den was a sanctuary of power, its walls lined with trophies of hunts won and battles fought. The scent of pine and musk filled the air, and the crackling fire in the hearth cast long shadows across the room. Ryder guided her inside, his hand never leaving hers, and the moment the door closed behind them, the world outside ceased to exist.

“You belong here,” he said, his voice low, almost a growl. “With me.”

Aylin’s breath hitched as he stepped closer, his body radiating heat. She wanted to argue, to remind him that she was her own person, but the words caught in her throat. His eyes bore into hers, dark and hungry, and she felt herself being pulled into his orbit once again.

“You may have claimed me,” she said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound strong. “But that doesn’t mean I’ve chosen you.”

Ryder’s jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. But then he smirked, a predatory glint in his eyes. “You will.”

He released her hand and moved to the large, stone tub in the corner of the room. Steam rose from the water, the scent of lavender and cedar filling the air. “Undress,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for refusal.

Aylin hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what he was doing—trying to break her defenses, to make her vulnerable. But she also knew that she couldn’t resist him forever. With a slow, deliberate movement, she reached for the ties of her dress, her eyes never leaving his.

Ryder watched her with a hunger that made her skin flush, his gaze tracing every inch of her as she revealed herself. And when she stepped into the tub, the water hot and soothing against her skin, he followed, his body crowding hers until there was no space left between them.

“You can’t keep running from me,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’re mine, Aylin. And I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”

His hands slid down her arms, his touch firm yet tender, and she felt herself leaning into him despite her resolve. But when his fingers brushed against the mark he’d left on her neck, she stiffened, pulling away.

“No,” she said, her voice firmer this time. “You can’t just keep taking. I’m not some prize to be won.”

Ryder’s eyes darkened, his grip tightening on her shoulders. “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t see the fire in you, the strength? That’s why I want you. That’s why I need you.”

His words caught her off guard, the raw honesty in his voice making her chest ache. But before she could respond, his lips crashed against hers, fierce and demanding. She tried to push him away, to hold onto her anger, but his kiss was a brand, searing her very soul.

When he finally pulled back, his breath ragged, he cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. “I’m not going to stop until you give me everything. Until you’re completely mine.”

Aylin’s heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She wanted to resist, to hold onto the last shred of her independence. But as Ryder’s lips found hers again, softer this time, she felt the walls around her heart begin to crumble.

“Choose me,” he whispered against her lips. “Choose me, Aylin.”