Max drew a deep breath and looked up at Ryder. “Do you have room? You look cramped for space.”
“We’ll make room if that’s what she wants.” Ryder watched her. She trembled while standing out in the yard. The grass was frost covered and she was barefoot. Fog rolled across the field behind her. Ryder looked over his shoulder at Jack who stood at his flank with his arms crossed over his chest. “Get her a jacket and some shoes.” He murmured. Jack nodded and hurried inside. The screen door clacked shut behind him.
“Harper, do you want to join his pack? My rules won’t apply then. You can do as you please.” Ryder watched her back stiffen and her shoulders square. She murmured a yes. Jack came outside then. He had a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of rubber clogs in his hands. Ryder took them and went down the steps to her. He dropped the clogs at her feet and she slid her feet into them. He helped her put the jacket on then zipped it up her front. She stuffed her hands into the pockets. Ryder stayed beside her and wrapped his arm around her. His hand rubbed her arm briskly to warm her. “I’m sorry for how you were treated.” Max continued. “I’m also sorry that I didn’t know about Bronson. I’ll miss you girl.” He leaned over and hugged her when Ryder dropped his arm. “Can you bring her by later to get her things?” He glanced at Ryder who nodded. “Good. I wish you both the best.” Max hugged her again. “No hard feelings.” He said to Ryder. “Take care of her and if you need anything, give me a call, I’m a fair wolf, and she’ll vouch for me. Welcome to Virginia.” He turned and walked to his truck where his wolves now clustered.
They questioned him about her staying but he simply ordered them inside. He climbed into the driver’s seat then backed away turning around. Dust kicked up behind the white rusty tailgate as he drove slowly down the bumpy dirt road. “Who’s hungry?” Curtis clapped his hands and said from the porch then went inside. Ryder wrapped an arm around her shoulders again and led her toward the house.
“It’s not too late to change your mind.” He said looking down at her. She shook her head.
“It’s been too late for a long time. I can go back to my original pack. I still know people there. They have the space and you really don’t have the room here do you?” She gazed up at him through her lashes.
“I said that I’ll make room and I will. Don’t worry, we adapt. You’ll have your own room by bedtime.” She looked disappointed at that but didn’t say anything. Did she want to sleep with him? Could he be that lucky for once? He’d wanted a mate for years but there always seemed that something was off and none of them were ever suitable. He had a very strong feeling that this female was his last hope. If he and the wolf didn’t find her acceptable, there would never be another that was acceptable. He had to make this work.
Chapter 5
They went up the stairs and inside. She smelled bacon, sausage, and coffee. Her three favorite things for breakfast and if she added an egg it would be perfect. Ryder led her into the kitchen where the little blonde girl Lucy, from the night before sat with toast, jelly, and milk.
“Sit with me.” Lucy said grinning up at her while patting the bench she was perched on. Harper smiled and sat. She looked around the table at the faces from the bar last night and some that she hadn’t seen before. She hoped that she could learn everyone’s name quickly instead of having to say ‘hey you.’
“Everyone, this is Harper. For those of you just waking up, I have claimed her for courting. She is from the Mountain View pack and with her Alpha’s blessing she is joining our pack.” Ryder looked around at everyone. The she-wolf who’d been tending the stove came over to where Harper sat, leaned down, and hugged her.
“I’m Cindy, I’m Lucy’s mom. Welcome.” She smiled warmly. “How do you take your coffee?”
“Just cream.” Cindy went over to the pot and filled a mug with coffee and cream then brought it back.
“It’s good to have you honey. You can relax for breakfast but after that I will put you to work.” She winked at Harper.
“I’m happy to help but I have two shifts today.” Ryder growled deep in his chest.
“You’re done with that if you want to be done with it. You have no rent here. No bills. Everyone pitches in to the common cause. Do you have debt to settle from before, from him?” Harper thought a moment. There was Ellis’ rent and her unpaid utility bills sitting on the kitchen table. Other than those, she had no obligations.