New Alpha – New Rules(22)

“What do you think darling, closet space or coffee while you watch the sunrise?” Harper nibbled her lip. “You do you drink coffee, right?” She nodded.

“Give me the porch. I want to watch the sunrise with my mate.” Ryder said and got up to carry his paper plate to the trash. Curtis started laughing then the rest of them joined in. “What’s up?” Ryder stalked back to the table and glared down at them.

“I don’t think your mate wants that.” Curtis’ eyes twinkled and Harper giggled. Ryder hooked a finger under her chin and forced her to look up at him.

“It’s awfully early.” She mumbled. Ryder leaned over and kissed her lips. “I’m more of an afternoon tea sort of girl.” She offered.

“We’ll see.” He winked and let his fingertips trail over her cheek then looked up at the rest of them who were watching. Ryder growled low and they found somewhere else to look. “Get back to work.” They filed out of the kitchen silently. She noticed that Cindy and Mathew were missing.

“I’ll clean up.” Harper got up and started gathering things from the table that were left behind.

“Sit.” Ryder said quietly.





Chapter 8


“How long do you need?” Ryder asked her. Harper gazed at him. “How long to make up your mind Harper?” She nibbled her lip. “I know you want me. I scent it and I can feel desire coming off you in waves. You don’t want to sleep apart from me but then you told Kelly that you haven’t agreed. I don’t like mixed signals. It’s not healthy for your heart and mind to battle.” Harper inhaled deeply and dropped her eyes. Her finger traced a pattern on the table in a scattering of pepper someone spilled during lunch. She was on the short bench next to him. He pulled her into his lap. “I want your full attention.” He scowled down at her.

“You have it.” She settled against him and let him hold her close. He was watching her and making her nervous.

“How long?” He lifted her chin with his finger again. Harper gazed up into the prettiest brown eyes she’d ever seen. They were warm and full of something unfamiliar, something she liked it. Golden flecks surrounded his pupils she saw now. You couldn’t see them unless you were this close so she knew that she’d found a treasure because not many would get this close to a powerful Alpha like Ryder. He had thick black lashes that made her a little jealous, and perfect straight white teeth. She wondered briefly if he’d had work done like the humans but knew that he probably had not. He wasn’t like that and he was wolf. Their pups would be beautiful too.

Tiny crow’s feet deepened beside his eyes and the corners of his beautiful mouth lifted. Why did some men have the most delicious lips? They were perfectly curved and perfectly proportioned, she wanted to taste them. Harper’s hands found their way into his hair on either side of his head and she pulled him down to her mouth. Her lips were tentative at first then grew surer, stronger. Ryder let her explore for a few seconds then took control of her kiss. Her heart pounded against her ribs and kept her eyes closed when he finally stopped. Her eyes fluttered open.

“Ryder?” She watched his eyes open. They were completely amber and the wolf was there. She felt him there, close to the surface. “I want you. I don’t need any time. I’m sure.” Ryder stood suddenly with her in his arms. The bench toppled over backward and hit the floor with a loud thwack but he ignored it. He strode through the living room and up the stairs taking them two at a time. Harper kissed his neck and he stomped up the stairs faster. Ryder elbowed the door open to the attic. Everyone working in the attic stopped, frozen in place.

“Out.” Ryder thundered. They scattered, dropped tools, and drywall where they were. Harper buried her face in his neck. Anyone in there had no doubt as to what was about to happen in this room. Within seconds, everyone in this house would know. Well, Harper consoled herself, when she mated Bronson everyone knew then too. He dragged her away from the crowd and into the house that they would share. He’d taken her in the dining room as soon as the door closed. He’d bitten her then fucked her. It was not the romantic mating she’d hoped her first mating would be, it was not even close.

Maybe this wolf would be gentler. This time perhaps a wolf with more experience would make it better. The door clicked closed. Ryder dropped her feet softly to the floor. “I wanted better for you, not a room filled with sawdust.” Ryder pulled his tee shirt off and tossed it to the floor.

He seemed bigger, more powerful. Harper went to him and pushed her hands over his chest. She felt the power there, felt everything inside her ache for him. Ryder’s hands rested on her hips and pulled her closer. “Are you sure? There won’t be any stopping him once this begins.”