New Alpha – New Rules(36)

“You know you’re a werewolf right?” Curtis said then laughed loudly. Ryder turned to look at him and the smile fled his face as the laughter came to an abrupt end. They turned and hurried away. Ryder stepped forward and scooped it up with his cupped hands. It looked tiny now.

Bronson did that once then he flung it at her. She was terrified and shook for hours. She started to shake now expecting a repeat. Ryder turned though and went to the opposite end of the attic. He elbowed the window open and dropped the spider outside.

“Okay?” He said when he was at the side of the bed where she was on all fours trembling. She launched herself into his arms and buried her face in his damp neck. “Hey, hey. It’s okay. You’re okay, it’s gone.” He held her tightly and rubbed her back. “Come on. Let’s go eat breakfast so the guys can get busy on our room.” She nodded but didn’t let go of him. “Easy girl.” He said into her hair and she finally calmed. She released the breath she’d been holding and relaxed. He put her down on her feet and held her elbow while she slipped her feet into her shoes. “Coffee, come.” He kissed the top of her head and wrapped an arm around her to lead her out of the attic. Not like Bronson at all, she thought and relaxed further into his side.





Chapter 14


Breakfast was in full swing by the time she arrived. Ryder had stopped at the bathroom to finish getting dressed after the wildlife attack so she came down on her own. Cindy and Lucy were eating side by side. Pancakes and bacon was the selection today. Harper sat on the bench next to Cindy without getting a plate. “What time do you get up to do all of this?” Harper asked. “I want to help but I seem to sleep too late.”

“Don’t worry hun, you’ll get the hang of it. You just got here so you need to give yourself a minute. I will start making lunch around ten, be here, or be square.” Cindy grinned at her. “Now get yourself something to eat.”

“Why are you sitting here and not eating breakfast?” Ryder’s voice growled behind her. She turned. His hair was wet but brushed back over his head. He was in faded jeans, and a tee shirt that said Timberwolves. She grinned at the shirt. “I asked you a question.” He growled again.

“Go get a plate.” Cindy urged patting her hand but she was frozen in place. The Alpha was not pleased and just moments ago he’d rescued her but now it seemed like a whole different wolf was with her. Harper bit her lip. Suddenly everyone was angry with her, she could feel the tension and anxiety. Ryder lifted her by the elbows and all but carried her to the stove. Tears pricked her eyes. He was mad, really mad and she couldn’t handle that. He rejected her earlier, then rescued her and now he was shoving her around the kitchen. It was too much. Her wolf was prancing anxiously with her hackles up. She needed to get away.

“Ryder.” Cindy said sternly. “Look what you’re doing. Easy. She just wanted to ask me something, she wasn’t skipping meals.” Harper’s eyes darted around the room looking for escape and she tried to wiggle herself free.

Ryder wrapped her in his arms then and kissed the top of her head. “Easy girl.” He soothed her with his hand warm on her belly. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He murmured against her ear. She let her eyes drift closed. This was what her wolf needed. She needed the Alpha’s constant reassurance, for now. The anxiety fled and she relaxed. “I want my wolves to eat.” His lips touched her ear when he spoke only for her to hear. “I don’t want…never mind, come and I’ll make you a plate.” Harper still nibbled her lip and Ryder bent suddenly to kiss her lips. “I know that tastes incredible but right now have some pancakes. Okay?” She nodded as he handed her a plate then piled it with pancakes and bacon. “Grab us some coffee?” She nodded and carried her plate to her seat then went back for coffee. She’d noticed the morning before that he took it black. She put cream in hers then carried both mugs back to the table. He sat down next to her. “Turkey for dinner tonight,” He announced after chewing his bacon, “mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and salad. Cake for dessert, any requests?”

“Carrot.” Lee grinned.

“Carrot cake for dessert.” Ryder put a big piece of pancake in his mouth. “Very good Cindy, fluffy and sweet. Great job.” She smiled over her coffee cup. Harper was still trying to figure out the menu. Was he requesting or demanding? She was supposed to prepare the turkey, did he want her to make dinner for the whole pack? She’d never cooked for so many people before. Her brows furrowed considering it.