New Alpha – New Rules(44)

Harper gasped when she stepped out into the cool air. The sun was nearly down but there were torches all around the yard and music played softly. “What’s this?” She asked. Cindy grinned and went to tuck herself into her mate’s side. “This is your mating party.” Harper swallowed. “Care to dance?” Ryder held out his hand to her and she took it.

The fine hairs on her arms stood up when a current surged through her from his touch. Her toes curled for a second then she was whirled around the yard. Cindy and Mathew danced slowly gazing dreamily at each other and Lee had Lucy up in his arms twirling her around. When Kelly came out, Jack asked her for a dance and her eyes went round. Harper could see that match. They were near each other in age. “Soon.” Ryder murmured against the delicate skin beneath her ear. A delicious shiver raced down her spine and she felt her nipples pebble. He moaned lightly into her neck. “I’m glad you’re excited about it too.”

Harper saw Will twirl Nicole around them. She was beautiful. Harper wished that the she-wolf would act like she belonged to the pack more. Ryder had told her earlier that when they mated she would have to talk to Nicole. She set her jaw deciding that she would do it. She would make her give up all of her stored food first then require her to complete chores every day and come to all meals. No more eating in the room and she was not going to antagonize Ryder with her eating anymore. “Hey, the wheels are turning, are you okay?” He asked then kissed her temple.

“Yes, I’m plotting my course with Nicole and figuring out how to hold my own with her.”

“Don’t worry about her tonight. Worry about the Alpha wolf and how you’ll hold your own with him.” He grinned at her. One song blended into the next, Kelly changed partners, and so did Lucy. Ryder held her close then dipped her. Harper squealed with surprise.

Cindy brought the cake out then with Matt behind her carrying plates and forks. Cindy put it down on a small table and started cutting. Ryder tugged her toward the porch and handed her a plate. He took a big bite and smiled down at her. “Very good.”

“Cindy made it, Lucy and I frosted it.”

“I helped Uncle Ry.” Lucy said from her seat on a chair where she swung her legs. “I tasted it and I got to sprinkle the nuts on top.”

“Well let me tell you something Lucy, they are the best part.” She grinned around her fork. He finished his and watched Harper eat hers. “You have frosting right here.” He smoothed a thumb over the corner of her mouth then put it against her lips. He watched her with intense glowing eyes. Harper opened her mouth and let his thumb inside. She sucked on it, hard. He moaned and growled at the same time. Wolves around them stopped to watch them and she let go of him to duck her head with embarrassment. “Don’t hide.” Ryder said softly.

“Time for the mole hunt, Cindy you and Lucy keep score, I know you hate them. Everyone else head out.” He looked directly at Nicole who shifted on the spot into a sleek looking ebony wolf. Harper sighed. She was a beautiful wolf too. They rest of the pack shifted and took off yipping. “You come with me.” Harper nibbled her lip.

“The party is over?” He licked his lips. “Okay.” She demurred.





Chapter 16


Harper took his hand and it was her turn to tug him along behind her. She hurried up the steps pulling him along. Ryder chuckled behind her. When they got to the attic he stopped to lock the door. “Wow.” She swallowed. Large white pillar candles were set around the room on small tables with bunches of wild flowers. The brass headboard of the bed was entwined with them. The room smelled like summer to her. A light breeze came in from the window that over looked the barn. The quilt was pulled back and the pillows and sheets were covered in rose petals.

“This is…”

“For you.” He wrapped his arms around her from the back. “This is how a wolf as lovely as you should be mated. She should be worshipped and spoiled.” He murmured against her neck then breathed her in. Harper sank back into his warmth. She peeled her tee shirt off over her head and he stepped back. She heard him unbuckle his belt then heard it clunk to the floor. Harper’s eyes were fixed on the bed and her fingers trembled. Would it be like last time? “Easy girl.” He murmured kissing her bare shoulder. She smiled knowing that it wouldn’t be.

He was behind her again with gentle hands on her shoulders. She relaxed realizing how tense she was until he touched her. He wasn’t Bronson. He wasn’t like him. The only trait they shared was that they were the same species and that was all.