New Alpha – New Rules(62)

“You square or should I put him down?” Curtis wrapped an arm around Sidney’s shoulders.

“We’re square but if I see him again, I want him dead.”

“You got it sweetness.” Curtis ushered her outside.

“Get out of here before I change my mind.” Ryder told him. “Go out the front and they might let you live. We left Ellis outside in the weeds as a warning to you and yours. Mess with Green Valley and that’s what happens to you.” Jake nodded and headed out the front door as he was told. “Come on babe, I’m starving. Nobody delivered that pizza.”

“It’s probably in the trash by now. I doubt they would hold it this long.”

“Well, we still need to eat so we’ll stop by and see. What happened to the beans?”

“They weren’t turned on so we decided to have them for dinner.”

“Good call. Come on.” Ryder walked her outside and put her in the truck then went around to the driver’s side. “Jack.” He called across the roof to the other vehicle. “Have them stop and pick up the pizza and Sid’s car.” Jack gave him a thumbs up. Ryder pulled out of the yard and followed them on the way out of the territory. “Give me your cell phone.” Harper pulled it out. “Find me Max’s number sweetheart.” Harper thumbed through the contacts while bouncing around as Ryder drove over the potholes.

“Here.” She had it on the screen and ready for him. He thumbed the button.

“Max. Ryder, Green Valley. I just put Ellis down. You’ll find him behind Harper’s old house.” Harper couldn’t hear over the engine noise. There was a long pause. Max was probably upset that his pack numbers were dwindling. “He kidnapped my mate and Sidney, snatched them in broad daylight from Joe’s Pizza. They were rough on Sid, knocked her out cold, and held both females hostage. I will not tolerate that kind of treatment. If your pack wants a war, just say so.” He negotiated a turn then grinned. “I thought not. As far as I’m concerned, we’re okay. You?” Ryder sped along the highway as if they were out for a Sunday drive. “Yeah will do and she’s fine, we’re headed home.” A second later, he handed the phone back to Harper. “All’s good sweetheart.” Harper sighed knowing it would be.

That night Harper researched chickens on the laptop while Ryder finished downstairs. She thought she would like the big red ones best. When he came in the room, she shut the computer down and put it on the floor beside the bed. “I thought you’d be asleep by now.” He said. She shook her head.

“I was looking at chickens while I waited for you.” He nodded.

“Fried or baked?” He grinned and Harper laughed.

“Live and egg laying.” Ryder pulled his shirt off and threw it in the laundry basket. Harper mimicked his movements. When she finally got down to skin, she climbed up on the bed and waited for him. Ryder growled playfully making her giggle.

“They didn’t hurt you?” Ryder asked again. He looked so serious. She supposed that it was for him. In his mind, he probably thought that he failed to protect her. Harper didn’t feel that way. She’d never felt more protected than when she was with him. She’d answered this question several times throughout the evening and answered the same each time.

“No Ryder. He didn’t hurt me at all. He barely touched me except to restrain me.” Ryder snarled the way he had every time she answered the question. “Is that why you took so long to come to bed? You’re afraid they hurt me and you don’t want to hurt me again?” She turned and faced him standing up on her knees. He gave her a solemn look. “Ryder. I’m fine except that…”

“What?” His fingers pressed along her shoulders and arms examining her. His sharp eyes everywhere at once.

“Except that I feel empty and lonely. I need you.” She leaned up to kiss him. Her heart sped up just as it did every time she kissed Ryder. She felt the strong thud of his heart under her fingers that lay gently on his chest. He pushed her back on the bed and climbed over her. “I know you can take care of that though.” Harper whispered and wrapped her legs around his waist. Ryder kissed her tenderly.

“I love you.” He said when the kiss ended. “Really.”

“I know.” She smoothed her fingers over his stubble and smiled. “You’ve made me feel more love in the short time we’ve known each other than he did in ten years. He wouldn’t have fought for me today. He may have fought to win but not because he wanted to protect me or because he loved me.” Ryder kissed her again. She heard Sidney squeal across the hall then and grinned. “He’s going to make her very happy.”