Chapter 53: Chapter 53

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

RYKER

“I don't care about you enough to worry about that. How do I get this across that thick skull of yours? You mean nothing to me. Nothing at all.”

I shook my head vigorously, trying to get her words out of my head. I had no idea why of all the words she said, my brain chose to pick the harsh ones.

“I'm not mad about that. I'm mad that you're mating with someone else and I'm mad that I like you but you don't see it.”

I sighed deeply as I slicked my hair back with a brush. I didn't want to think about her today but her words, like always, were imprinted in my brain.

“I hate you Ryker. I hate that you like someone else and not me. I hate that you're cold to me.”

Roxanne's confession left me speechless and confused. I didn't know if it was her courage but she definitely intrigued me with the way she took the lead. All the while I had thought she hated me more than she hated cheese but it turned out that she liked me.

How long? Perhaps when we first kissed. But she didn't even remember that happened or perhaps it was because she learned I was going to be mating with someone else.

…And she still didn't want to mate. It hurt that she was direct about her intentions of not wanting to hold me back but it still hurt because the moon goddess chose us for ourselves and she had no idea.

I loved Roxanne– I didn't know if that was the right word to use. I had never loved a woman so these new feelings were exciting yet scary. And I didn't want to give a lot.

“Forget I said anything like this. I don't want to mate. I don't have a wolf and I Like you but I can't stop you.”

But even if she gets her wolf, she wouldn't choose me. I had to do what I needed to do. I stood before my mirror adjusting my tie and suit. Looking as formal as ever.

“Do you really want to do this?” Beta Miles asked as he stood at the doorway.

“Yes,” I muttered simply with a light frown on my face. “Why did you tell Roxanne about the mating ceremony?”

He sighed. “Believe me, I thought she already knew. I thought you would have told her but she was so clueless and persuasive I had to let her know what was going on.”

“I didn't want to tell her because I had my reasons,” I said.

Beta Miles bowed, “I'm sorry Alpha.”

I turned around to face him. “Keep an eye on Roxanne for me while the party goes on, okay? Do not let her leave her room. Please.”

He raised his brows. “So you're saying we have to lock her in?”

“Yes. And have the guards watching her closely. Regardless of the reasons she shouldn't be let out. I don't want whatever happened to her that night to repeat itself. She has barely even recovered from the first.”

That was true but I also feared Roxanne would attempt to flee. She already said she would leave and I couldn't let her go. I had tried many times but it didn't work. And whenever I thought about it, every one of my being rebelled against it.

***

The grand Hall of the Red Moon pack was alive with excitement. Torches flickered, casting warm, golden light on the faces of the assembled women. They were all the prettiest of the pack, dressed in their finest gowns, their eyes sparkling with hope. The air buzzed with anticipation as they awaited my arrival for the awaited mating selection.

I walked into the hall, my presence commanding and strong. The room fell silent, all eyes on me. The girl's faces lit up, their hearts pounding with joy and I could bet each one of them imagined themselves as my mate, the future Luna of Red Moon pack. Soft whispers lingered in the air and I heard them talk about leading the pack with me.

My heart was heavy. I didn't want to hurt Roxanne– no, but I needed to find out if I had another mate. I hoped the moon goddess had plans for me, though I feared what it could be. I took a deep breath, my gaze sweeping over the crowd, taking in their hopeful expressions.

The girls stood taller, smiled brighter as my eyes passed over them. Each girl hoped to feel that magical connection, the pull that would signify she was my mate. But as I locked eyes with each one, I felt nothing. No spark, no pull. Just emptiness.

After what felt like an eternity, I spoke, my voice firm but gentle. “Thank you all for coming. Please, enjoy the evening.” I paused, the weight of my next words heavy on my heart. “I have not found my mate here tonight.”

A murmur of shock rippled through the crowd. Eyes widened, and whispers grew louder.

“What does this mean?”

“Is the Alpha not destined for a mate?”

The pain and confusion were palpable.

A young woman, her voice shaky, called out, “But Alpha, what will we do without a Luna?”

My expression softened. “Do not worry. The Moon Goddess has a plan for us all. And if she doesn't, then I will be your Alpha and Luna forever,” I chuckled. “Enjoy the party. Let’s celebrate our pack and our future.”

I turned to my Beta, Miles, and said, “Miles take over for me. I have somewhere I need to be.”

He nodded, his eyes understanding. “Of course, Alpha.”

I walked briskly out of the hall, my heart pounding. I made my way down the passageway, each step echoing with uncertainty as I walked to where I wanted to be. I stopped in front of a wooden door, my hand hovering over it. With a deep sigh, I knocked, fearing rejection.

From inside, her chirpy voice called, “Just a minute!”

The door opened, and there stood Roxanne, her eyes wide with surprise. “Alpha?” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

I smiled softly. “Hey.”

Roxanne blinked, her surprise turning to confusion. “What are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you,” I said, my voice gentle. “May I come in?”

***

ROXANNE

I stepped aside, allowing him to enter. My room was full of the scent of lavender because I had burned candles– scented ones.

I watched him let himself in and lock the door. My eyes watched his every move– my senses high on alert that I was in nothing but cotton panties. I wrapped the blanket tightly around me.

“You shouldn't be here,” I muttered, keeping my distance from him. I was being careful.

He shrugged and pulled off his jacket, tossing it on my chair. His eyes grazed my body. “Do you always answer the door, naked?”

I blushed as I felt his wandering gaze grow intense. “I'm not naked. And I also do not owe you an explanation. I'm just curious to know why you're here. Shouldn't you be at the mating ceremony?”

“I left,” he said simply. “They're all having their merry.”

I hesitated before asking.“And your mate?”

He locked eyes with me, his gaze dominant yet gentle. “I didn't find her.”

“So that's why you're here?” I scoffed as I leaned against the door frame.

Ryker shifted his weight, looking slightly uncomfortable. “I wanted to talk. About yesterday.”

“What about yesterday? It's in the past.”

Ryker looked up, meeting my gaze. “I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just... I was caught up in the moment.”

“Alpha,” I said tentatively. “Just in case you don't know, I'm the most confident bitch you'll ever come across. I wasn't uncomfortable. And it’s not just about yesterday. It’s everything. The mating ceremony, the pressure, the uncertainty. You can’t just run to me because you didn’t find your mate.”

Ryker frowned, leaning forward. “Is that what you think? That I’m only here because I didn’t find my mate?”

I hesitated, biting my lip. “Isn’t it?”

Ryker’s eyes softened. “No, Roxanne. I’m here because I care about you. Yes, I was disappointed I didn't find her, but that’s not why I came to see you.”

I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. “Well, maybe you should be focusing on finding your mate instead of bothering me.”

He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. “Is that jealousy I hear, Roxanne? Are you obsessed with me finding a mate?”

Asshole.

My blush deepened, and I glared at him. “I’m not jealous. And I’m certainly not obsessed. I just don’t want to hold you down.”

Ryker leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh really? Because it sounds like you’re worried about me finding someone else.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms tighter. “I couldn’t care less what you do, Ryker. You can find your mate or not. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Ryker’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You know, Roxanne, you’re adorable when you’re defensive.”

This flirt!

But I liked it.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Adorable? I’m not trying to be adorable, Alpha. I’m being serious.”

He laughed, clearly enjoying my frustration. “I know, I know. But it’s kind of cute how worked up you’re getting over this.”

I threw my hands up in exasperation. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

His expression softened, a hint of seriousness returning. “Maybe. But I do know one thing – I don’t want to lose you, Roxanne. Whether I find my mate or not, you’re important to me.”

My heart fluttered at his words, but I maintained my defiant stance. I searched his eyes with mine. He couldn't even know he made me feel like an idiot after what happened yesterday and now he was talking about how much I mattered?

“Well, you have a funny way of showing it.”

He walked towards me,closing the distance between us. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like you were just a backup plan. You’re not, Roxanne. You’re so much more.”