Chapter 37

Chapter 37:

Ryder’s eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. “I know more than you think,” he said finally. “And I’m trying to protect you p>

I let out a bitter laugh. “Protect me? You’re the one who brought me here, who put me in this situation p>

Each point was made with me slamming my fist flat against the bed.

Ryder’s face went still as he paused in his movements, his eyes flashing with something I couldn’t quite read.

“I did what I had to do,” he said finally. “And now, I’m trying to keep you safe p>

“What do you fucking want from me?” I screeched, my voice filled with rage. “Why did you pick me out of all the people in your pack? There were a lot of other pretty girls, why me p>

Ryder leaned in, his breath close to my ear. It felt ticklish and warm, smelling of freshly brewed coffee—tantalizing and delicious—making my stomach clench.

“Could I not be attracted to someone who was boldly inviting me to bed last night?” he whispered, each hot breath sending a wave of heat down my tensed body. His voice was husky, wrapping my mind in an erotic haze.

“Calling me handsome and hot?” His tone was teasing, and I felt myself squirm.

Biting my lip, I kept my face poker straight, my eyes darting around. What else had I opened my big mouth and said? I could feel color rising to my cheeks in embarrassment. I hadn’t tried getting drunk before… maybe once, after Jason’s rejection… but I’d been alone then, so no one was around to witness whatever folly I’d done.

I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. Now he would think I was a slut.

Ryder’s eyes seemed to gleam with amusement, as if he knew a secret I didn’t. His gaze made me uncomfortable, as it was mocking, making me feel like he could read my mind.

Just then, Seraphina walked in, her timing impeccable. Rising, Ryder took it as his cue to leave, his eyes never leaving mine.

“You’ll be joining me for breakfast,” he said aloud, his back to me, before pausing in his step. He raised his index finger—something I suspected he liked doing for dramatic effect.

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“And forget about any alcohol. You won’t be having that for some time yet.” With his cocky remark, he sauntered away.

“Prick,” I muttered under my breath before snorting.

Looking into the mirror, I wanted to laugh at my reflection, but I knew it would only hurt Seraphina. My hair was piled into a messy bun, accentuating my high cheekbones and prominent forehead. Not that I looked ugly, but it was just too much for breakfast.

I tugged at the hem of my dress uncomfortably while Seraphina made the finishing touches on my hair.

“With all this effort, I’m wondering how dinner will be,” I yawned, leaning my head against my hand. My neck was beginning to hurt.

A little smile lit up her round face.

“The Alpha wants you to look your best,” was her simple remark.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I thought about Ryder’s gaze on me. How was I even going to face him? Sapphira had told me what I’d done last night. Too embarrassed to listen, I stopped her before she could finish the story. I was still ashamed, and the fact that I was dressing like I was going to the Met Gala didn’t help.

“Are you sure all this is necessary for breakfast?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but deep down, I was fidgeting.

Seraphina was silent for a minute, a soft hum escaping her lips.

“Let’s just say the Alpha has plans for you today. And I’m not just talking about breakfast,” she finally said.