Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Amy’s shrill screams and frantic scratching at my arms feel relentless. I can’t even make out the words she’s shouting, nor do I care to. The moment I reach the edge of the porch, a surge of adrenaline floods through me, fueling a strength I didn’t know I had. Without hesitation, I grab her and hurl her, still wailing, onto the soft grass below. I leap down after her, trapping her beneath my legs. One hand clamps firmly on the top of her head, tilting it back so she can lock eyes with the fierce determination blazing in mine.

“You are forbidden from the packhouse,” I declare, my voice sharp and unwavering. “You are barred from the training grounds. You will not step foot into any space where the Alpha or I am present.” The force behind my words radiates like an unbreakable shield.

Her face contorts with rage. “You f*cking c*nt! Why are you still here?!” she screams, claws raking at me once more. “He never wanted you. He never will. Just f*cking die already.” I don’t hesitate-I punch her hard, feeling strands of hair tear free beneath my knuckles. I tighten my grip on her scalp, preparing to strike again, when suddenly powerful arms lift me off her. I’m pressed against a broad chest, breath ragged, so focused on Amy that I don’t immediately notice Ryker’s scent enveloping me.

“You’ve made your point, my Luna. Let it go,” he says softly, his voice calm and steady. That gentle tone only fuels my frustration further. I know I’ve made my point —more times than anyone should ever have to. But Amy won’t understand until something truly awful happens to her.

“Put me down, Ryker,” I growl, my voice low and fierce.

“Not until you’re calm, Little Lamb,” he replies, holding me firmly but with care.

I inhale deeply, letting his scent wash over me, slowly dulling the sharp edges of my anger. “Please put me down,” I whisper, leaning back into his shoulder. Though my voice sounds steadier than I feel, he obliges, setting me on my feet but not releasing me entirely. I lean forward, fixing Amy with a deadly glare that leaves no doubt who my warning is for.

“Stay. Away. From. My. Mate. Next time, no one will stop me.” My words are a growl, fierce and unyielding. Then I turn and stride back toward the house, silently thanking the Goddess that Ryker lets me go. Had he tried to keep me here to talk or explain, he might have lost some fingers.

Once inside our room, I freeze at the doorway. I can’t bring myself to enter. Amy was here. She’s tainted this space-the one Ryker said no other female had ever been in before me. And now, by sprawling across the bed I share with him, she’s stolen that from me. She must have smelled my scent there and done it anyway. What kind of sick person does something like that?

I move past the bed, heading straight to the patio. I need a moment to truly calm down before I can think clearly and plan my next move. I’ve kept blankets here for when I read outside. It’s not cold, but there’s enough chill in the air to want to wrap up warm. I burrow into the cushions and blankets, letting the tears fall. This time, they’re tears of anger—anger that she dared to come here without any consequences, anger that no one dealt with her until now, anger that I feel like she got off too easy, and anger that I let her consume so much of my thoughts.

“Kennedy, baby. Where do you want me to take you?” Ryker’s voice breaks through the quiet night.

“Mmm?” I murmur, eyes still heavy with sleep.

“You don’t want to sleep in our room, and I get why. I’ll fix it tomorrow, but I can’t stay out here, and I can’t sleep without you now. So, where do you want to go, baby p>

I grumble, still half-asleep but simmering with frustration. “You let her go again. You always let her get away with touching you, being close to you… and she… she… she sucks.” I turn my head away, curling deeper into the patio chaise.

“This time, I didn’t have to do a damn thing. You basically banned her from everything. But we can talk about your Luna aura in the morning, once you’re awake enough to explain it.” His lips press gently against my temple, and I can’t hold back the soft moan that escapes me.

“That’s my girl,” he murmurs, and then suddenly I’m weightless, drifting off with no memory of what happens next.

When I stir in the early morning light, it’s to Ryker’s full, undeniable presence pressing against me. I wiggle slightly, testing if he’ll move in his sleep—after all, I can always blame anything on that.

A deep growl rumbles from his chest as his fingers dig into my hip. “Sleep, mate. Apparently, you like to talk when you’re angry. You just completely crashed a couple of hours ago p>

I smile softly to myself, snuggling closer into his warmth. He lets out a little whine

but doesn’t shift, and I drift back into sleep, comforted by the steady rhythm of his breathing.