Chapter 173

Chapter 173

91 – Kennedy

I slowly pull my hands away and look up at Ryker. Although we both appear unchanged on the surface, everything between us feels different now-so much has shifted in these few fleeting moments. It’s almost unbelievable that I managed to get through that intense confession. I never imagined I’d be able to share that story aloud, let alone with him. There’s a strange numbness lingering inside me, as if the words didn’t come from me at all, like some other presence took over and spoke through my lips. Yet here I am, fully present, hands still resting on Ryker’s face without me even realizing when I placed them there.

He remains still, allowing me to explore his features with my touch. My fingers glide from the strong line of his neck, roughened by the corded muscles, up to the faint stubble decorating his jaw-carefully maintained, yet rugged. I trace along the sharp angles of his cheekbones, then gently drag my thumb across his lips. He responds with a soft kiss on my thumb, tender but restrained. As I continue, his jaw tightens and relaxes beneath my hand, emphasizing the defined planes of his face. Closing his eyes, he exhales deeply when I run my thumbs over his eyebrows, a quiet sigh escaping him. Encouraged, I weave my fingers through his thick hair, lightly scratching at his scalp with my nails, which earns a subtle shiver from his body.

“You’re torturing me, Lamb,” he murmurs, voice low and teasing. “I have so many questions swirling in my head, but honestly, I’m tempted to just flip you over and see what other sounds I can coax from that sweet mouth of yours p>

I press a soft kiss along his jawline, feeling his muscles tense beneath my lips. “What questions are you thinking about?” I ask, deliberately slowing the moment down. He made me wait so long to reveal myself—now it’s his turn to be patient. I trail a gentle kiss from his jaw, down the side of his neck.

“Umm I… umm… I forget,” he stammers, clearly caught off guard as I continue my kiss, moving from one collarbone to the other.

I laugh softly, tightening my hold on the nape of his neck, fingers curling into his hair. “I don’t buy that for a second. That brilliant mind of yours must be buzzing with follow-ups. I’d be p>

He smirks against my skin and replies, “That’s not the brain your body’s telling mine to supply blood to. The upper-level thinking part is out of commission right now.” His eyes remain closed, but his body confirms the truth of his words as his arousal presses insistently against me. I wiggle slightly, eliciting a low groan from him.

“It’s a shame you tried to dress me up earlier. We could have been on round two by now,” he adds with a mischievous grin.

His eyes snap open suddenly, burning with a fiery intensity I haven’t seen before. He’s been challenged and he’s ready to rise to it.

“Oh, Little Lamb,” he says, his emerald eyes flashing red for a brief moment, “you underestimate why I put that layer on you.” His gaze darkens with desire. “First, I wanted you wearing my clothes-that’s the only thing you’ll be sleeping in from now on, by the way. Second,” he nips playfully at my breast through the fabric of his shirt, making me squeak and jump, “those are seriously distracting, and I needed to hear what you had to say without them getting in the way. And third, I’m going to make love to you every way imaginable wearing this shirt, so you’ll always know you belong to me.” He growls low in his throat and looks down.

Following his gaze, I realize my body has been grinding against his the entire time. Clearly, our physical desires have overtaken our minds, which have been stuck in a state of indecision. He inhales deeply, then smoothly flips me over and slides inside me with barely any resistance.

He spends the rest of the night exploring every inch of my body, as if determined to memorize every curve and contour. I lose track of how many times I moan and cry out his name. For his first time, he’s impressively attentive and passionate.

When morning arrives, I wake up alone, every muscle tingling with a delicious ache. His scent lingers in the air around me, wrapping me in a warm cocoon I never want to leave. Just as I’m settling back into the comfort of the bed, I hear heavy footsteps thudding down the hallway. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a shifter stomp like that before it’s strange, almost frustrating. The persistent noise drags on, as if whoever it is is deliberately taking loud, slow steps. After five minutes of this irritating racket, I sigh deeply, fully awake now. Might as well get up and find something to eat-my stomach feels like it’s about to collapse on itself.

For the first time, I consider showering, but then I hesitate. I want to keep Ryker’s scent on me. I want everyone to know he’s claimed me, and I can proudly claim him in return.

Making my way quietly down the back steps into the kitchen, I realize it’s almost noon. Cindy is there, preparing lunch.

“Oh, hi Luna!” she greets warmly. “I was just putting together a plate for you. The alpha said if he hadn’t seen you by lunchtime, I should check on you p>

“He did?” I ask, surprised.

“Mmhmm,” she nods, focused on her task but smiling. “He said you deserved the rest, but you need to stay healthy She giggles, then cuts herself off.

“What?” I smile, curious. Whatever Ryker said must be funny to her, judging by the sparkle in her eyes.

She leans in, whispering conspiratorially, “He said I have to keep you healthy enough to carry all the pups he gave you last night.” Then she bursts into full laughter.

“No way!” I cover my face, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Yes way. But Luna, he was so cute about it.” She quickly covers her mouth, mumbling behind her hand, “Don’t tell him I said that p>